GTA Online
Buckingham Akula GTA Online
GTA Online Wiki Team · Updated:
The Buckingham Akula is a Aircraft vehicle in GTA Online, available from Warstock Cache & Carry for $3,704,050, known for its impressive top speed and performance.
Complete unlock requirements first to save money on the trade price.
The Buckingham Akula costs $3,704,050 (or $2,785,000 with Trade Price). It achieves a top speed with a top speed of 161 mph (259.1 km/h). Good choice for both racing and freemode activities. According to community testing methodology by Broughy1322.
| Price | $3,704,050 |
|---|---|
| Trade Price | $2,785,000 |
| Top Speed | 161 mph (259.1 km/h) |
| Manufacturer | Buckingham |
| Category | Aircraft |
"A stealth attack helicopter with off-radar capability."
Editor's Verdict
Is the Buckingham Akula Worth Buying in 2026?
Editor's Take
The Buckingham Akula is a niche purchase at $2,785,000. For similar money, the Mammoth Hydra ($3,990,000) provides more practical value in most gameplay scenarios. Buy it for the collection factor or personal preference, not competitive advantage.
The Buckingham Akula offers reliable functionality at its price point in the aircraft category.
Best Uses for the Buckingham Akula
Enjoyable to drive around Los Santos in freemode.
Not Recommended
No weapons or defensive tech — vulnerable in combat.
For Grinders
The Akula serves its purpose but isn't specifically optimized for grinding. Focus on income-generating assets first if you're still building your empire—businesses and passive income sources should take priority over utility purchases until you're earning $1M+ per play session.
For Beginners
Consider this a mid-game purchase. Beginners should focus on establishing income first, but the Akula makes a good goal to work toward. The learning curve is moderate, so expect a few hours of practice before you can exploit its full potential in missions and freemode activities.
For Racers
The Akula serves a utility role outside of racing. For competitive speed, invest in dedicated vehicles instead.
For PvP Players
The Akula has limited direct PvP applications. For dedicated freemode combat, invest in weaponized vehicles or Imani Tech upgrades instead.
For Collectors
Worth owning for collection completeness, though the Akula isn't particularly rare or prestigious among dedicated collectors. Nice to have in a themed garage, but not a priority purchase unless you're specifically building a aircraft showcase collection.
Bottom line: Buy it for the collection factor or personal preference, not competitive advantage.
How Fast Is the Buckingham Akula?
- Top Speed:161 mph (259.1 km/h)
- Lap Time:Not yet confirmed (Broughy1322 testing)
Handling Tips
- Coordinate throttle and pitch together in the Akula—sudden pitch changes without matching power cause stalls at low speed or dangerous dives at altitude.
- When flying the Akula in combat, never hold a straight line for more than 2-3 seconds. Varying altitude, speed, and heading makes you exponentially harder to track with missiles.
When NOT to Buy
- Skip this if you're still building your business empire. $2,785,000 is better invested in income-generating assets.
- Don't buy for competitive racing. The Akula will lose to faster vehicles in its class.
- Wait for Trade Price if possible! You'll save $919,050 by completing the unlock requirements first.
The 161 mph figure above reflects fully upgraded standard configuration.
How It Compares
The Buckingham Akula sits at the top of the Aircraft tier; here is how it stacks up against its true rivals.
| Vehicle | Price | Top Speed | Rank | Class | HSW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckingham Akula | $3,704,050 | 161.0 mph/ 259.1 km/h | — | — | No |
| Buckingham DH-7 Iron Mule | $2,345,000 | 140.0 mph/ 225.3 km/h | — | Helicopters | No |
| Western Company Duster 300-H | $3,200,000 | 155.0 mph/ 249.4 km/h | — | Planes | No |
| Eberhard Titan 250 D | $4,870,000 | 180.0 mph/ 289.7 km/h | — | Planes | No |
| Mammoth Hydra | $3,990,000 | 209.3 mph/ 336.8 km/h | — | — | No |
Buckingham DH-7 Iron Mule
The Buckingham DH-7 Iron Mule is a heavy transport helicopter based on the Sikorsky CH-53K, added in Oscar Guzman Flies Again.
