Strike Fighters by Thirdwire

HAWKER HUNTER Mk 52
 
Export version of the Hunter F 4 fighter for Peru, 16 built.
 
Serial Numbers: 630-645
 
Service: 1956-1980
 
UNITS:
 
- 14° Esquadron de Caza until 1980, then Sukhoi SU-22
 
WHAT's IN:
 
- Hunter F-52 Perù ( 2 skins, decals, loading screen); canopy open: key 10;
 
- Hunter Sounds & Euro Pilot
 
TO INSTALL:
 
simply put everything in your main mod folder and let overwrite.
 

CREDITS:
 
- TW/TK for Hunter F.6 and templates
 
- Ndicki for His templates
 
- Spillone104 for outstanding sounds
 
- Sorry but I don't remember Who made Euro Pilot.
(If you tell me I'll update)
 
 
 
Paolo

HAWKER HUNTER Mk 51
 
export version of the Hunter F.4 fighter for Denmark, 30 built.
 
Units: Eskadrille 724 Aalborg; from 3/1959 to Skystrup
 
Service: 1954/1974
 
Serials: E-401/E-430, 401-430;
 
WHAT's IN:
 

- Stock Camo skin/decals updated, front gear door numbers and squadron tail decals added;
 
- stock camo skin/decals updated, tail numbers decals added;
 
- New late camo skin and decals;
 
- loading screen;
 
- canopy open: key 10, autoclosing;
 
- Hunter Sounds & Euro Pilot;
 
TO INSTALL:
 
You need SF-2EU to use
 
simply put everything in your main mod folder and let overwrite.
 
CREDITS:
 
- TW/TK for Hunter F.4 and templates
 
- Ndicki for His templates
 
- Spillone104 for His true sounds;
 
- Sorry but I don't remember who made Euro Pilot (If you tell me I'll update).
 
Happy landings.
 
Paul

Hi!! Well, here it goes: This is my firs attempt to creat a terrain. The idea is to
have a "realistic" terrain, with army bases, docks, shipping and truck routes, etc. to practice A2G missions, anti-ship, carrier take off and landing, you name it
 
I have included many ground objects and 3rd party mods, and I would like to thank the following:
 
Wrench, for I have borrowed ground objects from his great Libya Terrain (barbed wire, Soviet Freighter, factory building, helicopters, pillbox) and for his airbase goodies.
Stary, for his realistic and gorgeous GermanyCE tiles. They look great!!!
Piecemeal, I borrowed some layouts from his awesome DesertV4 terrain.
Rends, I borrowed some ground objects from his Germany CE terrain.
Krfrge, I took a look at his combat outpost and artillery firebase, and used them as a basis to create some.
Kesselbrut, I have included some ships he has created (trawler, tug)
Rover and Gepard for your terrain building tutorials, they have been very valuable to me!!!
PureBlue for his Airfield Development kit and those who worke to contribute to it: Sundowner: B_Trailer_Mk82, M_trailer, B_TrailerLGB, Y_Tractor, RAF_Cart, B_Duel_Y_Trac, C_Type, RAF_Bunker, TAB_Vee, HAS_M, HAS_E, c_store, Earth Walls, mounds, blast walls and all desert variants of these objects
 
Amokfloo: ControlTower, ForkLift, FireExtinguisher, ShelterZu
Ravenclaw: Fire Trucks
Stary: str_hangars 1 thru 8
Pureblue: FloodLight, SmallGenerator, ConcreteBlock, SunShelter, HeliPad1N
Polak: tools
Polak and the CFS Midway Group for their object Library 1.
Julhelm for his Factory Buildings.
Sundowner, for his Airfield objects.
Wingwiner for his gas station and control tower.
Mue for his great Target Area Editor, I have used it extensively.
Gerwin for his TFD Tool, very useful, specially for last-minute terrain modifications
Gepard, for his Marxwalde Air Base, included in his 10 new air base mod.
And finally, many many thanks to the CombatAce Community, you guys have always helped me in time of need!
If I there's anyone that was no tincluded and needs to, please let me know!!
 
You'll need to download the following:
 
 
 
http://http://combatace.com/files/file/3667-false/
 
http://combatace.com/files/file/6043-false
 
http://combatace.com/files/file/12751-lha-mod-for-stock-sf2na-version/
 
http://combatace.com/files/file/11448-gaz-66-6x6-trucks-for-sf2-series/
 
It was tested on a full-merged SF2 install, including SF2 NA. Although it may work on non-NA installs,
it is required for the missions tht I'll upload soon.
 
I hope you like it!!!
 
Ignacioc91

Hunter FGA 80
 
Export version of the Hunter FGA 9 ground-attack fighter for Kenya.
4 delivered + 2 T Mk. 81
Service: 1974/1981
 
Serial Numbers: 803/806
 
WHAT's IN:
 
- Hunter F-80 Kenya (skin, decals); canopy open: key 10
 
- Hunter Sounds & Euro Pilot
 
TO INSTALL:
 
simply put everything in your main mod folder and let overwrite.
 

CREDITS:
 
- TW/TK for Hunter F.9 and templates
 
- Spillone104 for his outstanding sounds
 
 
 
Siena, somewhere in Italy 28.12.09/11.10.15
 

Paolo

The Tupolev Tu-95 ??????? ??-95; NATO reporting name: "Bear") is a large, four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile platform. First flown in 1952, the Tu-95 entered service with the Soviet Union in 1956 and is expected to serve the Russian Air Force until at least 2040
 
Credits:
Model: Veltro2k
Skin: Sundowner
Flaps and gear sounds: TMF
B-52 cockpit: DELS
Revamped RedAir1 pilot : Credit goes to its creator
Decals FM work package assembly screens : The multitalented WRENCH
 

Mod has few glitches , most notable numbers on front gear doors
 
 
 
THIS MODEL IS ONLY TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS FREEWARE AND IN NO OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL IT BE USED, EVEN IN PART OF ANYTHING THAT IS PAYWARE.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMBAT ACE MODDERS AGREEMENT

