Before an assembly of police brass that includes his boss Captain Braddock, LA chopper pilot Frank Chaney demonstrates the Blue Thunder, an advanced attack helicopter with powerful surveillance equipment and a 20-mm. Gatling cannon capable of shredding anything. The demonstration goes well despite some hot-dogging by Chaney to the displeasure of Braddock. Braddock, Chaney, and his new co-pilot Clinton Wonderlove (nicknamed JAFO for Just Another Foolish Observer) are teamed with a ground support unit of officers Richard Butowski and Lyman Kelsi as the city is attacked by an old enemy of Chaney, who goes by the name PVC and flies a former Army attack plane that can destroy Blue Thunder.