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.
Ace Combat Infinity, the next console release in the series, featured the Shinden II as the aircraft of choice for the United Nations Forces' elite Ridgeback Squadron.[3]
The ASF-X made its Strangereal debut in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown as DLC, and released on October 28, 2020, alongside the CFA-44 Nosferatu and XFA-27.[4]
Design
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]
Specifications
There are four ASF-X variants, each with their own specifications. All variants feature 2× turbofan engines.
|
|
ASF-X (CTOL)[7]
|
ASF-X (STOVL)[7]
|
F-3A (CTOL)[8]
|
F-3B (STOVL)[9]
|
F-3C (STOVL)[10]
|
| Length
|
19.5 m (63.98 ft)
|
17.6 m (57.74 ft)
|
| Wingspan
|
14.0 m (45.93 ft)
|
13.04 m (42.78 ft)
|
| Wing area
|
54.2 m2 (583.40 sq ft)
|
48.23 m2 (519.14 sq ft)
|
| Height[a]
|
3.56 m (11.68 ft)
|
3.43 m (11.25 ft)
|
| Weight
|
15,300 kg
(33,700 pounds)
|
16,800 kg
(37,000 pounds)
|
13,300 kg
(29,300 pounds)
|
14,800 kg
(32,600 pounds)
|
| Range
|
800 km
(500 miles)
|
750 km
(470 miles)
|
720 km
(450 miles)
|
680 km
(420 miles)
|
Top speed
(est.)
|
Mach 1.6
(1,960 km/h; 1,218 mph; 1,058 kn)
|
Mach 1.4
(1,715 km/h; 1,066 mph; 926 kn)
|
Mach 1.8
(2,205 km/h; 1,370 mph; 1,191 kn)
|
Mach 1.6
(1,960 km/h; 1,218 mph; 1,058 kn)
|
History
Strangereal
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]
Assault Horizon universe
Ridgeback Squadron over
Tokyo before engaging the Butterfly Master
Following the September 11 attacks and the 2002 Japan unauthorized incursion incident, the Japanese military was determined to create a next-generation stealth aircraft to defend the country.[12][13] Development began in 2003 under Taiga Heavy Industries, and used the TFJ-01 GoldStar business jet as a basis for the design. The aircraft was named the "Shinden II" due to some of the developers being interested in Imperial Japanese Navy technology (specifically the Kyūshū J7W1 Shinden).[12]
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]
Infinity universe
The ASF-X Shinden II was developed sometime after the Ulysses Disaster. It was adopted as the main aircraft of the United Nations Forces' Ridgeback Squadron, who customized them to achieve greater performance.[3]
In 2019, Ridgeback Squadron utilized the aircraft during Operations Fogbound[18] and Crusher.[19] During Operation Override, Slash's ASF-X was shot down by a QFA-44 being controlled by the Butterfly Master.[20] Following the outbreak of the USEAn War, the Ridgebacks continued to use the ASF-X during Operations Point Blanc,[21] Battle Axe,[22] and Bunker Shot.[23] A number of mercenaries allied with the UNF also flew Shinden IIs.[24]
Game Analysis
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
- "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.""
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Acquire the ASF-X Shinden II Set (purchase the Original Aircraft Series or individual DLC).
Statistics
Weapons
Part Slots
- BODY: 30
- ARMS: 30
- MISC: 30
Skins
- Osea: Gray body
- Erusea: JASDF ocean blue camouflage
- Special: Experimental prototype livery
- Mage: Osea skin with Mage Squadron markings
- Spare: Osea skin with Spare Squadron markings
- Strider: Osea skin with Strider Squadron markings
- Nagase: Kei Nagase's livery
- Ridgebacks: Ridgeback Squadron's livery
Gallery
Ace Combat Infinity
- "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)."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- The ASF-X Shinden II can be purchased from the Aircraft Tree for 432,000 credits.
| Lv.
