Hydra: Difference between revisions

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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* Once the player attains a 4 star [[Wanted Level in GTA III Era|wanted level]] or higher and is in the air, two Hydras will pursue the player and try to shoot down the player. The enemy Hydras should be no match, as they have a penchant for flying in lazy circles and not deploying flares.
* Once the player attains a 4 star [[Wanted Level in GTA III Era|wanted level]] or higher and is in the air, two Hydras will pursue the player and try to shoot down the player. The enemy Hydras should be no match, as they have a penchant for flying in lazy circles and not deploying flares.
* Hydra would return in GTA IV. More [[Rockstar]] did put the Hydra for reasons unknown.
* Hydra would return in GTA IV. More [[Rockstar]] did put the Hydra for reasons unknown.  
   
   
[[Image:DMAHydra.jpg|thumb|The lettering on the rear fuselage.]]
[[Image:DMAHydra.jpg|thumb|The lettering on the rear fuselage.]]
* Part of the text on the side of the aircraft features the letters "DMA", this is likely a reference to the fact that [[Rockstar North]] was formerly known as DMA. DMA is also a play on United States Marine Corps squadrons that use the AV-8B Harrier II ([[wp:List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons#Fixed-Wing Aircraft|VMA]]).
* Part of the text on the side of the aircraft features the letters "DMA", this is likely a reference to the fact that [[Rockstar North]] was formerly known as DMA. DMA is also a play on United States Marine Corps squadrons that use the AV-8B Harrier II ([[wp:List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons#Fixed-Wing Aircraft|VMA]]).

Revision as of 16:02, 29 December 2009

File:Hydra.jpg
The Hydra Fighter Plane on the runway.

The Hydra VTOL jet fighter airplane in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Description

Design

The Hydra is evidently a jet-powered military aircraft, bearing (slightly modified) roundels of the United States Air Force on its wings. The Hydra is suggestively based on the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing/BAe) AV-8B Harrier II, although the air intake is on the underside of the aircraft and resembles that of a Lockheed F-16.

Features and performance

The Hydra is the most sophisticated aircraft in the GTA series, boasting a variety of equipment. One of its more prominent abilities is its VTOL capabilities, which allows it to hover or descend or ascent vertically, alike a helicopter, and travel horizontally alike an airplane; ahese abilities are achieved by directing thrust from four jet outtakes downwards or backward using specific directional controls (by pushing the right analog stick forward/back, or, on a PC, by holding down 8 on the number pad, or Del). Due to its excellent engine and maneuverability, the Hydra is the fastest aircraft in GTA San Andreas and one of the easiest to fly.

The Hydra comes with various armaments, including lock-on or manual-aimed missiles, and flares as countermeasures for oncoming missiles fired by enemies, which redirects these lock-on missile away from the player. In addition, the Hydra with an auto repair system which can repair the fuselage of the craft after minor impact (but not the wings and fins).

The Hydra is rated by many players as their favorite aircraft, for its speed, agility, and weapons which make it an excellent choice for any purpose requiring an airplane. Its chief disadvantage comes not from the vehicle itself, but the game engine - high-speed flight can allow the plane to hit objects, such as trees, well before they've become visible.

Trivia

  • Once the player attains a 4 star wanted level or higher and is in the air, two Hydras will pursue the player and try to shoot down the player. The enemy Hydras should be no match, as they have a penchant for flying in lazy circles and not deploying flares.
  • Hydra would return in GTA IV. More Rockstar did put the Hydra for reasons unknown.
File:DMAHydra.jpg
The lettering on the rear fuselage.
  • Part of the text on the side of the aircraft features the letters "DMA", this is likely a reference to the fact that Rockstar North was formerly known as DMA. DMA is also a play on United States Marine Corps squadrons that use the AV-8B Harrier II (VMA).

Locations

The Hydra can be attained by a cheat code or at Easter Basin Naval Station, in a hangar at Verdant Meadows Aircraft Graveyard after the mission Vertical Bird, at Sweet's house after 100% completion, and at Area 69 after Black Project.