The ADF-01 FALKEN (sometimes referred to as the ADF-01F[2][3]) is a powerful fighter aircraft developed by North Osea Gründer Industries and the first production model in their Advanced Dominance Fighter series of aircraft. It was chronologically the first aircraft in Strangereal history to feature a fully enclosed cockpit, and one of the first to be flown in combat by a fully autonomous artificial intelligence.
The ADF-01 FALKEN initially appeared in an unplayable role as an enemy-exclusive boss aircraft in Ace Combat 2, making it one of the first original fighter aircraft in the franchise—a distinction it shares with the XFA-27 and F-15S. It made its first playable appearance in Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War after undergoing a slight visual redesign, requiring players to destroy five special hangars to unlock it.
The ADF-01 FALKEN later appeared in Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War and various handheld games—including the remake of Ace Combat 2, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy, this time as a playable aircraft in its Ace Combat 5 design. It made its first console appearance after Zero in Ace Combat Infinity, a game which made its Ace Combat 2 appearance (under the name "ADF-01 -Z.O.E.-") playable for the first time in the series' history. The aircraft's Ace Combat 5 design later reappeared in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown as the centerpiece of the downloadable ADF-01 FALKEN Set, which was released on June 26, 2019.[4]
Etymology
The name "FALKEN" comes from the word falken, which is German for falcon. At certain angles, the FALKEN's design features similarities to a falcon.
Design
The FALKEN's front camera
The ADF-01 FALKEN represents an improvement in Gründer Industries's advanced fighter program. It acts as the spiritual successor to the ADFX-01 and ADFX-02 Morgan;[5][6] compared to those units, the FALKEN has improved mobility and stability, albeit with slightly reduced armor. It remains a very powerful aircraft, and features high speed and excellent air-to-air capabilities.[7] The aircraft's distinctive angular body provides limited stealth capabilities as well, something the two Morgan models did not feature.[5][6]
A prominent aspect of the FALKEN is its implementation of Connection For Flight Interface (COFFIN). Instead of instruments and controls, the cockpit of a FALKEN features two armrests on either side, allowing the pilot to lay down with their arms and legs extended.[8] The FALKEN's COFFIN system did not feature neurological connections such as the Electro-Neuron-Synapse-Interface (ENSI) system, since such systems were not developed until the 2020s. Instead, pilots had to control the FALKEN using eye movement and voice commands.[9]
The FALKEN, unlike most conventional aircraft, does not have a glass canopy. Instead, sixteen miniature cameras and sensors surround the cockpit on the surface of the aircraft. These devices are capable of picking up numerous electromagnetic wavelengths, from infrared to radio waves to visible light.[10][6] The data is then transferred inside the cockpit, where the pilot is surrounded by numerous displays in a hexagonal setup that allows them to see everything outside in a 360-degree angle.[8]
Another notable aspect of the FALKEN is its chemical-based Tactical Laser System (TLS), which was also improved upon since the Morgan models. The first-generation model of the FALKEN, utilized by the Usean Rebel Forces in 1998, did not feature the weapon, instead being equipped with the ability to fire its missiles and cannons backwards.[11][1] This first-generation model also featured advanced electronic countermeasure systems[1] and placed the cockpit closer to the aircraft's nose.[12] A second-generation FALKEN model was created by the time of the Circum-Pacific War. This model integrated the TLS cannon within the nose of the aircraft, which splits apart to fire the cannon and closes again to maintain stealth capabilities. Its laser features the ability to recharge even while firing.[13] Due to this, the cockpit was placed further behind the aircraft, closer to the middle of the body.[12]
The aircraft's specifications are as follows:[5][14]
- Length: 24.00 m (78.74 ft)
- Wingspan: 15.92 m (52.23 ft)
- Height: 5.64 m (18.50 ft)
- Weight: 23,300 kg (51,400 pounds)
- Engines: 2× WWX-GD-425
- Top speed: >Mach 2.2 (2,695+ km/h; 1,675+ mph; 1,455+ kn)
- Aerial refueling: Flying boom system
