Autoscout

From Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki

Autoscout is a Decepticon Recordicon drone in the Generation 1 continuity family.

An autoscout is a type of Transformer drone that can be released and used for scouting duties that are considered too dangerous for an Autobot or a Decepticon. They are programmed to analyse and report their findings to their operator.

They appear to be a cassette form though far more primitive when compared to Ravage or Laserbeak. It isnt really explained whether all Autoscouts adopt this form or there are varying models.

[edit] Fiction

[edit] Generation 1 cartoon continuity

After uncovering a new source of energy, Megatron told Soundwave to dispatch an autoscout to examine the location. The scout discovered a formation of Corlonium crystals and began to examine a piece when the energy the crystals emitted caused it to explode. A Prime Problem