G.I. Joe PAC/RAT (Missile Launcher & Rapid Transport) (1985)

 

Overview

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The PAC/RAT (Pursuit and Capture / Rapid Assault Transport) was released in 1985 as part of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line. It was a compact battlefield support vehicle that combined a light missile launcher platform with a fast transport chassis, giving G.I. Joe forces a mobile anti-armor and anti-vehicle strike system.

The PAC/RAT is remembered for being a small but heavily armed vehicle that could quickly deploy missiles where larger armored units could not easily operate.

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Key Features

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1. Mobile Missile Launcher System

The centerpiece of the PAC/RAT is its missile launcher assembly, designed for:

• anti-vehicle strikes

• battlefield support fire

• rapid response missions

• defensive deployment

It gave G.I. Joe forces mobile firepower without needing a full-size tank.

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2. Compact Rapid Assault Vehicle

The PAC/RAT features:

• lightweight frame

• small battlefield footprint

• high maneuverability

• quick deployment capability

Its size made it ideal for scouting and strike missions.

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3. Rotating Launcher Platform

The missile launcher could be adjusted for:

• directional targeting

• attack flexibility

• defensive positioning

This improved play value and battlefield realism.

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4. One-Man Combat Vehicle

The vehicle was designed for a single operator, allowing:

• quick deployment

• independent operation

• support for larger Joe units

Collectors often assign characters like:

• Crankcase

• Flint

• Dusty

• Footloose

to operate it.

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5. Battlefield Support Role

Unlike heavy assault vehicles, the PAC/RAT focused on:

• mobility

• precision attacks

• support fire missions

It worked best as part of larger military operations.

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Fun Facts

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One of the Smallest Missile Vehicles in the Line

Compared to systems like:

• M.M.S. (Mobile Missile System)

• Mauler M.B.T.

• Cobra S.M.S.

the PAC/RAT is remarkably compact.

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Often Used as a Recon Vehicle

Many collectors used it not only as a missile launcher but also as:

• a scout vehicle

• a patrol transport

• a rapid-response platform

because of its small size.

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Frequently Missing Missiles

Loose examples commonly lack:

• missiles

• launcher parts

• small accessory pieces

Complete examples are much harder to find.

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Fits Perfectly Into Convoy Dioramas

Collectors often use PAC/RATs alongside:

• A.W.E. Strikers

• Vamps

• Sluggers

• Maulers

to create realistic military convoys.

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Underrated Among 1985 Releases

It was overshadowed by larger vehicles such as:

• Snow Cat

• Moray Hydrofoil

• Mauler

• Ferret ATV

but has gained appreciation among modern collectors.

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Value Drivers

• original missiles (most important)

• complete launcher assembly

• intact wheels and chassis

• sticker condition

• instruction sheet

• box condition

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Why Collectors Like It

The PAC/RAT represents the practical military side of vintage G.I. Joe:

• compact mobile firepower

• realistic battlefield support role

• excellent convoy compatibility

• strong diorama value

• classic 1985 military design aesthetic

While it never achieved the fame of the Mauler or A.W.E. Striker, the PAC/RAT remains a respected and increasingly collectible vehicle among vintage G.I. Joe fans who appreciate smaller tactical support units and realistic military operations.