- "The drones are made up of vibranium alloy. Just like your weapons. Almost indestructible."
"Oh, please. They're built by Americans." - ―Erik Killmonger and Okoye[src]
The Stark Liberator Drones were remote-controlled military drones designed by Tony Stark and Erik Killmonger.
History[]
Creation[]
- "Bold design choice."
"What? I like anime."
"Worst-case scenario, we'll end up with the world's most expensive Gundam model." - ―Tony Stark and Erik Killmonger[src]
After promoting Erik Killmonger as his new COO, Stark brought Killmonger to his workshop, where he showed off his inventions. The two talked about their pasts with Killmonger mentioning his thesis on automated combat drones, though he did not know how to interface them. Stark agreed to help Killmonger as he presented his designs for the drones.
Soon, the development of the drones began as Stark and Killmonger worked weeks to complete a working model. Stark, with the help of J.A.R.V.I.S., analyzed Killmonger's fighting style and iniated an operations test with one of the drones. However, the drone malfunctioned, accidentally blowing its head off. Needing another solution for the materials of the drone, Killmonger showed off his vibranium ring and suggested to use it. Analyzing the ring, Stark was able to use it as the drones' shelling and suggested finding more vibranium via Ulysses Klaue.[1]
Stark's Death[]
Following James Rhodes' death, Stark would become drunken and enraged at Erik Killmonger, who tried refocusing Stark on continuing to develop the drones. However, Stark revealed that he had footage of Killmonger's murders, showing him J.A.R.V.I.S.' footage. Killmonger tried threatening Stark, but Stark decided to use a finalized version of the drone to protect him as his mansion went on lockdown. Killmonger would fail to stop the drone at first, but after Stark told him that the drone had copied all his moves, Killmonger decided to fight differently and gain the upper hand. Eventually, Killmonger was able to disable the drone and kill Stark.[1]
Deployed[]
- "Put the Liberator drones into production."
"Okay, hold on. That'll require a multi-billion-dollar allocation. The board will need to be consulted."
"The Patriot Act should cover the red tape." - ―Thaddeus Ross and Pepper Potts[src]
After Stark Industries and its assets were incorporated into the United States military, the mass production of Stark Liberator Drones began. Erik Killmonger would bring the drones to Africa, where he would initiate his plan to enact a conflict between the United States of America and Wakanda.
Soon, the defense of Wakanda would begin as Thaddeus Ross controlled the drones from the Drone Command Center. Both sides prepared as the drones marched closer to the nation's borders as the shields were deactivated. The drones would continue their path until the shields were activated again, at which the drones were disabled. However, Killmonger had a backup transmitter and used it to activate the drones again. Eventually, the conflict between the Wakandan forces and the drones would begin, though by the end of it, the Wakandans would win the conflict.[1]
Design and Capabilities[]
The Stark Liberator Drones were designed similarly to Hammer Drones, minus their capability to fly and self destruct. They were installed with heavy machine guns as well as explosive launchers.
They were made of vibranium and had additional details that were based on Gundam mechas. To maximize strategic efficiency, the drones communicated to each other through a hive matrix controlled by J.A.R.V.I.S., transmitting information via a satellite link.