Western Company Duster 300-H
The Western Company Duster 300-H is an attack plane based on the Air Tractor AT-802, added in Oscar Guzman Flies Again.
Eberhard Titan 250 D
The Eberhard Titan 250 D is a heavily armed gunship based on the Lockheed AC-130, added in Oscar Guzman Flies Again.
Mammoth Hydra
The Hydra is a VTOL jet based on the AV-8B Harrier II, featuring vertical takeoff capability and a devastating explosive cannon. Its ability to hover and switch between flight modes makes it incredibly versatile for both combat and traversing the map quickly from any location.
How Do You Upgrade the Buckingham Akula?
The Buckingham Akula can be customized at Los Santos Customs for visual modifications including paint, wheels, and window tints. Performance upgrades such as engine, transmission, brakes, and turbo are available and significantly improve vehicle performance. Full modification typically costs $150,000-$300,000 depending on upgrade levels selected. Based on community testing, the turbo and engine upgrades provide the most noticeable performance gains per dollar spent, so prioritize those before cosmetic modifications.
Modifications Available
- Engine
- Brakes
- Transmission
- Suspension
- Armor
- Respray
- Wheels
- Liveries
Recommended Order
- 1Engine Level 4 — The single biggest performance improvement for the Akula. Prioritize this over cosmetic mods.
- 2Turbo — Sharpens the Akula's throttle response and adds noticeable acceleration, especially from low speeds.
- 3Armor + Bulletproof Tires — Protect your premium investment in the Akula. Essential for freemode survival.
Special Features
- Vertical takeoff capability (if applicable) for rooftop and confined area access.
- Countermeasures including flares and chaff to evade missiles.
Can You Get the Buckingham Akula for Free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method has been documented for the Buckingham Akula. The methods below are community observations and time-limited opportunities, not guaranteed acquisition paths.
- 1Complete the associated heist or mission to unlock the Trade Price of $2,785,000, saving you $919,050.
- 2Some aircraft can be found at airports and helipads around the map - check Fort Zancudo, LSIA, and Sandy Shores Airfield.
- 3Complete Contact Missions that provide this aircraft temporarily to test it before purchasing.
Where to Find
Purchase from: 🎖️ Warstock Cache & Carry(www.warstock-cache-and-carry.com)
- Purchase from Warstock Cache & Carry (warstock-cache-and-carry.com). Military/weaponized aircraft are not available from other dealers.
- Trade Price of $2,785,000 available after completing the associated mission.
- Some aircraft can be found at LSIA, Sandy Shores Airfield, or Fort Zancudo for temporary use (not storable without purchase).
The Buckingham Akula sells back for $2,222,430 at Los Santos Customs.
Event & Discount History
- Historically discounted during weekly event weeks — Rockstar typically rotates aircraft discounts every 4-6 weeks with savings of 30-40%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Buckingham Akula cost in GTA Online?
The Buckingham Akula costs $3,704,050 in GTA Online. A Trade Price of $2,785,000 is available after completing the relevant unlock requirements.
What is the top speed of the Buckingham Akula?
The Buckingham Akula has a tested top speed of 161 mph (259.1 km/h) based on community testing data.
Is the Buckingham Akula worth buying?
Yes. The Buckingham Akula ranks among the fastest in its class at 161 mph. It delivers strong value for its price tier.
Can I get the Buckingham Akula for free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method exists for the Buckingham Akula. It has appeared during weekly GTA Online events, Lucky Wheel spins at the Diamond Casino, and as a Prize Ride at the LS Car Meet. Check Rockstar's Newswire for current promotions.
What is the sell price of the Buckingham Akula?
The Buckingham Akula sells for $2,222,430 at Los Santos Customs, which is 60% of the original purchase price. Upgrade investments are only partially recovered when selling.