History
Following the loss of the sole existing ADFX-02 Morgan to enemy action in December 1995, Gründer Industries recovered the aircraft's remains. They used the aircraft's flight recorder data to determine what aspects of the Morgan required improvements.[5][15] Within two to three years, Gründer had a working prototype of the ADF-01 FALKEN, and concurrent development of the Zone of Endless AI program led to a fully-operational unmanned FALKEN equipped with jamming and the ability to fire missiles and guns backwards. This FALKEN, along with other Z.O.E.-equipped aircraft, soon made it into the hands of the Usean Rebel Forces.[1]
On September 18, 1998, the Z.O.E.-equipped FALKEN engaged in battle against Scarface Squadron over Fortress Intolerance; despite its technological superiority, Phoenix managed to best it, resulting in the aircraft's destruction.[1] It is unclear if Gründer managed to recover the aircraft's remains from the fortress, or if any other first-generation models were built by the company, but the plans were never scrapped. Instead, Gründer began working on a second version of the aircraft, wherein a tactical laser pod would be integrated inside the body. This would become the standard design of the aircraft from then on.
Sometime after the Continental War, Gründer appeared to offer the ADF-01 FALKEN's blueprints to Yuktobania, which would then develop its own FALKEN models, likely as part of the Grey Men's plans to secretly arm Yuktobania for the Circum-Pacific War. Yuktobania split the FALKEN's development among multiple facilities in the country. The main development factory was in Sonza[16] and some parts were also stored at two facilities in the Jilachi Desert[17][18] and one secret facility north of Lake Dama.[19]
Yuktobania got very close to manufacturing its first FALKEN model by early November 2010.[16] Nevertheless, due to development continuing into the Circum-Pacific War—during which Osea quickly invaded the country—Yuktobania could not complete a model by the time Osea raided all of the facilities.[16][17][18][19]
Gründer was still holding a part of the blueprints in the company's headquarters in Sudentor, and had planned to mass-produce unmanned ADF-01s to use in their final offensive against the two countries.[20] Following the Battle of Sudentor, during which the loyalist Oseans invaded the last FALKEN facility, Osea became the only country to possess all of the FALKEN blueprints.[21] At least one FALKEN was produced and featured during a 2011 airshow at November City, alongside a Morgan and an X-02 Wyvern.[22]
At some point in time, the FALKEN's TLS received an upgrade program that successfully increased its emission power and accuracy.[23] Gründer Industries later collaborated with the Erusean Air and Space Administration to create the FALKEN's successor, the ADF-11F Raven.[24]
On June 30, 2020, a single ADF-01—painted in the crimson red livery flown by Z.O.E. during its dogfight with Phoenix—was displayed at an elephant walk at Redmill Air Force Base in Osea, celebrating 25 years since the end of the Belkan War.[25]
Game Analysis
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
This article or section may require more images or images of better quality.
- "A large fighter developed by North Osea Gründer Industries. A product of international conspiracy, the aircraft and its design were largely influenced by Belkan ideologies. All weapons, including the chemical laser in its nose, are loaded inside the craft, and the cross-section is designed to reduce detection from radars, granting the aircraft excellent stealth capabilities, albeit at the cost of wingspan.[sic] Its air-combat capability arises from the combination of its canards and forward-swept wings, and together with its stealth capabilities, makes it the once-dominant Belkan Air Forces' extreme answer to modern warfare.
The aircraft has a unique look born of its cockpit, designed for wind protection,[sic] and its canopy, which is tightly fit with armor. To compensate for the pilot's inability to see the outside the[sic] craft, the ADF-01 comes with an AI system called "Z.O.E.," which provides information to the pilot via sensors all over the aircraft, far more effective than a co-pilot. The aircraft is currently operated by the TLS Unit[sic], and has been fitted with the unit's latest cutting-edge laser technology that increases both laser power and accuracy. The fighter's nickname is "Falken.""
