ADF-01 FALKEN



 ADF-01A and ADF-01F Falken 

The ADF-01A and ADF-01F Falken are multirole superplanes designed by Grunder Industries (now General Resource Ltd.) This version of the Falken is a completely updated version of the one used by the ZOE Squadron(an ADF-01) during the Usean Rebellion. The model, although unchanged in airframe design,under went major modifications in avionics and weaponry.

Description
The Advanced Defence Fighter, type 01 "Falken," is arguably one of the most powerful aircraft in the Ace Combat series. In addition to its staggering missile count, it possesses a Tactical Laser System (TLS) which is nearly impossible to dodge as there is no delay time between firing and impact. The Falken has 14 laser pods that activate and power the TLS, which fires for several seconds until the pod is drained. The laser serves as a one-hit-kill for any target unlucky enough to get caught in its beam. The TLS is housed underneath the cockpit, which raises every time the weapon is armed.

One notable difference between the TLS in Ace Combat 5 and Ace Combat Zero is that in the former game, the ADF-01F Falken has a red laser. Meanwhile, the laser is instead blue in Ace Combat Zero where you fly the ADF-01A Falken. This is due to the materials used to emit the beam, although the duration and damage dealt by the laser remains the same in both titles. Also, in Ace Combat Zero, the Falken is capable of carrying Fuel-Air bombs (FAEB) and Advanced Long Range Missiles (XLAA) weapons in addition to the laser cannon. However, Gründer Industries later determined for the Falken's "F" variant, that the TLS was far more capable of both AA and AG missions than the FAEB or the XLAA. Thus, the aircraft was downsized, and the wing's pylons were removed, leaving only the launch bays to carry only sidewinder missiles. None the less, the Falken's TLS is still arguably more useful than either of it's other special weapons ever were, especially in the hands of a skilled pilot. It is also belived that a lightweight Carrier version was developed by Grunder Industries, This being called the ADF-01 FALKEN M.

It's most prominent feature other than forward-swept wings is what seems to be an armoured, glassless cockpit. This is actually a 360° celestial-spherical screen cockpit layout, giving the pilot an immense advantage in combat. Instead of a traditional glass canopy, the plane utilizes a prototype of the revolutionary Connection for Flight Interface (COFFIN) system, which is similar in effect to a one-way mirror or an extremely tinted window. The pilot can still see out, but no one can see in. This is achieved via a series of real-time hexagonal monitors and external cameras that transmit the visual data to the pilot. This also allows for the HUD and targets to also be displayed at all angles, where as a normal aircraft can only show targets and data on it's front HUD display. If a target were to leave that HUD on a normal plane, the pilot would only be able to see it's green targeting square. On the Falken however, the monitors and a powerful computer eliminate that problem.

Trivia

 * On ACE COMBAT 5, if you use the FALKEN'S TLS before the mission FIRST FLIGHT or DESERT LIGHTNING ends, the landing sequence will show a yellow & wider TLS protruding from the FALKEN's TLS bay. This easter egg of the "Yellow TLS" is subjected to speculations on larger topics.


 * In ACE COMBAT ZERO and ACE COMBAT 5 you can also see a "ZOE" described on a FALKEN'S laser control panel's

Unlock methods

 * ACE COMBAT ZERO: Obtain all 3 Supreme ace medals or have ACE COMBAT 5 on your memory card
 * ACE COMBAT 5: Destroy 5 FALKEN Hangars (on POWDER KEG, FOUR HORSEMEN, DESERT ARROW, DESERT THUNDER & ACES)
 * ACE COMBAT X: Complete OPERATION X (finish all missions to unlock this stage)

Armament
Gun: 1x 25-mm multi-barreled cannon Missle: AIM-9M Sidewinder FAEB: BLU-73B (ACZ & ACX) TLS: Tactical Laser Pod (AC5, ACZ & ACX) XLAA: BVRAAM (ACZ & ACX)

Statistics
Speed: 83 Mobility: 99 Stability: 82 Defense: 67 Air-to-Air: 99 Air-to-Ground: 94

Specifications
Wingspan: 15.92m Length: 24.0mbr Height: 6.60m Weight: 23,300kg Max Speed: Mach 2.2 Engine: WWX-GD-425x2 Manufactured by: Grunder Industries

Related Development
ADF-01 Falken ZOE ADFX-01/02 Morgan