SF2 Tu-114 Cleat (Airliner) Remod Pak 10/4/2015
 
= For SF2, Full 5 Merged RECCOMENDED! =
 
*Note: this aircraft replaces, in total, the one included in the SF2 Soviet Transport and AWAC Aircraft uploaded in 2013. If you have the Tu-114 from that pack, you are advised to DELETE that aircraft completely, otherwise there will be conflicts and complications. If you don't have it, don't worry! Also, this mod will most likely =NOT= work in 1stGen games at any patch level.*
 
This is a (nearly) complete rebuild of the Tu-114 airliner (NATO codename "Cleat") as seen in the above mentioned mod pack. It has been (nearly) completely overhauled, and is designed mainly to have something other that the usual An-12s and Li-2s (C-47) seen parked around your Red Airfields ™.
See "Change List" in the Notes section for all the changes and fixes.
 
All new decals, with 12 historical Aeroflot/Soviet registration numbers were created. All markings are decals and decal randomization is TRUE. The skin is now in jpg format.
 
On the Aircraft Selection drop-down, you'll see
 
Tu-114 Cleat
 
As always, fairly easy to follow, detailed install instructions are included. PLEASE read them!!! Also, give the "Notes" section a read, in particular on Operational Usage.
 
Happy Landings!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

SF2 Tu-95 Bear-A Remod Pak 10/4/2015
 
= For SF2, Full 5 Merged RECCOMENDED! =
 
*NOTE: due to excessive changes and additions, this mod will =NOT= work in 1stGen games at any patch level*
This is a Re-release/Re-mod of Veltro2k's Soviet Cold War Heavy Bomber aircraft, originally released in 2008.
 
This pack represents the 'standard' Tu-95 Bear-A "conventional" level bomber (yes, it can carry one nuke -not supplied).
 
The skin remains in its original bmp format and all markings are decals. All decals used reference stock 3W Soviet markings (thus, the NON inclusion of any decals). Decal randomization is TRUE.
The inis has been completely revamped, with a "new" FM, avionics, loadouts, sounds, new pilot figures, and an "new" cockpit. The cockpit, while not a perfect match, is much closer to the "steam gauge" Bear pit of the era. See "Notes" section for full change list.
 
On the Aircraft Selection drop-down, you'll see
 
Tu-95M Bear-A (v2k)
 
This will make it easier to select, and diferentiate it from any other Bear-As that might be wandering around in your backyard.
 
As always, fairly easy to follow, detailed install instructions are included. PLEASE read them!!! Also, give the "Notes" section a read, in particular on Operational Usage.
For those that may still have the original release (from 2008), as there HAVE been major changes and additions you may want to delete said original in it's entirety.
 
**This aircraft herein are released in "AS IS" Condition. Any and all issues/problems that cannot be solved via ini edits will exist forever, unless a newer model (LOD) become available**.
 
Happy Landings!
Wrench
Kevin Stein
 
with thanks to Veltro for allowing me to remod/reissue this!

SF2 USAF F-15C "Aggressors" from the 65th AGRS based out of Nellis AFB.
by Viper63a

This mod contains "fly-able" F-15C "Aggressors" from the "Red Flag Nellis AFB Pack". I intended this pack to be an expansion to FastCargo's (Excellent) F-15 Super Pack, but while I was testing the pack, it evolved into a fully contained stand-alone pack. However, let there be no doubt that this pack could not have been possible without foundation laid out by FastCargo and the people in his "Credits" list.

If you're interested in Fastcargo's F-15 Super Pack, you can down load it here.

http://combatace.com/files/file/10443-f-15-super-pack-version-24/

This mod is NOT compatible with the "Red Flag Nellis AFB Pack". These planes are already installed in that pack as AI Enemies. If you install these F-15s into the "Red Flag" pack, the F-15C Aggressors will switch sides to become "friendlies" as the Nation will switch back to "USAF" from "AGRS". Unless that is what you want to do, I don't recommend installing these F-15s into that pack. Unless you want to fly these Aggressors against the other Aggressors in that pack.

If you're interested in the "Red Flag Nellis AFB Pack", you can down load it here.

http://combatace.com/files/file/15827-sf2-usaf-red-flag-nellis-afb-proving-grounds/

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This pack includes F-15c with 10 different paint schemes. These are NOT accurate (for the purists out there), but close enough. See pix on the download page. This is full (self contained) pack with Hangars, loading and other screens. It should work in any SF2 installs that support the F-15s.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The default sizes of the skins are in 4096 resolution. It may strain some slower systems, If you experience performance issues, I included some 2048 resolution skins in the "Extra" folder. See the installation section for more info.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Install,

1) Back up your current mod folder, incase you want to go back to your original configuration.

2) Copy the un-compressed contents of the "To_Mod_Folder" into your SF2 Mod folder. Over-write any conflicts.

3) Go fly...

NOTE: If the default 4096 skin resolution is too much for your computer, copy the contents of the "\Extras\2048_Skins\To_Mod_Folder" to your SF2 mod folder and Over-write.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Credits: Fastcargo and et all for the EXCELLENT mods in CombatAce!

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That's it! Enjoy!

=Viper63a=

SF2 F-8H Crusader, Philippines Air Force Pak 10/2/2015
 
= For SF2 ONLY, Full-4/5 Merged (Full 5 Reccomended/Preferred) =
 
**Note: This mod references all stock items, from the aircraft & cockpit lods themselves, to sounds, pilots and weapons. You =MUST= have the stock 3rd Wire F-8H Crusader as part of your merged install, from whichever game it originates from, to make full use of this mod**
 
Some mods of the stock 3W F-8H Crusader recreates the 25 used by the Philippines Air Force from 1978 thru 1988. This is a stand alone, fully "nationalized" version for PAF usage only.
Serial numbers are 100% historicaly accurate. All markings are decals, and decal randomization is TRUE. Markings represent the 7th TFS of the 5th TFW, PAF.
The Standard Animation Keystrokes ™ work the canopy (Shift/0) and Wingfold (Shift/9). The aircraft is no longer carrier certified, but the hook remains.
 
