Maverick

"A two-bladed, twin-engine helicopter, the Maverick was manufactured in Canada, but you shouldn't let that put you off. Originally designed for military use, when the army rejected them for looking too 'French', they became hugely popular with rich social climbers for exactly the same reason. Used by law enforcement for surveillance operations, you'll often see them hovering above inner city African American neighborhoods. Billion candlepower spotlight and loudspeaker optional, but trust us, it's fun to play with over poor neighborhoods at night."

- Elitás Travel webpage

The Maverick is a civilian helicopter featured in every game after Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. It is manufactured by Western Company and Buckingham in the HD Universe.

Design
The Maverick is one of the longest-recurring helicopters in the GTA series, appearing in all games since Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, with the exceptions being Grand Theft Auto Advance and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. It has also shared the same general design throughout the series.

The Maverick is generally based on a basic real-life helicopter, more specifically a Bell 206.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
In GTA Vice City, the Maverick is a fully accessible vehicle, available in quite a few places, and it is the only helicopter that is available in a variety of colors. There is also another smaller two-passenger version dubbed VCN Maverick that is used by the Vice City News.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
In GTA San Andreas, the Maverick is essentially the same helicopter, but with slightly altered handling, a different graphics and a new sound. As in GTA Vice City, there is also a news helicopter version of the Maverick, the News Chopper,

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
The Maverick in GTA Liberty City Stories is not intended to be obtained by the player. However, it can be obtained by the player during the missions Calm Before the Storm given by Joseph Daniel O'Toole and False Idols given by Ned Burner. It's unusually fast and can reach high speeds in a matter of three seconds, which is not possible in other games (since it's somewhat scripted to be faster). Moving the camera moves the helicopter (because the right analog stick was to alternatively control a helicopter in Vice City.) The blades are used of that of an AI-controlled Police Maverick, and the blades renders transparency incorrectly when they are viewed through the blades (i.e. trees.)

Grand Theft Auto IV
In GTA IV the Maverick has been changed slightly, including new crash animations, four rotor blades, blinking lights, new sound and improved design, although it still remains similar to the previous renditions of the Maverick and shows similar flight abilities.

The Maverick is still based on the Bell 206 L Longranger, but features four blades on its main rotor, similar to the Bell 407. In-game, it retains the body design of previous Mavericks.

In addition to the aforementioned difference in rotor design (a two-blade rotor replaced by a four-blade variety), pre-release materials also depict earlier forms of the Maverick as having shut rear doors, as opposed to slid open doors in the final version.

Grand Theft Auto V
The Maverick returns in Grand Theft Auto V, looking similar to its previous versions. It is now manufactured by Buckingham (suggesting that sometime between 2008 and 2013 Buckingham bought out the Western Company or the manufacturing rights to the Maverick and Police Maverick). The Maverick that appears has its design based on that of the Bell 206L Longranger. Compared to its previous rendition it features a smoother fuselage design and also more modern skids. Similar to older designs, it features a two rotor blades. The helicopter is now fitted with a camera as well like the Police Maverick which is usable by the passenger. Like the actual Police Maverick, it features 2 mounted winches, unusable by the player in Grand Theft Auto V, however usable - to an extent - in Grand Theft Auto Online.

Performance
In most GTA games, the Maverick is offered as the first controllable helicopter and usually early in the game's story, probably because its balanced performance makes it relatively easy to maneuver than other helicopters.

Overall, the Maverick is a good choice of transport, but is unsuitable for combat purposes, since it lacks armor, as well as an own set of weaponry.

3D Universe
In the 3D Universe, the Maverick is a short, nimble, basic helicopter. It has a high top speed, forward thrust is acceptable, and its manoeuvrability it on par with most competitors. Durability is rather slack due to its thin bodywork and overall 'light' design, making it unsuitable for long-time air pursuits or for purposeful crashing, as it can only take several crashes, and a small amount of bullets before it begins to smoke and break down.

Grand Theft Auto IV
A major improvement in GTA IV, the Maverick returns as a slightly bigger, more durable, and experimental vehicle. The Maverick is now even faster and more manoeuvrable, largely due to the changes to the general handling of both land an air vehicles to GTA IV.

Durability is acceptable for its purpose, and thanks to its bodywork, can still take numerous beatings before it falls out of the sky.

Stability is rather disappointing. Even despite the 4-blade design, the helicopter has limited stability and cornering can be very unresponsive, and landing can be more trouble after slowing down or performing a quick turn or manoeuvre.