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Acquire the ADF-01 FALKEN Set DLC pack (purchasing the Season Pass or the DLC pack individually).
Statistics
Weapons
- GUN x2400 (∞ on Easy/Normal)
- MSL x150
- Special Weapon
- FLR x2
Part Slots
- BODY: 32
- ARMS: 32
- MISC: 32
Skins
- Osea - "Sperber" Sparrowhawk dark grey coating[26][14]
- Erusea - "Candy Coating" two-tone green camouflage[26][14]
- Special - Zone of Endless red
- Mage - Osea skin with Mage Squadron markings
- Spare - Osea skin with Spare Squadron markings
- Strider - Osea skin with Strider Squadron markings
- Wardog - Special skin with Wardog Squadron decals
Gallery
A formation of ADF-01s with their
TLS weapons deployed
Ace Combat Infinity
- "A large air supremacy fighter developed by a certain country. Based on its predecessor, the "ADFX-01 Morgan" prototype fighter, it features an array of monitors arranged in a 360-degree sphere within the cockpit. This is known as the "COFFIN" system. The aircraft also features new technology, including a 2DCD thrust vectoring nozzle, vertical canards and stealth capabilities. The "TLS" (Tactical Laser System) is stored within the body of the aircraft which transforms upon using the weapon. Its abilities are beyond anything that conventional aircraft are capable of and can be considered to be the ultimate forward swept wing aircraft featuring canards. Its nickname is "Falken"."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- The ADF-01 FALKEN is unlockable through the Aircraft Tree.
| Lv.
|
Cst
|
Price
|
GUN
|
MSL
|
TLS
|
HVAA
|
4AAM
|
SP
|
MO
|
ST
|
AA
|
AG
|
DF
|
| 1 |
825 |
810,000 |
520 |
130 |
4 |
– |
– |
B+ |
B |
D+ |
A |
D |
D+
|
| 2 |
874 |
70,200 |
590 |
132 |
6 |
– |
– |
A |
B+ |
C |
A |
D+ |
C
|
| 3 |
923 |
121,500 |
660 |
134 |
8 |
– |
– |
A+ |
A |
C |
A+ |
D+ |
C+
|
| 4 |
972 |
162,000 |
730 |
136 |
9 |
15 |
– |
A+ |
A |
C |
S |
D+ |
B
|
| 5 |
1021 |
243,000 |
800 |
138 |
10 |
16 |
– |
S |
A+ |
C+ |
S |
D+ |
B+
|
| 6 |
1070 |
688,500[a] |
856 |
140 |
11 |
18 |
– |
S+ |
S |
C+ |
S |
C |
A
|
| 7 |
1119 |
459,000 |
912 |
142 |
12 |
20 |
48 |
S+ |
S+ |
C+ |
S+ |
C |
A+
|
| 8 |
1168 |
669,600 |
968 |
144 |
13 |
22 |
52 |
S+ |
S+ |
B |
S+ |
C |
S
|
| 9 |
1217 |
918,000 |
1024 |
146 |
14 |
24 |
56 |
S+ |
S+ |
B |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 10 |
1266 |
1,350,000 |
1080 |
148 |
15 |
26 |
60 |
S+ |
S+ |
B |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 11 |
1317 |
2,700,000 |
1136 |
152 |
16 |
27 |
62 |
S+ |
S+ |
B+ |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 12 |
1368 |
4,860,000 |
1192 |
156 |
17 |
28 |
64 |
S+ |
S+ |
B+ |
S+ |
C |
S+
|
| 13 |
1419 |
7,830,000 |
1248 |
160 |
18 |
29 |
66 |
S++ |
S+ |
B+ |
S+ |
C+ |
S+
|
| 14 |
1470 |
12,150,000 |
1304 |
164 |
19 |
30 |
68 |
S++ |
S+ |
A |
S+ |
C+ |
S++
|
| 15 |
1521 |
16,605,000 |
1360 |
168 |
20 |
32 |
72 |
S++ |
S++ |
A |
S+ |
C+ |
S++
|
| 16 |
1591 |
21,708,000 |
1416 |
170 |
21 |
33 |
74 |
S++ |
S++ |
A |
S++ |
C+ |
S++
|
| 17 |
1654 |
24,786,000 |
1472 |
172 |
22 |
34 |
76 |
S++ |
S++ |
A+ |
S++ |
C+ |
S++
|
| 18 |
1717 |
27,891,000 |
1528 |
174 |
23 |
35 |
78 |
S++ |
S++ |
A+ |
S++ |
B |
S++
|
| 19 |
1780 |
35,640,000 |
1584 |
176 |
24 |
36 |
80 |
S++ |
S++ |
S |
S++ |
B |
S+++
|
| 20 |
1843 |
44,955,000 |
1640 |
178 |
25 |
38 |
84 |
S++ |
S++ |
S |
S++ |
B |
S+++
|
- Part Slots
- At Lv.1, this aircraft carried 28 BODY, 28 ARMS, and 28 MISC part slots. See Tuning § Slot Expansion for further information.
