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"I can't believe how fast that pirate and the Butterfly Master move! ...I thought my craft was higher-spec."
Nagase[1]

The ASF-X Shinden II (震電Ⅱ, "Magnificent Lightning") is a next-generation combat aircraft. In the Assault Horizon universe, the aircraft was a prototype for the active service variants, collectively known as the F-3 Shinden II, developed to protect Japan airspace.[2]

The ASF-X Shinden II was created by Shōji Kawamori, known as the creator of the Macross series, as exclusive downloadable content for Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. The aircraft was an attempt by Project Aces to bring together the futuristic style of Kawamori's work (most notably seen in his Variable Fighter designs) with modern flight technology.

Ace Combat Infinity, the next console release in the Ace Combat series following Assault Horizon, featured the ASF-X Shinden II as the aircraft of choice of the Ridgeback Squadron, an elite squadron under the United Nations Forces.[3] The aircraft's development history in the Infinity universe is still unknown.

The ASF-X Shinden II 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[]

Specifications[]

There are four ASF-X variants, each with their own specifications. All variants feature 2× turbofan engines.

ASF-X (CTOL)[5] ASF-X (STOVL)[5] F-3A (CTOL)[6] F-3B (STOVL)[7] F-3C (STOVL)[8]
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[]

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.[9]

Assault Horizon universe[]

F-3FSD Flyby AH Masterfile

F-3FSD, the prototype of Shinden, designed by GA Graphic

Following the September 11 attacks and the 2002 Japan unauthorized incursion incident, the Japanese military was determined to create a new aircraft to defend the country.[10][11] Development began in 2003. 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).[10]

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.[12][13]

A number of Shinden II models were developed for the United Kingdom.[14] In British service, the aircrafts were named the F-3C Sea Magnificent Lightning FA.1,[8] while in Japan they were known as the F-3C-RN.[15] These units were later used in the West Africa civil war.[15]

Infinity universe[]

Ridgeback Breaking

Ridgeback Squadron over Tokyo before engaging the Butterfly Master

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[16] and Crusher.[17] During Operation Override, Slash's ASF-X was shot down by a QFA-44 being controlled by the Butterfly Master.[18] Following the outbreak of the USEAn War, the Ridgebacks continued to use the ASF-X during Operations Point Blanc,[19] Battle Axe,[20] and Bunker Shot.[21] A number of mercenaries allied with the UNF also flew Shinden IIs.[22]

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

ASF-X AC7 Statistics

Weapons

Part Slots

BODY: 30
ARMS: 30
MISC: 30

Skins

  1. Osea: Gray body
  2. Erusea: JASDF ocean blue camouflage
  3. Special: Experimental prototype livery
  4. Mage: Osea skin with Mage Squadron markings
  5. Spare: Osea skin with Spare Squadron markings
  6. Strider: Osea skin with Strider Squadron markings
  7. Nagase: Kei Nagase's livery
  8. 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

ASF-X Event Skin 01 icon

Description

Ocean blue top, gray nose & light gray bottom with JASDF roundels on forward fuselage and wings

Availability

Gallery

ASF-X Event Skin 02 Icon

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

Dl 002 fig01

Weapons

Colors

Gallery

Trivia[]

Taiko V ASF-X Shinden II

The ASF-X Shinden II as a guest character in Taiko no Tatsujin: V Version

  • The ASF-X designation stands for "Advanced Support Fighter Experimental".
  • 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 simulate VTOL capabilities to a limited extent.
  • The ASF-X Shinden II appears as a guest character in the PlayStation Vita game Taiko no Tatsujin: V Version.[23][24] The game also features "Comona" from the Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies Original Soundtrack.[24]
  • The ASF-X Shinden II's namesake is based on the Kyushu J7W Shinden, a WWII-era experimental aircraft developed by Imperial Japan as a bomber-interceptor, as previously mentioned in the History section.

Footnotes[]

  1. The height specification is with the landing gear down in the landing configuration, not in flight.
  2. Players could use one Nonstandard Upgrade Request Form instead of credits for the Lv.6 upgrade.

References[]

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