Cobra Condor Z-25 (1989)

 

Overview

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The Cobra Condor Z-25 was released in 1989 as part of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and included the exclusive Aero-Viper pilot. Designed as Cobra's next-generation strategic bomber, the Condor Z-25 is one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the vintage line. Its signature feature is the ability to separate into two independent aircraft at the push of a button, giving Cobra a tactical advantage in aerial combat.

The Condor was released in 1989 and 1990 and is widely regarded as one of the standout Cobra aircraft of the late A Real American Hero era.

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Key Features

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1. Includes Aero-Viper

Every original Condor Z-25 came packaged with the Aero-Viper, Cobra's elite high-altitude pilot.

The Aero-Viper was exclusive to the Condor and is highly sought after by collectors today.

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2. Two Aircraft in One

The Condor's defining feature is its automatic separation system.

At the push of a release button, the aircraft splits into:

• Attack Wing (front assault craft)

• High-Speed Aircraft (rear interceptor)

This innovative feature gave children two playable aircraft in a single vehicle.

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3. Bomb Bay with Drop Mechanism

The Condor features a working bomb bay equipped with:

• rotating bomb wheel

• opening bomb-bay doors

• multiple bombs

A thumb-wheel mechanism allows bombs to be released during flight simulations.

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4. Retractable Landing Gear

The aircraft includes fully retractable landing gear, allowing it to be displayed in both flight and landing configurations.

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5. Heavy Weapons Package

The Condor carries an impressive arsenal, including:

• dual laser cannons

• four missiles

• rotary bombs

• wing-mounted bombs

Its combination of bombs and missiles made it one of Cobra's most heavily armed aircraft.

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Fun Facts

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Cobra's Ultimate Bomber

The Condor Z-25 was marketed as Cobra's most advanced bomber, capable of outrunning and outmaneuvering many G.I. Joe aircraft thanks to its forward-swept wings and advanced flight-control system.

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One of the Most Complex Aircraft in the Line

With its split-aircraft mechanism, retractable landing gear, bomb-dropping system, and multiple accessories, the Condor is among the most mechanically sophisticated vintage G.I. Joe vehicles.

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Forward-Swept Wings

The Condor's unusual wing design was inspired by experimental aircraft concepts being explored during the 1980s, giving it a futuristic yet believable appearance.

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A Fan Favorite

Although 1989 vehicles were once overlooked, the Condor Z-25 has become one of the most admired Cobra aircraft among modern collectors thanks to its engineering and unique play features.

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Frequently Missing Accessories

Loose examples often lack:

• bombs

• missiles

• landing gear covers

• ring gun

• one or both cockpit canopies

Complete examples are therefore much harder to find.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting collector value are:

• original Aero-Viper figure included

• both aircraft sections present

• complete bomb load and missiles

• intact ring gun and gun ring

• both cockpit canopies uncracked

• retractable landing gear complete

• clean decals with minimal wear

• instruction sheet and blueprints included

• original box with inserts

Because the Condor includes a large number of removable accessories, 100% complete examples command a significant premium.

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Why Collectors Love It

The Cobra Condor Z-25 is considered one of the finest Cobra aircraft of the late vintage era because it offers:

• the exclusive Aero-Viper pilot

• an ingenious two-aircraft transformation

• a working bomb-dropping mechanism

• impressive futuristic styling inspired by real aerospace concepts

• outstanding play and display value

More than 35 years after its release, the Condor Z-25 remains one of the most innovative aircraft in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and is an essential centerpiece for collectors of Cobra's late-1980s vehicle lineup.