Dominate the skies in the attack helicopter. Learn controls, weapons, fuel consumption, and tactics to crush grounded targets and other aircraft.
The attack helicopter is a player-controlled aircraft with dual miniguns and rocket pods. It is one of the most powerful vehicles in Rust, capable of leveling buildings and destroying other vehicles. The steep price and fuel cost make it a late-game investment for organized groups.
You cannot solo an attack helicopter effectively. Bring at least one gunner. The pilot handles flight while the gunner operates weapons. See the Scrap Transport Helicopter guide for a cheaper aerial alternative.
Attack helicopters are sold by the Air Wolf Vendor at Bandit Camp. You must have the required scrap ready in your inventory. The helicopter spawns at a designated landing pad once purchased.
Bandit Camp is a safe zone, so you can buy without risk of PvP. Some servers limit helicopter spawning on certain wipes. Check your server settings before buying. Gathering 2,250 scrap requires significant monument running and recycling.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | 2,250 Scrap |
| Fuel tank capacity | 500 Low Grade Fuel |
| Fuel consumption | 0.5 fuel per second (30 per minute) while flying |
| Max altitude | 300 meters |
| Max speed | 30 m/s |
| Health | 2000 HP |
| Seating | Pilot (1) + Gunner (1) |
| Primary weapon | Dual 7.62mm miniguns |
| Secondary weapon | Rocket pods (8 rockets) |
| Max hover time | 100 seconds on full tank |
The pilot maneuvers the helicopter in 3D space and positions for gunner effectiveness.
| Action | Key/Control |
|---|---|
| Forward/Backward | WASD or mouse forward/back |
| Strafe left/right | A/D or mouse left/right |
| Ascend | Space |
| Descend | Control |
| Roll left/right | Q/E |
| Pitch nose down/up | S/W (while holding forward) |
| Hover (stabilize) | Let go of all movement keys |
The gunner operates weapons and controls targeting.
| Action | Key/Control |
|---|---|
| Look around | Mouse movement |
| Fire miniguns | Left click or fire button |
| Fire rockets | Right click or alt fire |
| Switch weapon | R key |
| Reload | Automatic after rockets empty |
The primary weapon fires 7.62mm rounds at high rate of fire. Excellent for sustained damage and suppressive fire.
The secondary weapon fires unguided rockets with explosive damage. High damage but requires accurate aim.
Attack helicopters burn fuel fast. Plan your route and know your fuel limits before launching.
Bring 2000 Low Grade Fuel minimum for an hour of aerial ops. Stock extra at your base. Plan bombing runs efficiently to minimize flight time. Return to base with fuel to spare for landing.
Use rockets to breach external walls, then miniguns to destroy everything inside. Hover at 150 to 200 meters altitude to avoid ground fire while maintaining accuracy. The gunner should focus on high-value targets first. Destroy TC (Tool Cupboard) to prevent repair mid-raid.
Against another helicopter, maintain distance and altitude advantage. Use miniguns for constant pressure, rockets for finishing blows. Skilled pilots are deadly. If out-maneuvered, break contact and regroup. Attack helicopters always win against scrap helicopters.
Infantry with rocket launchers are dangerous. Use miniguns to suppress, circle wide to avoid incoming fire. Do not hover in one spot. Fast evasive maneuvers are critical against SAM sites and rockets. Maintain altitude when under fire.
Multiple helicopters dominate. Spread out positioning to give defenders no safe cover. Concentrate fire on high-value targets. Create crossfire between helicopters for overwhelming firepower. Coordinate with ground support for maximum efficiency.
Helicopters are vulnerable but counterable with proper group defense. See the Outpost guide for turret placement and SAM site tactics.
Organized defense beats lone helicopters. Station defenders in scattered positions. One player cannot defend against coordinated air assault. Always have SAM sites ready during raids.
The helicopter is only effective with synchronized pilot and gunner work.
Practice against passive targets first. Run drills with your regular crew. Experienced crews stay in the air twice as long through efficient flying. Communication prevents collisions and maximizes fire accuracy.
Never use the attack helicopter solo. Always have a gunner. Fuel is expensive, plan bombing runs to minimize wasted flight time. Fly low to buildings for rocket accuracy, high for defensive maneuvers. Do not hover in one spot longer than 5 seconds during combat.
Keep the helicopter at your safe base when not in use. Store fuel and ammo nearby. Rotate crew frequently to prevent burnout. Coordinate with your group's supply runs. Make sure someone can pilot if the main pilot is offline. The helicopter shifts power balance massively, so build accordingly defensively.