VertiBird was the name of a line of toy

Toy

A toy is any object that can be used for play. Toys are associated commonly with children and pets. Playing with toys is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in human society. Different materials are used to make toys enjoyable and cuddly to both young and old...

 helicopter

Helicopter

A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...

 products made by Mattel

Mattel

Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...

 between 1971 and the early 1980s.

General

The VertiBird helicopter flies around a central base containing an electric motor

Electric motor

An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.Most electric motors operate through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors to generate force...

, spring lift assist, pitch control

Pitch control

A variable speed pitch control is a control on an audio device such as a turntable, tape recorder, or CD player that allows the operator to deviate from a standard speed . The latter term "vari-speed" is more commonly used for tape decks, particularly in the UK...

, batteries

Battery (electricity)

An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...

, and a throttle

Throttle

A throttle is the mechanism by which the flow of a fluid is managed by constriction or obstruction. An engine's power can be increased or decreased by the restriction of inlet gases , but usually decreased. The term throttle has come to refer, informally and incorrectly, to any mechanism by which...

. A 21-inch arm with pitch control rod and the spindle

Spindle (tool)

In machine tools, a spindle is a rotating axis of the machine, which often has a shaft at its heart. The shaft itself is called a spindle, but also, in shop-floor practice, the word often is used metonymically to refer to the entire rotary unit, including not only the shaft itself, but its bearings...

 that transfers the power to helicopter via drive springs and drive rod, is connected from the central base to the helicopter.

The original VertiBird playset has a space theme appropriate for the space age

Space Age

The Space Age is a time period encompassing the activities related to the Space Race, space exploration, space technology, and the cultural developments influenced by these events. The Space Age is generally considered to have begun with Sputnik...

 attitude of the 1970s. The first set was reminiscent of the Project Mercury

Project Mercury

In January 1960 NASA awarded Western Electric Company a contract for the Mercury tracking network. The value of the contract was over $33 million. Also in January, McDonnell delivered the first production-type Mercury spacecraft, less than a year after award of the formal contract. On February 12,...

 program. Later versions of the VertiBird would continue to revisit the space theme as well as other popular television and movie themes of the 1970s and early 1980s time frames.

Box Contents

The box contents of the average VertiBird playset consisted of the following items:

• Cardboard packing for the Vertibird. Holds the VertiBird and rotor Also has punchouts as noted below.
• VertiBird with base and controls and helicopter mostly preassembled (except as noted in version list below).
• Cardboard skill accessories. (cardboard punchout Landing Platform)

- Accessory bag with the following items.

• VertiBird Instructions.
• Label stickers for the VertiBird and accessories.
• Two-bladed plastic rotor with safety rubber tips.
• Skyhook.
• Pickup accessories. (Astronaut, Space Capsule)
• Plastic skill accessories. (Life raft)

Other versions of the VertiBird also included:

• Molded forms for the base and controls that were set theme specific. (Rescue Ship, Polar Adventure)
• Punch-out cardboard buildings that are playset theme specific. (Airborne Rescue)
• Glow-in-the-dark luminous Label stickers for the Vertibird and accessories. (Night Patrol)
• Play mats. (Paramedic Rescue)
• Site accessories that are playset theme specific. (Polar Adventure, Battlestar Galactica)
• Various other pickup items that were set theme specific.

Power

Power was provided by 4 'D' sized Alkaline batteries in the base. They also doubled as weight to hold down the base.

Flight

The helicopter is controlled using a two lever control unit. The controls operate similar to a real helicopter. The throttle control provides proportional control of the blade speed. The pitch control provides for tilting the Vertibird forward or backward. During flight the VertiBird is subject to the same physical flight characteristics as a real helicopter. This included ground-effects for low level hovering, plus altitude gains and losses when changing direction. Overall the VertiBird is easy to learn how to pilot for basic flight, but precision flying will require some patience and time on the controls as in a real helicopter.

As noted there is a spring assist to lift the VertiBird. However, in actual operation the assist is not enough to lift the VertiBird off the ground. Most of the lift comes the spinning rotor itself. Subsequently, dropping heavy items during flight will result in a very rapid ascension of the VertiBird unless the pilot has good flight skills.

Mattel designed the set with the young flyer in mind. The VertiBird can take quite a beating during crashes and toybox storage. This design has resulted in a toy that has survived over 38 years and remains as fun today as it was when VertiBird first came on the market back in 1971.

