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A C E  C O M B A T  X
__________________________
SKIES OF DECEPTION
AUTHOR: PAUL MICHAEL (VHAYSTE®)
CONTACT: vhayste@gmail.com
VERSION HISTORY
V1.0 - 1:49 AM 10/31/2007 - Completed PDF Guide, started TXT guide.
I.   Copyright
II.  Author’s Note
III. Flight School (Getting Started Section)
Controls ---------------------------------- FSOO1
Air Combat Maneuvers ---------------------- FS002
Targeting --------------------------------- FS003
Taking Off, Landing and Refueling --------- FS004
Mission Types and Notes ------------------- FS005
Plane Types ------------------------------- FS006
HUD Displays ------------------------------ FS007
Debriefing -------------------------------- FS008
IV.  Walkthrough
01: Skies of Deception -------------------- WT001
O2: Out of the Fire ----------------------- WT002
03A:Prelude ------------------------------- WT003
03B:Captive City -------------------------- WT004
04A:Last Line of Defense ------------------ WT005
04B:False Target -------------------------- WT006
05A:Rolling Thunder ----------------------- WT007
05B:Pinned Down --------------------------- WT008
06A:The Midnight Sun ---------------------- WT009
06B:Ice Bound ----------------------------- WT010
07A:Standoff in the Skies I --------------- WT011
07B:Standoff in the Skies II -------------- WT012
07C:Time Limit ---------------------------- WT013
08A:Striking Point ------------------------ WT014
08B:Wasteland ----------------------------- WT015
09A:Blitz --------------------------------- WT016
09B:A Diversion --------------------------- WT017
10A:Joint Operation ----------------------- WT018
10B:Break In ------------------------------ WT019
11A:In Pursuit I -------------------------- WT020
11B:In Pursuit II ------------------------- WT021
12A:Gaiuss Tower -------------------------- WT022
12B:Atmos Ring ---------------------------- WT023
12C:Wild Card ----------------------------- WT024
13A:Alect Squadron ------------------------ WT025
13B:Armada -------------------------------- WT026
14A:Firestorm ----------------------------- WT027
14B:Offline ------------------------------- WT028
15A:End of Deception I -------------------- WT029
15B:End of Deception II ------------------- WT030
SP :Operation X --------------------------- WT031
V.   Aircraft List
++ Attackers++
A-6E Intruder ----------------------------- AT001
A-10  Thunderbolt II ---------------------- AT002
F-1 --------------------------------------- AT003
F-2A -------------------------------------- AT004
F-15E Strike Eagle ------------------------ AT005
F-16XL ------------------------------------ AT006
F-117A Night Hawk ------------------------- AT007
F/B 22 Concept ---------------------------- AT008
Mirage-2000D ------------------------------ AT009
++ Fighters ++
F-4E Phantom II --------------------------- FT001
F-5E Tiger II ----------------------------- FT002
F-14D Super Tomcat ------------------------ FT003
F-15S/MTD --------------------------------- FT004
F-16C Fighting Falcon --------------------- FT005
F-22 Raptor ------------------------------- FT006
MiG-21-93 Fishbed ------------------------- FT007
MiG-29A Fulcrum --------------------------- FT008
MiG-31 Foxhound --------------------------- FT009
S-32 -------------------------------------- FT010
SU-27 Flanker ----------------------------- FT011
SU-37 Terminator -------------------------- FT012
SU-47 Berkut ------------------------------ FT013
Tornado F3 -------------------------------- FT014
(Eurofighter) Typhoon --------------------- FT015
X-29A ------------------------------------- FT016
YF-23A Black Widow II --------------------- FT017
++ Multiroles ++
F-35 Lightning II ------------------------- MR001
F/A-18E Super Hornet ---------------------- MR002
Fenrir (Advanced Aircraft) ---------------- MR003
JAS 39 Gripen C --------------------------- MR004
JA-37 Viggen ------------------------------ MR005
MiG-1.44 ---------------------------------- MR006
Rafale M ---------------------------------- MR007
++ Experimental ++
ADF-01 FALKEN ----------------------------- EX001
X-02 Wyvern ------------------------------- EX002
XFA-24A Apalis ---------------------------- EX003
XFA-27 ------------------------------------ EX004
XR-45 Cariburn ---------------------------- EX005
YR-99 Forneus ----------------------------- EX006
YR-302 Fregata ---------------------------- EX007
V.   Special Weapon List
BDSP (Bomblet Dispenser) ------------------ SP001
ECMP (Electronics Countermeasure Pod) ----- SP002
FAEB (Fuel Air Explosive Bomb) ------------ SP003
GPB (Guided Penetration Bomb) ------------- SP004
LAGM (Long Range Air-to-Ground Missile) --- SP005