Grand Theft Auto V
The Maverick returns to GTA V with a major upgrade in its handling. Its top speed and take-off capabilities are still the same, however it is now more rigid and can manoeuvre with ease, all despite its downgraded 2-blade system. It is also much more durable than the previous renditions; albeit with the exception of high-speed impacts resulting in an instant explosion, a property found on all aircraft in the game.

Police Maverick
Mavericks adopted for use by the police. With the exception in Grand Theft Auto V, all Police Mavericks are based on the civilian version.

VCN Maverick/News Chopper
Mavericks modified into news helicopters.

Helitours Maverick
Mavericks used by Higgins Helitours for heli tour activities. Available in Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City.

Coastguard Maverick
A cut Maverick in GTA Vice City and GTA Vice City Stories intended as a variant used by the Coastguard.

Special Variants

 * An all-black Maverick appears in Interdiction used by the CIA, with four gunners on the sides.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

 * During "In The Beginning...", The Vances arrive at the deal in an all-black Maverick.
 * During "Phnom Penh '86", used to assault a mansion on Prawn Island.
 * During "All Hands On Deck", two Mavericks are used to assault Colonel Cortez's yacht.
 * During "Hit the Courier", the courier will arrive in a Maverick to deliver the counterfeit plates.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

 * During "The Da Nang Thang", Little Lion and Carl Johnson use a Maverick to assault a Cargoship.
 * During "Pier 69", a Maverick transporting Toreno will fly towards Pier 69 but is alerted by the dead bodies on the rooftops and flees.
 * During "Toreno's Last Flight", Carl Johnson needs to shoot down a Maverick imposingly transporting Mike Toreno.
 * During "Interdiction", CIA Mavericks are used to assault Toreno's helicopter.
 * During "Misappropriation", the target will use a Maverick to flee from Carl Johnson.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

 * During "Calm Before the Storm", an indestructible Maverick is used as Massimo Torini's mode of transport, sporting a uniquely jet black color with two white stripes. The helicopter can be obtained in the PSP version and some PS2 unpatched versions as the helicopter makes a stopover at Chinatown. Entering the Helicopter will cause the mission to fail after a few minutes in the air, the Helicopter to disappear, and Toni appearing Wasted in the floor of the city.
 * During "The Passion of the Heist", when a fireproof Maverick is flown by a gang that stole diamonds. The helicopter can be obtained.
 * During "Sayonara Sindaccos", there's a dark Sindacco Maverick nearly at the end of the mission, which is shot down by Toni.
 * During "Caught in the Act", which features a fireproof "Secret Service", pure black Maverick.
 * During "False Idols", when a Maverick is used to transport actress Faith W. to the Liberty City Free Radio station. The helicopter is obtainable.
 * During "Cash in Kazuki's Chips", which features a bullet/explosion-proof Maverick belonging to Kazuki Kasen. The helicopter is obtainable
 * During "The Sicilian Gambit", when a Maverick is used by Massimo to launch an assault on the player at the Portland Rock lighthouse is required to be shot down. The helicopter is vulnerable to damage.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

 * During "Accidents Will Happen", Reni Wassulmaier flies of in a Maverick during a cut scene.
 * During "Kill Phil", Used by Phil Collins and later destroyed.
 * During "Taking the Fall", Victor Vance uses a Maverick to preform flybys on some bikers.

Grand Theft Auto IV

 * During "Dust Off", Niko Bellic needs to steal one for United Liberty Paper.
 * During "Paper Trail", Niko Bellic and Little Jacob use a Maverick to shoot down another Maverick.
 * During "Babysitting", an all black Maverick will be used to assault Kim Young-Guk.
 * During "A Revenger's Tragedy", Dimitri Rascalov uses a Maverick as an escape vehicle.

The Lost and Damned

 * During "Politics", Where Johnny Klebitz needs to destroy it for Thomas Stubbs III.

The Ballad of Gay Tony

 * During "Ladies' Night", where it's used to follow Packie McReary.
 * During "In the Crosshairs", an all black Maverick is used to ambush Luis Lopez.

Grand Theft Auto V

 * During "Unknowing the Truth", A special baby blue variant of the Maverick is used to pick up the money. The helicopter can be obtained by shooting out the pilot when it lands.
 * During "The Construction Assassination", Enzo Bonelli uses a Maverick to escape.

Grand Theft Auto Online

 * A Maverick will pursue the player in Coveted after they have stolen the Cargobob.
 * During "High Priority Case", after stealing the briefcase, a Maverick will show up to pursue the player.
 * During "Diamonds are for Trevor", after reaching the boat, a Maverick will pursue the player.
 * During the "Humane Raid - Key Codes", Heist setup mission, a Maverick will fly over towards the Maze Bank tower after getting into position.
 * During "Last Chopper Outta LS", a Maverick with diamonds must be stolen for Lester Crest.

