The Mother Bird experimental aircraft combines the combative advantages of the C-130 Gunship, the V-22 Osprey, and the E-3 AWACS, making it the perfect fit for a Special Forces team that does not have the resources to maintain and operate all three of those.

The overall design is heavily inspired by the Osprey. While the Osprey is the first tilt-rotor engine vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, the Mother Bird has tilt-turbo jet engines. They allow the Mother Bird to travel faster, handle heavier and larger loads, fly higher, and go further on less fuel than the Osprey.

Taking its cue from the C-130 Hercules, the Mother Bird's main advantage is its versatility. It is heavily armored with two air to air sidewinders, a vulcan gatling gun, a side mounted 30mm M230 chain gun, and a front mounted .50 cal machine gun. The rear cargo area allows it to transport up to 20 troops or a small light armored vehicle. A bottom mounted hook and wench system allow it to carry much larger loads externally. The rear is also capable of launching airborne para-operations.

Lastly, and what really solidifies the Mother Bird's position in the GI Joe Air Wing, is its Boeing Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). It does not have the range of its E-3 mounted cousin but it is still highly effective in airborne surveillance and combat and control functions for a localized area. The radar itself is reinforced to withstand combat fire. The electronic gear and computer processors, built by the Joes' best and brightest, puts Microsoft to shame.

Windmill:
Head: Flint '01
Body: Ace v.2
Helmet: Duke Spy Troops/XD

Double Blast:
Head: Spy Troops Heavy Duty
Torso: Gyro-Viper
Arms: Wild Weasel
Waist: Windmill
Legs: Ace v.2

Crazylegs:
Head: Fastdraw/BBi/Psyche Out v.2

Windmill:

When reviewing the Joes' roster for pilot candidates with combat experience capable of flying an experimental aircraft that functions in hover mode as well as in a normal forward motion, one name was fast tracked to the top of the list. With the Skystorm X-Wing Chopper program mothballed, Windmill is ecstatic to be doing what he does best, testing out a new bird's wings. This aircraft was tailor made for his skills.


Double Blast:

DB is another story. He wasn't even on the list for the gunner position. After explaining to the brass that no one else was qualified to operate all of the Mother Bird's ordnance and also make upgrades and repairs on the fly, they had no choice but to offer him the position. He gladly accepted and has been dedicated to the project from the beginning.


Hi-Tech:

While not a permanent assignment, Hi-Tech's specialized skills make him an integral part of the crew during the aircraft's earliest stages.


Crazy Legs:

It took the entire GI Joe Airborne roster to convince Crazy Legs to accept the position of door gunner/operations support on the Mother Bird. To a paratrooper with his experience and hands on style, this was the equivalent of a desk job. What finally sold him on the idea was that he is the only crew member that knows what kind of support the Joes will need in the field. That alone elevated the position from "baby sitting" to being vital to the success of Mother Bird's missions.