When in game, you'll see
 
F-8H Crusader (PhAF)
 
on the Aircraft Selection Drop down menu.
 
As always, fairly easy to follow, yet detailed install instructions are included. PLEASE read them!!! The "Notes" section may also make for interestering reading, and such.
 
Happy Landings!!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

KC-97G Stratofreighter
 
The KC-97 Stratofreighter was an aerial refueling tanker variant of the C-97 Stratofreighter (which was itself based on the Boeing B-29 Superfortress), greatly modified with all the necessary tanks, plumbing, and "flying boom." The cavernous upper deck was capable of accommodating oversize cargo accessed through a very large right-side door. In addition, transferrable jet fuel was contained in tanks on the lower deck (G-L models). Both decks were heated and pressurized for high altitude operations.
 
 
 

Notes:
serial numbers, while generic in nature, ARE for the model depicted (KC-97G). Decal randomization is true. All markings are decals.
Damage texture is in DDS.
End Service Year is 'best guess' (and longer than historical), but will cover until/if KC-97L is built and released.
Crew entry door is operated by the Standard Animation Keystroke , Shift/0 (zero). The standard bomb bay keystorke, Cntl/0 (oh) operates the refueling boom.
---------------------------------------------------------
credits:
Veltro2K for the aircraft
TMF for alt flaps & alt geat sounds
??? for gear hydralics sound
AvHistory (GregoryP) for engine sound
Cockpit by Dels (from C-123; more "steam gauge" looking)
Decals, ini work, screens by Wrench (hangar screen SF2 version of V2k original)
THIS MODEL IS ONLY TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS FREEWARE AND IN NO OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL IT BE USED, EVEN IN PART OF ANYTHING THAT IS PAYWARE.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMBAT ACE MODDERS AGREEMENT

RB-47E
 
Recon version of the B-47
Model: Veltro2k
Decals ,screens, FM :Wrench
BrakeChute: FastCargo
 
Cockpit:Stock 104 ? Modded by A-team ? Bit of a confusion here so Credit goes to the creator
once this gets cleared and if I missed anyone, as soon it comes to my attention I will change it.
(((((((((((( Credit goes to the creator )))))))))))))))
 
 
 

THIS MODEL IS ONLY TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS FREEWARE AND IN NO OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL IT BE USED, EVEN IN PART OF ANYTHING THAT IS PAYWARE.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMBAT ACE MODDERS AGREEMENT

Fiat G.55 Centauro
The Fiat G.55 Centauro (Italian: "Centaur") was a single-engine single-seat World War II fighter aircraft used by the Regia Aeronautica and the A.N.R. (Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana) in 1943-1945. It was designed and built in Turin by Fiat. The Fiat G.55 was probably the best type produced in Italy during World War II.
 
Model: Veltro2k
Screens, Textures, decals and FM : Charles
Cockpit: Kesselbrut and capun
pilot: Geezer.
 

install in Objects/aircraft folder
 

THIS MODEL IS ONLY TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS FREEWARE AND IN NO OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL IT BE USED, EVEN IN PART OF ANYTHING THAT IS PAYWARE.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMBAT ACE MODDERS AGREEMENT

QF-16 for SF1
 
This is the old "Wolfpack" F-16 Block 30 coverted to the Full Scale Aerial Target drone.
 

Thanks to...
 
DAVE for the F-16C Block 30 Version 1.0
RavenClaw
and TEAM VIPER
 

Original Model by Swede
Additional Model Work by Wpnssgt
Flight Model by Column5
Skins by Wpnssgt & USAFMTL
F-16A Cockpit by ??? Briliant work
 

Loading & Hangar Screens by LeL
 
 
 
Features:
 
- Skins
- Damage textures
- Pilot removed
- Pilot removed from Canopy reflection

2015 update for the Mig29-K By Me Russouk2004
Now includes...
new afterburner effects...
some minor model adjustments
some new decals.
new a\c for Chines Navy "Fighting Sharks"...just like their naval cousins the SU-33 Scheme.
also available for SF2 By me...
Basic refuel probe...
 
Weapons...included the Wing Tanks (Part of 3d model) and external centreline tank (external model)
Just to ensure operation,use weaps editor to make sure they are installed after adding the new aircraft folders etc etc.
...................................................
Requires...
...................................................
Mig29A sounds...
The Trooper for Pilots Red series...(Red7011,Red3201)
K-36D seat
 
Installing..................................................
 
I suggest you back up and or delete any existing Mig29K`s From previous release as this pack has extras (Chinese Version)and newer LOD`s...as simply replacing may corrupt the install....
...............................................................................................................
1st copy contents of the (Copy contents) files folder to all mig29k main folders...then.......
Copy Objects Folder to your Mod \Folder and allow to overwrite
foe example...
C:\Users\Joe Bloggs\Saved Games\ThirdWire\Test Game
 
all files should drop into correct slots...
 
Keys....
 
Canopy=shift and 9
Wingfold.=shift and 0 (uses a fake canopy2 as anim slot.....)
Arrestor hook=H
Refuel probe= shift and 8
 
SU-33 Chinese version info.....................(Removed until Su-33 released)
 
 
 
 
 
I think ive managed to cover all....any problems or enquiries,contact me via CA Forums...
 
Hope you enjoy flying these as I did in modding the fine Migfactory Mig29`s..

This model represents the long-hull straight-deck Essex class aircraft carriers, beginning with CV-14 USS Ticonderoga circa 1944. These ships were about 5 meters longer than the original CV-9 Essex, and featured heavier anti-aircraft armament.
 
Two versions of the ship are included: The original WW2 configuration, and the jet-capable Korean War era modernization. Decals for each unit are included. Random aircraft parking has been designed for currently available models with folding wings.
 
