G.I. Joe Classified Series #152: Cobra Pilot & C.L.A.W. – A High-Flying Throwback Worth the Ride

There’s something special about a villain who takes to the skies with nothing more than a glider, goggles, and questionable judgement. Hasbro’s latest Classified release, the G.I. Joe Classified Cobra Pilot & C.L.A.W. figure set, flies straight out of 1984 and into the present with a supersonic blend of nostalgia and slick modern upgrades.

Part of the ever-expanding G.I. Joe Classified Series, this #152 release is a love letter to fans of the classic Cobra C.L.A.W. glider – with a newly designed Cobra Pilot to boot. Let’s get into the lift-off sequence, shall we?

The C.L.A.W. Then vs Now

Originally introduced in 1984, the Cobra C.L.A.W. – that’s “Covert Light Aerial Weapon” to those not fluent in acronyms of doom – was a compact, zippy glider used by Cobra operatives for sneaky, high-speed insertions into enemy territory. It came with missiles, a bomb, and a whole lot of “please don’t crash” energy. You can check out the original model here or find it on ebay

Fast forward to today and the updated version in the G.I. Joe Classified Series doesn’t stray far from the original flight path. It retains the sleek silhouette of the vintage glider but now features sturdier materials, better detail, and dare I say… improved survivability for its pilot (not that Cobra HR cares). For fans wondering how does the new Cobra C.L.A.W. compare to the vintage 1980s version?, the answer is: like a VHS tape to a 4K Blu-ray. The spirit’s the same, but everything’s sharper and built to last.

The New Cobra Pilot – Lean, Mean, and Ready to Scream

Unlike some of the more faceless Cobra troopers in the line, this new Cobra Pilot brings a personality all his own – if that personality is “airborne chaos merchant.” With a removable helmet, tactical harness, and sly smirk sculpted right into his grimace, this guy looks ready to divebomb the nearest G.I. Joe outpost without a second thought.

Articulation-wise, he’s up there with the best. Knees, elbows, ankles – it’s all here and built to pose. Whether you’re recreating a dramatic launch from the Cobra base or a mid-air dogfight with Duke, you’ll have plenty of range to play with.

Want to see how the articulation stacks up against other Cobra gearheads? Have a gander at our breakdown of the G.I. Joe Classified Cobra SNAKE Armour and Dreadnoks. Spoiler alert: the C.L.A.W. holds its own.

Cobra Pilot & C.L.A.W. Set – Accessories, Sculpt, and Articulation Breakdown

The set includes:

• The updated Cobra C.L.A.W. glider (with wing-mounted weapons and a slicker-than-sin paint job)
• Cobra Pilot figure with removable gear
• Mountable bombs and blasters for the glider
• A flight stand (finally, someone listened)

Sculpt detail is razor sharp, with panel lines and mechanical flourishes on the C.L.A.W. that echo vintage designs while adding new layers of realism. The articulation on the figure is excellent, with thoughtful engineering that avoids the dreaded “mid-thigh twist of doom” some lines fall victim to.

Hasbro Cobra C.L.A.W. Classified Series Release & Pre-Order

If you’re wondering where to buy Cobra Pilot & C.L.A.W. G.I. Joe Classified set, it’s available for pre-order as of April 15, 2025. You’ll find it on Hasbro Pulse, Entertainment Earth, Amazon, and other major retailers. RRP is around $24.99 USD, though we all know how fast these things go.

Let’s be honest – this is shaping up to be one of the best G.I. Joe Classified vehicle sets – Cobra Pilot with C.L.A.W. included. The price, the nostalgia, the attention to detail… it all clicks. For fans of aerial antics and vintage reimaginings, this one deserves a front-row spot on the shelf – or better yet, mid-dogfight with a Skystriker.

Final Thoughts

The G.I. Joe Classified Series #152 Cobra Pilot with C.L.A.W. proves that Hasbro isn’t just playing around with nostalgia – they’re refining it. With excellent design choices and a faithful update to one of Cobra’s most iconic vehicles, this set is a solid hit.

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