The F-15 S/MTD (F-15S/MTD in older games) is an experimental variant of the F-15 Eagle. It was designed to study the effects of thrust vectoring and enhanced maneuverability. In real life, only one demonstrator was developed,[1] but the aircraft has made many appearances in the Ace Combat franchise; its hangar descriptions in Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War and Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War state that the aircraft "performed so well in tests that it was deployed for actual combat" in the Strangereal universe. It made its latest appearance in the Experimental Aircraft Series DLC for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
In Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies, the aircraft was erroneously named the F-15 ACTIVE, a further modification to the S/MTD demonstrator[2] that has never featured in Ace Combat (though the ACTIVE nose boom[3] was oddly present on the S/MTD in Assault Horizon and Infinity). The Ace Combat 04 model did not feature any of the ACTIVE modifications or forward-swept wings as its hangar description claims; it did feature a single-seat cockpit, but this was also fictional as the S/MTD demonstrator always featured a two-seat cockpit.
History[]
Strangereal[]
The F-15 S/MTD was used by both the Osean Air Defense Force and the Belkan Air Force during the Belkan War. The Osean Sorcerer Team exclusively used the S/MTD,[4] as did Belkan ace pilots Darius Hertzsch,[5] Sigwald Entenmann,[6] and Michael Heimeroth.[7]
In Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy's depiction of the Usean coup d'état, most members of the Beast Squadron flew F-15 S/MTDs during Operation Alphaville.[8] Zone of Endless also flew an F-15 S/MTD during the battle of Saint Ark; this particular model was equipped with the ability to generate fake targeting boxes on the head-up display.[9] The F-15 S/MTD did not directly appear in Ace Combat 2; it was instead depicted as the fictional F-15S.
During the Continental War, Federal Erusea Air Force ace pilot "Halley" flew an F-15 S/MTD during the ISAF's Operation Autumn Thunder.[10]
The Belkan Grabacr Squadron used F-15 S/MTDs throughout most of the Circum-Pacific War,[11][12] including while chasing Wardog Squadron over the Solo Islands.[13] They continued to fly S/MTDs until Razgriz Squadron shot them down over the Pobeda Peninsula,[14] at which point they switched to the S-32.[15]
The Leasath Air Force operated a limited number of F-15 S/MTDs at the end of the Aurelian War. Leasath ace pilot "Comet" flew the S/MTD, though their fate depends on the player's path through Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception.[16] Regardless of the player's actions, some Leasath pilots flew the S/MTD while attempting to fight off Gryphus Squadron and Aquila Squadron during the battle of Archelon Fortress.[17][18]
Joint Assault Universe[]
Valahia ace pilot "Kelpie" flew an F-15 S/MTD during Martinez Security's operation to take over the abandoned Nevada airfield.[19]
Infinity Universe[]
Wernher and Noah Enterprises made F-15 S/MTDs available to United Nations Forces pilots through their Advanced Automated Aviation Plants. During Operation Eternal Liberation, some USEA Federation pilots flew S/MTDs over the Alps to defend their mountain fortresses from the United Nations Forces.[20]
Game Analysis[]
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown[]
- "An experimental aircraft designed for improved maneuverability and short-distance landing while maintaining the excellent battle capabilities of the original F-15. In addition to new 2D thrust vectoring nozzles, it has adapted the F/A-18's horizontal tail wings as large canards, which give the model stability and handling that surpass that of its predecessor. This mobility and stability at low speeds give it enhanced destructive abilities against both air and ground targets alike, making it a superior choice in a variety of different battle situations. The S/MTD in its name stands for "Short Takeoff and Landing/Maneuver Technology Demonstrator.""
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock: Acquire the F-15 S/MTD Set (purchase the Experimental Aircraft Series or individual DLC).
Statistics:
Weapons
- GUN x2400 (∞ on Casual -Easy-/Easy/Normal)
- MSL x108 (∞ on Casual -Easy-)
- HPAA x22
- FAEB x20
- HVAA x28
- FLR x4
Part Slots
- BODY: 34
- ARMS: 34
- MISC: 34
Skins
- Osea: Modified 'Mod Eagle Gray'
- Erusea: Ferris camouflage
- Special: F-15 ACTIVE livery
- Mage: Osea skin with Mage Squadron markings
- Spare: Osea skin with Spare Squadron markings
- Strider: Osea skin with Strider Squadron markings
- Sorcerer: Sorcerer Team livery
- General Resource: F-15S/MT Eagle+ livery (acquire the "Cutting-edge Aircraft Series Set" DLC)
- Dision: Abyssal Dision's F-15S/MT Eagle+ livery
Gallery
Trigger's livery
Ace Combat Infinity[]
- "An experimental aircraft developed to increase maneuverability and designed for short takeoff and landing abilities. An electronic control system simultaneously operates the horizontal stabilizer, 2DCD thrust-vectoring nozzle, and canard wings, resulting in turning performance that exceeds the capabilities of conventional multirole aircraft. The oversized canard wings provide a large degree of dynamic lift allowing for increased maneuverability and stability during stall recovery, regardless of speed. S/MTD stands for "Short Takeoff and Landing/Maneuver Technology Demonstrator"."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Reach Captain rank and perform research.