The one exception to the required VertiBird flight skills was the introduction of the Space: 1999

Space: 1999

Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...

 themed playset, which did not feature the "VertiBird" branding on its packaging elements. The Space: 1999

Space: 1999

Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...

 version was the one playset which (more or less) abandoned the VertiBird concept in favor of a look and feel to match television series. The set had controls were radically different from the standard VertiBird controls. The Eagle (helicopter) was fully supported by controls. The set used only two C-cell sized batteries. The throttle provided nothing more than a switch to spin the rotor. Effectively there was no lift provided by the rotor and instead all lifting is performed with the controls using hand strength. This set would not be a good version for the first time VertiBird pilot wanting to have a true VertiBird experience. Considered notable only for its Space: 1999

Space: 1999

Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...

 theme tie in and high collector value. But otherwise a poorly performing VertiBird set. The later Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica is an American science fiction franchise created by Glen A. Larson. The franchise began with the Battlestar Galactica TV series in 1978, and was followed by a brief sequel TV series in 1980, a line of book adaptations, original novels, comic books, a board game, and video games...

 playset successfully blended the VertiBird concept with a space theme.

Popularity

This product is one of the most famous and cherished toys ever. The average retail price for most VertiBird's back during the 1970s was between $8.00 and $20.00(USD).

Today, with more and more people collecting and restoring them, collectors are willing to pay over $400 for a working Vertibird. On July 31, 2006, a "mint in box" Vertibird sold for $500 on eBay, with 4 individual bidders bidding at least $400.

Earlier eBay sales were also noted for final sale prices in excess of $1200.00 for the extremely rare Space: 1999

Space: 1999

Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...

themed playset in unplayed, brand new, (C-10) condition. In 2005, a complete, near-mint condition set of the German "Libelle 12 Polizeihubschrauber" (considered by some collectors to be the second-rarest worldwide VertiBird variant after the "Space: 1999" model, although other internationally issued sets - in particular the Canadian "Okanagan Logging 'Copter" - appear to be much less common than the "Libelle") changed hands for $850 in a private sale.

Distribution and Licensing

Distribution was not limited to the USA. Mattel produced international versions of the VertiBird playset for the various markets including Canada

Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...

, Brazil

Brazil

Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...

, the UK, Germany

Germany

Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...

, and Italy

Italy

Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

. Just when it seems the final international VertiBird version has been found, another is reported. To date it is unknown just how many markets and languages Mattel distributed the VertiBird into. The most recent "new" variant to surface is a Mexican version of the "Polar Adventure" set, offered on eBay in mid-November 2008.

Mattel also licensed the VertiBird for production by other companies. At least two are known (see list below).

In the media

Several Mattel VertiBird commercials were made in the 1970s and early 1980s. One of the advertising ageny's used for production was Ogilvy & Mather. However there is only one known commercial in existence on the Internet at this point. The commercial was rescued from an auction site by http://www.VECTREX.com Vectrex.com and will be posted soon on http://www.Retrothing.com Retrothing.com web site.

A host of 1970's store catalogs have VertiBird's listed in their toy and game sections.

The VertiBird's iconic nature and popularity has resulted in appearance in several movies and television shows.

One of the more recent appearances was in an episode of That '70s Show

That '70s Show

That '70s Show is an American television period sitcom that centers on the lives of a group of teenage friends living in the fictional suburban town of Point Place, Wisconsin, from May 17, 1976, to December 31, 1979...

 where one of the main characters Eric Forman

Eric Forman

Eric Albert Forman is a fictional character and the male lead on the Fox Network's That '70s Show between seasons one through seven. Portrayed by Topher Grace, Eric is based on the adolescence of show creator Mark Brazill. Most of the show takes place at the Formans' home, particularly in the...

 can be seen playing with the VertiBird in a basement scene during a Christmas themed episode.

Tiltwing

Tiltwing

A tiltwing aircraft features a wing that is horizontal for conventional forward flight and rotates up for vertical takeoff and landing. It is similar to the tiltrotor design where only the propeller and engine rotate. Tiltwing aircraft are typically fully capable of VTOL operations.The tiltwing...

 aircraft called "Vertibirds" (although different in appearance, it resembles a cross between a Dragonfly

Dragonfly

A dragonfly is a winged insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera . It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body...

 and a V-22 Osprey

V-22 Osprey

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American multi-mission, military, tiltrotor aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing , and short takeoff and landing capability...

