Scrap transport helicopter in Rust
General

Scrap Transport Helicopter Guide

Move cargo safely across the map. Learn capacity, cost, fuel efficiency, and safe flying routes.

Finn
03-16
8 min read

The Scrap Transport Helicopter is a cargo aircraft designed for moving resources between bases and monuments. It is slow, unarmed, and defenseless but offers massive cargo capacity. One player can operate it solo, making it perfect for supply runs, monument farming, and safe resource transport.

Purchasing the Scrap Transport Helicopter

Scrap transport helicopters cost 1,250 scrap and are purchased from NPC vendors at Harbor monuments. The helicopter spawns at your docking station ready to fly. You need the full 1,250 scrap in your inventory at time of purchase. Plan your scrap income accordingly.

SpecificationValue
Purchase Cost1,250 Scrap
Crew Size1 pilot (solo operable)
Fuel Tank Capacity500 Low Grade Fuel
Fuel Consumption Rate0.5 fuel per second (30 per minute) while flying
Idle ConsumptionMinimal while hovering
Health1,000 HP
Cargo SlotsLarge inventory space
Max SpeedVariable based on load

Fuel and Flight Duration

Helicopters consume Low Grade Fuel when moving. A full tank (500 fuel) provides roughly 16 minutes of continuous flight. Plan long routes carefully to ensure you reach destination and return home. Never fly with less than 30 fuel remaining.

Always maintain a safety margin for unexpected detours or landing emergencies. Stock at least 200 Low Grade Fuel at your base for frequent runs. Running out of fuel mid-air means crash damage and potential loss of cargo.

Idle consumption is minimal. You can hover indefinitely if fuel allows. Use this for load/unload operations at landing zones.

Cargo Capacity and Weight Management

The transport helicopter has massive cargo space but weight affects performance. Plan what you can realistically carry on each trip. Heavy items like stone and ore take significant space. Light, high-value items like scrap and components are ideal cargo. Load smart and prioritize value per weight.

Plan routes based on weight distribution. Always leave room for emergency landing if engine problems occur. Exceeding weight limits reduces max speed significantly.

Flying Controls and Handling

The transport helicopter handles differently than the attack heli. It is slower, more stable, and forgiving for new pilots. Use WASD for movement, Space to ascend, Control to descend. The helicopter is stable in hover mode, useful for loading/unloading. Practice landing at your base before attempting long routes.

Smooth flying preserves fuel. Avoid sudden maneuvers that waste energy. Land on flat surfaces for safety. Quick landing mode uses Ctrl while descending.

Safe Flying Routes and Strategy

Avoid populated areas and known PvP zones. Fly high (150-200m altitude) to spot threats early. Use terrain as cover when possible. Never follow the same route twice in a row. Vary timing to avoid predictability. Learn where radio towers are to avoid flying into tall structures.

Fly during low-activity hours. Server events create opportunities. Fly with teammates in cover to intercept threats. Use the helicopter for quick escapes if raided. Never fly during active base raids on your team.

Strategy: Plan route before launching. Load cargo while idling. Minimize hover time during loading. Fly direct routes without scouting detours. Return home immediately. Keep the helicopter fueled and ready for emergencies.

Monument Farming with Helicopter

The transport helicopter excels at moving monument loot safely. Best monuments for helicopter farming: Harbor (direct flight, short distance, big loot), Airfield (huge loot but dangerous), and Lighthouse (coastal access). Land away from the monument, scout first, then run loot to helicopter. Load up and fly home.

For high-threat monuments, have team cover positions while you loot. The helicopter makes solo monument farming much safer by providing escape and cargo transport.

Decay and Maintenance

Helicopters decay like other vehicles over time. Hourly decay is approximately 15 HP per hour. Repair with Metal Fragments at repair benches. Keep Metal Fragments in stock for maintenance. Use your helicopter regularly to slow decay. Store in protected locations when offline to prevent theft.

Do not let helicopters sit unused for weeks or they will fully decay and sink. Regular use maintains investment.

Multi-Player Considerations

Transport helicopters are solo-only but groups can coordinate around them. Designate one pilot for consistency and skill development. Have backup pilots trained in case main pilot logs off. Coordinate with ground team during hostile situations. Use radio comms to warn pilots of threats. Station defenders at landing zones during raids. Keep helicopter at home base for emergency airlift.

The transport helicopter is your group's lifeline. Protect it fiercely. Do not risk it on dangerous raids. Use it for supply runs and safe evacuation. A skilled pilot and good fuel supply make the difference between survival and wipe.

Pro Tips

Always land with cargo doors open to speed loading. Throttle down before landing to reduce brake distance. Fly at consistent altitudes to predict arrival times. Keep your landing pad clear of obstacles. Stock fuel containers at your base for quick refueling. Practice landing in different terrain types.

Mark safe routes on your map. Create waypoints to home base. Never hover longer than 10 seconds during danger. Trust your instincts about danger zones. If something feels unsafe, fly away. A safe helicopter is better than a lost one with cargo.

Related Guides

For vehicle mechanics see the Vehicles guide. For base design see the Building guides. For monument farming see the Monument guides.

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