Lv. | Cst | Price | GUN | MSL | SAAM | LAGM | FAEB | SP | MO | ST | AA | AG | DF |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 700 | 248,400 | 365 | 120 | 6 | – | – | B | D+ | C | C+ | D+ | E |
2 | 742 | 39,600 | 401 | 122 | 8 | – | – | B+ | C | C | C+ | D+ | E+ |
3 | 784 | 59,400 | 437 | 124 | 10 | – | – | B+ | C | C+ | C+ | C | D |
4 | 826 | 117,000 | 473 | 126 | 12 | 14 | – | A | C+ | C+ | C+ | C+ | D+ |
5 | 868 | 165,600 | 510 | 128 | 14 | 16 | – | A+ | C+ | B | B | C+ | C |
6 | 910 | 504,000[a] | 546 | 132 | 16 | 18 | – | A+ | B | B | B | C+ | C+ |
7 | 952 | 225,000 | 583 | 134 | 18 | 20 | 9 | S | B | B | B | B | B |
8 | 994 | 351,000 | 620 | 136 | 20 | 22 | 10 | S | B+ | B+ | B+ | B | B+ |
9 | 1036 | 558,000 | 657 | 138 | 21 | 23 | 11 | S+ | A | B+ | B+ | B+ | A |
10 | 1078 | 954,000 | 694 | 142 | 22 | 24 | 12 | S+ | A | B+ | B+ | B+ | S |
11 | 1125 | 1,908,000 | 730 | 146 | 23 | 25 | 13 | S+ | A+ | A | A | B+ | S+ |
12 | 1172 | 1,584,000 | 767 | 150 | 24 | 26 | 14 | S+ | A+ | A+ | A | A | S+ |
13 | 1219 | 2,844,000 | 804 | 154 | 25 | 27 | 15 | S+ | S | A+ | A | A | S+ |
14 | 1266 | 4,032,000 | 841 | 158 | 26 | 28 | 16 | S+ | S | A+ | A | A | S+ |
15 | 1313 | 4,986,000 | 878 | 162 | 28 | 30 | 18 | S+ | S+ | S | A+ | A+ | S+ |
16 | 1376 | 7,290,000 | 911 | 164 | 29 | 31 | 19 | S++ | S+ | S | A+ | A+ | S++ |
17 | 1435 | 8,316,000 | 945 | 166 | 30 | 32 | 20 | S++ | S+ | S | A+ | A+ | S++ |
18 | 1494 | 9,360,000 | 978 | 168 | 31 | 33 | 21 | S++ | S+ | S+ | S | S | S++ |
19 | 1553 | 11,970,000 | 1012 | 170 | 32 | 34 | 22 | S++ | S+ | S+ | S | S | S++ |
20 | 1612 | 15,084,000 | 1046 | 172 | 34 | 36 | 24 | S++ | S+ | S+ | S | S+ | S++ |
- Part Slots
- At Lv.1, this aircraft carried 31 BODY, 31 ARMS, and 31 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: Eight Wings
- Lv.10: S/MTD Driver
- Lv.15: Right Stuff
- Lv.20: Fleeting Bird
Skin Galleries
Description
- Ferris camouflage
Availability
- Top 3,000 participants in the "WINTER NIGHT SKY SCORPIO" Online Co-Op Missions Ranking Tournament (October 22–27, 2014)
- Purchase from the Skilled Pilot Medal exchange for
8 (November 1, 2016–permanent)
Gallery
Description
- Zone of Endless red
Availability
- Top 3,000 participants in the "Z.O.E. Project" Online Co-Op Missions Ranking Tournament January 21–25, 2016)
- Purchase from the Skilled Pilot Medal exchange for
8 (January 16, 2017–permanent)
Gallery
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy[]
- "An experimental aircraft boasting high stability and capable of extraordinary maneuverability."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
- C01: Gray body
- C02: 3-tone gray camouflage
- C03: Dark green wing, nose and stabilizers
- C04: Turqoise blue/dark magenta version of Color 2
- C05: Dark green/light blue version of Color 3
- C06: Pink/navy blue version of Color 2
Named Pilots
- Beast Squadron
- Stalker - Found in Toy Box. Spawns with Beast Squadron.
- Z.O.E. General
Gallery
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon[]
- "An experimental aircraft developed to increase maneuverability and designed for short takeoff and landing abilities. An electronic control system simultaneously operates the horizontal stabilizer, 2DCD thrust-vectoring nozzle, and canard wings, resulting in turning performance that exceeds the capabilities of conventional multirole aircraft. The oversized canard wings provide a large degree of dynamic lift allowing for increased maneuverability and stability during stall recovery, regardless of speed. S/MTD stands for "Short Takeoff and Landing/Maneuver Technology Demonstrator.""
