An F/A-18F Super Hornet after firing an EML in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown; note the residual shockwave
An Electromagnetic Launcher (EML) is a small railgun attached to an aircraft. Like other railguns, an EML uses electromagnetism to fire a single shell at an extreme velocity to deal massive damage against a target. Various fictional EML models exist in the Ace Combat franchise, including "Purgatorio" for the CFA-44 Nosferatu and "Arclight" for the X-02S Strike Wyvern.
History[]
Strangereal[]
In the late 2000s, Estovakia's state-run arms manufacturing corporation, Albastru-Electrice, began developing the Purgatorio Electromagnetic Launcher alongside other experimental weapons for the CFA-44 Nosferatu.[1][2]
By the 2010s, sets of Purgatorio EMLs had been produced for CFA-44s, with Estovakian personnel studying ways of dealing with battery and barrel wear issues. Attacks with such launchers were announced with the radio signal "SLASH".[3] Following the Emmeria-Estovakia War, Purgatorio EMLs continued to be produced in limited quantities alongside CFA-44s.[4]
Around 2014, the IUN acquired or developed at least one EML unit, which was available for use by the Mobius Squadron during the 2014 Free Erusea uprising.[5]
By 2019, the EML was made compatible with F/A-18F Super Hornets and Su-33 Flanker-Ds. The Erusean Air and Space Administration also developed their own version of the technology for the X-02S Strike Wyvern.[6] On October 24, 2019, Mihaly A. Shilage utilized the Arclight Electromagnetic Launcher when engaging Strider Squadron over Shilage Castle. Unlike earlier EML models, the Arclight appeared to require charging before use, but was able to calculate a more accurate firing solution for its next shot, becoming more and more accurate the more it was used in a specific engagement. It was also able to fire a few rounds consecutively per charge.[6]
Assault Horizon universe[]
In the Assault Horizon universe, an identical weapons system was manufactured by the Soviet Union during the 20th century under mysterious circumstances. The launchers were first deployed in combat against Western Block aircraft in the 1990s during an unspecified battle, and were described as "laser weapons" by a pilot who survived a confrontation with a CFA-44.[7]
Design[]
Game Analysis[]
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown[]
- "A rail gun that uses electromagnetism to fire bullets at high speeds, causing devastating damage. As it is unguided, its accuracy depends on the pilot."
- ― Hangar
Aircraft
| Aircraft | Price (MRP) | Ammo (base amount) |
|---|---|---|
| F/A-18F Super Hornet | 30,000 | 22 |
| Su-33 Flanker-D | 30,000 | 22 |
| X-02S Strike Wyvern | 200,000 | 30 |
| CFA-44 Nosferatu | 0 | 52 |
Gallery
The Strike Wyvern's EML
The Nosferatu's EML
Ace Combat Infinity[]
- "A special weapon that fires bullets at extremely high speeds by accelerating them electromagnetically. Although it has no homing capabilities, each shot travels exceptionally fast and is very powerful. This allows for major damage to both air-to-air and air-to-ground targets, regardless of range, so long as targeting and timing are in alignment."
- ― Hangar
Aircraft
| Cst | A2A | A2G | HOM | DIS | DMG | REL | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv.1 | 16 | D+ | D+ | F | S+ | F | B+ | 0 |
| Lv.2 | 33 | C | C | F | S+ | F | B+ | 26,640 |
| Lv.3 | 42 | C | C | F | S+ | F | B+ | 103,680 |
| Lv.4 | 74 | C | C | F | S+ | F | B+ | 406,800 |
| Lv.5 | 105 | C | C | F | S+ | F | A | 887,400 |
| Total Credit Price from Lv.0 to Lv.5 | 1,424,520 | |||||||
Gallery
EML destroying an enemy aircraft
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon[]
- "A railgun that is capable of firing unguided bullets at extremely high speeds with the use of electromagnetic force. It can only fire single shots, but with precise timing and aiming, it can be used to inflict major damage to both long distance ground and aerial targets."
- ― Hangar
Gallery
EML striking an aircraft
EML firing
Hangar
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation[]
- "This easy to aim unguided weapon employs long-range, ultra-high-velocity munitions. With training, this advanced weapon offers unparalleled destructive potential. A miniaturized combat rail gun, also referred to as an electro-magnetic launcher, the EML utilizes electromagnetism to propel munitions along a conduction rail at extremely high velocity. Future revisions offer much promise for current practical battery limitations and rail size."
- ― Hangar
References[]
- ↑ Aces At War: A History 2019. Page 68.
- ↑ CFA-44 Nosferatu description, Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
- ↑ Aces At War: A History 2019. Page 69.
- ↑ VR Mode, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lost Kingdom, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
- ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Master File.