), appear in the games Fallout 2

Fallout 2

Fallout 2 is a computer role-playing game developed by Black Isle Studios and published by Interplay in 1998. The game's story takes place in 2241, 80 years after the events of Fallout...

, Fallout 3

Fallout 3

Fallout 3 is an action role-playing game released by Bethesda Game Studios, and the third major installment in the Fallout series. The game was released in North America, Europe and Australia in October 2008, and in Japan in December 2008 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360...

and Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas is a first person action role-playing video game in the Fallout series developed by Obsidian Entertainment, and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is based in a post-apocalyptic environment in and around Las Vegas, Nevada...

.

Similar VertiBird toys and games

In addition to the VertiBird itself there are several other pre-VertiBird and post-VertiBird units covering various eras, global regios and business lines. Some units Like the Dan Dare (see list below) were home usage toy sets. Others such as the WhirlyBird were skill games meant for arcade distribution or other location based business usage. All units share the VertiBird's basic premise of fun by allowing the user actively control the helicopter, while still providing a safe and easily controllable experience.

VertiBird versions

There are 13 known different US versions of the VertiBird playsets. The original VertiBird had an early manufacturing change that modified the drive spring to drive rod coupling. The first version had the end of the drive rod screwed into the drive spring on the helicopter. The production modification resulted in the drive rod being permanently soldered to the drive spring, and packaged the base, controls, rods, and helicopter (except rotor) into one complete unit.

In addition to the different US versions other international versions were produced. These international VertiBird versions were localized as needed for language, playset graphics, and pictures, and local service depot information as required.

There were also some contracted production runs of the Mattel VertiBird for other companies.

Grouped all together, there are currently 23 different known variations. Every year or so it seems a new variation is discovered somewhere around the globe.

USA Versions

• 1971 - Set No. 5972 - VertiBird. (Version 1, screw connected drive spring)
• 1971 - Set No. 5972 - VertiBird. (Version 2, drive spring soldered in place)
• 1973 - Set No. 7604 - VertiBird Air Police. (themed to tie into police TV shows of the 1970s)
• 197? - Set No. 7646 - VertiBird Polar Adventure.
• 1973 - Set No. 8243 - VertiBird Rescue Ship. (Another space themed set tying into the Apollo program)
• 1975 - Set No. 9040 - VertiBird Paramedic Rescue. (Themed to tie in to the Emergency!
  Emergency!
  Emergency! is an American television series that combines the medical drama and action-adventure genres. It was produced by Mark VII Limited and distributed by Universal Studios...
  
  TV series)
• 1976 - Set No. 8997 - VertiBird Okanagan Logging 'Copter. (Also released in Canada)
• 1976 - Set No. 9637 - Space: 1999 Flying Eagle. (Not branded as "VertiBird" on its packaging elements; tie-in to Space: 1999
  Space: 1999
  Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...
  
  TV series.)
• 1978 - Set No. 2898 - VertiBird S.W.A.T. Patrol. (Themed to tie in to the S.W.A.T.
  S.W.A.T. (TV series)
  ----S.W.A.T. is a 1970s American television series about the adventures of the WCPD's Olympic Division Special Weapons And Tactics team operating in an unidentified California city....
  
  TV series.)
• 1979 - Set No. 1675 - VertiBird Night Patrol (included phospohrescent
  Phosphorescence
  Phosphorescence is a specific type of photoluminescence related to fluorescence. Unlike fluorescence, a phosphorescent material does not immediately re-emit the radiation it absorbs. The slower time scales of the re-emission are associated with "forbidden" energy state transitions in quantum...
  
   plastic parts and stickers)
• 1979 - Set No. 2983 - VertiBird Battlestar Galactica. (Battlestar Galactica
  Battlestar Galactica
  Battlestar Galactica is an American science fiction franchise created by Glen A. Larson. The franchise began with the Battlestar Galactica TV series in 1978, and was followed by a brief sequel TV series in 1980, a line of book adaptations, original novels, comic books, a board game, and video games...
  
  TV series tie-in)
• 1981 - Set No. 5306 - VertiBird Megaforce. (Megaforce
  Megaforce
  Megaforce is an action film made in 1982 directed by former stuntman Hal Needham. The film starred Barry Bostwick, Persis Khambatta, Michael Beck, Edward Mulhare, Evan C...
  