- Nicknames
- Upgrading this aircraft to these levels unlocked the respective nicknames for use at any time.
- Lv.3: Eye of Argus
- Lv.10: Lightning Bird
- Lv.15: Beam of Light
- Lv.20: Deus Ex Machina
Skin Galleries
Description
- "Sperber" Sparrowhawk dark grey coating[26][14]
Gallery
Description
- Red body (Z.O.E livery)
Availability
Gallery
A showcase of the FALKEN's Event Skin #01 during the Future Prospect trailer
Event Skin #01, with the PROJECT SOUL
emblem
Event Skin #01 with The Heroes of Razgriz emblem
Event Skin #01 with the TLS equipped
Banner advertising Event Skin #01
Loading screen for Event Skin #01
Description
- "Luft-T3" digital blue camouflage[26][27]
Availability
Gallery
Hangar view of Event Skin #02
Description
- "Candy Coating" two-tone green camouflage[26][14]
Availability
Gallery
Hangar view of Event Skin #03
Flyby of Event Skin #03 with the TLS activated
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy
- "Developed as a top secret project, this aircraft is the pinnacle of state of the art technology."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Shoot down 15 aces OR complete all Campaign missions, Survival Missions and Extra Missions. Costs 288,000 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
- C: 01: Gray body
- C: 02: "Candy Coating" two-tone green camouflage[26][14]
- C: 03: Zone of Endless red body
- C: 04: Two-tone teal camouflage
- C: 05: Black body
- C: 06: Two-tone white camouflage
Named Pilots
Gallery
FALKEN-themed 3DS Home Screen
Ace Combat: Joint Assault
- "Developed as a top secret project, this aircraft is the pinnacle of state of the art technology."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- The ADF-01 FALKEN is unlocked by completing Special Mission 2: Ace of Aces. The aircraft costs $1,298,000.
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
- C01: Solid red
- C02: "Luft T-3" digital blue camouflage[26][27]
- C03: Solid black livery
- C04: "Candy Coating" two-tone green camouflage[26][14]
- C05: Bright yellow livery
- C06: White livery
Gallery
A FALKEN flying over London
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
- "A 360-degree view cockpit system gives the pilot an immense advantage in combat."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- The ADF-01 FALKEN is unlocked as soon as the player completes Operation X for the first time. Costs 148,500 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Named Pilots
Skins
- Aurelia: Solid red
- Leasath: "Luft T-3" digital blue camouflage;[26][27] unlocked by completing the campaign on Hard difficulty
- Special 1: Solid black livery; unlocked by completing the campaign on Ace difficulty
- Special 2: "Candy Coating" two-tone green camouflage;[26][14] unlocked by filling the aircraft's Kill Rate Gauge
Gallery
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
- "Cutting-edge fighter aircraft incorporating the latest technologies developed by Grunder Industries. Its 360-degree view cockpit system gives its pilot an immense advantage in combat."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- The ADF-01 FALKEN is available for purchase after completing one of the following two methods:
- Earn the Supreme Mercenary, Supreme Soldier, and Supreme Knight medals. These medals require the Ace Style gauge to be all the way to the right, directly in the middle, and all the way to the left (respectively) by the end of three different campaign playthroughs.