In addition to its complement of aircraft, each ship is armed with a battery of twin 5" guns and single 5" guns, plus a vast number of 40mm Bofors and 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns.
 
Please see the readme for full details and credits. Because this is a very high-poly, high-definition model, instructions are also included to improve framerate for those of us without premium supercomputers.
 
 
 
This model is dedicated to Wrench, who requested it, and who provides us with great playgrounds for all our toys.

This Is F16C Block 40 \ F16B Block 15 Egyptian SKIN

SF2 HS-748/Andover CC.2 by Veltro2K 9/23/2015
 
For SF2 (Full 4/5 Merged Reccomended)
 
A remod of Veltro2k's HS-748 turbo-prop transport (Andover CC.2) & airliner for SF2 usage.
This is the complete aircraft, with everything needed. All sounds, decals, etc are supplied. The data ini has had some adjustment to the FM; while not perfect, it flys quite well for a transport.
 
The skin is in jpg format, and represents No. 32 Sqdn (TR) of the RAF. All markings are decals; 18 serial number decals are supplied. Decal randomization is TRUE.
Also included is my HomeGrown ™ template, for those that might want to create other uses skins. The included Userlist ini has the major military users, but might need further expansion.
 
As always, fairly easy to follow, yet detailed install instructions are included. PLEASE read them!!! Also, as usual, give the "Notes" section a read, too.
 
Happy Landings!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

This is the last of four parts of Operation Darius for SF2.
 
Eric Howes

This is the third of four parts of Operation Darius for SF2.
 
Eric Howes

This is the second of four parts of Operation Darius for SF2.
 
Eric Howes

"Operation Darius"
for
Strike Fighters 2
 
This package contains an overhauled version of the "Operation Darius" mod that was originally assembled by Wrench for a collaborative campaign project at CombatAce.com. The mod is based on a fictional scenario set in late 2012 which sees a coalition of Western nations conduct a four week air campaign to degrade Iran's nuclear development facilities.
 
This mod package should be installed to "Strike Fighters 2" (SF2) installations (or merged installs incorporating SF2) that include "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" (SF2E) and that are patched to the Mar2012 or later patch level. If you are running SF2 at an earlier patch level and do NOT intend to update to one of the later patch levels mentioned above, you should NOT install this mod package.
 
Note that this is a COMPLETE mod package. There is no need to install the original "Operation Darius" mod that was released by Wrench. Nor should you attempt to install it over the top of Wrench's version, as you could end up with a non-working install.
 
So, what's different about THIS version of "Operation Darius"? What makes it new and unique? Plenty of things. This version includes:
 
- three blue-side campaigns -- one w/ a ground war; two w/o a ground war
- one red-side campaign -- w/o a ground war
- new Iranian weapons, incl. AAMs, SAMs, & MRBMs
- new Iranian ground objects, incl. mobile SAM launchers, static SAM launchers,
AAA, tanks, APCs, ships, & MRBM launchers
- two different versions of the IRIAF F-14A, one of which is equipped with the
Sedjeel air-to-air missile (based on the Hawk)
- dozens of new target areas, incl. SAM sites, MRBM sites, nuclear research sites,
and uranium processing/enrichment sites
- an overhauled terrain TYPES.INI to better prioritize targets in campaigns
- a number of new aircraft, incl. the Rafale, Gripen, Turkish/Greek F-4s & F-16s,
the Greek A-7E(H), a new J-7ME, the A-10C (w/ Spectre8750's cockpit), AV-8B Plus,
F-35A, F-111C (Late), A310 MRTT, CF-18_07, & Su-30MKM
- new menu screens (nothing radical)
- plenty of fixes to just about every area of the mod to get things updated
to SF2 standards and working correctly
- support for new SF2NA features, incl. carrier battle groups, F-14A avionics,
cruise missiles, and new mission types
 
This version also departs from Wrench's version in that some aircraft have been removed (F-4E_86, AT-6B, the AlphaJets, excess C-130s & Mirage 2000s, and a few others) in addition to plenty of other unnecessary cruft, incl. gigabytes of unused aircraft skins. (Even with all the removals, this mod is still on the large side.)
 
NOTE: this mod is distributed as set of FOUR 7zip archive files. If you did not download all four 7zip packages from CombatAce.com, then this mod will not work properly.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Minimum Requirements
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
To install and play this mod, you must have the following installed:
 
SF2 VERSION: Strike Fighters 2 PLUS
Strike Fighters 2 Europe
PATCH LEVEL: Mar2012 or higher
 
This mod does support installations that include "Strike Fighters 2: North Atlantic" (SF2NA), however, SF2NA is not required.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update Notes
~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
This mod package is a refreshed and updated version of the original version that was released in August 2012. It incorporates all the updates included in the "Update 1" package released on CombatAce in January 2013. It also includes further updates, fixes, and additions beyond what was included in the "Update 1" package. All told this refreshed version of the mod includes the following major additions to the "Operation Darius" mod package:
 
- new aircraft: Mi-8, SH-3D, SeaKing, UH-1D, & 2 Iranian UCAVs
- new SF2NA aircraft: EA-6B_98, E-2C
- new optional aircraft: F-14A_Iran, F-14A-Iran, HH-60H, MH-60S
- new aircraft models: F-7B, F-7M, F-16I_Sufa, MiG-29A, MiG-29G, Su-25
- new ships: USNTransport, plus 13 new Iranian ships
- new alternate main campaign
- updated desert terrain tiles
 
...plus numerous other fixes, updates, and skin additions to dozens of aircraft and ground objects.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Installation
~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Before installing this mod package, please ensure the installation of "Strike Fighters 2" and "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" that you intend to use is updated to at least the Mar2012 patch level. The latest patches for Strike Fighters 2 can be downloaded from ThirdWire:
 
http://thirdwire.com/downloads.htm
 
Also, please be aware that the mod requires "Strike Fighters 2" (SF2) as well as "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" (SF2E). This mod can be installed to SF2 installations that incorporate "Strike Fighters 2: North Atlantic" (SF2NA). If SF2NA is part of your target install base, there are some additional items for you to install.
 
