Mission 04: First Flight

Mission 04: First Flight
AC5 - Campaign Walkthrough

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Mission Outline:
Defend Sand Island Air Force Base.

Enemies:
Air: 19
Ground: 0
Naval: 0
Targets: 6

Recomended Aircraft and Special Weapon
F-5E Tiger II with UGB

Mission Walkthrough
You're thrown into this mission without much warning, but the cutscene at the start is worth watching. Anyway, once you get airborne you're immediately confronted with two F-4Es that are coming head on, very fast. The tactic of firing missiles at one, guns at the other comes in handy here, though it's hard to get even one of them because they're moving so fast.

For the first section of attackers, keep it simple. Move after the targets - B-1Bs - but destroy pretty much anything in your way. This way, you won't get overwhelmed by the escorts. Keep your wingmen dispersed, but order them to cover you if you get into trouble.

There's a lull in the action as a reserve pilot, Grimm, begins taking off. Your new goal is to protect him until he can get airborne - as well as taking out the bombers. This time, move after the escorts first to protect Grimm. You should be able to wipe out most of them before Grimm goes on his takeoff run.

While he gets in formation, you'll see a friendly radar contact moving in on the northwest corner of the island - it's your replacement. On his tail are the last group of enemy reinforcements, but you can't see them until he dies. When he does - hit them hard. Go after the bombers if you want a quick end to the mission, but if you want to get more points save the B-1s for last.

Enemy Ace Location
MINDRIPPER (F-4G) He shows up immediately after destroying two B-1s speeding towards you, but disappears when Grimm begins taking off.

Unlocked Aircraft and Weaponry
MiG-21bis
F-4E Phantom II
A-6E Intruder

Post-Mission
Since you can now buy three new aircraft, sell all your F-5s and replace them with whatever you want - MiG-21s, F-4s, or A-6s. I recommend the F-4E or the F-20E. The F-4E is more suited to ground-attack, but can outrun the more maneuverable F-20E. Make your choice.

Navigation
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Sources:
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War