The F-2A (JF-2A in Ace Combat 2), nicknamed "Viper Zero", is a Japanese variant of the F-16C Fighting Falcon. It debuted in Ace Combat 2 as an unplayable aircraft and has since become a prominent playable aircraft in the series, most often as an attacker or multirole.
History[]
Strangereal[]
In 2010 during Operation Supercircus, multiple Osean Air Defense Force F-2As were scrambled to November City to oppose the Yuktobanian fighters that were attacking the city.[1]
During the Emmeria-Estovakia War, F-2As were utilized by both Emmeria and Estovakia. On February 15, 2016, squadrons of Estovakian Air Force F-2As were deployed to defend San Loma during the San Loma Assault.[2] On March 26, an engagement occured above the Alma River, during which Estovakian ace Miljan Zrinski, callsign "Flyuger", was shot down by Talisman.[3]
In 2019, during the Lighthouse War, the Erusean Air Force made use of the F-2A. Most notably, Erusean ace Vincent Masson, callsign "Bogen", took part in the defense of Farbanti during Operation Giant's step on September 19, 2019, but was shot down by Osean ace Trigger.[4]
On June 30, 2020, at least five Republic of Emmeria Air Force F-2As were showcased at Redmill Air Force Base alongside foreign air units at a ceremony commemorating 25 years since the end of the Belkan War. The Emmerian military had sent these aircraft among others after being invited by the Osean Federation.[5]
Real world[]
A joint collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Mitsubishi, the origins of the F-2A trace back to a plan of the Japanese government from the 1980s to produce a secondary fighter to replace the aging F-1 trainer aircraft and supplement its other main fighters, the F-4EJ and the F-15J, using the F-16 as a basis.
In the Infinity timeline, the design of the F-2A was acquired by Wernher and Noah Enterprises.
Game Analysis[]
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown[]
- "A multirole aircraft based on the F-16. The F-2 was originally to be developed by its country only as part of a program to develop a next-generation fighter, but this was later revised into a joint effort with other countries. As a result, the size of the main wings was increased (affecting the shape of the entire craft and requiring a new composite) and the internal electronics were redesigned. The final product differed greatly from the original design. Created with its country's needs in mind, it shows its greatest strength in interdictions at sea, and can hold its own in aerial combat. Its unofficial nickname is "Viper Zero"."
- ― Hangar
How to Unlock
- The F-2A is available on the Aircraft Tree and costs 105,000 MRP. It is unlocked after completing the first campaign mission, "Charge Assault".
Statistics
Weapons
Part Slots
- BODY: 38
- ARMS: 38
- MISC: 38
Named Pilots
- Vincent Masson (BOGEN)
Skins
- Osea: Marine Blue camouflage
- Erusea: Three-tone Green and Sand camouflage (Unlocked by earning the "Ship Of Liberty" medal: Sink 100 enemy ships.)
- Special: Prototype white body with red stripes and black nose stripe
- Mage: Osea skin with Mage Squadron markings
- Spare: Osea skin with Spare Squadron markings
- Strider: Osea skin with Strider Squadron markings
- 6SQ 60th Anniversary Skin: "Yatagarasu" (Japanese mythical Crow) livery
- Nagase: F-2A -Nagase- livery
Gallery
Ace Combat Infinity[]
- "A support attacker used by the Japan Self-Defense Air Force. Fitted with the latest electronic systems at the time it was built, it was the first aircraft in the world to use carbon fiber composite single mold technology. Giving consideration to the island nature of Japan, it is especially focused on anti-vessel combat capabilities. Developed in collaboration between Japan and the US, it is also called the "Viper Zero"."
