F-16XF Gyrfalcon

The F-16XF Gyrfalcon is an advanced variation of the F-16 series of aircraft developed by General Resource. It was fielded as their primary frontline fighter around the year 2040.

Description

The F-16XF Gyrfalcon is a majorly upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcon, created by General Resource sometime prior to 2040. It is modified in a similar manner to other 4th-generation fighter aircraft like the F-15 and F/A-18 in order to stay relevant in combat in the COFFIN era.

It sports redesigned wings with bigger flaps that generate more lift, similarly redesigned stabilators, downward-canted canards on the front end of the air intake like the F-16 AFTI demonstrator, and a new, much more powerful engine. Like all other planes of the time, it has an opaque cockpit augmented by COFFIN. Its airframe is also reengineered to be stronger in order to increase its dogfighting capability, in particular being able to perform tight turns and sharp climbs even while carrying large amounts of weapons.^[1]

Its specifications are as follows:^[1]

Length: 15.08 m (49.5 ft)
Width: 9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Height: 5.36 m (17.6 ft)
Weight: 11,372 kg (25,071 lb)
Top speed:
- Japanese version: 2,856 km/h (Mach 2.3; 1,775 mph; 1,542 kn)
- International version: 3,927 km/h (Mach 3.2; 2,440 mph; 2,120 kn)
Armor: Light

History

The F-16XF was used during the early stages of the Intercorporate War, primarily by the General Resource Defense Force. GRDF ace pilot Keith Bryan flew one such airframe.^[2]^[3] An export variant for the Universal Peace Enforcement Organization was also developed, known as the F-16XFU. Nemo would also be able to use the UPEO variant of the plane. However, later in the war, both variants would be retired for superior aircraft.^[4]

Game Analysis

Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere

"An F-16 upgraded for better dogfighting capability, with a focus on turning ability. Overall stability is lower, but it can sustain tighter turns even with heavy ordinance. In addition to its turning ability, it has excellent climb abilities. It has moveable canards below the air intake which aid in high maneuverability. However, its overall capabilities are a little lacking."

― Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere - Namco Official Guide Book

How to Unlock

Japanese version:
- UPEO: Available from "Enter Dision" till "Bug Hunt".
- General Resource: Only available though the "deadcopy" save file found in Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere - Direct Audio/AppenDisc.
International version: Complete "Megafloat".

Statistics^[1]