GI JOE - H.E.A.T. Viper - Figure Classified Series #233 15cm

This Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series No. 233 figure depicts the H.E.A.T. Viper, an anti-tank specialist in the Cobra forces. Measuring approximately 15 cm, it modernises the design first seen in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero range whilst retaining its instantly recognisable appearance. The figure features multiple points of articulation, allowing for a variety of combat, display or photography poses. Hasbro has officially confirmed the number 233 for this item, as well as a set comprising one figure and seven accessories.

The H.E.A.T. Viper wears a bright yellow suit complemented by black and grey gear. His fully enclosed helmet features a large metal visor that gives him an anonymous and particularly menacing appearance, whilst the Cobra emblems highlight his affiliation with the organisation’s specialist troops. This design retains the broad outlines of the original figure whilst adding further detail, textures and tactical armour to bring it into line with the realistic style of the Classified Series.

His kit is dominated by an imposing anti-tank rocket launcher coupled with a backpack-mounted system. Two cables connect the various components of the kit, whilst an alternative head allows the soldier’s appearance to be altered. The set includes seven accessories inspired by his role as an anti-tank infantryman and the vintage figure’s kit. The modern design thus retains the concept of a heavily armed Cobra soldier capable of engaging G.I. Joe’s armoured vehicles.

The Classified Series reimagines the historic G.I. Joe characters in a 15 cm format with enhanced articulation and more detailed finishes. The H.E.A.T. Viper lends itself particularly well to ‘troop building’: Hasbro presents him as a generic Cobra unit that can be collected in multiple copies to form a squad of anti-tank specialists. The windowed box also allows the figure to be displayed alongside his equipment, his File Card icons and an original illustration of the character.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: Hasbro
• Range / Collection: G.I. Joe Classified Series
• Collection number: 233
• Licence: G.I. Joe
• Character / Unit: H.E.A.T. Viper
• Meaning of H.E.A.T.: High Explosive Anti-Tank
• Faction: Cobra
• Speciality: anti-tank soldier / Bazooka Trooper
• Type: articulated collectable figure
• Height: approx. 15 cm / 6 inches
• Articulation: multiple points of articulation for dynamic poses
• Number of accessories: 7
• Equipment: including rocket launcher, backpack, two connecting hoses, alternate head and weapon accessories
• Packaging: window box with File Card Icons and original artwork
• Hasbro product code: G38025X00
• EAN: 5010996451804

Character background and universe (Lore)

The H.E.A.T. Vipers are specialist Cobra soldiers tasked with neutralising armoured vehicles and other heavily protected targets. The acronym H.E.A.T. stands for ‘High Explosive Anti-Tank’, which sums up their role: to use high-explosive anti-tank weapons against G.I. Joe vehicles. The concept first appeared in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero range in 1989.

Unlike individual Cobra characters such as Cobra Commander, Destro or Zartan, the H.E.A.T. Viper refers to an entire category of soldiers. These troops constitute the organisation’s new generation of anti-tank specialists and utilise advanced technology combining high-velocity armour-piercing projectiles and wire-guided systems. Their equipment is specifically designed to enable them to engage armoured vehicles from a distance.

The targeting system is one of their key features. Rangefinders, trajectory calculators and image intensifiers are connected to the operator’s helmet via fibre optics. This system enables the H.E.A.T. Viper to track a target and fire even in poor visibility conditions. Hasbro specifically highlights this feature in the official presentation of the Classified Series No. 233.

This Classified Series figure therefore directly modernises the 1989 Cobra soldier. The yellow suit, specialised helmet, imposing rocket launcher and back-mounted system are reminiscent of the original model, whilst the articulation and additional details bring it into line with the collection’s contemporary style. As a generic Cobra unit, the H.E.A.T. Viper can also be fielded in groups to form a full anti-tank platoon to take on G.I. Joe vehicles and troops.