Use this ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE aircraft list hub to identify campaign aircraft, distinguish variants, and choose a plane for your mission targets. The campaign tree contains 33 named aircraft nodes alongside weapons, parts, and connecting lines. Aircraft choices depend on campaign stage, target type, and weapon options. A complete roster covering multiplayer, DLC, and later updates is not confirmed yet.
Understand the campaign aircraft tree
The aircraft list records the exact labels of the 33 named aircraft nodes. Its regional groupings describe where aircraft appear in the tree image; they do not represent aircraft tiers or unlock routes.
Keep variants separate when comparing options. F-14A and F-14D are distinct labels, as are F/A-18C, F/A-18E, and F/A-18F. FA-36 and EA-36 also appear as separate nodes. EA-36 is shown as a darker node, but the reason for that appearance is not confirmed yet.
A node in the campaign tree does not establish immediate availability. Exact purchase costs, prerequisite chains, mission gates, and difficulty requirements are not confirmed yet.
Choose aircraft for your campaign stage
The best planes guide recommends Mirage 2000-5 for the first 10 campaign missions. It branches directly from the starting F/A-18C Hornet and combines six Arms slots with 4AAM for aerial targets, LASM for battleships, and UGB for ground targets across a wide area.
For a versatile later build, Su-57 Felon combines speed and maneuverability with QAAM and HCAA for aerial targets and LACM for ground attacks. It has six Body slots, six Arms slots, and three Misc slots. These recommendations do not establish one best aircraft for every situation.
Compare endgame options
X-40 is described as a post-campaign reward with a three-shot burst railgun. Player impressions praise its power but also report aiming difficulties, awkward UAV use, and limited special-weapon ammunition.
FA-36 is a promising alternative when X-40's railgun or UAVs feel awkward. Positive player impressions support trying it, but a measured performance advantage over X-40 is not confirmed yet. Choose according to the weapons and handling you prefer rather than assuming a post-campaign reward will be the easiest plane to use.