3D Universe

 * Faith W. - as seen during the mission False Idols
 * Kazuki Kasen - owns a bullet and explosion proof Maverick, seen in Cash in Kazuki's Chips.
 * Lance Vance - as seen in GTA VC and GTA VCS.
 * Little Lion - seen in the mission The Da Nang Thang.
 * Massimo Torini - Massimo owns a Maverick that is jet black with two white stripes as seen during the missions Calm Before the Storm and The Sicilian Gambit. (Note that the Maverick in Calm Before the Storm is completely indestructible, while the one in The Sicilian Gambit is normal.)
 * Mike Toreno - as seen during the mission Pier 69
 * Reni Wassulmaier - owns a gray Maverick with two pink stripes as seen during the mission Accidents Will Happen.
 * Ricardo Diaz (unconfirmed)
 * Phil Collins - destroyed in Kill Phil
 * Tommy Vercetti - owns two Mavericks, one at Hyman Condo and the other at Vercetti Estate.
 * The Counterfeit Syndicate owns a Maverick.

HD Universe

 * Arthur Stubbs - owns a black Maverick as seen in The Lost and Damned mission Politics.
 * Brucie Kibbutz - during the Heli Rides during friendship activities and Special Ability.
 * Charles Matteo
 * Eduard Borodin - as seen in the Grand Theft Auto IV mission Dust Off and Paper Trail.
 * Enzo Bonelli - as seen in The Construction Assassination.
 * Epsilon Program - used in Unknowing the Truth.
 * Giovanni Ancelotti - as seen in Ladies' Night.
 * Merryweather Security use Mavericks, as seen in several GTA Online missions
 * United Liberty Paper contact - owns a red-white Maverick.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

 * Roof of the Hyman Condo safehouse.
 * Roof of the Vercetti Estate after the mission Rub Out. If the Sea Sparrow is unlocked, there is a less chance of the Maverick spawning.
 * Uniquely-colored Maverick in the mission Loose Ends.
 * VCN Maverick on the roof in the VCN buiding.
 * VCPD Maverick on the roof of the Downtown Police Station.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

 * Easter Bay International Airport, eastern part, near the Dodo hangars. Oddly, the doors are not locked even without a pilot's license, allowing it to be used if the player can get into the airport.
 * The top of the Los Santos Tower in Downtown Los Santos. The tower has a star-shaped top. The Maverick may not be there, it spawns more when you fly there, especially when flying a Sparrow.
 * San Fierro Police Headquarters Helipad in Downtown San Fierro. Spawns there after Toreno's Last Flight, the mission where you have to stop Mike Toreno with a rocket launcher. Note: This should only be taken as a last resort, since going behind the gate without a law enforcement vehicle triggers a 3 star wanted level. To avoid it, park a police bike right next to it and then take off as fast as possible, or kill the officer us
 * Bayside Marina helipad (note that a Sea Sparrow often also spawns here)
 * On the roof of San Fierro Medical Center, Santa Flora, San Fierro (note that a Raindance also spawns east of here)
 * Helipad at The Emerald Isle (If it does not spawn, walk to the very east of the building and walk back and it should be there).
 * In the parking garage of the LVPD headquarters but its impossible to get out with it.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

 * Cannot be obtained via normal gaming.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

 * On the helipad near Hyman Memorial Stadium.
 * Near the helipad in Escobar International Airport (activates Vice Sights mission as you enter).

Grand Theft Auto IV

 * At an Alderney City heliport, above the Alderney exit of the Booth Tunnel.
 * On a private helipad at a mansion on Owl Creek Ave in Westdyke, Alderney.
 * On the roof of the MeTV skyscraper in Star Junction, Algonquin. Its roof can be accessed via a Window Cleaning Platform on the west end, next to Kunzite Street or by flying there using another helicopter, but it spawns occasionally. After killing all 200 Pigeons, it's replaced by the Annihilator.
 * On a helipad in front of a waterfront tunnel ventilation tower on the western edge of Purgatory, Algonquin. Only spawns occasionally.
 * On a helipad of the Tudor, Alderney fire station in south-west Alderney.

Grand Theft Auto V

 * Can be purchased from Elitás Travel for $1,100,000. Spawns in black and white colors.
 * Green variants are used by most pilots in parachuting locations marked around the map, like the one in La Puerta. Tapping the enter button near it will make the character enter the back and go for the parachute jump, but holding the button will make the character hijack the helicopter.

