Template:Infobox vehicles
The Nagasaki Buzzard Attack Chopper (formerly named "Buzzard") is a light attack helicopter featured in The Ballad of Gay Tony, Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online.
Design
The Ballad of Gay Tony
Similarly armed with miniguns as the Annihilator, as well as additionally featuring rocket pods, the Buzzard is evidently an AH-6, an attack variant of the MH-6 Little Bird light observation helicopter, which in turn is a military version of the OH-6 Cayuse and the MD 500C. The Buzzard also features a FLIR (Forward looking infrared) pod under the cabin, similar to the real life AH/MH6M Little Bird variant. It is important to note that the Buzzard has the old-style tail stabilizer, characteristic of the MD-500C and its corresponding defender AH/MH-6 counterparts.
According to in-game speech, the Buzzard that Luis steals for Yusuf Amir was a prototype, meaning there is possibly only a single one in existence. The same stolen one was later repainted gold, by Yusuf - this difference would be first recognized during the mission, "Not So Fast", where Luis must use it to land on the roof of the Libertonian. LCPD will call it a "black/gold helicopter", depending on which version Luis uses - the black Buzzard acquired by a cheat code or the gold Buzzard from Yusuf at the end of the game. The vehicle bears the registration "17 340".
The vehicle is considered "illegal" in Liberty City.
Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online
Returning in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, the Buzzard retains the original design and the characteristic black color. However, the front face of the cockpit features a functional headlight that can be switched to on/off.
Unlike in TBoGT, the Buzzard is no longer a prototype, and is now issued for law enforcement/military use.
Current Design Gallery
Version History Gallery
Performance
The Ballad of Gay Tony
- Vehicle
Designed as a light exploration/attack helicopter, the Buzzard has an excellent maneuvrability, able to turn quickly and move with a reasonable top speed (though not as fast as the Annihilator). True to its real-life inspirations, the Buzzard is powered by a single turboshaft engine located on the rear section of the vehicle, seen in the circular exhaust on the back, where the tail section starts. Said engine powers the 5-bladed rotor, delivering good engine output to ascend quickly.
The Buzzard's weakness, however, is its bubble canopy and low bullet protection, which can prove dangerous to the pilot and passenger when faced with heavy weapons like the M249 or Explosive Shotgun. Like all helicopters, one of the weak spots is the rear rotor, when destroyed, it will spin out of control.
It holds two people on the front, as the rear bay is reserved for the ammo storage of the miniguns and therefore, unable to enter to said section.
- Weaponry
The Buzzard is equipped with a set of two weapons operated by the pilot:
- Miniguns: The miniguns on the Buzzard are much more effective than those on the Annihilator - they have a much faster rate of fire, a narrower spread, and are fired both simultaneously, unlike the Annihilator, which only fires one gun at a time. However, they do considerably less damage than the Annihilator's guns. They also never overheat, which allows for continuous fire.
- Rocket Launchers: The rocket launchers are a faster variation of the Rocket Launcher, with a higher fire rate but a slightly decreased range. While powerful and devastating, players should be careful to not fire a rocket at low altitudes (lower than about a person's height); before a rocket takes flight, it is first dropped out of the container, then takes flight when the fuse lights itself. At ground level, however the fuse does not have enough time to ignite, thus making the rocket explode when it hits the ground and destroying the helicopter in the process.
TBoGT Overview
| Take-Off Speed (0-60 knots in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh / knots) |
Engine Type | Engine Location | Mass (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 99 / 160 / 86 | N/A | N/A | 3800 / 8378 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | Single turboshaft engine, 5-bladed rotor | Middle/Rear | Cannot be observed |
| Damage (per shot) |
Fire Rate [?] | Range (m / ft) |
Ammo Specifications/ Capacity |
Reload Mechanism | Reload Speed [?] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 200 / 656 | 1 | N/A | 66 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lethal | ~ 910 RPM | Cannot be determined | Rear bay ammo supply (Unlimited ammo) | N/A | 0.07 seconds |
| Damage (per shot) |
Fire Rate [?] | Range (m / ft) |
Ammo Specifications/ Capacity |
Reload Mechanism | Reload Speed [?] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 66 180 | 80 / 262 | 1 | N/A | 400 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lethal (Rocket only) | ~ 240 RPM | Cannot be determined | 2 rocket racks w/ 8 rocket units per pod (16) | N/A | 0.4 seconds |
Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online
- Handling
The Buzzard handles similarly to how it did in TBoGT; it is still a quick and maneuverable helicopter. The Buzzard Attack Chopper now features missiles which lock on to enemy vehicles and NPCs. Both the miniguns and rockets cannot be used at the same time, unlike in TBoGT. Despite its small size, the Buzzard is still a very fast helicopter with a top speed of approximately 135 knots, but will lose altitude when going full speed. The weaponless variant of the Buzzard is functionally the same as the Buzzard Attack Chopper when it comes to performance.
