The Ultimate Showdown: Best Fighters in Ace Combat 7 Analyzed

Fighter Jet Face-Off: Speed Demons, Stealth Ninjas, and Ace Combat Legends

Ever thought about what makes one fighter jet cooler than another? It’s not just about looks, though that helps. We mean raw power, stealth, and the kind of tech that makes James Bond envious. Let’s explore what separates the greatest from the rest, from real jets to Ace Combat 7.

Under the Hood: What Makes a Jet a Jet?

Think of fighter jets like superheroes. They all feature signature moves. Some are fast, others disguised, while few are heavy hitters. Here’s a breakdown of key abilities:

Speed: Gotta Go Fast

Speed! It’s the need! The Ace Combat 7 DarkStar set a record. It exceeds Mach 5 at around 3,800 miles per hour. With tuning parts in-game, it can hit nearly 4,000 mph. That makes the MiG-31B Foxhound look slow. The F-15 Eagle, a legend, achieves Mach 2.5 or 1,650 mph. Still fast, but DarkStar is darker.

Maneuverability: Dogfight Dance-Off

Speed helps with escape or rapid intercepts. But in a dogfight, nimbleness counts. Enter the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. Fearsome for its stealth, it is very maneuverable. Image a jet in aerial ballet—that’s the Raptor. Its combat agility provides a significant edge. Pilots execute insane moves, frustrating their opponents.

Stealth: Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

Talking stealth, think of the Raptor. It’s about more than just its sleek black design. Stealth tech makes jets hard to spot on radar. F-22 sneaks into enemy terrain practically unseen. Think aerial ninja. This stealth quality, combined with strength, makes it dominant in air superiority.

Avionics and Sensors: Brainpower in the Sky

It’s not just muscle; it’s brains too. Modern fighter jets have advanced avionics. The F-22 Raptor has systems giving pilots strong awareness. Pilots can track multiple targets and make split-second decisions with lots of data available. Don’t ignore the F-35 Lightning II. This jet likely has the most advanced sensors of any fighter, including AESA radar. It essentially sees everything.

Multi-Role vs. Air Superiority: Jack of All Trades or King of the Sky?

Fighter jets are not one-size-fits-all. Some rule the skies; this is air superiority. Others handle multiple tasks—bombing, taking down enemy planes, and more. The F-22 Raptor is the specialist, built for air-to-air combat. The F-35 Lightning II is the versatile one, excelling at air-to-ground strikes and reconnaissance. Think of F-22 as a samurai and F-35 as a versatile Swiss Army knife.

Weaponry and Payload: Bring the Boom

What’s a fighter without a punch? Weaponry and payload are essential. The F-22 focuses on air-to-air combat, while the multi-role F-35 carries many weapons. Need to destroy tanks? F-35. Need air combat capability? Both jets can perform, but roles differ. Payload capacity affects mission range and flexibility—more boom equals more options.

Jet-on-Jet Combat: Who Wins in a Dogfight?

Let’s break down the matchups. Fighter jet debates are legendary; they are fascinating:

F-22 Raptor vs. F-35 Lightning II: The Stealth Showdown

As noted, here’s a recap. The F-22 excels in air-to-air combat, being faster and more agile. The F-35 offers versatility and superior sensors. Choosing depends on mission needs. Want control of the skies? Pick Raptor. Broader tasks and cost savings? Go with F-35. The F-22 is costly to produce and maintain, but the F-35 is designed for better cost-efficiency. Budget matters.

F-15 Eagle vs. F-35 Lightning II: Old Guard vs. New Kid

The F-15 Eagle is a legend, still fast according to sources. The F-15EX variant boasts greater range and payload compared to the F-35. Stealth is lacking, but it’s competitive. It’s like comparing a classic car to a modern one—both strong but with different strengths.

F-22 Raptor vs. Su-57: East Meets West

The F-22 and Russian Su-57 are traditional rivals on paper. Su-57 may have an edge in speed and ceiling but F-22 is combat-proven and considered mature. In stealth, the F-22 widely holds the advantage. Despite Su-57’s advancements, it lacks the Raptor’s operational track record. Established versus a promising challenger.

F-15 Eagle vs. F-16 Fighting Falcon: Eagle Eye vs. Falcon Agility

For dogfighting, the F-15 Eagle is legendary. A perfect air combat success rate? Legendary indeed! The F-16 Fighting Falcon shines in agility and maneuverability. It’s the agile dancer to the Eagle’s powerhouse strikes. Different styles; both deadly.