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Download aircraft. Costs $5.99 (PlayStation Network) or 480MSP (Xbox Marketplace). Unlocked by default in Enhanced Edition.
Weapons
Colors
- Color 1: Mod Eagle gray body.
- Color 2: Ferris camouflage.
- Color 3: ACTIVE stripes.
Gallery
Ace Combat: Joint Assault[]
- "An experimental aircraft boasting high stability and capable of extraordinary maneuverability."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete multiplayer Joint Assault mission 9&10: Spotlight on the second playthrough, or complete mission 21A: Reprisal (21A) on the second playthrough. Costs $165,000.
Statistics
- Speed: High
- Air-to-Air: Medium
- Air-to-Ground: Medium-High
- Mobility: Medium-High
- Stability: Medium-High
- Defense: Medium-High
Weapons
Colors
- C01: Gray body.
- C02: 2-tone gray camouflage.
- C03: Ferris camouflage.
- C04: White body with black and yellow stripes.
- C05: White body with blue wings and stabilizer surfaces.
- C06: Sorcerer Team livery.
Named Pilots
- Kelpie - Found in Desert Gust. Spawns when nearly all ground targets are destroyed.
Gallery
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception[]

- "An experimental aircraft boasting high stability and capable of extraordinary maneuverability."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 12B: Atmos Ring. Costs 48,400 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Skins
- Aurelia: "Mod Eagle" gray body.
- Leasath: 3-tone gray camouflage.
- Special 1: Ferris camouflage.
- Special 2: White body with black surface edges and yellow stripes.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Flyby with an XC-01
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War[]
- "An experimental aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles and canard wings, developed to research air combat maneuverability. It performed so well in tests that it was deployed for actual combat."
- ― Hangar
Statistics
- Speed: 83
- Mobility: 89
- Stability: 81
- Defense: 66
- Air-to-Air: 94
- Air-to-Ground: 68
Weapons
Colors
- Standard: Blue body.
- Mercenary: ACTIVE livery.
- Soldier: Ferris camouflage.
- Knight: 8492nd livery.
- Special: Sorcerer Team livery.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War[]
- "An experimental aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles and canard wings, developed to research air combat maneuverability. It performed so well in tests that it was deployed for actual combat."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- Fill Kill Rate Gauge of the F-15C Eagle. Costs Ƶ22,700 per aircraft.
Statistics
- Speed: 83
- Mobility: 89
- Stability: 81
- Defense: 66
- Air-to-Air: 94
- Air-to-Ground: 58
Weapons
Colors
- OS: Air superiority camouflage.
- RZ: Black body with red vertical fin tips.
- BL: Gray and white camouflage.
Named Pilots
Gallery
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies[]
How to Unlock
- Complete campaign mission 16: Whiskey Corridor. Costs 620,000 credits.
Statistics
- Speed: High
- Air-to-Air: High
- Air-to-Ground: Medium-High
- Mobility: Maximum
- Stability: High
- Defense: High
Weapons
Colors
- Standard: Deep blue body.
- Enemy: Gray body with brown spots.
- Special: White body with red and blue stripes. Actual livery used by the F-15 ACTIVE during testing.
Named Pilots
- Halley (Siege of Farbanti)
Gallery
ISAF color scheme hangar
Footnotes[]
- ↑ Players could use one Nonstandard Upgrade Request Form instead of credits for the Lv.6 upgrade.
- ↑ Despite the hangar description, this aircraft does not have forward-swept wings or any of the ACTIVE modifications in its Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies appearance.
References[]
- ↑ Chambers, Joseph R (2000). Partners in Freedom: Contributions of the Langley Research Center to U.S. Military Aircraft of the 1990's. NASA. Retrieved on 5 April 2021.
- ↑ NASA Armstrong Fact Sheet: NF-15B Research Aircraft. NASA. Retrieved on 5 April 2021.
- ↑ F-15 ACTIVE Flight Research Program. NASA. Retrieved on 6 April 2021.
- ↑ Mission 16M: "The Demon of the Round Table" (Mercenary), Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Mission 06: "Siege on Silvat", Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Mission 09S: "Sword of Annihilation" (Soldier), Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Mission 10S: "Mayhem" (Soldier), Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Mission 17: "Toy Box", Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy.
- ↑ Mission 21: "Kingpin", Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy.
- ↑ Mission 17: "Siege of Farbanti", Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies.
- ↑ Mission 08: "Handful of Hope", Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Mission 18+: "8492", Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Mission 19: "Final Option", Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Mission 25: "Heartbreak One", Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Mission 27+: "The Unsung War", Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Mission 13B: "Armada", Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception.
- ↑ Mission 15A: "End of Deception I", Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception.
- ↑ Mission 15B: "End of Deception II", Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception.
- ↑ Mission 19: "Desert Gust", Ace Combat: Joint Assault.
- ↑ "Alps Air Corridor" (HARD), Ace Combat Infinity.