  Movie tie-in)

Brazil

Brazil

Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...

• 19?? - Set No. 22.13.15 (Brazilian Issue) - VertiPlano. (Brazilian version VertiBird).

Canada

Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...

• 1971 - Set No. 5972 (Canadian Issue) - VertiBird. (Canadian version set)
• 1973 - Set No. 7604 (Canadian Issue) - VertiBird Air Police/Police De L'Air. (Canadian version Air Police set)
• 1976 - Set No. 8997 - VertiBird Okanagan Logging 'Copter. (also released in the USA)

Germany

Germany

Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...

• 1978 - Set No. 2677-0919 - Libelle 12 Polizeihubschrauber (German version of "Air Police" set). This much sought-after model did not feature any reference to the "VertiBird" series on its packaging elements despite being a genuine Mattel product. Collectors should take note that two different versions exist of the "Libelle 12" set; with the more common one containing the getaway car, road barrier and radar receiver made of red plastic, while the much scarcer second variant had these same accessory pieces molded from clear plastic instead. Also, a rare early packaging artwork variation featured Mattel's "Hot Wheels" logo added to the lid of the box and employed a smaller, less prominent "Libelle 12" logo, while the box's side was plain green, lacking any pictures or other printing. Whereas the original German retail price for the "Libelle 12" was in the range of around DM 35, near-mint/unplayed sets auctioned off on eBay.de between January 2009 and April 2010 realized bids between €90 and €116.

Italy

Italy

Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

• 1976 - Set No. 2675-0920 - VertiBird Elicottero Carabinieri (Italian version of "Airborne Rescue Mission" set). It is of note that the initial version of this set featured the original US "Airborne Rescue Mission" packaging (containing two different instruction manuals in both English and Italian), while the second version - in different red box - was fully adjusted for the domestic market and came with the Italian-language manual only. Also, early Mattel ads published in Italy promoted the toy as "Elicottero S.O.S. Mattel" and utilized a picture of the US model (yellow helicopter and white base/control unit), although the actual "Elicottero Carabinieri" set consisted of a black helicopter and red operating elements.
• 1980 - Set No. 3017-0926 - VertiBird Veicolo Spaziale Mazinga "Z" (Battlestar Galactica
  Battlestar Galactica
  Battlestar Galactica is an American science fiction franchise created by Glen A. Larson. The franchise began with the Battlestar Galactica TV series in 1978, and was followed by a brief sequel TV series in 1980, a line of book adaptations, original novels, comic books, a board game, and video games...
  
   TV series theme). This is basically the same set as the 1979 US "Battlestar Galactica" version, adapted (and re-named) for the Italian market.

Mexico

Mexico

The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...

• 197? - Set No. ???? - VertiBird Estacion Polar (Mexican version of "Polar Adventure" set), manufactured and distributed by domestic toy company "CIPSA (Compania de Plasticos S.A.)" with original "VertiBird" branding.

Bluebird Air Police contracted set by Mattel

• 197? - Set No. PT-681 - Bluebird Air Police. Distribution in Canada and Europe. Produced during the same period as the Mattel branded set.

Burbank Toys contracted set by Mattel

• 1973 - Set No.7604 - Burbank Toys Issue Air Police. Produced during the same period as the Mattel branded set.

Pre-VertiBird Era similar sets

Childs and Smith (Atherstone, Warwickshire, England):

• 195? - Set No. ???? - Dan Dare (aka Nulli Secundus) Landing Mat Game. European release. Electric tin toy set similar to VertiBird, probably from the 50's.

Maline:

• 195? - Set No. ???? - MARX-A-COPTER, Ship version.
• 195? - Set No. ???? - MARX-A-COPTER, Space Version. Many accessories. A beautiful space themed playset from the pre-Apollo era.

VertiBird Era Similar sets, Spin-Offs and Knock-Offs

Amusement Engineering Inc.:

• 1968 - Model No. ???? - Helicopter Trainer,. Coin operated arcade and location based skill game. Direction and speed controlled. Also included scoring posts that were electrically operated by contact.

Sega

Sega

, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...

 Enterprises Inc.:

• 1968 - Model No. ???? - Helicopter. Coin operated arcade and location based skill game. Direction and speed controlled. Also included scoring pads that were electrically operated by contact. Also had an 8-track tape for sound effects.

