Griffin Thunderzord 

The Griffin Thunderzord was the personal Zord of the Yellow Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. Built from the remains of the Saber-toothed Tiger Dinozord, it could combine with the other Thunderzords to form the Thunder Megazord.
First seen	The Mutiny, Part II
Last seen	Ninja Quest, Part I
Series	Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Length	30 m
Width	24.5 m
Weight	52 tons
Speed	Mach 0.95

The Power of Thunder

Lord Zedd’s Pirantishead monster was able to use its powers to freeze four of the Dinozords, including the Pterodactyl. However, Zordon had anticipated Lord Zedd’s return and along with Alpha 5, was able to prepare a second phase of Zord operation. Recalling the Rangers to the Command Center, Zordon explained that nothing they could do would ever give the Dinozords enough power and that they would now need stronger, new Zords equipped with the power of Thunder to combat Lord Zedd.

Standing on the rocks outside of the Command Center, the Rangers were introduced to the image of their new fleet of Thunderzords as they flew through the sky. Zordon described the Griffin as swift and accurate. The Griffin would be piloted by the Yellow Ranger. However, the Rangers would need to regain control of the Dinozords before taking control of the new Thunderzords. [MMPR2: “The Mutiny, Part II“]

The Griffin Thunderzord

As the Rangers scrambled to regain control of their Zords, Lord Zedd stripped the Zords of their power and sank them into lava under the Earth. Alpha 5 recalibrated the Morphin Grid to encase the Zords with static power, giving them time to return the Zords to their hiding places. With the Dinozords saved, Zordon and Alpha 5 were able to use their remains to create the new Thunderzords. The Saber-tooth Tiger Dinozord was used to create the Griffin Thunderzord.

Upon summoning, the Sabre-tooth Tiger was struck by lightning which caused the Dinozord to morph and reform into the Griffin Thunderzord. The Griffin was in the form of a large tank, with articulated neck, head and rear section. The Zord was mostly black in color, save for some yellow and silver highlights. The head of the Griffin featured a long silver horn. The cockpit of the Zord was never shown but is assumed to exist. The Griffin would form the left leg of the Thunder Megazord. [MMPR2: “The Mutiny, Part III“]

Powers and abilities

The Griffin could join with the other Thunderzords to form new combinations. Joining with the Unicorn, Firebird and Lion Thunderzords, the group were able to create a flying armored tank known as the Thunderzord Assault Team. In this combination, the Zord would form the left bulkhead of the tank. [MMPR2: “Putty on the Brain“]

When those Zords were joined with the White Tigerzord, a new combination called Mega Tigerzord was formed. In this combination, the Griffin acted as the left leg section of the Zord. [MMPR2: “White Light, Part II“]

The Griffin could mount a small offensive individually. The Zord could absorb incoming energy attacks from enemies and then channel it back against them in the form of fireballs shot from its mouth. [MMPR2: “Two for One“]

Fate of the Griffin Thunderzord

The Griffin Thunderzord was used successfully for the first year of Lord Zedd’s assault on Angel Grove but would not survive for longer. During the confrontation against Rito Revolto, the Griffin, assembled in Thunder Megazord form, was outnumbered against Rito and his monster gang.

The damaged Thunderzord power accelerator was at peak level due to the power bank leaking energy, despite Alpha 5’s best efforts to contain it. With the unstable power accelerator beyond limits, the Griffin, along with the other Thunderzords began to explode and fall apart piece by piece, with no way to revitalise them. [MMPR3: “Ninja Quest, Part I“]