|
Cst
|
Price
|
GUN
|
MSL
|
6AAM
|
LASM
|
GPB
|
SP
|
MO
|
ST
|
AA
|
AG
|
DF
|
| 1 |
725 |
432,000 |
129 |
120 |
18 |
– |
– |
E+ |
C |
C |
C+ |
C |
E
|
| 2 |
768 |
67,500 |
141 |
122 |
22 |
– |
– |
D |
C+ |
C+ |
C+ |
C |
E+
|
| 3 |
811 |
102,600 |
154 |
124 |
26 |
– |
– |
D+ |
B |
C+ |
B |
C |
D
|
| 4 |
854 |
151,200 |
167 |
126 |
30 |
15 |
– |
D+ |
B |
B |
B |
C+ |
D+
|
| 5 |
897 |
259,200 |
180 |
128 |
34 |
16 |
– |
C |
B+ |
B |
B |
C+ |
C
|
| 6 |
940 |
675,000[b] |
193 |
132 |
38 |
18 |
– |
C+ |
B+ |
B |
B |
B |
C+
|
| 7 |
983 |
297,000 |
206 |
134 |
42 |
20 |
16 |
C+ |
A |
B+ |
B+ |
B |
B
|
| 8 |
1026 |
513,000 |
219 |
136 |
46 |
22 |
18 |
B |
A+ |
B+ |
B+ |
B+ |
B+
|
| 9 |
1069 |
756,000 |
232 |
138 |
50 |
24 |
20 |
B |
A+ |
B+ |
B+ |
B+ |
A
|
| 10 |
1112 |
1,080,000 |
246 |
142 |
54 |
26 |
22 |
B+ |
S |
A |
A |
B+ |
A+
|
| 11 |
1159 |
2,160,000 |
259 |
146 |
56 |
27 |
23 |
B+ |
S |
A+ |
A |
A |
S
|
| 12 |
1206 |
2,322,000 |
272 |
150 |
58 |
28 |
24 |
A |
S+ |
A+ |
A |
A |
S+
|
| 13 |
1253 |
3,375,000 |
285 |
154 |
60 |
29 |
25 |
A+ |
S+ |
A+ |
A+ |
A |
S+
|
| 14 |
1300 |
4,725,000 |
298 |
158 |
62 |
30 |
26 |
S |
S+ |
S |
A+ |
A |
S+
|
| 15 |
1347 |
5,481,000 |
312 |
162 |
66 |
32 |
28 |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
A+ |
A+ |
S+
|
| 16 |
1411 |
8,019,000 |
325 |
164 |
68 |
33 |
29 |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
A+ |
A+ |
S+
|
| 17 |
1470 |
9,180,000 |
338 |
166 |
70 |
34 |
30 |
S+ |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
A+ |
S++
|
| 18 |
1529 |
10,314,000 |
351 |
168 |
72 |
35 |
31 |
S+ |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
S |
S++
|
| 19 |
1588 |
13,176,000 |
364 |
170 |
74 |
36 |
32 |
S+ |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
S |
S++
|
| 20 |
1647 |
16,605,000 |
378 |
172 |
78 |
38 |
34 |
S+ |
S+ |
S+ |
S+ |
S |
S++
|
- Part Slots
- At Lv.1, this aircraft carried 32 BODY, 32 ARMS, and 32 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: Sea Lightning
- Lv.10: Ridgebacks
- Lv.15: Icarus
- Lv.20: Super Felix
Skin Galleries
Description
- Gray body
Gallery
Description
- Ocean blue top, gray nose & light gray bottom with JASDF roundels on forward fuselage and wings
Availability
Gallery
Description
- JASDF ocean blue camouflage
Availability
Gallery
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
Description
- 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.
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
Gallery
F-3A Shinden blueprint, designed by GA Graphic staff
The ASF-X with the 19th Task Force "ACES" Paint Scheme.
Another view of the 19th Task Force "ACES" Paint
Mr. Kono inspecting a Scale model of the ASF-X Shinden II.
An official 1/72 Scale Model of the ASF-X.
Hasegawa Creator Works 1/72 Model Kit Box Art
Hasegawa Creator Works 1/72 Model Kit Box Art "Kei Nagase Color"
Trivia
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.
- The Shinden II appears as a guest character in the PlayStation Vita game Taiko no Tatsujin: V Version.[25][26] The game also features "Comona" from the Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies Original Soundtrack.[26]
- ↑ The height specification is with the landing gear down in the landing configuration, not in flight.
- ↑ Players could use one Nonstandard Upgrade Request Form instead of credits for the Lv.6 upgrade.
References
- ↑ Far Eastern Front. Ace Combat Infinity.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, pages 22–23.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 ASF-X -Ridgebacks-, Ace Combat Infinity.
- ↑ https://youtu.be/E2_0EbAQtwI
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 42.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 53.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 6.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 11.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 14.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 18.
- ↑ File:GAZE - ACES at WARS 2020.jpeg
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 24.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 26.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 69.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 71.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 91.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File, page 89.
- ↑ Mission 03: "Rescue", Ace Combat Infinity
- ↑ Mission 04: "Stonehenge", Ace Combat Infinity
- ↑ Mission 05: "Far Eastern Front", Ace Combat Infinity
- ↑ Mission 06: "Avalon", Ace Combat Infinity
- ↑ Mission 07: "Area B7R", Ace Combat Infinity
- ↑ Mission 08: "Operation Bunker Shot", Ace Combat Infinity
- ↑ Ace Combat Infinity
- ↑ GUMI And Freedom Wars Mascot Appear As Guests In Taiko: Drum Master V Version. Siliconera. Published May 8, 2015. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Taiko Drum Master: V Version adds Uta no Prince-Sama and Ace Combat songs. Gematsu. Published May 7, 2015. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
Trailer
Hangar
Featuring the livery of Kei Nagase
Flyby
Flyby
Flyby
Flyby
Flyby
Flyby
Hangar view of Skin 01
Hangar view of Skin 02
Hangar view of Skin 03
Hangar view of Skin 04
Hangar view of Skin 05
Hangar view of Skin 06
Hangar view of Skin 07
Hangar view of Skin 08
Cockpit
Instruments
1.png)
2.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
