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. In February 2015, an American eBay seller with immaculate feedback offered several pieces of supposedly original conceptual art by former Mattel designer Tom Hodges, which featured graphic layouts for a number of unproduced VertiBird variants from the mid-to-late 1970s. These included a "Spacehawk X7" intergalactic probe model (undated), a "Medivac" military-themed set (1975), a "Disaster Air Rescue" version (1975), a "Space War" sci-fi model (1978), and a 1979 M*A*S*H-themed set that was obviously meant to tie in with the successful TV series. 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. All subsequent USA and International versions) 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 - 79-58256C - VertiBird Paramedic Rescue. (Themed to tie into the Emergency! TV series) 197? - Set No. 9780 - - VertiBird Airborne Rescue. 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 TV series.) 1978 - Set No. 2898 - VertiBird S.W.A.T. Patrol. (Themed to tie into the S.W.A.T. TV series.) 1979 - Set No. 1675 - 1675-0970 - VertiBird Night Patrol (included phosphorescent plastic parts and stickers) 1979 - Set No. 2983 - 2983-0970 - VertiBird Battlestar Galactica. (Battlestar Galactica TV series tie-in) 1981 - Set No. 5306 - - VertiBird Megaforce. (Megaforce Movie tie-in) International versions Localized for language and/or graphics. Brazil (Brasil) Manufactured under the Brazilian Brand