The main installation process consists of three main steps -- or, four if your target install base incorporates SF2NA. Please read the following instructions carefully and follow them religiously. If you wind up with a non-working mod install, then you likely failed to follow the instructions properly.
 
-----------------------------------
* STEP 1: PREPARE THE MOD FOLDER *
-----------------------------------
 
This mod requires a separate mod folder. Please do not attempt to install this mod over or combine it with other mods such as NATO Fighter 4+, "Operation Desert Storm," or the SF2V Expansion Pack.
 
- Open your SF2 Installation directory and make a copy of StrikeFighters2.exe or StrikeFighters2 NorthAtlantic.exe (if your target install base includes SF2NA). Rename the copied .EXE file to StrikeFighters2_OpDarius.exe (or whatever unique name you prefer).
 
- Run the newly copied and renamed .EXE file, then exit back out to the Windows desktop after navigating through a few menus. A custom Mod Folder for your "Operation Darius" mod install will have been created in one of these locations:
 
Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\[username]\My Documents\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]
Windows Vista: \Users\[username]\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]
Windows 7: \Users\[username]\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]
 
...where [YourModFolder] matches the name of the copied .EXE file that you created. You will install the "Operation Darius" mod files to your Mod Folder.
 
- Open your Mod Folder and delete the \Objects sub-directory (including everything in it).
 
Now you're ready to install the "Operation Darius" mod proper.
 
-------------------------------------------------
* STEP 2: INSTALL MAIN COMPONENTS TO MOD FOLDER *
-------------------------------------------------
 
This is the easiest step.
 
- Unpack the four "Operation Darius" archive packages to a temporary location on your hard drive.
 
- Move the contents of the \To_Mod_Folder directory from all four unzipped packages to your Mod Folder (created in Step 1 above). (Note: do not simply drag and drop the folder named "To_Mod_Folder" or you will end up with a non-working install.)
 
If you've moved everything correctly, you should have a new \Objects sub-directory in your Mod Folder, along with a few new other sub-directories.
 
----------------------------
* STEP 3: EDIT OPTIONS.INI *
----------------------------
 
This last step involves a bit of text editing, so please pay attention.
 
Open the Options.INI in your Mod Folder. Locate the "Instant Action" section and replace it with the following:
 
[instantAction]
AircraftType=F-22A
MissionMap=IR2003
StartTime=05:30:00
StartDate=11/19/2012
StartTimeDeviation=120
TextureSet=0
NationalMarking=0
SquadronMarking=0
AircraftNumber=0
KillMarking=0
 
Just below the "Instant Action" section is the "Single Mission" section. At minimum you should change the EndYear= statement to 2012 or higher. I recommend setting the StartYear= and EndYear= as follows:
 
StartYear=2003
EndYear=2020
 
Finally, a little further down you should find the "Campaign" section. Replace it with the following:
 
[Campaign]
CampaignName=20121117 Operation Darius
PlayerService=USAF
PlayerUnit=44th Fighter Squadron
AircraftType=F-15C_85
Difficulty=NORMAL
Length=NORMAL
AircraftSupply=NORMAL
WeaponSupply=NORMAL
LoadCampaign=FALSE
CampaignSavename=DefaultCampaignSave
 
Save your changes and close the Options.INI file.
 
-----------------------------------------
* STEP 4: Optional Step for SF2NA Users *
-----------------------------------------
 
This last step is for those whose install base include "Strike Fighters 2: North Atlantic" (SF2NA). Included with this mod are a number of custom files that allow SF2NA users to enjoy some of the new functionality included with SF2NA, including:
 
- F-14A cockpits and avionics that use the new AvionicsF14A.dll included with SF2NA;
 
- Carrier battle groups in campaigns
 
- New mission types in campaigns, including Escort_Jamming missions for the EA-6B and EA-18G
(AI only) as well as Early_Warning missions for the E-2C and E-3A.
 
TO INSTALL: drag and drop the contents of the \_For_SF2NA folder into your Mod Folder, allowing Windows to merge and overwrite any folders and files it prompts to.
 
* * * * *
 
THAT'S IT. Your ""Operation Darius" mod for SF2 should now be ready to use. Please read the following section for more information on the campaigns included with this mod.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Optional Installs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
This mod package includes several optional aircraft that you can isntall, provided you have the models to support them (the models are available from ThirdWire or the A-Team.
 
A. Tomcats
 
Included in the \_Optional folder are files to support the installation of two new versions of Iran's F-14 Tomcat. Both versions require DLC #27 (F-14A Tomcat, Iranian Air Force) from ThirdWire's DLC store:
 
https://store.thirdwire.com/store_dlc.htm
 
To add these aircraft to your OpDarius Mod:
 
1. Ensure that DLC #27 is part of your target SF2 installation.
 
2. Copy or move the F-14A_Iran and F-14A-Iran aicraft from the \_Optional folder to your OpDarius Mods Folder.
 
These two DLC-based Tomcats will replace the default F-14s used in the campaigns (though they can be installed alongside the default F-14s, which use Mirage Factory models).
 
B. Seahawks
 
Included in the \_Optional folder are files to support the installation of two new helicopters -- the HH-60H and MH-60S, which are custom mods by JimBeamer5 of Seahawk models available from the A-Team's web site at:
 
http://cplengineeringllc.com/SFP1/Skunworks.html
 
Note that you MUST download the original packages that contain the LOD files (models) from the above site (which requires you to apply for access) in order to use these aircraft. You will need to download two different packages from the A-Team's site:
 
------------ --------- --------------- -----
Optional A/C LOD Files A-Team Download Notes
------------ --------- --------------- -----
HH-60H sh60F-R*.lod SH-60F SeaHawk four LODs
MH-60S mh60-R*.lod MH-60G PaveHawk four LODs
 
To add these aircraft to your OpDarius Mod:
 
1. Download the specified packages from the A-Team's site (see above)
 
2. Unzip the packages to a temporary directory.
 
3. Copy the .LOD files from each package you downloaded to the appropriate aircraft folders in the \_Optional\Objects\Aircraft directory.
 
