The aircraft is named after Forneus, a mythological demon and Marquis of Hell from The Lesser Key of Solomon. It bestowed charisma and good reputations to individuals who pledged their loyalty to it.
Design
The Forneus is a next-gen prototype fighter, one of a handful produced in 2020. Developed using knowledge from existing designs, it uses a unique laminar flow control system that achieves a "breathing wing" effect to reduce drag, thus increasing performance. However, the technology remains shrouded in secrecy.[1]
Instead of designing the body a certain way, the Forneus uses radiation-absorbent material and onboard electronic equipment to remain stealth. As with other aircraft of the era, it also employs a COFFIN system for control (supported by 12 cameras). All of the new technology incorporated into the Forneus result in high production costs, making mass adoption impossible.[1]
A bomber version with an enlarged body, the YRB-89, was also produced and deployed during the Aurelian War.[2]
Bugged blinking canopy lights when viewed from aircraft data viewer
The YR-99 Forneus is the fourth aircraft of the Ace Combat X roster to be an indirect reference to Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere :
The YR-99 shares many traits with Neucom'sR-series, being most similar to the famous R-101 Delphinus #1. However, it has two vertical stablizers instead of a single one.
Its designation (YR-99) begins two numbers below the R-101 designation and it uses the same laminar flow control technology as the R-101, which could mean that it is a predecessor or prototype of the R-10x series in AC3. However, ACES WEB does not mention Neucom or any of its planes.
Special 2 (Color 4) uses the same colors as the R-101's Neucom livery, but the actual livery arrangement is completely different.
Ironically, the Aurelia paint scheme of the YR-99 would be later used as the basis for the default skin of the R-101 in Ace Combat Infinity. Both are air superiority gray camouflage with white highlights.
In Ace Combat: Joint Assault, it does not feature canopy lights. However, the canopy lights do function on Color 06. Also when viewed from Fighter Plane Data menu, the canopy lights will blink once, albeit bugged.
References
↑ 1.01.1ACE COMBAT X -> World -> Third link in the list -> YR-99 -> Third icon (text). Retrieved June 9, 2015.