Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War

In the past, most questions about landing and refueling have had to do with which missions include the maneuvers, how to get a perfect score for the maneuvers, and earning the Needle's Eye medal.

The Needle's Eye medal is awarded when you complete a "perfect" landing at the end of missions 04, 20, 21, 26, and one of either 16A or 16B, and complete a "perfect" refueling maneuver at the beginning of missions 13 and 18. This can be done on any difficulty, but note that refueling maneuvers are started in easier positions on lower difficulties.

The criteria for rating landings and refueling maneuvers is how quickly they are completed. A landing is "perfect" if it is completed in 40 seconds or less, and a refueling maneuver is "perfect" if it is completed in 20 seconds or less. (A landing is completed when you come to a full stop.) You will know you have succeeded when the controller says "perfect Blaze!" It will also be reflected in the debriefing: a perfect landing or refueling maneuver will earn you a 1000 point bonus; a smaller bonus is given otherwise.

Note that the landings in missions 20 and 26 are carrier landings; if started from free mission you and all of your wingmen must be in carrier-based aircraft or the game will not let you attempt the carrier landing. You will know you have your squadron properly equipped if you are allowed to do the carrier launch at the beginning of the mission. In AC5, the aircraft considered to be carrier-based are the A-6E, EA-6B, F/A-18C, F/A-18E, EA-18G, F-14A, F-14B, F-14D, Rafale M, and the F-35C.