F-15 Eagle vs. F-18 Hornet: Short Term vs. Long Game?

A surprising take: the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (and even the F-15EX) might outshine the F-22 in long-term scenarios. The sprint may favor the F-22, but endurance might win the long-term game. Airpower is not just about jet performance; strategy and logistics matter.

Combat Records: Proof is in the Pudding

Talk is cheap; combat records count. Let’s check their real-world scenarios:

F-15 Eagle: Undefeated Air-to-Air King

The F-15 Eagle’s record amazes. Over 100 air-to-air victories with zero losses? That shows true dominance due to design and pilot skill. Undefeated in combat—that’s a mic drop.

F-22 Raptor: Ground Game Specialist

The F-22 Raptor faced combat primarily in air-to-ground roles in Syria and Afghanistan. Notably, it has no confirmed air-to-air kills. This underlines its role as an air superiority fighter in a context of established dominance. Like using a sledgehammer for tiny nuts—sometimes you want certain confidence.

F-35 Lightning II: Safe Skies Record

The F-35 has an impressive safety record. With over 721,000 flight hours logged, there are few losses and only one pilot fatality. This trades reliability and safety for a platform useful across diverse missions.

The Unshot-Down Club

Beyond these prominent jets, other planes also feature perfect air-to-air records. The Sea Harrier and Su-27 belong to this elite club, reminding us that history is rich with diverse heroes.

Ace Combat 7: Virtual Skies, Real Thrills

For those who aren’t fighter pilots (which is most of us), games like Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown provide action immersion. The game captures jets well in spirit. Let’s see how these aerial beasts fare in the game:

Aircraft Tree and Costs

In Ace Combat 7, you unlock jets through an Aircraft Tree. Here are costs examples in

MRP (Military Requisition Points):

• F-22A Raptor: 920,000 MRP (very costly, just like in real life!)
• F-35C Lightning II: 840,000 MRP
• Typhoon: 440,000 MRP (more affordable)
• A-10C Thunderbolt II (Warthog): 120,000 MRP (great for ground attack)

Check the F-22 Raptor fact sheet for more details.

Campaign Mode: Story Driven Skies

For campaign mode in Ace Combat 7, players suggest:

• X-02S Strike Wyvern (available after first playthrough)
• F-22A Raptor (a great choice)
• Su-57 (Russian stealth jet)
• F-35C Lightning II (very versatile)

The game allows experiencing these jets in gripping missions.

Free Flight Mode: Peace and Jets

Ace Combat 7 also includes a Free Flight mode. It allows you to fly, enjoy the view, and feel your jet without threats. Free Flight becomes your tranquil space in the sky. It’s excellent for absorbing the atmosphere and mastering flight.

More In-Game Metal Birds

In addition to the famous jets, Ace Combat 7 has many other options, such as:

• F-4E Phantom II (a classic, DLC available)
• Typhoon (good mid-range value)
• F-35C Lightning II (needs other jets unlocked)
• A-10C Thunderbolt II (for ground attacks)
• Fenrir (another advanced choice in the Aircraft Tree)

The game’s variety is amazing, allowing players to try different styles and aircraft.

Pilot Skills: The Human Element

Always remember this: it’s not just the jet; it’s the pilot. “The plane’s performance ultimately depends on the pilot.” An expert can surpass a novice in a superior jet. Tactics, energy control, and awareness are vital. The pilot animates the metal bird.

Fear Factor and Bold Reputations

Let’s conclude with some flair. Certain jets have prestige, a certain… je ne sais quoi that distinguishes them.

F-22 Raptor: The Most Feared

The F-22 Raptor is not merely respected; it’s called the “most feared fighter jet.” Stealth, agility, advanced tech combine to create dominance. It’s the jet that makes foes reconsider.

F-15 Eagle: Ultimate Badassery

Then there’s the F-15 Eagle. It’s a top performer with an unmatched “badass” factor. “The F-15 is the most badass U.S. fighter jet” – that’s a bold statement, but its combat record supports it. It exudes confidence and strength.

So, whether analyzing figures or dominating skies in Ace Combat 7, knowing fighter jets’ strengths and weaknesses is essential. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear the afterburner’s call.