- Defense
The buzzard's small frame and good maneuverability makes it easier to avoid enemy homing missiles compared to some of its larger cousins, such as the Savage, Annihilator, or Cargobob. However, only one hit from a Homing Launcher, RPG, or any standard explosive will destroy the aircraft. The helicopter can only withstand two to three explosive rounds from Heavy Sniper Mk II before exploding. In addition, the Buzzard's large cockpit windows almost completely expose the pilot to enemy gunfire, and the helicopter itself cannot withstand very much damage before the engines begin to smoke. Just like all helicopters, the Buzzard's engines will begin to fail and give out entirely over the course of approximately two minutes and twenty seconds, assuming no further damage is taken.
- Weaponry
- Miniguns: The Buzzard's miniguns are mounted on each side of the aircraft. They are extremely powerful weapons, capable of destroying enemy vehicles or aircraft after a couple seconds of sustained fire. The weapons are laser-accurate, with no bullet spread and have a range of almost 600 feet. However, the in-game crosshair does not indicate where the bullets will go as the firing paths of the miniguns do not converge.
- Missiles: The Buzzard has two missile pods that can fire homing missiles or unguided rockets. These missiles have a short "reload" time after firing two missiles in quick succession but can be avoided by carefully timing each shot. The missiles fired from the Buzzard do not have very good tracking and can struggle to hit agile targets. The co-pilot of the aircraft can also take responsibility of aiming and firing the missiles with a mounted camera. However, these missiles have a slower firing rate and greatly reduced travel speed.
GTA V/GTA Online Overview
| Take-Off Speed (0-60 knots in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh / knots) |
Vertical Climb/ Descent Rate (ft/min) |
Engine Type | Engine Location | Mass (kg / lbs) |
Fuel Tank Size (litres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 99 / 160 /86 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3800 / 8378 | 100 |
| N/A | 175 / 282 / 152 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | Single turboshaft engine, 5-bladed rotor | Middle/Rear | Cannot be observed | Cannot be observed |
| Damage (per shot) [?] |
Fire Rate [?] | Range (m / ft) [?] |
Ammo Specifications/ Capacity |
Reload Mechanism | Reload Speed [?] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 (24) 22.5 |
0.04 | 180 / 591 | 750 | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | ~ 1,500 RPM | N/A | Rear bay ammo supply (Unlimited ammo) | N/A | N/A |
 |
Damage | 30% 30% | |||
| Fire Rate/Speed | 98% 98% | ||||
| Accuracy | 10% 10% | ||||
| Range | 65% 65% | ||||
| Clip Size | 100% 100% | ||||
| Damage (per shot) [?] |
Fire Rate [?] | Range (m / ft) [?] |
Ammo Specifications/ Capacity |
Reload Mechanism | Reload Speed [?] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 300 / 984 | 1 (20) | N/A | 2 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Explosive [?] | ~ 60 RPM | N/A | 2 rocket racks w/ 8 rocket units per pod (16) | N/A | N/A |
|
Damage | 0% 0% | |||
| Fire Rate/Speed | 0% 0% | ||||
| Accuracy | 10% 10% | ||||
| Range | 100% 100% | ||||
| Clip Size | 1% 1% | ||||
| Damage (per shot) [?] |
Fire Rate [?] | Range (m / ft) [?] |
Ammo Specifications/ Capacity |
Reload Mechanism | Reload Speed [?] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 50 / 164 | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
Damage | 0% 0% | |||
| Fire Rate/Speed | 0% 0% | ||||
| Accuracy | 10% 10% | ||||
| Range | 35% 35% | ||||
| Clip Size | 1% 1% | ||||
Modifications
Grand Theft Auto Online
Template:Next-GenUpon being converted into a personal aircraft, the Buzzard Attack Chopper can only be repainted with a primary color, which covers all of the aircraft's body. The markings cannot be removed, however.
| Category | Modification |
|---|---|
| Respray | Main article: Los Santos Customs/Respray Colors |
| Remove | Remove Aircraft |
Notable Owners
The Ballad of Gay Tony
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto Online
- International Affairs Agency
- Federal Investigation Bureau
- Merryweather Security
- Military
- El Rubio's Private Security
Image Gallery
The Ballad of Gay Tony
Grand Theft Auto V
Prominent Appearances in Missions
The Ballad of Gay Tony
Grand Theft Auto V
- Three's Company
- Cargobob
- The Merryweather Heist
- Derailed
- The Bureau Raid (Roof Entry)
- The Wrap Up
- Legal Trouble - A Buzzard Attack Chopper can be seen taking off in the airport during the mission.
- The Big Score (Obvious)
- The Third Way
Grand Theft Auto Online
- Missions
- Heists
- Special Vehicle Work
- Mobile Operations
- Supplies
- May spawn as enemy aircraft during several Resupply missions, particularly involving stealing a Technical Custom.
- May spawn as enemy aircraft during several Supplies Sell Missions, particularly involving making deliveries in the Marshall on hilltops.
- Freemode Events
- Can appear as a Kill List or Kill List Competitive vehicle. 1 to 4 players can participate.