- ― Hangar
Lv. | Cst | Price | GUN | MSL | LASM | UGB | RKTL | SP | MO | ST | AA | AG | DF |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 525 | 74,850 | 366 | 102 | 8 | – | – | E | E | D+ | E | D | E |
2 | 563 | 8,910 | 402 | 106 | 10 | – | – | E+ | E+ | D+ | E+ | D+ | E |
3 | 601 | 16,040 | 439 | 110 | 12 | – | – | D | E+ | C | E+ | D+ | E+ |
4 | 639 | 29,110 | 475 | 114 | 14 | 14 | – | D+ | E+ | C | E+ | C | D |
5 | 677 | 51,680 | 512 | 118 | 16 | 16 | – | D+ | D | C+ | E+ | C | D+ |
6 | 715 | 138,600[a] | 548 | 124 | 18 | 18 | – | C | D | C+ | D | C+ | C |
7 | 753 | 66,830 | 585 | 128 | 19 | 20 | 17 | C | D+ | B | D | B | C+ |
8 | 791 | 154,400 | 622 | 132 | 20 | 22 | 18 | C+ | D+ | B | D | B | B |
9 | 829 | 300,960 | 659 | 136 | 21 | 23 | 19 | C+ | D+ | B | D | B | B+ |
10 | 867 | 766,260 | 696 | 140 | 22 | 24 | 20 | B | C | B | D | B | A |
11 | 914 | 1,029,600 | 732 | 144 | 23 | 25 | 21 | B | C | B+ | D+ | B+ | A |
12 | 961 | 1,633,500 | 769 | 148 | 24 | 26 | 22 | B+ | C+ | A | D+ | A | A+ |
13 | 1008 | 2,405,700 | 806 | 152 | 25 | 27 | 23 | A | B | A+ | C | A+ | S |
14 | 1055 | 2,970,000 | 843 | 156 | 26 | 28 | 24 | A | B | A+ | C | A+ | S+ |
15 | 1102 | 4,158,000 | 880 | 160 | 28 | 30 | 26 | A+ | B+ | S | C | S | S+ |
16 | 1161 | 5,473,440 | 914 | 162 | 29 | 31 | 27 | S | B+ | S+ | C+ | S+ | S+ |
17 | 1220 | 6,259,680 | 948 | 164 | 30 | 32 | 28 | S | A | S+ | B | S+ | S+ |
18 | 1279 | 7,035,840 | 982 | 166 | 31 | 33 | 29 | S+ | A+ | S+ | B | S+ | S+ |
19 | 1338 | 8,991,360 | 1016 | 168 | 32 | 34 | 30 | S+ | A+ | S+ | B+ | S+ | S+ |
20 | 1397 | 11,340,000 | 1050 | 170 | 34 | 36 | 32 | S+ | S | S+ | B+ | S+ | S++ |
- Part Slots
- At Lv.1, this aircraft carried 15 BODY, 17 ARMS, and 16 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: F-2 Aficionado
- Lv.10: Viper Zero
- Lv.15: Charmer
- Lv.20: Sea of Monsters
Skins
- Default: JASDF marine camouflage.
- Event Skin #01: Green and khaki camouflage
- Event Skin #02: XF-2A livery with blue dorsal stripe and yellow wing surface tips
- Event Skin #03: 3-tone grey camouflage
Gallery
An F-2A over Tokyo
An F-2A over the Adriatic Sea
An F-2A preparing to attack Mechagodzilla
Hangar view
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy[]
How to Unlock
Statistics
Weapons
Colors
- C01: Marine blue camouflage
- C02: 2-tone jungle camouflage
- C03: Air superiority gray
- C04: Chocolate brown variation of Color 2
- C05: Dark teal and blue version of Color 1
- C06: Pink variation of Color 2
Gallery
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon[]
- "A battle support attack aircraft deployed by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. It emulates the F-16C in airframe shape, but it is equipped with the latest electronic equipment while having the same easy handling and a complete upgrade of maneuvering performance. In order to be prepared for threats from the sea, its anti-warship battle ability is given special consideration. The airframe was remodeled and developed jointly by Japan and the United States, and it is also called the "Viper Zero"."
- ― Hangar description
How to Unlock
- Unlocked at the beginning of "Hostile Fleet".
Statistics
- Speed: Medium-High
- Mobility: Medium
- Stability: Medium
- Fire Power: Medium-High
- Defense: Medium
Weapons
Skins
- Color 1: Marine blue camouflage.
- Color 2: Green and khaki camouflage.
- Color 3: XF-2A livery with blue dorsal stripe and yellow wing surface tips.
- Color 4 (NAGASE)
Gallery
Ace Combat: Joint Assault[]
- DESCRIPTION
- While this aircraft's design is optimized for air-to-ground and air-to-ship combat, the F-2A is also an effective air superiority fighter.
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 5B: Capital Defense or mission 10: Spotlight - Bravo. Costs $41,500.
Statistics
- Speed: Medium-High
- Air-to-Air: Medium
- Air-to-Ground: High
- Mobility: Medium
- Stability: Medium
- Defense: Medium
Weapons
Colors
- C01: Blue marine camouflage.
- C02: Brown camouflage.
- C03: Light blue camouflage.
- C04: "Cypher" livery.
- C05: XF-2A livery.
- C06: Black body bearing the kanji character 魂 ("soul").
Gallery
Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion[]
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation[]
- "Known as the "Viper Zero", the F2-A is a variant of the F-16. It is equipped with the latest avionic equipment, including phased-array radar. Although specifically designed for anti-ship operations, this powerful aircraft is also deployed in air-superiority and intercept missions. The F-2A is known for its responsiveness and stability - so much so that engine stall related accidents are extremely rare. Its high-performance armaments include that of high-maneuver and long-range missiles. While successfully fulfilling its conceived role of air-to-ground and air-to-ship intercept, the F-2A is also a formidable air-to-air multirole aircraft."
- ― Hangar description
How to Unlock
- Complete "Siege on Silvat". Costs 81,000 credits.
