The GTA Bombushka is Based on the Soviet Antonov An-12 Cargo Plane (with Design Cues from the WWII B-24 Liberator)
As an iconic 4-engine heavy transport aircraft, the AN-12‘s DNA is unmistakable in the Bombushka design – from its cavernous fuselage tocounter-rotating propellers. But Rockstar added some key embellishments, like weapons systems inspired by WWII bombers.
The Antonov An-12 – Jack of All Trades Transport Workhorse
The AN-12 first took flight in 1957 and quickly gained fame in the Soviet Union as a versatile military and civilian carrier, the equivalent of America‘s C-130. It shattered multiple payload records.
With 6 turbine engines each producing over 5,000 horsepower, a max weight capacity of over 38 tons, and a 2,300 mile range, this behemoth could ferry troops, vehicles, forklifts, sensitive electronics – you name it.
It played a pivotal, Swiss Army Knife-esque role across Soviet airforce, scientific research, and commercial transport divisions.
Based on my experience flying the Bombushka, signature AN-12 features that translate clearly include:
- The wide double cargo door in the tail
- Overlapping stabilizers midway down the tail fin
- Four tubes hanging off each wing for countermeasures
It‘s almost as if Rockstar copy-pasted the AN-12 blueprint, crossed it with a B-17 bomber turret system, slapped some patriotic Russian livery on it and called it the Bombushka!
B-24 Liberator DNA – Armed to the Teeth
Further inspiration seems to come from the legendary B-24 Liberator, an allied heavy bomber instrumental in winning WW2 thanks to its defensive turret configuration, payload capacity, and range.
Examining the Bombushka interior, the upper and lower gun stations precisely mirror the B-24 design, which featured 8 x 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) machine guns. No doubt those WWII Air Force budgets could afford superior air artillery vs. the peasant 7.72 mm turrets in my Bombushka!
You can practically picture WWII aircrews crowded into this thing as it limps home, peppered with flak cannon holes but mission accomplished.
The Bombushka takes these weapon stations several steps further, integrating homing missiles and countermeasures like chaff, smoke, and flare salvos.
I‘ll take 21st century Russian military technology over 1940‘s furnishings any day!
Bombushka Top Speed, Armor and Key Specs
Now that we‘ve established this proud Soviet-American hybrid lineage, you likely want to know what the Bombushka has under the hood. Let‘s crunch some numbers:
Weight – 66,000 lbs unloaded – a true heavy!
Top Speed – 174 mph
Armored – Can withstand 3 homing missiles
Countermeasures – Chaff, Flare and Smoke x 60 capacity
Turrets – 7.62 mm guns, upgradeable to 20 mm explosive cannons
Bomb Bay – Fits most GTA vehicles like the Oppressor
Between armor plating and countermeasures, you can really thwart enemies as a 4+ crew unleashes 360 degrees of gunfire and pyrotechnics.
But solo pilots beware – the Bombushka becomes a lumbering whale. Make one wrong turn exposing the cavernous tail doors to a Hydra…sayonara!
How The Bombushka Compares to Other GTA Aircraft
While no acrobatic showpony, the Bombushka dominates in size, intimidation factor and potential firepower. Let‘s see how it stacks up numbers-wise against other frequent GTA inhabitants.
| Aircraft | Top Speed | Ceiling | Armored? | Weapons | Cargo Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bombushka | 174mph | 15k ft | Yes | 7 turrets | Vehicles, many crates |
| Titan | 193mph | 19k ft | No | N/A | 1 vehicle |
| Volatol | 130mph | 20k ft | No | Lock-on Jammer | Small |
| Tula | 135mph | 14k ft | Yes | Homing Missiles & Bombs | Amphibious – cars, crates |
Clearly the Bombushka dominates cargo and armour, but loses on agility.
Tips From 2000+ Hours Piloting The Bombushka
After boosting trade empire profits with countless Bombushka sale missions, I‘ve compiled some pro tips:
Upgrades – Prioritize armor, then turret cannons.
Landing – Descend very early, use whole runway. She‘s a floater!
Takeoff – Full throttle and pull back slowly once airspeed >120mph.
Formations – Lead high-altitude bomber squadrons with friends!
Face Enemies – Angle top/belly turrets at adversaries since no tail cover.
Bomb Runs – Release sticky bombs through the tail door on smugglers.
With experience, you‘ll shave precious seconds off your launch and landing reflexes.
The Bombushka remains a divisive plane – some mock its sluggishness, while loyal crews relish riding the winds in their Soviet-era relic, rainning firepower upon foes. Count me as an enthusiast!
What‘s your take on this misunderstood beast of the skies? Share your thoughts and stories below!