4. Once you've added the LOD files to the aircraft folders, you may install the aircraft and accompanying decals from the \Optional directory to your OpDarius Mods Folder.
 
These optional helicopters are used by several USN squadrons in the new alternate OpDarius campaign. If these aircraft are not installed, the game will default to using the SH-3D -- which is not historically accurate but will at least give you flying helos for those squadrons.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note on the Included Campaigns
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
This mod includes three different campaigns:
 
1. OpDarius - a blue side campaign without a ground war. Primary focus for the campaign is bombing Iranian nuclear and military sites. If your primary interest is flying strike, SEAD, or air-to-air missions, this campaign is your best option.
 
2. OpDarius (alt) - a variant of the original OpDarius campaign (described just above), but with a more restricted Blue-side order of battle, as well as the following changes:
 
- updated USN squadrons & ships
- helicopters (USN & Iran)
- Iranian ships
- Iranian drones
 
This OpDarius alternate version is designed to take full advantage of features introduced in SF2NA -- if you play it with an isntallation that includes SF2NA.
 
3. OpMarathon - a blue side campaign with a ground war. The only units tasked with CAS missions, though, are the A-10C, AH-64D, and AV-8B units. If you want CAS missions, you need to select one of those units. The ground war consists of border skirmishes along the Iran/Iraq border, not a full-fledged invasion of Iran. Still, a very engaging campaign.
 
4. OpShamshir - a red side campaign without a ground war. Undoubtedly the most challenging campaign. It'll probably take you a while to develop tactics that allow you to survive more than a few missions.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note for SF2NA Users
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
If you have SF2NA as part of your install base and go ahead and install the files to support SF2NA features like carrier battle groups, you'll notice the that LCC-19 and LPD-4 ground objects have been disabled (you can find them in \Objects\GroundObject\_disabled). There is a good reason for this.
 
The SF2NA game engine will, by default, generate two battle groups when you fly game-created Single Missions: one carrier battle group to support naval aircraft; a second battle group that includes the two amphibious ships (LCC-19 and LPD-4). This second battle group will be automatically positioned at some distance behind the main battle group. Given the narrow confines of the Persian Gulf, this auto-positioning often results in the second battle group being placed on land (depending on wind direction for the mission).
 
I can assure you that nothing kills the immersive quality of the game quite like the sight of U.S. Navy amphibious ships ploughing across a desert landscape. Definitely something no player wants to see, esp. after a long and otherwise satisfying mission.
 
Unfortunately, this behavior appears to be hard coded, meaning that the only way I've found to stop the game from generating a second battle group on land is to remove the LPD-4 and LCC-19 from the game altogether.
 
Please note that this behavior is a factor only in Single Missions, not campaigns, as none of the campaigns include the LPD-4 or LCC-19 in a carrier battle group.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note on Anti-Ship Missiles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
For this mod most third-party (i.e., non-stock) anti-ship missiles have been converted to use the ASM/cruise missile functionality introduced w/ SF2NA. At the same time, the older versions of these missiles have been preserved, as the new ASM cruise missiles can be used by AI only against ships.
 
So, for many anti-ship missiles you will now find two versions:
 
1) "Standard" guided version
 
These versions are the "old" style missiles setwith WeaponDataType=1. They can be used by AI against land and sea targets. These missiles retain their familiar names (e.g., AGM-84D Harpoon, Kh-59M Ovod, etc.).
 
2) ASM/cruise missile version
 
These versions utilitize the new cruise missile functionality set by WeaponDataType=7. They can be used by AI only against ships. These versions can be distinguished by their names:
 
- U.S./NATO missiles have the ASM tag (e.g., AGM-84D Harpoon ASM).
 
- Soviet/WP missiles follow the naming convention used by ThirdWire's
Soviet cruise missiles (e.g., Kh-59M AS-13 Kingbolt).
 
At the same time aircraft that typically carry these missiles have been updated to accommodate the ASM versions. Loadouts for these aircraft have been updated to use ASM versions by default for Anti-Ship, Naval_Attack, and Cruise_Missile loadouts.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note on Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
AI pilots in Strike Fighters have long had problems employing LGBs. AI pilots in the player's flight can drop LGBs, but will treat them as dumb bombs. AI pilots in flights not controlled by the player (i.e., AI-only flights) cannot use LGBs at all, and will typically get stuck circling the target.
 
To address this problem I have created EOGB versions of all LGBs for AI pilots to use (AI pilots have no problems with EOGBs for some reason). These AI versions are identical in all respects to the LGB versions save for the Guidance Type, which is set to "Electro-Optical Guided" instead of "Laser-Guided."
 
By default aircraft that use LGBs for certain loadouts (usually Stike, Attack, SEAD, or Anti-Ship) are loaded with these AI (EOGB) versions instead of the LGB versions. You should make it a habit to check the Loadout screen and switch the bomb version on your own aircraft to the LGB version.
 