Statistics
- Speed: Medium
- Air-to-Air: Medium
- Air-to-Ground: Superior
- Stability: High
- Defense: Medium
- Mobility: Medium-Low
Weapons
Skins
- Emmeria: Naval blue camouflage.
- Estovakia: Gray camouflage.
- Estovakia SP: XF-2A livery with blue dorsal stripe and yellow wing surface tips.
- Razgriz
- THE IDOLMASTER Ami
- Dark Wing
Named Pilots
- Flyuger (Weapons of Mass Destruction)
Gallery
An F-2A in Emmerian colors
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception[]
- "While this aircraft's design is optimized for air-to-ground and air-to-ship combat, the F-2A is also an effective air superiority fighter."
- ― Hangar description
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 9B: A Diversion. Costs 28,900 credits.
Statistics
Weapons
Skins
- Aurelia: Blue marine camouflage
- Leasath: Brown and green camouflage
- Special 1: Light blue camouflage
- Special 2 "Cypher" livery from Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
Named Pilots
- Fury: appears in In Pursuit II. Spawns to the northwest of the jamming facility.
Gallery
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War[]
- "An F-16 variant developed through an international collaboration. While its design is optimized for air-to-ground and air-to-ship combat, the F-2A is also an effective air superiority fighter."
- ― Hangar description
How to Unlock
- Complete mission 8B: Merlon: Beta Team. Costs 95,000 credits.
Statistics
- Speed: 63
- Mobility: 55
- Stability: 70
- Defense: 62
- Air-to-Air: 40
- Air-to-Ground: 85
Weapons
Skins
- Standard: Marine blue camouflage.
- Mercenary: "Cypher" livery from Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- Soldier: Two-tone green camouflage.
- Knight: Brown and green camouflage.
- Special: XF-2A white and red livery.
Named Pilots
- Spieler (Flicker of Hope)
- Strom (Merlon - Alpha Team)
- Helmut Schumacher (Sword of Annihilation)
- Eisvogel Squadron (The Talon of Ruin)
Gallery
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War[]
- "An F-16 variant developed through an international collaboration. While its design is optimized for air-to-ground and air-to-ship combat, the F-2A is also an effective air superiority fighter."
- ― Hangar description
How to Unlock
- Fill the Kill Rate Gauge of the F-16C Fighting Falcon. Costs Ƶ19,500 per aircraft.
Statistics
- Speed: 63
- Mobility: 44
- Stability: 70
- Defense: 57
- Air-to-Air: 40
- Air-to-Ground: 85
Weapons
Skins
- Osea: Marine blue camouflage.
- Razgriz
- Special: Light blue frontal section with marine blue rear and white stripes.
Named Pilots
- Cypher (Fortress)
Gallery
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies[]
- "A great support fighter, this F-16 boasts advanced avionics and an alloy body."
- ― Hangar description
How to Unlock
- Complete campaign mission 12: Stonehenge Offensive. Costs 505,000 credits.
Statistics
- Speed: Medium-High
- Air-to-Air: Medium-High
- Air-to-Ground: High
- Mobility: High
- Stability: Medium
- Defense: Medium-High
Weapons
Skins
- Standard: Japanese marine blue camouflage.
- Erusea: Brown and green camouflage pattern.
- Special: White body with red stripes; livery used by the XF-2A prototype. Costs 657,000 credits.
Named Pilots
- Urata (Stonehenge Offensive)
Gallery
Trivia[]
- The designation JF-2A in Ace Combat 2 presumably stands for "Japanese Fighter-2A".
- In Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, the F-2A has the highest load of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles of any aircraft with 20 missiles, followed by the F-22A Raptor at 18.
- In various Ace Combat games it is classified as an attacker and cannot be equipped with additional air to air weapons, nor can it use DFM or counter-maneuvers in Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. However, in reality it is a multirole fighter with air to air capabilities as well as air to surface.
- White with red stripes color scheme (Enemy Type B scheme in AC2, SP color schemes in AC04, ACZ and AC7, color 5 in ACJA, Skin 03 in AC7) is a replica color scheme of the first prototype F-2A (XF-2A).
- White with blue and orange stripes color scheme (SP color scheme in AC6, Color 3 in Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, Event Skin #02 in ACI) is a replica color scheme of the second prototype F-2A (XF-2A).
- Skin 7 in AC7 is a faithful recreation of a 60th anniversary livery scheme worn by an F-2A of the 6th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the livery is inspired by the "Yatagarasu" - a Three-legged Crow of Japanese mythology.
Footnotes[]
- ↑ Players could use one Nonstandard Upgrade Request Form instead of credits for the Lv.6 upgrade.
References[]
- ↑ Mission 17: "Journey Home", Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.
- ↑ Mission 08: "San Loma Assault", Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Mission 12: "Weapons of Mass Destruction", Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Mission 15: "Battle for Farbanti", Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
- ↑ ACES at WARS: The classified document about Circum-Pacific War was revealed