I've passed this mission on easy with an S ranking,but
am really having difficulty passing on normal level,
what aircraft and weapons loadout do any of you suggest?

I've used the F/A-22,F-5Z,SU-35,A-10,F/A-18E and the
F-35 with very little of no success.As for weapons,I've
used the Vipers,AIM-120's,and Hyena's,again with little
or no success.The floating fortress is not the problem,
its that pesky Ace in the X-29 and all his little henchmen
that give me the problem....just can use some helpful tips.

last time i shot down that "pesky" Ace i use F-25 "Black Owl" filled with AIM-9M Sidewinder,and try to hit his thruster with
Guns,he'll slow down simplify your duty,and last thing kill all of his Henchman of F-22,they're more pesky than his Masters