- If the player has an Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War save file on the memory card in slot 1, complete the campaign three times with three different Ace Styles. The Supreme medals are not required.
- The FALKEN costs 430,000 Credits.
Statistics
- Speed: 83
- Mobility: 99
- Stability: 82
- Defense: 67
- Air-to-Air: 99
- Air-to-Ground: 93
Weapons
Colors
- Standard: Solid red.
- Mercenary: "Luft-T3" digital blue camouflage;[26][27] unlocked by completing the campaign as a Mercenary
- Soldier: "Sperber" Sparrowhawk dark grey coating;[26][14] unlocked by completing the campaign as a Soldier
- Knight: "Candy Coating" two-tone green camouflage;[26][14] unlocked by completing the campaign as a Knight
- Special: Solid chrome black; unlocked by completing the campaign on ACE difficulty
Gallery
The FALKEN blurred out in the hangar
The FALKEN firing its TLS
The FALKEN's built-in TLS system
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
- "Cutting-edge fighter aircraft incorporating the latest technologies developed by Grunder Industries. Its 360-degree view cockpit system gives its pilot an immense advantage in combat."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- The ADF-01 FALKEN is unlocked by destroying the five FALKEN hangars hidden throughout the campaign missions. They do not show up on radar until the player gets close to them. They are located in:
- Mission 12A, Powder Keg - After the mission starts, the player should follow the river until it splits into two; follow the river that goes east, towards the right edge of the radar. The hangar will be located near the river, protected by one SAM launcher and one fighter.[19]
- Mission 12B, Four Horsemen - After bypassing the radar net, the hangar will be located to the northeast of the production facility, near the smokestacks. This hangar does not actually show up on radar and cannot be locked onto until some of the TGTs in the facility are destroyed. If the player sees it beforehand, they can still destroy the hangar with unguided fire.[16]
- Mission 16A, Desert Arrow - This hangar is located next to a small river that flows between the air base and the field HQ. It will be easiest to encounter after the field HQ bombing run is completed, before the ground forces reach the airfield.[17]
- Mission 16B, Desert Lightning - This hangar is located north-northwest of the oil facility, near the river the player flies over during the Mission Update.[18]
- Mission 27, ACES - This hangar is located in the eastern part of Sudentor, near a Gun tower.[21]
- If the player destroys a specific hangar for the first time, the debriefing screen will display "Acquired part of enemy prototype aircraft." Destroying a hangar will also cause AWACS Thunderhead (or AWACS Oka Nieba, during ACES) to say, "Mechanical parts discovered in destroyed enemy facility. We'll have the ground forces retrieve them later."
- The player can destroy the hangars on any difficulty and can do so in Free Mission rather than repeatedly playing the Campaign.
- After the fifth hangar is destroyed, the debriefing screen will inform the player that a new aircraft is available, and the FALKEN will be available for purchase. Each unit costs Ƶ826,000.
Statistics
- Speed: 83
- Mobility: 99
- Stability: 82
- Defense: 67
- Air-to-Air: 99
- Air-to-Ground: 93
Weapons
Colors
Gallery
Razgriz color in the hangar
The "Luft-T3" special paint scheme
The Bandai model kit of the FALKEN
The Bandai model kit of the FALKEN
A review of the FALKEN in Model Graphix
A FALKEN flying alongside a Morgan and Wyvern over
November City in 2011
An Osean FALKEN inside a hangar
Ace Combat 2
How to Unlock
- The ADF-01 FALKEN is not available to the player in Ace Combat 2.