You can distinguish between the AI (EOGB) and LGB (Player) versions by the weapon name -- for example:
 
LGB version: GBU-12D/B Paveway II LGB
AI version: GBU-12D/B Paveway II (AI)
 
While this solution introduces an extra step for the player in the preparation to start a mission, it allows AI pilots and AI-only flights to use these weapons.
 
~~~~~~~
Updates
~~~~~~~
 
This mod was last updated September 2015. That update included the following additions, fixes, and changes:
 
New Aircraft:
- AH-1J_IRIAA
- AH-1W
- EF-2000_Luftwaffe
- EF-2000_RAF
- MQ-9
 
New Models:
- CF-18A_07 updated model
- F-18C_Fin updated model
- FA-18C updated model
 
New Skins:
- AV-8Bplus new skins
- C-5A new skins
- C-17 new skins
- C-141B new skins
- F-1EQ new skins
- RF-4E_TuAF new skins
 
Other Updates:
- AH-64D updated flight model
- HH-60H & MH-60S updated flight model
- Su-27 & Su-30MKM new cockpits
- minor fixes & tweaks to
most other aircraft
- addition of new aircraft
to campaigns
- other minor updates to
campaigns
- addition of around 200
new weapons & guns
 
~~~~~~~
Credits
~~~~~~~
 
This mod package incorporates a large number of items are from the following modders, who generously allowed their use:
 
--------------------
 
The Mirage Factory ................ A-7E(H)
Wpnssgt ........................... A-10C original model
Spectre8750 ....................... A-10C new model, upgrade, & cockpit
AmokFloo .......................... A310-MRTT
yakarov79 ........................ AH-1J/W
EricJ ............................. AH-1W camo skin
Dels .............................. AH-64D
Bobrock & Brain32 ................. AV-8B-da & AV-8Bplus
Wrench ............................ AV-8B updates
331KillerBee & USAFMTL ............ AV-8Bplus skins
Nengajyou Aki ..................... AV-8B Plus (2010)
Dels & the Bone Team .............. B-1B_03
USAFMTL, JSF_Aggie, ............... B-52H_06C
Dels & wpnssgt
The Mirage Factory ................ B707-300
Veltro2k .......................... C-5A & C-141B
Veltro2k & Wrench ................. C-17
Daddyairplanes .................... C-5A, C-17, & C-141B skins
HrntFixr .......................... C-130A desert skin
Dels .............................. C-130H, C-130H_IRIAF, EC-130H
Daddyairplanes .................... C-130E/H upgrades & new skins
Dels, Sundowner, & Dave ........... RAF C-30K Super Pack (for C-130Ke)
AmokFloo .......................... C-160D
The Mirage Factory / ModMafia ..... CF-18
dtmdragon ......................... CF-18_07 upgrade
The Mirage Factory ................ E-3A
USAFMTL ........................... E-3A AEW Update
Daddyairplanes .................... E-3A skins & SF2 updates
Hawker/Agemmenon & 331KillerBee ... EA-6B
Paul Nortress ..................... EA-6B skins
Fubar512 & Wrench ................. EA-6B INI upgrades & fixes
Home Fries ........................ 3W EA-6B_98 (optional)
Ace888 ............................ EF-2000 Typhoon
The Mirage Factory ................ F-1EQ
Stary ............................. F-1EQ cockpit repaint
Sundowner ......................... F-4D_IRIAF, F-4E_IRIAF, F-4E_IRIAF_75 skins
Wrench & Sundowner ................ F-4E_AUP
Ace888 ............................ F-4E_SRA
USAFMTL, Sundowner, & PureBlue .... F-4ETM_2020
Ace888 ............................ F-4ETM_Simsek
ravenclaw_007 .................... F-4F_ICE
The Mirage Factory ................ F-5A_IRIAF & F-5E_IRIAF
lanapa ............................ F-5E_IRIAF skin
Crusader .......................... F-5E avionics mod
The Mirage Factory................. F-7B & F-7M Airguard (mew models)
101tfs & Gepard ................... F-7ME
The Mirage Factory ................ F-14A & F-14A_IRIAF
EricJ & Sundowner ................. F-14A & F-14A_IRIAF skins
Spectre8750 ....................... F-14A fixes & upgrades
FastCargo & team .................. F-15C_85, F-15E_04, & F-15I_Raam
Viper Crew ........................ F-16AM, F-16C, F-16CM_B40, F-16CM_B42, F-16CM_B50,
& F-16CM_B52
Viper Team ........................ F-16I Sufa (new model)
JJava ............................. F-18C_Fin (based on the TMF F/A-18A & F/A-18C)
The Mirage Factory / ModMafia ..... F/A-18A & F/A-18C
Wildcat,column5,SidDogg,& BPAo .... F/A-18 skins
Dels & the Raptor Team ............ F-22A
Julhelm ........................... F-22A cockpit
Fastcargo ......................... F-35A
DoctorWho ......................... F-35A 58 FS skin
FastCargo ......................... F-111C(Late)
liamp51 ........................... re-textured F-111A cockpit
EricJ, FastCargo & team ........... FA-18E, FA-18F, & EA-18G
SidDogg, Thundercheif, & EricJ ... FA-18E, FA-18F & EA-18G skins
EricJ ............................. FA-18F_RAAF skins & EA-18G Jammin' Jihad scheme
Brain32 ........................... Updated F/A-18E/F cockpit
Bobrock ........................... HarrierGR9 model
Pagan ............................. HarrierGR9 updates
Crusader .......................... Harrier avionics mod
JimBeamer5 ........................ HH-60H & MH-60S (optional)
Insky Group & Erwin Hans .......... J-10A
Gux & Gripen Team ................. JAS39C
Scandinavian Front Team ........... Gripen updates
Bpao .............................. KC-135E & KC-135R tankers
The Mirage Factory ................ M2000-5F
Amokfloo, JAT81500, & ludo.m54 .... M2000BG
Marcfighters ...................... Mi-8 Hip
The Mirage Factory ................ MiG-29A_ir & MiG-29G
Russouk2004 ....................... MiG-29A updated model
dast24 ............................ MiG-29G updates
frtn .............................. MQ-9
CadeteBRA ......................... RafaleC
Bpao, Crab02, & ravenclaw_007 ..... RF-4E_HAF, RF-4E_HAF_SW, RF-4E_IRIAF, RF-4E_TuAF
Ace888 & emresukhoi ............... RF-4E_TuAF skins
FastCargo ......................... Saeqeh
foxmonter ......................... SEtendard
Wrench ............................ SEtendardM update
Florian ........................... SH-3D Sea King
Veltro2k & Lindr2 ................. Su-24MK
dalai_LAMA, Veltro2K, ............. Su-24MK skins
& Tunderchief
Mikeymead ......................... repainted/updated Su-24 cockpit
NATO Fighters 4+ team ............. Su-25
Florian, Baffmeister, Paulopanz, .. Su-25 updated model, INI updates, & new skin
& Wrench
Marcfighter, Erwin Hans ........... Su-27
Marcfighter, Erwin Hans, .......... Su-30MKM
Bpao, & Jv44KT
SayWhat!, Massimo, & Erwin Hans ... Su-27 & Su-30MKM skins
Orsin & Lindr2 .................... Su-27 & Su-30 flight models
YEYEYE ............................ new Su-27 & Su-30 cockpits
Sundowner, AD, & Dave ............. TornadoGR4_06
Ianh .............................. Tornado GR4_06 fixes & updates
Sundowner & Ianh .................. TornadoRECCE
Gramps ............................ UH-1D Huey
101tfs & Spillone104 .............. Iranian drones (from Mescalero mod)
 
