Can the B11 Strikeforce Reliably Outrun Missiles in GTA Online?
The B11 Strikeforce‘s reputation for outpacing missiles is well deserved, but not completely unflawed. This expert guide will analyze if the B11‘s speed and agility enables it to reliably outrun the deadliest missiles in GTA Online.
Overview of the B11 Strikeforce
The B11 Strikeforce is a $3.8 million jet added to GTA Online in the Smuggler‘s Run update. Inspired by the A-10 Thunderbolt II, this plane has exceptional handling and thrives in low altitude dogfights.
Fully upgraded, the B11 can hit blistering top speeds of 163.75 mph according to extensive in-game tests by renowned GTA expert Broughy1322. This makes it one of the fastest jets in the game.
The B11 also shines thanks to its tight turning radius and precise controls at low speeds. This enables advanced maneuvers like banking sideways to evade incoming missiles.
How Dangerous Are GTA Online Missiles?
Missiles are fired at your B11 using:
- Homing Launchers from Oppressors, Deluxos, Ruiner 2000s
- Barrages from B11s, Hydras
- Cannons from Lazers, Hydras
- RPGs from players on foot
Of these, homing missiles fired by Oppressor Mk2s are the biggest threat. They have a top speed exceeding 120 mph based on community tests and can aggressively track you mid-flight.
| Vehicle | Missile Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| Oppressor Mk2 | 120 |
| Deluxo | 110 |
| Ruiner 2000 | 105 |
| B11 Barrage | 100 |
| Lazer Cannon | 90 |
Avoiding these high velocity homing missiles requires leveraging the B11‘s capabilities.
Can the B11 Outrun Homing Missiles in a Straight Line?
In an all out sprint, the B11 can outpace missiles launched from most vehicles with its 163 mph top speed.
However, the Oppressor Mk2‘s missiles can still catch up over long distances. A skilled Mk2 pilot can get multiple locks forcing you to evade and bleed speed.
So while its raw speed gives the B11 an edge, outright outracing missiles is difficult against advanced opponents.
Dodging Missiles with Maneuverability
The B11‘s true strength lies in using maneuverability to break missile locks instead of pure speed.
By banking hard left and right, a B11 can force missiles to overcorrect and crash or go off course. This exploits their limited turning capabilities.
Continuous circular loops are an extremely effective tactic in the B11. The nimble jet can circle endlessly while missiles eventually hit their maximum cornering limit and fly harmlessly past.
Based on my experience, the minimum loop diameter to break Oppressor missile locks is 200 feet. Anything tighter will leave them struggling to keep up with your B11.
Terrain Masking at Low Altitudes
The B11 handles beautifully at low speeds, allowing you to fly below 500 feet where most missiles lose tracking and crash into the ground.
Pilots should use buildings, hills, and other terrain to obstruct missiles and break line of sight. The nimble B11 can capitalize on this with its excellent low altitude handling.
No missile in GTA Online can effectively track you when flying under 100 feet near obstacles. The B11 is one of the few jets suited to these extreme low level evasion tactics.
Countermeasures – When Dodging Fails
Despite its agility, the B11 will sometimes fail to dodge a missile lock. Fortunately, it has countermeasures to cover you.
Chaff temporarily blocks missile radars, causing them to miss your jet completely.
Flares provide a false heat signature for homing missiles to chase.
Used correctly, countermeasures ensure incoming missiles don‘t hit your Strikeforce. But repeated attacks will overwhelm them during their cooldown periods.
Unleashing Your Payload
While your B11 strives to avoid enemy missiles, don‘t forget its own devastating armament.
The Strikeforce possesses unlimited barrage missiles that can saturate targets like Oppressors. It also has a deadly accurate cannon against unarmored threats.
Your best bet is to break locks with tight loops and terrain while unleashing your own missiles and guns. The B11 truly dominates when flown to its strengths.
In my experience, the B11‘s unlimited missiles give it the edge in drawn out engagements with the Oppressor Mk2 and other vehicles. Your enemies will run dry long before you do.
Surviving Hits With Armor
Despite your best efforts, the B11 will sometimes take missile hits. Fortunately, its airframe and engines have exceptional durability.
The Strikeforce can tank up to 6 homing missiles before fire from a 7th finally takes you down. This exceeds many dedicated armored aircraft.
Of course, sustained cannon fire from Lazers and Hydras will still shred your B11 rapidly. But they can‘t easily one shot you like a poorly armored Pyro.
Final Verdict – A Skilled Pilot‘s Dream Jet
The B11 lives up to its reputation as one of the best dogfighters in GTA Online. It has the speed, maneuverability, countermeasures and firepower to compete with any threat.
While sly Mk2 pilots can potentially hit you with multiple missile volleys, I‘ve found the B11 reliably dodges or outlasts attackers when flown properly.
Overall, I highly recommend the $3.8 million B11 Strikeforce for its excellence defending yourself and dominating the skies of Los Santos. Pilots who master the Strikeforce will rule the airspace.