Grand Theft Auto Online

 * Can be purchased from Elitás Travel, for the price of $780,000.
 * Spawns at the Los Santos International Airport after your character reaches level 7.
 * Spawns in the Vespucci heliports after your character reaches Rank 7.
 * Sometimes spawns in the Sandy Shores Airfield heliport after your character reaches Rank 7.

General

 * The Maverick plays the following radio stations by default when entered:
 * GTA San Andreas: K-DST.
 * GTA IV: Liberty Rock Radio.
 * The Maverick's name may be a reference to the 1986 film Top Gun, as Maverick is the callsign of the main character, and the whole film is about flying.
 * In some GTA Games, the Maverick appears to have 5 seats, but only seats 4 players.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

 * In GTA: Vice City, if the player scrapes the Maverick's landing gear on any surface, they'll see tire marks.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

 * In GTA San Andreas, the helicopter's blades do not show frames when they're rotating.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

 * It's possible to save a Maverick in GTA LCS, but the only garage big enough to save it in is the Staunton Island Safehouse.
 * In GTA LCS and GTA VCS, the Maverick assumes a slightly different appearance. The police variants, however, share a different design.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

 * In GTA: Vice City Stories, the doors of the Maverick can't be closed if Victor comes out. However, when Victor comes out of the Maverick while in midair, the doors will remain closed.
 * The GTA VCS rendition emits door opening/closing noises similar to the Police Maverick, while other renditions has "heavy" door noises similar to large trucks like the Barracks OL, Linerunner, and the Flatbed.
 * The Maverick is the last vehicle seen in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories hence making it the last vehicle non-chronologically shown in the 3D Universe.

Grand Theft Auto IV

 * Pre-release material, such as television footage, suggests GTA IV's Maverick was originally intended to retain its two blade rotor, along with a basic opening rear doors.
 * In Grand Theft Auto IV, despite having its rear doors open, the player will always wreck the window rather than a safer way by going through the back door. The same thing happens when getting into the Annihilator, or any other door-locked helicopter.
 * While taking a ride in Brucie's helicopter there is a very small sticker on the helicopter's instrument panel that reads "This helicopter might crash. But we don't really care if it does. Refer to flight manual for help." The helicopter of Helitour doesn't have this message.
 * In GTA IV, the seats are available, but rear passengers sit on the footboards. Perhaps in the Beta, the rear doors were closed, so the passengers must sit in these seats.
 * Unlike the 3D Universe counterpart, the Maverick only appears with its side doors open.
 * In Grand Theft Auto IV, there’s an unusual occurrence, possibly a glitch, with the helicopter which may be occasionally found on the helipad over the West River in Algonquin near Purgatory and Westminster - the same helipad used for Yusuf Amir's Swift and the golden Buzzard in The Ballad of Gay Tony. If the player climbs the ladder-tower, located left of the roadway-entrance to the helipad (behind and amongst the tractor-trailer containers), the player can see the helicopter on the helipad from the top of the tower. When the player slides or climbs down the ladder, however, the helicopter will occasionally vanish.

The Ballad of Gay Tony

 * In The Ballad of Gay Tony, Mavericks are scripted to be flown by civilians, and can be found flying around the coastline of Francis International Airport.
 * A special golden Maverick is used during The Ballad of Gay Tony Drug Wars. A blue/red/black variant can be found as well as an all grey version.

Grand Theft Auto V

 * The change of manufacturer between GTA IV and GTA V could be explained by Buckingham buying the branding and manufacturing rights for the Maverick from Western Company.
 * It can also be explained by Buckingham producing the helicopter under-license from Western Company, reflecting the manufacture of the Bell 206 in Canada and Italy under license from Bell.
 * It is also possible that the change was an oversight.

Grand Theft Auto Online

 * If the player calls Merryweather to pick the player up, they have the ability to use the winch to rappel off the helicopter if the player puts the GPS waypoint on top of certain highrise buildings like the FIB Headquarters or simple apartment buildings, or onto some ground-level areas (mainly beaches).
 * Oddly, the Elitás Travel webpage depicts the Maverick as being a twin-engine helicopter, but in real-life, most Bell 206 variants were strictly single-engined, with some twin-engine models built during the mid-to-late 1990's, with only 13 of them being built.
 * The Elitas Travel webpage refers to the Maverick as being built in Canada and as being "too French" for the United States Armed Forces. This is a reference to the fact that the Bell JetRanger, the helicopter on which the Maverick is based, is manufactured at Bell Helicopter's Quebec Plant.

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