LASM (Long Range Air-to-Surface Missile) -- SP006
LWSM (Long Range Shock Wave Missile) ------ SP007
NPB (Napalm Bomb) ------------------------- SP008
QAAM (Quick Maneuver Air-to-Air Missile) -- SP009
RCL (Rocket Launcher) --------------------- SP010
SAAM (Semi-active Air-to-Air Missile) ----- SP011
SFFS (Self-Forging Fragments Submunitions)- SP012
SOD (Standoff Dispenser) ------------------ SP013
TLS (Tactical Laser System) --------------- SP014
UGB (Unguided Bomb) ----------------------- SP015
UGBL (Unguided Bomb [Large]) -------------- SP016
XAGM (Advanced Air-to-Ground Missile) ----- SP017
XLAA (Advanced Long Range A-A Missile) ---- SP018
XMAA (Advanced Middle Range A-A Missile) -- SP019
VI.  Parts Index
VII. Credits
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
|                       C O P Y R I G H T                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
This document is copyrighted to me, Vhayste®. It is intended for
~PRIVATE~ use only. It cannot be used in ANY form of printed or
electronic media involved in a commercial business, in part or in
whole, in any way, shape, or form. It cannot be used for profitable
or promotional purposes, regardless of the situation. Breaking any of
these rules is in direct violation of copyright law.
This document is protected by copyright law and international
treaties. Unauthorized reproduction and distribution of this document,
or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal
penalties, and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible
under the law. Any characters, names, places, or miscellaneous
objects are copyright of their respective companies.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
|                    A u T H O R 'S  N O T E                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
Hello readers and welcome to my guide for Ace Combat X: Skies of
Deception for the PSP. As you may have known, I was a big fan of the
series, though I didn’t have the chance to play the first titles for
the Playstation. This guide will be my buffer until Ace Combat 6 gets
released on the 2nd half of October, which, I am tasked of covering
and writing an exclusive for IGN.
Air combat sims like AC is not always a game for everybody. I have
played other similar titles but got disappointed. So far, this is the
best air combat game out there.
Any feedback from you guys is very much appreciated. If you have
corrections or suggestions tell me so; remember that I am doing this
for FREE and I am investing my time and effort to make this guide as
helpful as possible. I will try to cover everything that needs to be
covered but I can’t guarantee you that this will be perfect. Since I
love using screenshots to make the guide more effective, spoilers may
also lie ahead so read with care.
Though this may not come close to those overpriced official guides, I
did my best to make this as useful as possible. I can’t assure you
that I can answer all your questions, but in the best of my ability I
will. Thank you for grabbing this faq and enjoy.
Paul ‘Vhayste’ Michael
Download the PDF version of this guide @ IGN.com
http://faqs.ign.com/objects/822/822479.html
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
|            F L I G H T  S C H O O L  -  GETTING STARTED         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
Welcome rookie for your brief refresher training course. This is
Captain Paul Vhayste of the Aurelian 22nd Fighter Squadron, known
as Cross Airrade. You may address me by my callsign, Zealot 1.
If you already know how things work and how to survive in those lethal
skies, then you can just skip this quick start guide and our air crew
will take you to your designated fighter wing. Otherwise, you might
wish to spend a few minutes of your time to look at and review about
what to expect when you’re up there and bring yourself and that bird
in the ground intact. Let’s begin.
+ + + CONTROLS ======================================= FSOO1 + + +
A pilot won’t be called a pilot if he doesn’t know how to fly these
can of explosives and jet fuel. Here are the basic controls. You may
configure them as you wish, but that will depend on your flying style.
Remember, unless you master controlling your plane, you’ll never be
able to reach the ground alive. Please review them. You can change
your controls through the OPTIONS menu.
Novice control types have lesser controls thus, easier to handle for
beginners. For those playing AC before on the Playstation and PS2, you
may need to adjust a bit since the L2, R2 and R3 (Right analog)
controls can’t be found in the PSP layout.
