What is the Hydra Jet in Real Life?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The Hydra jet in Grand Theft Auto V is primarily based on the British Aerospace Harrier II, a fighter jet known for its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities.

Harrier II Overview

According to BAE Systems, the Harrier II entered service with the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy in the 1990s as an upgraded variant of the original Harrier. Key features include:

  • Powered by a Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine with vectored thrust for VTOL abilities
  • Top speed of 662 mph
  • Range of 2,346 miles
  • Ceiling of 50,000 feet
  • Armed with missiles, rockets, bombs and a 25mm cannon

The Harrier II remains in service today with the United States Marine Corps, which flies the AV-8B Harrier II. The Marines plan to continue using the Harrier until it is replaced by the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet in the future.

GTA V Hydra Details

In terms of design and abilities, the Hydra clearly takes inspiration from the real-world Harrier. Key similarities include:

  • Angled intakes above the fuselage
  • Outward-canted vertical stabilizers
  • Ability to take off and land vertically
  • Air-to-ground weaponry options

There are also some differences from the Harrier – the Hydra features twin vertical stabilizers like an F-16, along with other fictional elements suited to the GTA world.

VTOL Jets Today and Tomorrow

Besides the Harrier and F-35B, other VTOL jet programs today include:

  • Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey: A multirole, tiltrotor military aircraft
  • Sukhoi Su-57: A Russian stealth fighter with experimental VTOL technology

In the future, additional innovations in hybrid propulsion, lightweight materials and avionics may yield new VTOL transport, fighter and attack aircraft. These jets promise unmatched versatility in confined areas or on ships without large flight decks.

So while not an exact replica, the Hydra demonstrates the impressive capabilities already achieved by real VTOL jets like the Harrier – and where the technology could head next.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts