Transition form
From Transformers Wiki
A transition form is a meteor-like elongated ellipsoid form that a protoform-stage Transformer can change into for interstellar travel. Transition forms are heavily armored and capable of space flight over extended distances.
Naturally metallic and frequently engraved with unknown writing in the Transformers' own language, the transition form picks up a coating of space dust and debris as it travels the galaxy. This rocky material forms a rough crust over the surface of the Transformer to complete the "meteor" disguise better.
After making (mostly) controlled planetfall, the traveling Transformer changes back to its humanoid (or more mobile) protoform mode and immediately begins trans-scanning for a new exostructure/disguise.[1]
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Fiction
Transformers
After receiving Bumblebee's signal, Optimus Prime led Jazz, Ironhide, and Ratchet to meet up with their comrade. Using transition forms to reach Earth and enter the atmosphere, they were able to achieve planetfall without drawing undue attention from Earth's military forces. However, only Optimus Prime managed to land outside of Tranquility, while the rest of the Autobots landed inside the city, attracting attention to themselves. Fortunately, they were able to find alternate modes without revealing themselves. Transformers
Revenge of the Fallen
After learning that Sam Witwicky had escaped him, Megatron decided to force the humans to locate the boy for him, deciding that the time had come for the Decepticons to make their presence on Earth known. Over a dozen Decepticons left the Nemesis and headed for Earth in transition form, using those forms to destroy a naval aircraft carrier, killing thousands of humans aboard. Revenge of the Fallen
Titan movie comics
The potential devastation caused by impact meant the transition form could be used as a weapon. Optimus Prime once used his protoform mode to turn himself into a missile, launching himself into Decepticon territory and hitting like a bomb. The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself
Toys
Movie preview toys
- Protoform Optimus Prime
- Protoform Starscream
Trans Scanning toys
- Trans Scanning Bumblebee
- Trans Scanning Optimus Prime
Japanese-only releases, these figures are able to transform into the Protoform, Transition, and Earth forms of their respective robots by utilizing snap-on armor.
Revenge of the Fallen toys
Soundwave's missile can also be considered as the transition mode of Ravage, even if the missile itself does not convert into Ravage. Ravage's Deluxe toy could transform into a "Re-entry" mode, which basically amounts to pointing all four of his legs forward.
Notes
- The escape pods used by the Autobots in Bumblebee appear to reuse the CGI design assets of the transition mode.
- The transition forms are etched with symbols from Ben Procter's alphabet created for the live-action franchise not Cyberglyphics.