The ASF-X Shinden II (震電Ⅱ, "Magnificent Lightning II") is a next-generation multirole stealth aircraft. In the Assault Horizon universe, the aircraft was a prototype for several active service variants—collectively known as the F-3 Shinden II—and was developed to protect Japanese airspace.[2]
The ASF-X Shinden II was created by Shōji Kawamori, the creator of the Macross series, as downloadable content for Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. The aircraft was an attempt by Project Aces to blend the futuristic style of Kawamori's prior work (most notably seen in his Variable Fighter designs) with modern flight technology.
The ASF-X is an advanced variable-geometry stealth aircraft that incorporates forward-swept wings and canards. The aircraft's control surfaces—namely its winglets and vertical stabilizers—are controlled by an internal computer and change positions according to the aircraft's speed. The three most common positions are a low-speed configuration with the winglets canted down and the stabilizers canted at a downward angle to provide lift, a cruise configuration where the winglets are uncanted and the stabilizers are canted outward, and a high-speed configuration in which the winglets are once again canted down, while the stabilizers are canted inward. This degree of variable geometry automatically provides the optimal wing configuration for any situation, providing the Shinden II with high maneuverability and stability.
The Shinden II also boasts V/STOL capabilities, though is more specifically a CATOVL (Catapult-Assisted Take-Off, Vertical Landing) aircraft. The Shinden II is powered by two vertically stacked engines and has a large dorsal air intake for use in the VTOL system, along with two smaller conventional intakes for the lower engine. It boasts a catapult launch bar, but its landing gear was designed to be unsuitable for carrier landings in order to save on weight, necessitating a vertical landing to return to aircraft carriers[5] in all but the most extreme situations.[6]
With four large weapon bays and up to six external hardpoints, the Shinden II is capable of carrying heavy armaments, including anti-ship missiles, rockets, bombs, and air-to-air missiles. However, if the aircraft carries too much unused ordnance upon returning from a mission, it may be unable to conduct a vertical landing safely, necessitating a conventional landing.[6]
F-3FSD, the prototype of Shinden's production variant, designed by GA Graphic
The IUN-PKF is known to have a number of ASF-X Shinden IIs in their fleet. On June 30, 2020, at least five IUN-PKF Shinden IIs were showcased at a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the end of the Belkan War hosted by the Osean Federation in Redmill.[11]
The Shinden II remained in development and testing until September 2018, when the Haneda Incident forced the Japanese government to equip four test units (known as ASF-X units) with live weaponry. They successfully thwarted a second NRF terrorist attack, and the Shinden II entered full service shortly afterward.[14][15]
A number of Shinden II models were also developed for the United Kingdom.[16] In British service, the aircrafts were named the Sea Magnificent Lightning FA.1,[10] while in Japan they were known as the F-3C-RN.[17] These units were later used in the West Africa civil war.[17]
"A cutting-edge support fighter built to handle a variety of situations. Its unique configuration allows for stable flight at a wide range of speeds. Its internal computer is programmed to operate flaps and ailerons individually to achieve the optimal wing configuration for its current velocity so that maneuverability is not lost even at low speeds. Its two small but powerful thrusters built vertically into the fuselage are capable of high acceleration, and its paddle-type 2D thrust vectoring nozzles and variable forward-swept wings allow it to maintain maneuverability and stability even at high speeds. Along with relatively good stealth capabilities, the aircraft boasts four weapons bays that can be fitted with long-range anti-ship missiles and wide-area bombs, giving it an exceptional advantage against ground targets. It also performs well at air-to-air combat and breaking through enemy air defense networks, making it a "multi-role fighter" in the truest sense. Its nickname is "Shinden II.""
"This fictional state-of-the-art support fighter has a variable airframe that provides stable flight performance at any speed, making it ideal for a variety of missions such as attacking hostile fleets in territorial waters, engaging enemies attempting to land, and providing support during mountain defense operations. Boasting a variable, forward swept wing configuration, its outstanding maneuverability provides excellent close-range combat abilities. It has a unique two-tiered engine, allowing it to be a VTOL aircraft as well. It is known widely as "Shinden II" (Magnificent Lightning II)."
This fictional state-of-the-art support fighter has a variable airframe that provides stable flight performance at any speed level making it ideal for a variety of missions such as attacking hostile fleets in territorial waters, engaging enemies attempting to land, and providing support during mountain defense operations. Boasting a variable, forward swept wing configuration, its outstanding maneuverability provides excellent close range combat abilities. It has a unique two-tiered engine allowing it to be a VTOL aircraft as well. It is known widely as "Shinden II" (Magnificent Lightning II).
How to Unlock
The ASF-X Shinden II must be purchased and downloaded for the game through PlayStation Network or Xbox LIVE. It comes for free (like most other DLC) on the Steam version.
The ASF-X Shinden II as a guest character in Taiko no Tatsujin: V Version
The designation "ASF-X" stands for "Advanced Support Fighter: Experimental".
In Assault Horizon and Infinity, the ASF-X (along with the AV-8B Harrier II) is capable of holding the nose level through a stall, likely as an attempt to emulate VTOL capabilities. In Ace Combat 7, the ASF-X instead has a drastically reduced stall speed.
Variable geometry wings are wings that pivot on an axis to sweep backwards or forwards and then return to their original position during flight. They are often used to change the shape of the plane, with the outwards position allowing for better low-speed handling and the swept position allowing higher speeds.
Variable geometry wings are wings that pivot on an axis to sweep backwards or forwards and then return to their original position during flight. They are often used to change the shape of the plane, with the outwards position allowing for better low-speed handling and the swept position allowing higher speeds.
Thrust vectoring is the ability to change the direction of thrust emitted from an engine. Aircraft with thrust vector control can perform enhanced maneuvers not available to aircraft without it.
1.png)
2.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