NORMAL CONTROL TYPE, CONTROL SCHEME A.
Analog Up   - Pitch Down
Analog Down - Pitch Up
Analog Left - Roll Left
Analog Right- Roll Right
D-Pad Up    - Trim Down
D-Pad Down  - Trim Up
D-Pad Left  - Yaw Left
D-Pad Right - Yaw Right
L Button    - Air Brake
R Button    - Throttle/ Afterburners
L + R       - Autopilot
Circle      - Fire missile and special weapon.
Hold to track missile or SP weapon until impact.
Triangle    - Change/Toggle Target.
Hold to keep the target in sight.
X           - Machine gun
Square      - Change/Toggle special weapon
+ + + AIR COMBAT MANUEVERS =========================== FSOO2 + + +
In this lesson, I will teach you on how to efficiently get into firing
position easily and how to shoot the enemy down.  This will cover air
fights only since ground targets are always easy to destroy. In
dogfighting, maneuverability is always the best weapon against any
enemy you face. You will always need to anticipate the enemy’s move
and use it against him. We have several ways of getting into firing
position.
TAIL-CHASE
How to perform: This is basically the easiest firing position to
acquire. Just get to your target’s six and hit your afterburners, get
into firing range. Release the missiles once you get a “clean”
lock-on.
Though this maneuver is simple and effective against steady targets
such as transports, you won’t be able to use this move much against
more agile and faster targets.
ARROW HEAD APPROACH
This is a bit risky since there’s always a chance that the enemy will
hit you as well. But the odds of destroying the target is higher,
almost perfectly if timed correctly.
How to perform: Once you see incoming bogeys on radar, approach them
from their direct 12 o’clock. Hit your afterburners to approach them
faster, and once you get a lock, fire your missiles and immediately
get out of the way. It doesn’t matter which direction, as long as you
can get out of your enemy’s line of fire.
Release it too soon and the enemy will be able to evade it. Release
it too late will either let you missiles pass through the enemy or
you’ll eat his missiles.
REVERSAL
This requires a bit of timing and a more maneuverable plane. In this
move, the quicker and easier your plane turns, the more successful you
will be in getting to the enemies’ backs. This move will enable you
to avoid the missiles or get out of the enemy’s sight and then
outmaneuver him to immediately get into his six.
How to perform: Once you see a bogey on your six or you just have a
lock warning, hit your afterburners for a good 2-3 seconds then
immediately hit the airbrakes while tilting your plane up. This will
make the plane flip over and the bogey will past by you. Try not to
hit the brakes for too long or too hard or your plane will stall,
ruining the opportunity. After flipping 90-180 degrees, quickly hit
your afterburners to recover and attack the target from behind.
PULLSTRING
This move is another risky one but if you pulled this off, then you
can have an easy kill yourself. This should not be used as one of
your main attack stunts but rather as one of your hidden
counter-maneuver if the enemy is trying to shack you.
How to perform: When an enemy is chasing you and trying to get a lock
on you, let him follow you. Once you have full speed, roll to your
side a bit, hit the airbrakes hard. If done correctly, the enemy will
fly past you and will give you an instant lock-on at his six, at
close range. Immediately fire your missiles or the target will be out
of your firing range.
AIRCUT
This is another tricky but effective move. You may use this often
against those pesky enemies that loves to dodge your missiles and
keeps on hanging on their tails.
How to perform: When targeting an enemy, avoid flying too closely.
Wait until he is about it turn, then quickly turn to the direction
he’ll be turning. Immediately boost your way to that direction and
you will be able to stick close to his tail, enough for the missiles
to hit him without any chance of evading. The logic of this move is
to cut through a “shortcut” directly to intercept his turn.
If you have played racing games, you should have used this move
several times already.
DIVE BOMBING
This move is essential for those ground targets that are well covered
by obstacles such as buildings, cliffs, valleys, fortifications, etc.
Normally they won’t be in your missile’s line of fire. This maneuver
will allow you to get in top of the target and get a clean shot
overhead.
How to perform: Acquire your target. Ascend to a suitable height
(which will depend on the elevation of the target, normally +2000-
3000ft above your original position) then hit the airbrakes and turn
the plan noseward to the ground. Do not accelerate while on this
position!
Once you get your target, release your missiles/bombs and gently
maneuver the plane back in a 90 º angle and fly away.
That concludes our lessons for maneuvering. There are other moves
there and some of them are just too obvious for us to discuss. Just
remember that counter-moves are still the best offense. Once you get
accustomed on trashing enemy missiles, your offensive abilities will
be enhanced without you knowing it.
Let’s move on to the next topic.
+ + + TARGETING ====================================== FSOO3 + + +
Shooting down your enemies before they shoot you is the main concept
of battle. But both of you are controlling fast machines at near
subsonic speeds. As discussed above, maintaining a good aim amidst
those gut-wrenching maneuvers will be quite a challenge. This not
only applies to fast moving targets but for well defended targets
as well.
CLEAN LOCK-ONS
This term is used for sure-hit shots. You will need clean lockons to
destroy barricaded enemies, usually ground targets that are hiding in
tight, confined spaces such as behind/between buildings, tunnels,
mountain ridges and other obstacles.
Even if you have a “GO” (red lock), unless there are obstacles along
the way, you won’t be able to hit the target. You’ll need to find a
clean firing path for your missiles to shack the target.
Missiles have an effective range of 900ft and can hit when fired to
the enemy’s 5-7 o’clock. For ground targets, as long as you have a
clean shot, they will hit for sure.
USING GUNS
In ACX, gun targeting is made easy. Once you get the target inside
the targeting circle, the reticule or the smaller circle will
automatically get into firing position. Unlike in the PS2 versions of
the game, where you need to manually align the targeting circle and
the reticule.
Don’t rely entirely on missiles. A true pilot knows how to use all
his weapons efficiently. At very close range (200-400ft), machine gun
fire is more reliable than missiles. This is also your only means of
survival if you have used all your conventional missiles and SP
weapons. Using your gun while firing your missiles can also kill
larger, tougher targets quicker.
In normal and easy modes, machine gun ammo is unlimited while in
hard they just come in limited quantities. Its tough to use against
fast moving targets but once you learn how to use it at the right
time, machine, gatling and Vulcan fire can be as deadly as your
missiles.
USING BOMBS
Dropping bombs against ground targets can be a bit daunting for
beginners. Here, aside from targeting, you will need to control your
speed, drop angle and even the position of the plane. Bombs can’t
be dropped while your plane is turned upside down.
There are two main types of bombs. It could be GUIDED or UNGUIDED.
Guided bombs pretty much work the same way missiles do. Once you
acquire the target, release the bomb and it will glide itself
towards the target. They are very accurate but most of the time,
they explode in an isolated but concentrated area.
Unguided bombs are the ones that you need to drop manually. Usually,
they pack more firepower and area of damage compared to guided bombs.
They require proper timing, speed and angle to hit their targets. It
will be waste to use them against single targets, so they are
effectively used against tightly packed and dense enemy positions.
The best examples for this type of bombs are the Unguided Bomb Large
(UGBL) and the Fuel Air Explosive Bomb (FAEB).
Their targeting guide is not that hard. Concentrate your target
inside the circle. Remember that the closer the intended target is to
the center of targeting circle, the greater damage it will receive.
Some bombs have different targeting systems just like this bomblet
dispenser. Instead of dropping single, large bombs, it scatters
smaller bomblets that have a wider damage area. You just need to
familiarize yourself with all kinds of ordinance so that you can
effectively use them in battle.
ELECTRONIC TARGETING SYSTEM (ETS)
This system is an integral part of every plane. It provides you
assistance on targeting the enemies effectively. If you notice, when
you’re changing weapons, the reticule and crosshair changes,
depending on the weapon. For weapons with MULTI-LOCK attribute, this
system will help you to lock unto multiple targets, at an appropriate
distance. This is always active in the game, which will only be
unavailable due to jamming.
+ + + TAKING OFF, LANDING AND REFUELING ============= FSOO4 + + +
When you get deployed, you will need to fly that bird and bring it
home back. Taking off is a pretty simple process. Once you get the
clearance of your flight controller, accelerate until you get a
speed of at least 300MpH. Tip your nose upwards and the plane will
rise. Easy, huh?
AIRSTRIP LANDING
Landing back to the airstrip requires a bit of practice and timing.
Carrier landing is still considered the hardest. Even experienced
airmen don’t take this for granted.
When landing on an airstrip, maintain your current speed. Once you’re
about one mile from touching down, hold the airbrake gently. Don’t
brake hard or you’ll crash. Now, slowly approach the airstrip while
lowering your plane. Make sure that your plane’s nose is not pointing
sharply down. You should have at least an 80º angle.
CARRIER LANDING
Landing on the carrier is a lot different. Here, you need to land at
almost pinpoint accuracy. Same procedures apply; however, you need to
be in the same straight line as you started. A single misalignment
can be fatal.
Lower your speed and approach the carrier. Once you see the landing
deck, make sure that the hook beneath your aircraft is low enough to
touch the stopping cables on deck.
REFUELING
Refueling requires a bit of patience and practice. You need to
stabilize the plane while approaching the tanker. You just need to
use your D-pad to control the yaw and trim of the plane. Don’t press
too hard or you’ll go out of direction. Same thing with airbraking.
Too much drag will drop you below the straight line.
Once you get into position, hold your position and the rest will be
done automatically.
+ + + MISSION TYPES AND NOTES ======================== FSOO5 + + +
Each time you get deployed to a mission, you need to know and take
note of the expected targets, the type of opposition you’ll face and
even other side notes. This way, you’ll know what planes to use and
what special weapons to carry. This is crucial since this can help
you complete your missions easily. You wouldn’t carry bombs during
air combat/ intercept missions, right?
AIR TO AIR
----------------
These missions have more air opposition so obviously, you need to
bring anti-air weapons such as XMAAs, XLAAs and QAAMs. Bringing an
air superiority fighter will be helpful for these missions as well.
AIR TO GROUND
----------------
These missions primarily pit you against ground targets and bombing
missions. These include tanks, vehicles, enemy facilities and even
anti-air installations such as AA guns and SAMs. Bringing bombs and
air-to-surface missiles will be of much use in these missions.
AIR TO SHIP
----------------
You will face enemy fleets here, including some enemy aircraft if you
there is an aircraft carrier on the battle group. The carrier will be
hottest target here. Unless you destroy it immediately, more enemy
fighters will engage you, not to mention that you will need to fly
through heavy air barrage.
INFILTRATION
----------------
Nothing special to note other than sneaking into the enemy’s base and
execute a surprise attack. Sometimes, you may need to wind your way
against enemy radars and fly low, under radio silence.
ASSAULT ON BASE
----------------
There are only a few number of missions with this type and expect
heavy resistance since you will be attacking an enemy stronghold.
Multirole aircrafts are the best here because you will be facing
enemies on the ground, air and even sea. Aside from enemy
reinforcements, these missions may even require you to protect and
prevent too much casualties to your allies.
ALTITUDE RESTRICTION
----------------
You will need to fly under the mission “ceiling” or the required
height. Normally, you will need to wade through the mountain/ hill
sides while flying low.
ESCORT
----------------
One of the hard missions you’ll need to undertake. Aside
from worrying about yourself, you will need to watch close and
protect your allies. This means you’ll need to draw enemy fire and
destroy them before they inflict casualties to your escorted team.
JAMMING
----------------
During these missions, your radar will still be usable but to a
minimal rate. Missile lock-on is disabled so may need to use your
guns to destroy targets. Every now and then, the “blanket” will lift
a few seconds, enabling you to locate targets in your radar and
lock-on to enemies. This open gap in the interference will only
last for a few seconds so grab the opportunity.
PURSUIT
----------------
In these missions, your objective is to track down and destroy,
oftentimes, fleeing enemies before they leave the mission area. Most
of the time they have other annoyances such as jamming, enemy
reinforcements and even decoys to prevent you from chasing down
the targets.
RESCUE OPERATION
----------------
This mission type is specifically used in the optional mission,
7C: Time Limit. You will need to come to the aid of a city, where
the lives of citizens are at stake.
+ + + PLANE TYPES =================================== FSOO6 + + +
There are three major groups of planes. Each of them is classified
according to their performance, ordinance and the types of missions
they are best suited. Choosing what plane to bring for a mission will
determine your survival when deployed.
ATTACKERS
----------------
These aircrafts are bombing specialist and ground target
killers. They excel in flying at subsonic speeds while “hugging the
deck” or flying low. They have heavy armors that make them sturdy
enough to withstand enemy fire. Their weakness however, is their
stiff maneuverability. It will be hard to avoid enemy missiles just
by evading it. Attackers are also capable of engaging enemy ships.
Normally referred to as “bombers”, they carry enough ordinances to
destroy large groups of ground units. Newer bombers are faster, more
agile and more maneuverable.
FIGHTERS
----------------
Aircrafts built for engaging enemy fighters and air targets. They are
agile, quick and deadly. They are also deployed to escort transports
and bombers, defend bases and even protect the fleet. They are
capable of turning sharply at very high speeds as well.
The weaknesses of fighters include lesser armor to make the plane
lighter but making it more vulnerable against enemy fire and their
sensitivity when attacking the ground can make the plane wobbly and
crash.
MULTIROLE
----------------
These aircrafts are the hybrid or the cross between fighters and
attackers. Their main strength lies in their all-around attributes
and capability of being deployed on any mission. They have the
strength, speed and agility of fighters and the toughness and
stability of attackers.
Multiroles are even better since the weaknesses of the other two
fighter types are usually covered by the other.
Another minor plane type are the Jammers. They carry electronic
equipment that interferes with the enemy communications, radar and
ETS. They are not present in this game, but some jamming equipment
and special weapons are.
EXPERIMENTAL PLANES
----------------
There is a special group of special planes that you can customize
using any parts you have purchased and unlocked. These planes’
statistics will vary from the parts you put in them as well as their
performance. Parts can be unlocked by completing missions and
shooting down special “star” units. More of these will be discussed
later in this guide.
+ + + HUD DISPLAYS ================================== FSOO7 + + +
This sectiom will help you read and identify the displays in your
hud. This will serve your eyes about what's happening to your
surroundings and your plane.
Check out this link for the labeled HUD screenshot.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3522/hudfe1.png
1. SCORE
Displays all the accumulated score in the mission. Each target has
corresponding points. The higher your score, the higher your rank
for the mission after completing it. Remember that the score you
earned during the mission will only be saved after you completed
the mission.
Otherwise, it will just reset to zero once you restarted the
mission
2. POINTS
This displays how much the target is worth. Normally, tougher
opponents and mission targets are worth more points.
3. TARGET
Displays what type of target you are engaging.
4.    AFTERBURNERS
Indicates whether you are using the afterburners or not.
5.    SPEED
Your current speed. By default, this is measured by miles but you
can change the measuring system in the game options.
6.    RADAR/ MAP
Displays the location of targets, enemies and allies on the map.
This also displays those mission objectives. May get interfered by
enemy jamming.
Encircled Triangles or Dots
---------------------------
These are mission targets. The mission won’t complete unless you
destroy them all.
Blue Dots or Triangles
---------------------------
Allied units. Triangles are allied planes and dots are allied
ground units and ships
White Dots or Triangles
---------------------------
Undamaged enemy units. Triangles are enemy planes and dots are
enemy ground units and ships
Yellow Dots or Triangle
---------------------------
Moderately damaged enemy units. Triangles are enemy planes and
dots are enemy ground units and ships
Red Dots or Triangles
---------------------------
Critically damaged enemy units. Triangles are enemy planes and
dots are enemy ground units and ships
Disppearing Triangles
---------------------------
These are stealth planes. Watch out when dealing with these
enemies, since they can appear out of nowhere.
7.    LOCK-ON AND RETICULE
This is used as a targeting aid to destroy enemies using guns,
missiles and sp weapons. The enemy markers will turn X if you
have selected a weapon that can’t be used against them.
8.    NAME AND DISTANCE OF THE TARGET
9.    ALTITUDE
This measure how high you are from the ground. You may need to
watch this closely on altitude restricted missions.
10. TIME
This is the remaining allotted time for the mission. When the
timer runs out, mission ends prematurely, failed.
11.    MPG (Multi-purpose Gauge)
This gauge will be present only on specific missions. This is
normally used to determine how much allies you have left, how much
damage you have done to the enemy or even as a countdown timer.
12.    GUN AMMO
Determines how much ammunition you still have. This is limited in
HARD and ACE modes. You’ll have unlimited ammo when playing on
Easy and Normal.
13.    MISSILE
This determines how many you have left in your reserve.
14.    SP WEAPON
Displays how much special weapons you have left. Once empty, it
will automatically switch to your conventional missiles.
15.    DAMAGE
Shows how much damage your plane has acquired. You will be shot
down once it reaches 100%. This won’t be that much of use when
playing in ACE mode since your plane will be destroyed immediately
after getting hit by a missile once.
This portion also shows the currently selected weapon. (SP or MSL)
16.    SYSTEM INFO
Displays important warnings and information real time.
WARNING
------------
Shows that you are being targeted. Get out of your enemy’s firing
range. The whole HUD will turn red if a missile is released and
already tracking you. Use a defensive maneuver to avoid it.
REQUEST LANDING
------------
Will appear only when landing
REQUEST TAKEOFF
------------
Will appear only during takeoff
HIT
------------
The missile or SP weapon has successfully hit the target but
still functional
MISS
------------
Indicates that the missiles have been evaded and missed the target.
DESTROYED
------------
the target has been successfully destroyed
+ + + DEBRIEFING ==================================== FSOO8 + + +
At last, we are in the final phase of your training. After this
section, you will leave this hall and proceed to the hangar. Your
other questions will be answered here.
1.    What will be my starting plane?
You will be piloting our vintage F-4E. Don’t worry, it can still
fly.
2.    How can I change planes?
That should be common sense. In case you don’t know, earn credits
by completing missions. Finishing them with a higher rank, the
better the credits. Aside from purchasing whole planes, you can
also purchase special weapons and parts for your planes.
3.    What are those experimental aircrafts? Are they that special?
Technically speaking, they are special in the sense that they are
customizable. They don’t have fixed parameters. Their potential
will fully show once equipped with compatible parts. They could
have abilities/ effects that ordinary planes don’t.
That includes bigger weapons bay, more destructive weapons, enemy
missile jamming and even enhanced stealth.
4.    What is a kill rate?
This basically measures how many targets the plane has destroyed.
Completing it to 100% will enable you to unlock the special color
of those planes.
5.    Am I to face flying fortresses and enemy ace squadrons during my
missions?
If you have played the previous AC versions, you will either like
or hate the similarity.
6.    I have unlocked another/ special color for my planes. What good do
they do?
They just pimp your ride.
7.    What if I get stuck on a mission because of a crappy plane?
You have two options. First, either sell your existing craft and
special weapons. Or, you exit campaign mode and play in free
mission to earn credits. All the stages you cleared will be
available for play.
8.    On my first playthrough, how long will it take to beat the game?
If you are talking about from the start to end until you see the
credits, well let’s say about 5-6 hours on an average player. If
you want to complete everything in the game, give it around 20+
hours.
9.    What are the most powerful aircraft and weapon in the game?
I would rather save the details later. If you want to know that
badly, then scroll to the Aircraft and Special Weapons section
below.
10.I have played earlier versions of Ace Combat. What are the
differences and similarities compared to the earlier ones?
Probably the control and dynamics. Compared to the PS2 versions,
this is a bit less intense, maybe because of the limited controls.
Play the first mission and if you still feel that you still need a
bit of training, play it over and over in the Free mission menu.
You have your own squadron and wingmen during missions but you can’t
order them.
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|                     W A L K T H R O U G H                       |
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This part of the guide will help you achieve the objectives and
complete each mission. Note that this is just a guide. This will
assist you in every means possible but everything will depend on your
gameplay. If you get stuck on something, keep on practicing and you
will get hold of it. If you can’t still get through it, take a break
and start the game in easy mode.
You may need to go through 2-3 playthroughs to unlock everything in
the campaign mode of the game. Though there are specific parts and
medals that can be unlocked by playing in multiplayer.
Also, some planes and parts  can be unlocked by getting an S rank in
a mission using a specific plane or finishing that stage for the
second time.
This will be tagged by number [(1) or (2)] where (1) is your first
playthrough and (2) is your second.   SP is the special part that can
be unlocked after destroying the stage’s special (starred) unit.
Mission Types: These are the other versions of the mission; there
will be changes in parameters such as limited fuel, increased enemy
reinforcements or enhanced weaponry of targets. This depends on the
path or mission orders that you are taking. Mission Type A is the
normal mission, with no changes in mission parameters.
(Additional info about specific requirements in unlocking “special”
parts for experimental planes courtesy of Gamefaq’s leeboo1211