Blaster A.P.C.
Blaster A.P.C.
Blaster A.P.C.
Blaster A.P.C.
Blaster A.P.C.

The GI Joe Blaster APC was an experimental vehicle designed to meet the anticipated need for an armored personnel vehicle capable of keeping up with Cobra's technology. While the current fleet of GI Joe APCs had served the GI Joe team well for many years, they were felt to be increasingly vulnerable with their low armament and slow speed. When it was determined that the new GI Joe Warthog APC would provide the GI Joe team with an adequate amphibious transport vehicle, the GI Joe Blaster APC with subsequently developed as a more nimble APC with substantially more speed and offensive capabilities.

The Blaster APC broke with many conventions in its design and execution. A mid-engine APC, is it powered by a supercharged 900 cubic inch V-8, capable of reliably putting out over 1000 horsepower. Concerned that the APC might still not be fast enough, the engineers added a direct port injected nitrous oxide system capable of providing an additional boost of 300 horsepower in combat situations. The monstrous engine is mated to a specially built 6 speed automatic transmission with electronic controls provided to the operator. Computer-controlled all-wheel drive is connected to a multi-link double A-arm suspension at all 4 wheels. During test trials, it was estimated that the top speed of the Blaster APC on a paved road is over 120 MPH. However, top speed off road is substantially lower given the APCs relatively low clearances.

The Blaster APC is capable of carrying 6 fully equipped soldiers within its armored belly. There is also 1 driver and one gunner on board. The driver controls the APC via "drive-by-wire" technology, with onboard cameras providing the majority of his visibility. The gunner controls all the weaponry on board, which includes 4 guided rockets and a 50 caliber machine gun with spotlight attachment. The driver can control the gun using either radar, heat signature, or visual aiming via a built-in camera on the gun.

While unique and innovative, the Blaster APC had some inherent flaws. The Blaster APC was low-slung by its designers to allow for the necessary stability required for high speed maneuverability. This sacrificed much of the Blaster APC's off road capabilities, and it was therefore determined that the APC would not likely see much action in areas with rugged terrain. The Blaster APC is also very noisy and generates a lot of heat in the aft section, causing discomfort for some of the soldiers on board. However, the most critical flaw, and ultimately the reason the design was shelved, is the complexity and expense of the vehicle. The Blaster APC's advanced construction and weapons systems make it one of the more expensive APCs designed. They also make it one of the more temperamental vehicles out there. It was therefore determined that the Blaster APC would not be pursued further as a replacement APC for the GI Joe team.

Even though the Blaster APC was ultimately determined to be a failure and was shelved after the initial testing phase, the design was later resurrected to meet the need of the GI Joe Mega Marine forces. The high-horsepower V-8 was replaced in favor of a smaller diesel motor that now powered the APC to a lethargic 45 miles per hour. When the motor was replaced, additional space was freed in the rear of the vehicle which was utilized for open gunner stations. Finally, the guided rockets and main gun were replaced with an experimental cannon designed as part of the Mega Marine project. The re-designed Blaster APC was officially put into service and re-named to the Monster Blaster APC.

1. Driver's Cabin
2. Gunner's Cabin
3. Missile Guidance & Gun Control Computer
4. Guided Rockets
5. Titanium Wheels/Solid Core High-Speed Tires
6. Intercooler
7. Supercharged 900 C.I. V-8
8. Nitros Oxide Resevoir
9. 50 Cal. Computer Controlled Machine Gun
10. Spotlight

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