R-102 Delphinus #2

The R-102 Delphinus #2 is the second model of Neucom's R-series of combat aircraft. It is a highly advanced, agile fighter-attacker.

Description

The Delphinus #2 is an evolved model of the R-101 Delphinus #1, developed by Neucom to build on the success of the original version.

It uses a similar yet enlarged design, being a long plane with highly swept-back wings and a rectangular vertical stabilizer. It has no stabilators, rather relying on static, curved protrusions in the rear section. The body diverts into a large forward-pointing boom around the engine pod, and its air intakes are mounted in the wing roots at the front. It is about 4 times more durable than the R-101.

Unlike the R-101 which has two engines, the R-102 uses a single jet engine with a higher thrust-to-weight ratio as a powerplant, making it highly agile in combat. The single engine provides cleaner power patterns and is easier to maintain. ^[1]

It serves as a middle ground between the R-101 and the R-103 - it is heavier, more powerful and carries better weaponry than the R-101, but it is not as large or difficult to fly as the R-103.

Its specifications are as follows:^[1]

Length: 20.52 m (67.3 ft)
Width: 13.2 m (43 ft)
Height: 4.5 m (15 ft)
Weight: 9,057 kg (19,967 lb)
Top speed:
- Japanese version: 3,304 km/h (Mach 2.7; 2,053 mph; 1,784 kn)
- International version: 4,129 km/h (Mach 3.4; 2,566 mph; 2,229 kn)
Armor: Light

History

It was introduced in early 2040, being deployed during the Intercorporate War along with the Delphinus #1. The R-102 was the first mass-production jet in existence to use energy weapons as part of its main arsenal, having a pulse laser serving the role of a conventional machine gun (though it can also be equipped with a standard machine gun).

NEU's leader and ace pilot, Cynthia Bridgitte Fitzgerald, flew a customized R-102.

Game Analysis

Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere

"A successor to the Delphinus #1 focused heavily on turning ability. The Delphinus #1 received worldwide attention and the groans of those in the military with its advanced technology but, unwilling to stop, the Delphinus #2 was the result of further improvements. By using only a single engine, wing loading was decreased and it succeeded in gaining more mobility."

― Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere - Namco Official Guide Book

How to Unlock

Japanese version:
- Neucom: Available after getting Mission Accomplished in "Power for Life".
- Cynthia: Normally unobtainable, but can be made playable by using the "deadcopy" save file found in Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere - Direct Audio/AppenDisc.
International version: Complete "Conspiracy".

Statistics^[1]

Power: 10

Attack: 12

Defense: 8

Stability:8

Mobility: 12

Weapons

Gallery