How to Control the Hydra in GTA SA

"Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" is a free roaming sandbox action game originally released for the PS2 in 2004, but was later made available on the Xbox and for the PC. The game takes place in and around three major cities, each modeled after San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas respectably. Players take control of the anti-hero Carl C.J. Johnson, the leader of a street gang called the Grove Street Families. During the course of the game Carl is able to take control of a wide variety of vehicles including automobiles, boats, planes, helicopters and the harrier jet-inspired Hydra.

Instructions

1. Enter the Hydra by approaching the cockpit from the side and use the enter vehicle key. On the computer the default key is "f", while the Xbox uses the "Y" button and the PlayStation 2 uses the "triangle" button.

2. Liftoff in hover mode by using the accelerate control to climb, and decelerate to descend. As long as the Hydra's jets are facing downward, the aircraft will control exactly like a helicopter. To raise the landing gear, press the "2" button on the PC, or click the right analog stick on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

3. Transfer to jet mode by aiming the Hydra's flight jets directly backward. The flight jets are controlled by the right analog stick on the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox, while the PC default is the number pad "8" and "2" keys respectably. When the jets are shifted all the way backward, the Hydra will control like a standard airplane.

4. Lock on to a target by holding down the "spacebar" while on the PC, "R1" on the PlayStation 2 and "RT" on the Xbox. The targeting reticule will turn red when you have a target locked. Press the "Left Control" on the PC or the alternative fire button on the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox. Defensive chafe can be released with the primary fire button or "Left Alt" on the PC. This will help evade incoming missiles from SAM sites and other aircraft.

5. Land by slowing down with decelerate and use the jet controls to point the Hydra's jets back downward toward the ground. Once returned to hover mode, extend the landing gear and decelerate slowly until you settle back on the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• After you have completed the mission "Vertical Bird," the Hydra can always be found parked in a hanger at the Verdant Meadows Airstrip.

References

• "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Official Strategy Guide": Tim Bogenn, et al