The R-211 Orcinus is an advanced ground attack aircraft created by Neucom Incorporated. It is primarily an attacker, although it is capable of air-to-air combat as well.
The aircraft is named after the scientific name of the killer whale, Orcinus orca. This is reflected in its body, which is painted in a black and white livery reminiscent of a killer whale's colors.
Description
The second ground attack aircraft of the R-series, the R-211 was first conceived as an evolution and upgrade to the R-201 Asterozoa.
The R-211's design is unusual, being divided into the nose and main body. The nose and cockpit section (which looks somewhat similar to a Su-27 in its shape and position) extend out of the body towards the front, raised above the pointed bottom section. The body itself is a blended-wing lifting body, with the small elliptical-tipped delta wings blending into the main form. Atop these wings are mounted the R-211's engines (significantly more powerful than the R-201's), and atop the engine pods are mounted the vertical stabilizers, which are uniquely angled forwards. The rear section in between the wings extends into a boom, which presumably houses a rearward-facing radar (this section also resembles the Su-27).
Other improvements over the R-201 include stronger armor, better radar and avionics, and a much more diverse weapons selection, including laser weaponry. Overall, the R-211 has excellent flight and combat performance, and even though it is officially designated - and mostly used as - an attacker, it is just as capable as an air defense fighter due to its design and weaponry.
History
Although the craft made sporadic appearances in the Intercorporate War, its most major contribution was, should Nemo remain with the group, when UPEO commander Gilbert Park ordered S.A.R.F. to utilize the R-211 to assault General Resource housing and high-rise areas, under the guise of attacking armories. As a result of using the Neucom craft for the operation, mixed in with radar jamming as a result of the UI-4053 Sphyrna, General Resource blamed Neucom for the attack, provoking a massive, violent conflict.
Game Analysis
Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere
"An aircraft designed to close in and destroy ground targets at high speed. The R-201 Asterozoa was the main ground attack aircraft in use, but its low top speed left something to be desired. This craft was developed as a supersonic attack aircraft, and as a result it has a top speed comparable to other classes of aircraft. It has excellent defense and stability, but its turning ability is mediocre."
Japanese version: Available after joining Neucom and completing "Power for Life". It also must be used in "Pawns in the Game", but cannot be used at any other time in the UPEO route.
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