Airstrike v2 (S260602002)
Airstrike V2 – Refining the Formula
The Airstrike V2 represents the next chapter in the development journey that ultimately led to the production Airstrike MK2. Released through TACO Tuesday directly from the Hazard 4® archive, this rare prototype captures a critical stage of refinement as the design team worked to improve carry comfort, usability, and accessory integration while preserving the Airstrike's unique combination of hard-shell protection, backpack functionality, and roller-bag mobility.
What immediately sets this prototype apart is its color. This is the only coyote Airstrike prototype ever produced. While the Airstrike program explored multiple development paths, all retail production Airstrike MK2 units were ultimately manufactured in black, making this coyote version a true one-of-one archive piece that never reached the market.
One of the primary objectives of the V2 was improving backpack carry comfort. Compared to the original V1, the shoulder straps were lengthened to better accommodate a wider range of users. In true prototype fashion, however, the adjustment may have gone just a little too far. The longer straps improved fit, but also made it more challenging to neatly stow the harness back into the rear zippered compartment when converting the bag into roller mode. It's a small but memorable reminder of how product development often involves testing, learning, and fine-tuning before arriving at the final solution.
The Airstrike V2 also served as a development platform for one of Hazard 4's most unique accessories: the HardPoint® Anchor Plug. The bright orange plugs installed on this prototype are original 3D-printed rubber development samples from the early stages of the Anchor Plug program. While they may look like simple accessories, they represent nearly two years of design, testing, and refinement involving materials, dimensions, retention force, engagement geometry, grip patterns, durability, and usability. The project would eventually result in the patent-pending HardPoint® Anchor Plug accessory available today. These early prototype plugs offer a rare glimpse into the product development process and highlight the amount of engineering that can go into even the smallest Hazard 4 products.
Beyond its prototype-specific features, the Airstrike V2 retains the signature thermoformed protective shell, integrated telescoping roller handle, and spacious organizational layout that would later define the Airstrike series. Designed to function as both a backpack and rolling travel platform, it offers protected storage for electronics, tools, travel essentials, and valuable equipment while maintaining the rugged utility-focused DNA Hazard 4 is known for.
This particular unit represents a genuine Hazard 4 archive prototype and is not a production model. Cosmetic wear, age-related imperfections, prototype-specific features, and configuration differences may be present. Please review all photos carefully for exact condition and included features.
Highlights
• Only coyote Airstrike prototype ever produced
• Direct from the Hazard 4 archive
• Early Airstrike MK2 development prototype
• All retail Airstrike MK2 units were ultimately produced in black
• Lengthened shoulder strap prototype configuration
• Extra-long straps can be difficult to stow inside the rear harness compartment
• Features original orange 3D-printed rubber HardPoint® Anchor Plug prototypes
• Early development samples from the Anchor Plug project
• Anchor Plug project later became a patent-pending retail accessory
• Documents nearly two years of accessory development and refinement
• Signature thermoformed protective shell
• Integrated telescoping roller handle system
• Hybrid backpack and roller-pack design
• One-of-a-kind collector's piece documenting both Airstrike and HardPoint® development history
All TACO Tuesday items are sold AS-IS and are FINAL SALE.