The "On Parade" mission in GTA Online's San Andreas Mercenaries DLC serves as a thrilling showcase for the advanced F-160 Raiju stealth jet. Players are tasked with testing the aircraft's capabilities through flight maneuvers, target practice, and intense aerial combat against hostile forces. Successfully clearing this operation unlocks the lucrative trade price for the Raiju, making it an essential mission for aviation enthusiasts.
Starting the Mission and Initial Flight Test
To begin the operation, head to Fort Zancudo and board the experimental F-160 Raiju jet parked in the hangar. Once airborne, activate the stealth mode system to bypass local air defenses while heading toward Raton Canyon. You will then navigate toward Sandy Shores Airfield to begin the flight maneuver evaluation phase.
During the flight test, follow the on-screen prompts to perform specified stunts like knife flights and inverted flying. The jet's sensitive handling requires smooth joystick inputs to avoid clipping terrain or losing control. Completing these requirements quickly transitions the mission into the target practice phase.
Clearing the Augmented Reality Targets
After the flight test, the onboard computer activates an augmented reality training program in the sky. Virtual targets will appear around the area, requiring you to destroy them using the aircraft's cannons and missile systems. Precise alignment and effective speed management are key to destroying all targets within the designated timeframe.
Using the Raiju's unique VTOL capability allows you to hover in place if you struggle to align fast passes against stationary virtual targets. However, maintaining forward momentum keeps your flight path predictable and efficient. Once the final target is cleared, Charlie will confirm the completion of the training protocol.
Defeating Merryweather Ground and Air Forces
The mission takes a serious turn as hostile Merryweather agents invade the airspace with attack helicopters and fighter jets. Switch out of stealth mode immediately to engage enemy Buzzard attack choppers using homing missiles. Keep moving constantly to prevent ground units or heavy weaponry from locking onto your position.
When enemy P-996 LAZER jets arrive, stay behind them in dogfights and lock on with homing missiles. Engaging VTOL mode during active dogfights against nimble jets can make you an easy target for incoming fire. Maintain high speeds, use sharp turns, and double back to secure clean lock-ons from behind.
Taking Down the Merryweather Avengers
The climax of the mission involves destroying heavily armored Merryweather Avengers that spawn in the area. These tilt-rotor aircraft possess high health pools and devastating defensive turrets. Position your jet above or behind the Avengers, then switch to VTOL mode to hover and circle them while firing cannons or homing rockets.
If you take severe damage, stay low to the ground or utilize mountain ridges to break enemy lines of sight. Continuously chip away at the Avenger engines until all target icons vanish from your radar. Once the airspace is clear, return the F-160 Raiju safely to the Fort Zancudo hangar to conclude the mission.
