Buckingham Alpha-Z1

The Buckingham Alpha-Z1 is a high-performance, fixed-wing light aircraft featured in the Grand Theft Auto series.

Manufactured by Buckingham, the Alpha-Z1 is classified as an Aircraft and is renowned for its speed and agility.

The aircraft was introduced as part of the Smuggler's Run update.

Overview / Description

The Buckingham Alpha-Z1 is a premium, lightweight racing aircraft designed for speed enthusiasts and aerial competitors.

Its compact frame and powerful engine make it one of the fastest planes available to players.

While not designed for heavy combat or utility tasks, the Alpha-Z1 plays a useful role in stunt flying, time trials, and races.

Design and Appearance

The Alpha-Z1 features a streamlined, low-wing monoplane design with a bubble canopy, short wingspan, and fixed landing gear, closely mirroring the aesthetics of real-world air racers like the Reberry 3M1C1R¹ and the Zivko Edge 540².

The aircraft's exterior is characterized by its aerodynamic nose, minimalistic fuselage, and vibrant paint schemes, which can be further customized in-game.

The cockpit is compact, seating the pilot, with a simple yet functional dashboard layout.

The Alpha-Z1's design emphasizes lightweight construction and agility, making it visually distinct from larger or military-grade aircraft in the game.

Performance

The Alpha-Z1 is renowned for its exceptional top speed and rapid acceleration. It is one of the fastest fixed-wing planes in the GTA series. However, its lightweight build results in lower durability compared to larger aircraft. It is still an armored airplane and wth a full armor, it requires three homing missiles to be destroyed.

The Alpha-Z1 can reach the top speed of 201.50 mph (324.28 km/h) when it is fully upgraded.

Modifications / Customization

Customization options for the Alpha-Z1 are primarily available at the Hangar Workshop in GTA Online. Players can upgrade the engine, handling, and add performance-enhancing modifications. Cosmetic customization includes a wide range of liveries, respray options, and smoke trails for stunt flying.

While the core structure remains unchanged, these modifications allow players to personalize their Alpha-Z1 for both style and improved race performance.

Acquisition / Locations

The Alpha-Z1 is available for purchase from the Elitás Travel website.

Strategy and Usage

The Alpha-Z1 excels in air races, time trials, and stunt flying due to its superb speed and agility. It is less suited for combat or cargo missions, as it lacks armaments and has limited durability. Pilots should master its sensitive controls, especially during takeoff and landing.

Its rapid acceleration and tight turning radius make it a top choice for competitive events and for traversing the map quickly. However, its lightweight build demands careful handling to avoid crashes, particularly at low altitudes or in turbulent conditions.

Grand Theft Auto Online

In GTA Online, the Alpha-Z1 is available through Elitás Travel for $2,121,350 or for a discounted price of $1,595,000 (after completing 9 Air Freight Cargo source missions). You can only buy the Alpha-Z1 if you already own a Hangar.

The aircraft is sometimes featured in weekly sales events, like this one.

Players can also sell the Alpha-Z1 for 60% of the original purchase price which comes down to $1,272,810. If the player has upgraded the Alpha-Z1, the selling price will also account for 50% of the value of all the upgrades combined.

Trivia

• The Alpha-Z1 was given to GTA+ subscribers for free as part of the December 2022 member-exclusive freebies.
• The Alpha-Z1 is stored exclusively in hangars and cannot be kept in standard garages.

Gallery

Artworks / Concept Art