The official Transformers Facebook page has updated with a pretty cool compilation image that traces the evolution of the new helicopter member of the Aerialbots, Alpha Bravo. Alpha Bravo is a reimagined Slingshot, though the comics by IDW make him a separate character in his own right.
This image charts the progress of a Transformer design from the early sketches, through the grey model prototype phase and the color charts, right down to the final design.
The sharp eyed might notice, though, that there is a different head in the top right of the document to the one on Alpha Bravo. Alpha Bravo has a faceplate, a visor, and other details around the head are also different. Which begs the question – is this an earlier head design before concepts for the character went a different direction, or is this a stealthy glance at a potential alternate head for use on a remold of Alpha Bravo as Protectobot Blades – whose head features some of the design elements shown in the sketch, and others could be explained away as Hasbro’s reinterpretation of the classic head design. There’s also a red version of the helicopter mode right beneath the head – so could this be a tease at Blades?
IgnikaMarcus
We're still going on about the seeker head in the corner after it's already been establised as an WFC/FOC Seeker head?
Bass X0
…he was going by the 1986 toy colors obviously.
JimTheJIRRMan
It looks like maybe at some point Alpha Bravo would be even MORE similar. It seems at some point alpha bravos head was nearly identical to Slingshot
JimTheJIRRMan
Found this piece of art on the new TF app. Alpha bravo seems to be sporting yet another head.
Rodimus
Nice photoshop… if it were BLAST OFF. Vortex is gray…
LegendAntihero
I'd like to see more concept for the other Aerialbots including Superion
CodeXCDM
If the Technobots wind up being made, we'll get a Drill. However, unless they plan on making *new* CW characters with no G1-team affiliation… I doubt we'll see a limb Fire Truck or Submarine from Has/Tak.
That's not to say that 3rd Parties won't take that charge instead. The CW Prime homages Unicron Trilogy so much that it'd be silly for them *not* to take advantage of this.
Jerrymiru
I get a strong Seeker vibe from that head sketch. Hope to see it later on.
Bluespindash97
Alpha Bravo really reminds me of No.2, Optimus Primes helicopter limb from energon. Perhaps that's why he's here instead of the original member of the Aerialbots. So will we see a fire truck, submarine and drill thing in the line so we can build an accurate Ultra Prime?
Fort Max
If that's the blades design then I'll be very happy with it.
guard convoy
we know we are getting protectabots, so its obviously blades, but i would love a vortex from this mold
red00wolf
People keep acting like ab is not a painfully obvious vortex. its not alpha bravo redecoed into vortex, its vortex predecoed into alpha bravo.
Rattrap Primal
Yeah, Alternate Head has the Blades Scowl…….I think if they do the Combaticons, Swindle will be a more involved remold of Off Road (including the arm cannon/ guns, visor head), Alpha Bravo in Vortex colors (maybe a more Vortex head)
prjkt
Hmm new paint job, weapon some retooling to his alt mode and a more swindle-y head, I'd buy that.
Vortex – Straight repaint of Alpha Bravo – maybe new "feet"
Blast-off – AB/Vortex' legs, with new upper torso/arms (similar to what they've done with Air Raid/Skydive)
Brawl/Onslaught – hopefully brand new moulds.
Probably won't release these guys until next year (based on current rumours) but I can wait. FOC Bruticus can stand in for now.
CodeXCDM
No doubt this figure is being repurposed as Vortex.
Might also be the case that Offroad is repainted/retooled into Swindle.
Vexwing
Considering he already has Vortex's head, that's practically guaranteed.
Wh33l JcK
Please dear god let there be a Vortex to go with a Bruticus!!!!
Underwear
Whatever it is..he'll get to be reused as someone else.
Autovolt 127
Oh yeah their is no doubt that Alpha Bravo will be used as Blades, I wouldn't be surprise if he will be used for Vortex as well.