Is the B-11 Strikeforce Good in GTA Online? An In-Depth Review - 33rd Square (2024)

The B-11 Strikeforce is one of the most formidable military jets added to GTA Online as part of the Smuggler‘s Run update in 2017. With its imposing and agile airframe modeled on the real-world A-10 Thunderbolt II, plus a hefty price tag of $3.8 million, the B-11 sets high expectations for its performance.

After flying the B-11 extensively myself and analyzing feedback from the best pilots in GTA communities, I can conclusively say the B-11 Strikeforce is an excellent jet that‘s absolutely worth purchasing. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll dig into the specifics on why the B-11 can dominate the skies of Los Santos when flown properly.

An Impressive Array of Offensive Capabilities

The B-11 comes packed with an impressive suite of integrated weaponry:

• Homing Missiles – A staple air-to-air and air-to-ground armament. The base capacity of 30 can be doubled to 60 or tripled to 120.

• Barrage Rockets – Fires multiple unguided munitions in quick succession, deadly against aircraft and tanks.

• Bombs – Diverse payload options including cluster, incendiary, and gas bombs for annihilating ground targets.

• Machine Guns – Quick-firing guns effective against enemy pilots and for strafing runs.

This built-in firepower is competitive with anything found on the Hydra, Lazer, or Pyro jets. Augmented by countermeasures and upgrades, the B-11 is a force to be reckoned with in the right hands.

Speed and Handling Characteristics

The B-11 Strikeforce can hit speeds up to 119.25 mph with its powerful afterburning jet engine according to Broughy1322‘s testing – one of the fastest planes in the game. It accelerates quickly and has a moderate turning radius of 366 feet per Rockstar‘s official stats.

While it doesn‘t quite match the Lazer‘s top speed of 150 mph, the B-11 makes up for it with its superior maneuverability and smaller profile. The handling feels agile and responsive, aiming where you point it with tight turns at speed. The aircraft remains stable and level during strafing and bombing runs as well.

Advanced control surfaces like flaps, rudder, pitch and yaw keep it steady in the air and the swing-wing design adapts seamlessly between high and low speeds. Overall an extremely capable airframe.

Armored Like A Flying Tank

You won‘t find a more durable jet than the B-11 Strikeforce – this bird is built to take punishment and keep flying.

The armored fuselage and wing roots can withstand a whopping 6 direct missile hits before failing, according to user testing. This is double the durability of the unarmored P-996 Lazer.

The damage resistance makes it feasible to fly directly through homing missile barrages and escape unscathed. You can focus on outmaneuvering your opponent rather than desperately flaring. It‘s not invincible by any means, but the resilience of the B-11 is a huge asset.

Ideal For Dogfighting Other Aircraft

While adept at ground attack, the B-11 truly excels at air-to-air dogfighting thanks to its capabilities:

• The tight 366 foot turning circle out-performs most jets

• It can chase down even quick aircraft like the Rogue thanks to a high 119 mph top speed

• Chaff countermeasures throw enemy missile locks off course

• 60 homing missiles and unlimited barrage rockets provide lasting firepower

• Durable armor allows aggressive play and absorbing multiple missile hits

According to PvP dogfight statistics compiled by Broughy1322, the Strikeforce solidly beats the Hydra and holds its own against the Lazer. While the Pyro has a marginal edge in agility, the B-11 remains competitive in the hands of a capable pilot.

Having extensively used the Strikeforce for dogfighting, I‘ve had great success against even the trickiest human pilots. The B-11 is my personal go-to jet for controlling the skies against all comers.

Vastly Improved With Upgrades

Upgrading the B-11 Strikeforce at a hangar workshop greatly amplifies its capabilities in both air and ground combat:

The expanded missile capacity is a game-changer, allowing you to rain homing missiles continuously without rearming. Bombs like cluster and incendiary open up new attack strategies as well.

Fully upgrading the B-11s performance will run you $1.9 million – a hefty investment but well worth it.

Ground Attack Ability

While the B-11 Strikeforce excels at air combat, it‘s no slouch when it comes to ground attack and bombing capabilities either.

The homing missiles, barrage rockets, and machine guns rip through soft targets like cars, helicopters, boats, and personnel with ease. Add clustered munitions and you can decimate grouped ground targets like enemy convoys.

It may lack the Hydra‘s explosive cannon against buildings and bunkers, but the Strikeforce has more than enough firepower to succeed in bombing missions and causing mayhem. The armored airframe allows surviving anti-aircraft fire during strafing runs as well.

Overall the B-11 is a highly capable ground attacker, even if other jets like the Lazer have a slight edge. You can comfortably rely on the Strikeforce for mixed air and ground combat.

How Does the B-11 Strikeforce Compare to Other Jets?

It‘s clear the B-11 compares very favorably to other jets in its balance of speed, durability, and firepower. No other aircraft offers its particular mix of capabilities – it combines the Lazer‘s speed, the Hydra‘s armament, and the Pyro‘s agility into one impressive package.

Expert Tips and Tricks For Piloting the B-11

As an experienced pilot with countless hours flying the Strikeforce, here are my top tips for getting the most out of this amazing aircraft:

• Stay fast and utilize the tight turning circle to outmaneuver other jets

• Use vertical loops and split-S maneuvers to evade missiles

• Activate chaff countermeasures when an enemy has missile lock

• Make unpredictable movements so missiles lose tracking

• Extend airbrakes and cut the throttle mid-turn to bleed speed quickly

• Always take-off with afterburners engaged for best acceleration

• Equip cluster bombs or incendiary munitions for massive damage to ground targets

• Make quick strafing runs then pull up – don‘t linger as an easy target

• Head-on missile volleys will overwhelm even missiles spammers before impact

Is the B-11 Strikeforce Worth $3.8 million?

The B-11 Strikeforce‘s asking price of $3.8 million does seem steep at first glance – it is one of the most expensive aircraft in GTA Online. However, you‘re paying for a highly specialized and devastatingly effective aerial combat jet – and in that role it justifies the price tag.

Some key factors on value:

• Nothing can match it for survivability thanks to the heavy armor

• Upgraded it is nearly unbeatable in a dogfight

• Ground attack ability remains very competitive

• Top speed to chase anything down in the skies

• Barrage rocket spam is brutally effective

If you love piloting advanced jets, regularly dogfight, and want to dominate your airspace, the price is 100% worth it. Even pilots focused on ground attack will benefit from its versatility.

While not quite as specialized as the Lazer or Hydra, the B-11 Strikeforce makes up for it by being uniquely well-rounded and upgraded. It‘s the hardcore pilots jet of choice for controlling the skies over Los Santos.

Verdict: The Ultimate All-Round Jet for Dogfighting and Ground Attack

After extensively reviewing every aspect of the B-11 Strikeforce, evaluating data, and comparing it to alternatives, I can confidently say it stands as one of the very best aircraft in GTA Online.

No other jet quite combines its speed, maneuverability, durability, firepower, and versatility into one package. A skilled pilot will find themselves able to comfortably take on any situation – from intense dogfights to bombing heavily defended targets on the ground.

It may lack the Lazer‘s absolute speed or the Hydra‘s explosive cannon, but makes up for it with its heavier armor, tighter turning, and balanced capabilities. Upgraded with missiles, bombs, and countermeasures it becomes an absolute beast.

If you‘re an experienced pilot ready to dominate the skies, the B-11 Strikeforce belongs in your hangar or base. This is a jet that cancompete with anything and excel in nearly every situation. The Strikeforce has earned its place among the top tier of aircraft in GTA Online.

Related