Boss Encounter
- Nicknamed "Z.O.E. Commander", the FALKEN enemy unit can only be encountered by fulfilling the following:
- Shooting down the F-14D "Z.O.E. Captain" during Sledgehammer
- Shooting down the F/A-18E "Z.O.E. Major" during Seagull
- Shooting down the YF-22 "Z.O.E. Colonel" during Power Play
- Shooting down the F-15S "Z.O.E. General" during Kingpin
- Destroying the cruise missile ("SLBM") during Last Resort
- The FALKEN is worth 45,000 points, more than any other unit in the entire game, and requires three missile hits to destroy rather than two. The FALKEN will additionally fire backwards, so the player must remain on guard at all angles. Like with the other Z.O.E. units, destroying the FALKEN will award the player with a Z.O.E. medal.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Trivia
Wingmen in
Ace Combat 5 will have their FALKENs' vertical fins deployed in the hangar, causing them to clip into the ground.
- In March 2006, Bandai released a 1/100 scale model of the ADF-01 as part of the "EX-Model" series.[2] The same model kit was re-released in June 2019.[29]
- In Ace Combat 5, if one equips their wingmen with the FALKEN in the hangar, all three wingmen will have the vertical fin deployed during the takeoff confirmation screen, causing it to clip inside the hangar floor.
- In Ace Combat Zero, the FALKEN's take-off speed is approximately 420 km/h (260 mph), higher than the 300 km/h (190 mph) required by most aircraft, likely due to its weight.
- The FALKEN—along with the ADF-11F Raven—makes a cameo appearance in the PS4 "It's Time to Play" ad, flying over the crowd at approximately 55 seconds in.[30]
- ↑ Players could use one Nonstandard Upgrade Request Form instead of credits for the Lv.6 upgrade.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Fighter's Honor, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 EX MODEL 1/100 ADF-01F FALKEN. Bandai. March 2006. Click here for scan.
- ↑ Model Graphix magazine. Volume 259. June 2006. "Character Customization" column. Click here for scan.
- ↑ https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/ace-combat/news/ace-combat-7-skies-unknown-reveal-of-the-3-first-dlcs-of-the-season-pass
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Aces At War: A History, page 57.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Aces At War: A History 2019, page 48.
- ↑ Hangar statistics of the ADFX-01 Morgan and ADF-01 FALKEN. Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Cockpit of an ADF-01 FALKEN in any featured game.
- ↑ ACE COMBAT X Website.
- ↑ Aces At War: A History, page 66.
- ↑ Mission 30: "Fighter's Honor", Ace Combat 2.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 ADF-01 -Z.O.E.-
model and description.
- ↑ Confirmed during TLS gameplay with the ADF-01 FALKEN in any featured game.
- ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 Aces At War: A History 2019, page 49.
- ↑ Aces At War: A History 2019, page 18.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 FALKEN hangar and dialogue in Four Horsemen. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 FALKEN hangar located in Desert Arrow. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 FALKEN hangar located in Desert Lightning. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 FALKEN hangar located in Powder Keg. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Aces At War: A History, page 49.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 FALKEN hangar located in ACES. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Aces At War: A History, page 09.
- ↑ Japanese Hangar description in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
- ↑ Aces At War: A History 2019, page 120.
- ↑ ACES at WARS: The classified document about Circum-Pacific War was revealed.
- ↑ 26.00 26.01 26.02 26.03 26.04 26.05 26.06 26.07 26.08 26.09 26.10 26.11 26.12 26.13 Aces At War: A History, page 69.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 Aces At War: A History 2019, page 19.
- ↑ Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Perfect Guide, page 174.
- ↑ https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10047724
- ↑ https://youtu.be/_--zg6Ycnvs
Skin 1
Skin 2
Skin 3
Skin 4
Skin 5
Skin 6
Skin 7
Cockpit
Instruments
A formation of ADF-01s with their TLS weapons deployed
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