The S89, while a great aircraft, left much to be desired in its performance. For one, while it boasted great performance, including Supermaneuvrability capabilities, it had a tendency to 'Lock up' while pulling high AOA, keeping it from turning. Secondly, while the domestic 120E was good, it took long to lock a target, and was not as fast as would be liked. As such, Suipa would take note of these shortcomings, and reform it into something that boasted:
-Improved Performance, with the Elevators able to both pull and turn, removing lockup problems (AG6 is Unlocked elevators, AG7 is SM.) -Stronger Engines, to the point where you NEED to make a major mistake to stall.
-One of the greatest missiles in Simpleplanes air to air, with a range of over 200,000 KM, and Mach 6 flight capabilities, instant lock, improved DL, and many more things. The AIM-120E2.
To put in the confidence Suipa has in the aircraft, and a show of capability, the new variant went against the S87 ASA, the most modern version of that aircraft, which had dominated the skies. It shot it down, easily. When an official was asked, regarding the A-40 that has been famously regarded as one of the greatest aircraft recently made, if the 89 could compete, they responded: 'The question shouldn't be if the 89 can compete with the A-40, no no no! It should be if the A-40 stands a chance against the 89!'