Gotham Database Write up - Cobra Rattler

So today I was cleaning out my book cases, doing some "Spring cleaning" so to speak a little early. Trying to organize books around so that things can actually be found, instead of a having books here and there and then it hit me that I never did a write up. Looking at the TV I had on, it was going through its cycle of cartoons in the background, GI Joe happened to be on as well, so I picked as today's write up, Cobra Rattler.

 While there isn't great rules in the Batman RPG for Vehicles, it does talk about it under the Gadgetry chapter, p102 of the book on how to design one. So without further ado, I give you the Cobra Rattler.

COBRA RATTLER

Ground Attack Jet

STR: 8
BODY: 9
Flight: 10

Weapons:
• Twin Nose-Mounted 30mm Cannons – EV: 8, Range: 10 APs
• Underwing Air-to-Ground Missiles (6 total) – EV: 10, Range: 12 APs
• Rear-Facing Rotating Gun Turret – EV: 7, Range: 8 APs
• Bomb Payload (Varies by mission) – EV: 11, Range: 0 APs

Powers & Features:
• Flight: 10 (Max speed ~700 mph, VTOL capable)
• Toughness: 8 (Reinforced armor, resistant to small arms fire)
• Advanced Targeting Systems (+1 Column Shift to attack rolls when piloted by a trained Cobra pilot)
• Rear Defensive Turret (Automatically engages pursuing aircraft)

Advantages:
• VTOL Capability (Can hover and take off/land vertically)
• Heavy Firepower (Equipped for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat)
• Reinforced Cockpit (Pilot receives +2 Column Shift to BODY against attacks while inside)

Drawbacks:
• Exposed Engine Design (A single well-placed hit to the engines can disable or destroy the aircraft)
• Sluggish Maneuverability (Less agile compared to true fighter jets like the G.I. Joe Skystriker)
• Limited Ammo (Missiles and bombs are finite and must be carefully managed)

Crew:
• 1 Pilot (Usually Wild Weasel or another Cobra Air Corps member)
• 1 Gunner (Mans the rear turret, typically a Cobra Trooper or Techno-Viper)

Background:
The Cobra Rattler is the primary ground-attack aircraft of Cobra’s forces, designed for devastating airstrikes and battlefield dominance. Modeled after the real-world A-10 Thunderbolt II, the Rattler carries a fearsome array of weapons, including nose-mounted cannons, guided missiles, and a bomb payload for high-damage raids. Unlike standard jets, its VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capabilities allow it to hover and take off from nearly any location, making it highly versatile.

However, the Rattler is not without its weaknesses. Its engines, mounted on the wings, are highly vulnerable, and a well-aimed strike can send it crashing. Additionally, while heavily armored, it is far less agile than the faster-moving G.I. Joe Skystriker, making it more susceptible to dogfights.

The Rattler is most often piloted by Wild Weasel, Cobra’s elite air ace, though various Cobra pilots take the controls in large-scale battles. The rear-facing turret provides some defense from pursuing aircraft, making it an enduring threat in the skies. Despite its vulnerabilities, the Rattler remains Cobra’s go-to warplane for terrorizing G.I. Joe ground forces.