Midway

Midway Games

Midway Games, Inc. is an American company that was formerly a major video game publisher. Following a bankruptcy filing in 2009, it is no longer active and is in the process of liquidating all of its assets. Midway's titles included Mortal Kombat, Ms.Pac-Man, Spy Hunter, Tron, Rampage, the...

:

• 1969 - Model No. 601 - Whirly Bird. Coin operated arcade and location based skill game. Direction and speed controlled. Also included scoring posts that were electrically operated by contact.

• 1974 - Model No. 583 - Chopper. Coin operated arcade and location based skill game. Direction and speed controlled. Also included scoring target that were light sensor operated. Also had an 8-track tape for sound effects.

Mattel

Mattel

Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...

:

• 1973 - Set No. 8263 - Snoopy & His Flyin' Doghouse. An original Mattel product that utilized their VertiBird concept, but instead of a helicopter featured "Peanuts" cartoon character "Snoopy" as the "flying ace" on his doghouse (with horizontally attached front propeller). Accessories included "Red Baron" and "German Balloon" cardboard cutout targets and a "Charlie Brown" & "Woodstock" flying pylon.

• 1978 - Set No. 2433 (US) / 2433-0980 (Europe) - Dareplane Wingwalker Stunt Set. A completely re-designed version of Mattel's earlier (1972) "Dareplane Stunter" flight toy that had worked on thin cables (which made it difficult for young kids to properly navigate the plane) and was prone to quick damage, with countless sets being returned for exchange to toy stores and Mattel itself within just a few days after purchase. Having the original cable connections replaced by a solid plastic arm that no longer allowed to do "loops" and the like, the later "Wingwalker" version generally operated in a way that was a lot more similar to the VertiBird concept (even including a skyhook retractable from the plane, as well as several pick-up items) - in fact, the only thing these two toys had in common was the name. Other than the 1972 "Dareplane", which had been available in North America only, the "Wingwalker" set also was released in Europe, but enjoyed little success on either market and thus disappeared from shelves rather quickly.

Simpsons-Sears (Canada):

• 197? - Set No. ???? - Helicopter. This set contained a yellow chopper, control unit, operating unit, connection gear, cardboard landing mat (with assembly instructions printed on the back) and various pick-up items. Made in Hong Kong.

Good Play (Germany):

• 197? - Set No. ???? - Super Helicopter. Contained white chopper, control/operating unit (one piece), connection gear and plastic landing mat.

Remco Controlled Space Flight (CSF):

• 1976 - Set No. 602 - Star Trek CSF.
• 1976 - Set No. ??????? - Batman CSF.
• 197? - Set No. 6140901 - Spider-Man CSF.

Post-Vertibird Era similar sets, Spin-Offs and Knock-Offs

BlueBird Toys:

• 19?? - Set No. ???? - Chopper Ace. Twin Rotor design but otherwise similar to VertiBird operation and control. European and Canadian Sales.

Milton Bradley Company

Milton Bradley Company

The Milton Bradley Company is an American game company established by Milton Bradley in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1860. In 1920, it absorbed the game production of McLoughlin Brothers, formerly the largest game manufacturer in the United States, and in 1987, it purchased Selchow and Righter,...

 (Canada):

• 1993 - Set No. ???? - Flying Thunder. This helicopter bore a physical resemblance to "Blue Thunder
  Blue Thunder
  Blue Thunder is a 1983 feature film that features a high-tech helicopter of the same name. The movie was directed by John Badham and stars Roy Scheider...
  
  " from the 1983 action film of the same name. Contained numerous "target" pick-up items and military-themed vinyl play-mat.

Galoob Micro Machines:

• 1994 - Set No. ???? - Micro Machines Chopper Command Base.

Kool Toyz, contracted for Target Stores and KayBee Toys by Jasman Toys:

• 2000 - Set No. 087 07 1039 - Chopper Command Helicopter Set.
• 2000 - Set No. 087 07 1039 - Chopper Command Helicopter Set. This Chopper Patrol with safety ring three-bladed rotor shipped to stores in a Chopper Command box. A two-bladed rotor was mistakenly shown in the picture on the box.

