DDA Astrotrain

"In confusion there is opportunity.”

Strength: 9
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 10
Endurance: 7
Rank: 6
Courage: 7
Firepower: 6
Skill: 8

Origin location: Tagon Hights
Spark date: July 27.
Mate: Syphonic.
Sparklings: Sytrain, and Melody.
Status: Active Decepticon.
Unit alignment: Instructional Staff Decepticon Academy.
Direct officer: Shockwave

Bio:
Creating confusion is Astrotrain's specialty. As a Decepticon Triple Changer he can switch form from robot to locomotive train to space shuttle almost instantaneously. This ability not only leaves unsuspecting enemies perplexed, but often vulnerable to his attack. His favorite ploy is to lure an Autobot to chase him as he enters a railroad tunnel in train mode and then exits in shuttle mode. The Autobot is usually ill-prepared to battle the shuttle-mode Astrotrain and rarely knows whether two Decepticons or one confront him. But it is that particular moment when his opponent realizes his mistake that especially delights Astrotrain. He truly lives for that moment and thrives on his foe's panic and fear. "It makes it all worthwhile," Astrotrain says gleefully. "That part I enjoy even better than destroying him afterwards!"

Taking this into account Shockwave has made Astrotrain the instructor of Transformation. He is responsible for teaching the ever growing population of Sparklings the most effective ways to transform keeping speed and accuracy in mind, while cutting down the time of vulnerability.

Notes:
Astrotrain has taken a mate in Syphonic and has produced two Sparklings thus far. He is a rather proud father and takes steps to make sure that his Sparklings are doing their part for the Empire.

Description:
A full locomotive, as well as a full space shuttle Astrotrain is clad in purple and black armor with gray and silver highlights, his wings and wheels can be seen easily in his robot mode.

History:
Probably one of the only other Decepticons to attempt to dethrone Megatron; Astrotrain has come to his senses, and has become a faithful warrior. Many insist it was his involvement with the femme seeker group lead by Prizm but records show no hard evidence.

Abilities:
As a space shuttle, Astrotrain can achieve, under his own power, planetary orbit, where he can attain a maximum speed of up to 20,000 mph. He can launch weapons and satellites while in orbit, and carry other cargo as well. If he carries an extra fuel supply, he can leave his orbit and is capable of true space travel, boosting his speed up to 50,000 mph. He would be able to travel from the Earth and the moon and back, but not much more. As a train, his top speed on rail is 400 mph and he has a range of 1700 miles. In robot mode he has great strength and carries a powerful ionic displacer rifle, which destroys by disrupting molecular bonds in metal alloys with its beam.

Weaknesses:
Astrotrain is prone to mechanical breakdowns as a train in his wheel assemblies. As a space shuttle his communications systems often fail him and he must be wary of burning up while re-entering the atmosphere.

Dawning of the Decepticon Age