Important takeaways
- Crew 2 offers a range of top player favorite planes suitable for Air Races (AR) and Aerobatics (AB) events.
- Each plane has unique characteristics – the Harmon Rocket for speed, the Spitfire for precision and the Pilatus PC-21 for maneuverability.
- Players can find the best plane for their preferred flying style, offering a mix of speed, control and agility for different events.
Crew 2 is an open-world racing game that goes beyond racing on roads and water, reaching to the skies with exciting aircraft events. It covers the entire United States as its map, allowing players to explore and drive around beautiful locations. When it comes to aircraft events, there are two main types – Air Races (AR) and Aerobatics (AB).
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Air Races challenges players to demonstrate their control of the aircraft with speed and precision through tight checkpoints. On the other hand, Aerobatics allows the players to perform tricks and stunts in the air, which requires more control than just focusing on speed. These events highlight different aspects of flying and require different skills for the aircraft used. Here is a list of the top player-favorite planes best suited for each flight type. Whether you prioritize maneuverability or emphasize speed, there's something for everyone.
8 Harmon Rocket HR III 2018
Easy-to-handle high-speed plane
- Air Race (AR) Type Price – $249,900 or 35,700 Crew Credits (CC)
- Aerobatics (AB) Type Price – $319,900 or 45,700 CC
The Harmon Rocket HR III is a beautiful aircraft with a streamlined design that boasts top speed and good handling. It is one of the perfect planes for Air Race events that require fast climbs and sharp turns. Players can also maintain speed during crucial moments, and it has impressive acceleration, even without NOS.
Although the AB version of the plane has a lower speed, it can be challenging to handle when performing stunts. The Harmon Rocket's strength lies in its speed and its ability to navigate a set course. Many players have also set top records on this plane due to its maneuverability. Some have even said that most Air Race events will be much easier with the Harmon Rocket than other planes.
7 Supermarine Spitfire MK IX 1942
Excellent handling for precise stunts and aerobatics
- AR Price – $338,100 or 48,300 CC
- AB Price – Available with season ticket
With a bomber-like design, the Supermarine Spitfire MK IX is an excellent aircraft with balanced speed and maneuverability. As a result, it is a versatile option for Air Races and Aerobatics events. Acceleration is solid and the exceptional handling makes it easy to tackle tight corners. Therefore, it is a good choice for players who love flexibility.
The Spitfire's responsive controls for precise stunts make it an excellent choice for Aerobatics events. It may not match the smoothness of the other planes due to its design, but it does the job excellently. Many players also use it to set records in Air Race events as it easily outpaces certain races. Some players also consider it to be one of the fastest planes besides the Harmon Rocket and the Pilatus PC-21.
6 Pilatus PC-21 2002
Built for air racing with its balanced maneuverability
- AR price – 498,400 bucks or 71,200 CC
- AB Price – 352,100 bucks or 50,300 CC
Known for its modern design, the Pilatus PC-21 is often favored by players for its high performance in Air Race events. The sleek jet-like design plays a role in its superb aerodynamics, providing a great blend of speed and control. It is built on precision flight, excelling at fast climbs and fast, controlled descents.
Gamers love the plane's ability to maintain speed through tight turns, and set records on technical courses. Those trying it for Aerobatics events may feel that the plane's agility is limited compared to other agile planes. Due to its construction for speed, it takes a little more effort to do some tricks and stunts.
5 XtremeAir XA42
Lightweight plane with good handling
- AR Price – $350,000 or 35,700 CC
- AB Price – No AB Type
The XtremeAir XA42 is a beautiful compact plane built only for Air Race events without a separate Aerobatics variant. Expertly tuned for racing efficiency, it has the high-speed capability to dominate the leaderboards. The design emphasizes acceleration and speed, making it best for both straight stretches and sharp curves.
Although there is no Aerobatics variant, players can still try to do the basic tricks and stunts in free roam. It can perform rolls, loops and other complex aerial maneuvers with precision, giving players an edge in tricky Air Race events. The lightweight design and incredible handling make it a top choice for gamers.
4 Slick 360HP 2017
Can quickly turn while maintaining top speed
- AR price – 191,800 bucks or 27,400 CC
- AB Price – 1 Buckle or 1 CC
The Slick 360HP is another popular aircraft Crew 2 for Aerobatics events. Players can get the plane early when they start the Freestyle events for only 1 dollar or 1 CC. It has a sleek design (as the name suggests), designed with control and high responsiveness in mind.
This lightweight aircraft with a sleek frame allows players to perform rolls, spins and tight turns with finesse. However, the Air Race variant is not far behind as it can maintain speed well and allow players to turn quickly on a tricky course. Players also praise it for its exceptional handling in both events.
3 Zivko Edge 540 V3 2016
Balanced aircraft excellent in both AR and AB
- AR Price – $240,100 or 34,300 CC
- AB Price – Free
The Zivko Edge 540 V3 is one of the most balanced aircraft, excelling in Air Race and Aerobatics events. Players can get the Aerobatics variant for free when visiting the store from the Freestyle HQ. However, you must purchase the AR variant from Pro Racing HQ. The plane's design is more focused on providing exceptional control while maintaining top speed.
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The plane's agility allows players to perform complex tricks and stunts with ease. Its versatility is its greatest strength, but it may not excel by much compared to other specialized planes. Still, it's a well-rounded performance aircraft, making it an excellent choice for players who like a mix of both events.
2 WACO YMF-5D Super 2018
Vintage aircraft design with high speed and maneuverability
- AR price – 356,300 bucks or 50,900 CC
- AB price – $321,300 or 45,900 CC (also a reward for reaching the 200 icon)
The WACO YMF-5D Super stands out in Crew 2 for its vintage biplane design, making it a unique choice for any event. Despite the vintage look, it has the same top speeds as the other planes on the list, with finer handling and precise control. Its approach to stunt flying is very graceful, and players can expect to pull off difficult stunts with its distinctive flying style.
When it comes to Air Race events, the WACO YMF-5D can easily match the speed and acceleration of modern racing planes. Players can also get the special AB variant as a reward for reaching Super Icon Level 200. Consequently, players can get the AR variant by completing the War Hero story from the missions. The mission has the players drive around and discover different locations, which the story mentions. It has twelve locations, and it will take about half an hour to an hour to go through all the locations.
Powerhouse plans are most often found on the top charts
- AR Price – $522,200 or 74,600 CC (also available through Season Pass)
- AB Price – No AB Type
The Extra 330 SC is a fantastic aircraft specially built for speed and Air Race events. Like the XtremeAir XA42, it does not have a separate Aerobatics variant. The plane has a fairly light design with strong acceleration and high speed. Moreover, it is a favorite among gamers as it consistently tops the charts.
The plane is well known for its advanced control and high-intensity maneuvers. As a result, it is the perfect choice for complex Air Race courses, giving it an edge over the other planes. Therefore, it is a good choice for players who want to compete on the leaderboards with minimal effort.
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