Jasman Toys Chopper Command:

• 2000 - Set No. 16810-015 - Chopper Command Police (with play-mat).
• 2000 - Set No. 16810-016 - Chopper Command Military (with play-mat).
• 2000 - Set No. 16812-001 - Chopper Command Police (with play-mat, sound, flashing strobe).
• 2000 - Set No. 16812-002 - Chopper Command Military (with play-mat, sound, flashing strobe).
• 2000 - Set No. 16812-001 (2nd Printing) - Chopper Command Police (with play-mat, sound, flashing strobe)
• 2000 - Set No. 16812-002 (2nd Printing) - Chopper Command Military (with play-mat, sound, flashing strobe).

Jasman Toys Chopper Patrol:

• 2001 - Set No. 16810-??? - Chopper Command Police (with play-mat).
• 2001 - Set No. 16810-??? - Chopper Command Military (with play-mat).
• 2001 - Set No. 16812-??? - Chopper Command Police (with play-mat, sound, flashing strobe).
• 2001 - Set No. 16813-??? - Chopper Command Military (with play-mat, sound, flashing strobe).
• 2001 - Set No. 16816-??? - Chopper Command Sea Rescue (with play-mat, sound, flashing strobe).
• 2001 - Set No. 16871-??? - Chopper Command Rega (with play-mat, sound, flashing strobe) Swiss Rega contracted the set from Jasman.

Jasman Toys Command Force Chopper Patrol:

• 200? - Set No. 16963-??? - Command Force Chopper Patrol, Micro Series, Apache.
• 200? - Set No. 16964-??? - Command Force Chopper Patrol, Micro Series, Cobra.
• 200? - Set No. 16992-??? - Command Force Chopper Patrol, Mini Series, Patrol AH-64 Apache. (with play-mat, light-up base, sounds, flashing strobe)
• 200? - Set No. 16993-??? - Command Force Chopper Patrol, Mini Series, Patrol AH-1 Super Cobra. (with play-mat, light-up base, sounds, flashing strobe)
• 200? - Set No. 16994-??? - Command Force Chopper Patrol, Mini Series, AH-6 Little Bird. (with play-mat, light-up base, sounds, flashing strobe)
• 2007 - Set No. 1????-??? - Spider-Man 3 12" Chopper Chopper. (Command Force sized , AH-6 Little Bird. (with play-mat, light-up base, sounds, flashing strobe)
• 2??? - Set No. 255590-??? - Command Force Chopper Countdown. (with play-mat, light-up base, sounds, flashing strobe, countdown timer)

Jasman Toys Spider-Man 3:

• 2007 - Set No. 23530-??? - Spider-Man 3 12" Chopper. (Command Force size)
• 2007 - Set No. 2????-??? - Spider-Man 3 Flying Figure. (Command Force size)
• 2007 - Set No. 2????-??? - Spider-Man 3 18" Chopper. (with play-mat)(Command Force size)
• 2007 - Set No. 2????-??? - Spider-Man 3 Amazing Spider-Man Chopper. (with play-mat, sound, light-up base)(Chopper Patrol size)

RoboFly custom Set:

• 2000 - Set No. ???? - RoboFly. Custom produced all aluminum, CNC machined, super-powered VertiBird knock-off. Magnetic pickup instead of SkyHook. Set include numbered and personalized plates for the owner. The RoboFly maker also sent out a free customised keychain fob to the owners and all others who requested them.

Draganfly Innovations. Acquired RoboFly production rights:

• 2000 - Set No. ???? - Skybot. Same as the RoboFly except no owner personalization. No longer manufactured.

VertiBird Links

• VertiSim - Free Vertibird Simulator for Windows
• Whirly Bird Central - Definitive site for the Vertibird
• Vertibird Central - Sells Vintage and refurbished Sets, parts and accessories. Repairs, Tune-ups and Refurbishes.
• Stuff We Love - 1970's Nostalgia site featuring many toys from the era

VertiBird-like Links

• http://marvin3m.com/arcade/htrain.htm -Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum - Amusement Engineering Helicopter Trainer
• http://marvin3m.com/arcade/shelico.htm -Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum - Sega Helicopter
• http://marvin3m.com/arcade/whirlyb.htm -Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum - Midway Whirly Bird
• http://marvin3m.com/arcade/chopper.htm -Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum - Midway Chopper

VertiBird Videos

• Commercial - 1973 Vertibird commercial - USA Air Police