- Adversary Modes
- Air Quota (vehicle list 2)
- Bombushka Run (Buzzard team)
- The Cayo Perico Heist
- Heist Prep: Disrupt Air Support
- The Cayo Perico Heist (If Heist Prep: Disrupt Air Support is not completed)
Locations
The Ballad of Gay Tony
- Singleplayer
- Yusuf Amir gives his golden Buzzard Attack Chopper to the player as a gift after completing the game. It will be then available at the helipad beside the golf club on the West River. It replaces the Swift that was parked there.
- Can be spawned via cheat code, by dialing the number: 359-555-2899 (FLY-555-BUZZ).
- There is one way to obtain the black Buzzard without entering the cheat code stated above. After destroying the boats in "Sexy Time," land the black Buzzard Attack Chopper on a road. Get into a car or bike, and drive away from it but keep the camera fixed on the Buzzard Attack Chopper. After the player has failed the mission, reverse and it will be there.
- Multiplayer
In multiplayer, there are multiple locations where Buzzards can be found:
- The first two can be found at Francis International Airport on the helipads.
- One can be found at the heliport in southern Algonquin.
- One can be found at the helipad on the West River where the golden Buzzard Attack Chopper is in single player.
- One can be found at the yacht just south of Acter Industrial Park and east of Happiness Island.
Grand Theft Auto V
- Can be bought from Warstock Cache & Carry for $2,500,000.
- It may rarely spawn in a unique white paint scheme in story mode.
- Can be found at Fort Zancudo.
- On top of the NOOSE Headquarters on Sustancia Road in Palomino Highlands, Los Santos County. Despite its location, it can be obtained safely without triggering a wanted level.
- Can be spawned with the following cheat code button combinations:
- PC:
BUZZOFF - 1-999-289-9633 (BUZZ-OFF)
- PC:
Grand Theft Auto Online
- Spawns on numerous helipads at Rank 43 or higher.
- Commonly parked at Los Santos Naval Port.
- Can be bought on Warstock Cache & Carry for $1,750,000.
- Prior to the Cunning Stunts: Special Vehicle Circuit update, the vehicle could only be purchased after reaching rank 43.
- It can then be ordered after via Pegasus Lifestyle Management, where it will spawn on the nearest helipad.
- In the enhanced version, it is classed as a Small vehicle when stored in a Hangar.
- Will also spawn on numerous helipads, such as in the Paleto Bay Police Station helipad.
- Can be requested by a VIP (and any bodyguards of the organisation) for $25,000 (or for free if owned as a Pegasus vehicle) from the Interaction Menu > VIP Vehicles. It will always spawn in matte black and will spawn near the player where there is enough space.
Events
Grand Theft Auto Online
- Price reduced to $1,796,250 (25% off) during Valentine's Day 2018 (13 February - 19 February 2018).[1]
- Logging in on 28 December, 2018 will award players a free purchase of the Buzzard Attack Chopper, regardless of their level.
Trivia
General
- The name "Buzzard" may be a reference to Buzzard 1, a named Police Maverick helicopter from the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas mission, "Reuniting the Families".
- The name may also be a reference to the AH/MH-6 Little Bird Attack Helicopter, as a Buzzard is a type of bird.
The Ballad of Gay Tony
- The Buzzard's rockets are slightly slower than the Buzzard's top speed, meaning the player can sometimes fly into their own rocket, potentially killing them.
- Oddly, bullet belts are placed onto the minigun's cannons, instead of being placed in the main body.
Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online
- Despite the description saying it "hardly falls like a stone from the sky", ironically it is destroyed numerous times throughout the GTA V story.
- Similar to the P-996 LAZER and Savage, when controlled by NPCs, the Buzzard Attack Chopper can move its miniguns in any direction, both vertically and laterally.
- The cheat code used to spawn the Buzzard Attack Chopper is the same cheat used to spawn the Rhino tank in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, with a few button modifications.
- The player can actually change the sound of the machine guns being fired in GTA V. To do this, the player must find a cinematic camera and fire the machine guns, a specific cinematic view will make the sound higher pitched, the player must not let go of firing the guns, but release the cinematic camera, the guns now produce a higher pitched sound.
- This can also be done with the Annihilator, P-996 Lazer, Savage, Hydra and Insurgent Pick-Up.
- The front-mounted spotlight can be moved depending of where the player is looking, having a fast rotation speed. It is noticeable when switching to the cinematic camera, where the same device could keep its direction. This is absent on the Enhanced versions of the game.
See Also
- Buzzard - Unarmed counterpart appearing in Grand Theft Auto V.
- Hunter - An attack helicopter featured in the 3D Universe.
- Annihilator - An Armed law-enforcement helicopter featured in Grand Theft Auto IV and its episodes.
- Sea Sparrow - Another light attack helicopter featuerd in the 3D Universe.
- APC - Another armed attack vehicle in The Ballad of Gay Tony.
- Savage - Another attack Helicopter featured in Grand Theft Auto Online as part of the Heists Update
- Valkyrie - Another light attack helicopter featured exclusively for Grand Theft Auto Online as part of the Heists Update.
- Buzzard 1 - A police helicopter with a similar name.