GTA Online
LF-22 Starling GTA Online
GTA Online Wiki Team · Updated:
The LF-22 Starling is a Aircraft vehicle in GTA Online, available from Warstock Cache & Carry for $3,657,500, known for its impressive top speed and performance.
Premium option with outstanding performance. Worth saving for.
The LF-22 Starling costs $3,657,500 (or $2,750,000 with Trade Price). It achieves a top speed with a top speed of 195 mph (313.8 km/h). Good choice for both racing and freemode activities. According to community testing methodology by Broughy1322.
| Price | $3,657,500 |
|---|---|
| Trade Price | $2,750,000 |
| Top Speed | 195 mph (313.8 km/h) |
| Manufacturer | LF-22 |
| Category | Aircraft |
"A rocket-powered WWII-style fighter with boost capability."
Editor's Verdict
Is the LF-22 Starling Worth Buying in 2026?
Editor's Take
The LF-22 Starling is a solid but non-essential purchase at $2,750,000. The Mammoth Hydra at $3,990,000 offers a comparable experience, so compare their stats before buying. Unlocking the Trade Price saves $907,500, which is worth the mission grind.
The LF-22 Starling offers competitive performance at its price point in the aircraft category.
Best Uses for the LF-22 Starling
Speed rating of 90/100 makes it competitive in races.
Fast enough with good handling to beat weekly Time Trials.
Enjoyable to drive around Los Santos in freemode.
Not Recommended
No weapons or defensive tech — vulnerable in combat.
For Grinders
The Starling 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 Starling 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 Starling serves a utility role outside of racing. For competitive speed, invest in dedicated vehicles instead.
For PvP Players
Good for escape and evasion. The Starling's speed lets you outrun most pursuers, though you'll need a dedicated combat vehicle for offensive PvP. In hostile lobbies, speed is your best defense—outrunning missiles and creating distance from weaponized vehicles is a viable survival strategy when you lack armored alternatives.
For Collectors
Prestigious addition to any collection. The Starling represents the pinnacle of its class and looks impressive in a high-end garage showcase. At $2,750,000, it signals wealth and taste to other players. A must-have for completionists pursuing a full vehicle class collection.
Bottom line: Unlocking the Trade Price saves $907,500, which is worth the mission grind.
How Fast Is the LF-22 Starling?
- Top Speed:195 mph (313.8 km/h)
- Lap Time:Not yet confirmed (Broughy1322 testing)
Handling Tips
- Coordinate throttle and pitch together in the Starling—sudden pitch changes without matching power cause stalls at low speed or dangerous dives at altitude.
- When flying the Starling 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. $2,750,000 is better invested in income-generating assets.
- Wait for Trade Price if possible! You'll save $907,500 by completing the unlock requirements first.
- Don't impulse buy at full price. GTA Online has frequent sales - patience can save 30-40%.
The 195 mph figure above reflects fully upgraded standard configuration.
How It Compares
The LF-22 Starling 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LF-22 Starling | $3,657,500 | 195.0 mph/ 313.8 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 LF-22 Starling?
The LF-22 Starling 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 Starling. Prioritize this over cosmetic mods.
- 2Turbo — Sharpens the Starling's throttle response and adds noticeable acceleration, especially from low speeds.
- 3Armor + Bulletproof Tires — Protect your premium investment in the Starling. 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 LF-22 Starling for Free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method has been documented for the LF-22 Starling. 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 $2,750,000, saving you $907,500.
- 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 $2,750,000 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 LF-22 Starling sells back for $2,194,500 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 LF-22 Starling cost in GTA Online?
The LF-22 Starling costs $3,657,500 in GTA Online. A Trade Price of $2,750,000 is available after completing the relevant unlock requirements.
What is the top speed of the LF-22 Starling?
The LF-22 Starling has a tested top speed of 195 mph (313.8 km/h) based on community testing data.
Is the LF-22 Starling worth buying?
Yes. The LF-22 Starling ranks among the fastest in its class at 195 mph. It delivers strong value for its price tier.
Can I get the LF-22 Starling for free?
As of 2026, no confirmed permanent free unlock method exists for the LF-22 Starling. 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 LF-22 Starling?
The LF-22 Starling sells for $2,194,500 at Los Santos Customs, which is 60% of the original purchase price. Upgrade investments are only partially recovered when selling.