--------------------
 
WhiteBoySamurai ................... Ticonderoga & Arleigh Burke class ships
aleks1 ............................ CVN-68
Kesselbrut ........................ LHA
SUICIDAL & TORNO .................. Alvand (Type 21 frigate)
Hinchbrooke ....................... Damavand (Daring class)
WhiteBoySamurai ................... Bayandor (Jianghu)
SUICIDAL & TORNO .................. Moudge Class DD (Type 21)
WhiteBoySamurai ................... China Cat FAC (new)
ThirdWire ......................... ChinaCat (P-4 Patrol Boat), Tir Class (Patrol Boat)
Kesselbrut ........................ Supply Ship, Small Cargo Ship, MVNordic_Ferry,
MVTor_Caledonia, MVBaltic_Ferry, Trawler 1 & 2
Kesselbrut ........................ Hejaz (Small Cargo Ship), Hendijan (Navy Tug), Kilo
Class submerged (November), Spy Trawler (Trawler2)
Polak ............................. MVAtlantic_Causeway & MVAtlantic_Conveyor
Adrian Benetti .................... Kaman (ARA Intrepida) & Riazi (Sotoyomo)
Pasko ............................. Thondar Class (Komar)
AleDucat .......................... Kilo Class Sub (ARA Salta)
BANIDOS Team ...................... ContainerShip
Julhelm ........................... ND Tanker & Kharg (Tanker2)
loborojo & SUICIDAL ............... Petrolero
Fubar512 .......................... Fleet Oiler
Cocas ............................. Trawler
Raven ............................. Navy Trawler repaint
JSF_Aggie ......................... ThirdWire LHA upgrade
Florian ........................... USN AOE Transport
Abhi .............................. AN/TQ-1 Avenger, Pantsir-S1
FastCargo ......................... SA-5 & SquarePair
Monty CZ........................... SA-10 & Flaplid, Stinger site
Fubar512 .......................... SA-10 INI tweaks
Gabilon ........................... Gepard & Tor-M1
Pasko ............................. S-60, KS-30, KS-19P, SA-7, Hawk launcher & radars,
BTR-60, Type69, Type59, M-42, D-20, Chaparral,
SS-4 launcher & vehicles, 155mm Howitzer, EW_Radar
Fubar512 & Wrench ................. Hawk INI tweaks
rebel ryder & Nicholas Bell ....... M1939 flak guns
bigal1 ............................ M270MLR
YEYEYE ............................ PAC-3 system
Florian ........................... RolandRad
CrazyhorseB34 ..................... RolandRad desert skin
EricJ & winterhunter .............. Starstreak Stormer
Kesselbrut ........................ ZPU-1, ADATS, BlowpipeUK, OerlikonAAA,
Rapier, & Blindfire radar
Gerald14 & Kesselbrut ............. M3A1 Bradley & M6 Linebacker
BPAo & Sundowner .................. HQ-7 (SA-9)
Julhelm ........................... Firecan radar (new model)
Stefano ........................... AMX-30 & AMX-30B2
rebel ryder ....................... BMP-1 & M-109
SFP1Ace ........................... Chieftain 5 tank
Florian ........................... Leopard2A6
bigal ............................. Scud launcher
Moonjumper, Crusader, & Otto ...... Kytusha launchers
Spectre8750 ....................... GAZ-66 trucks
BANIDOS Team ...................... M167 VADS & TOPOL
Richard & Kesselbrut .............. Land Rover trucks
BANIDOS Team & SUICIDAL ........... Mercedes trucks
Kesselbrut ........................ ZiL-157 trucks
SUICIDAL & TORNO .................. Humvees
SUICIDAL .......................... New Destroyed Tank LODs
 
--------------------
 
cellinsky, Insky/Orsin, ........... Environment mods
& PanamaRed
Fubar512 .......................... Improved water shader effect
USAFMTL & Polak ................... Terrain
Wrench ............................ Terrain updates & updated desert tiles
Spectre8750 ....................... Fake Afterburner Node
Stary ............................. Ejection mod
OldDiego, Pappy, Wrench, Pasko, ... Pilots
Florian/AmokFloo, & PureBlue
allenjb42 ......................... OpDarius icon
 
--------------------
 
(Used in an earlier release of this mod package)
 
Wrench ............................ F-7M update
The Mirage Factory, ............... F-16A & F-16C models
Swede & Wpnssgt
Viggen ............................ F-16AM_KLu (based on The Mirage Factory F-16A)
Creepn Death ...................... F-16C_HAF skins
Eankhilous ........................ F-16C_TuAF skins
wpnnsgt, Swede, & team ............ F-16I_Sufa
The Mirage Factory ................ F/A-18C models & skins
SidDogg ........................... F/A-18C skins
Spectre8750 ....................... F/A-18C upgrade
ODS Team .......................... Firecan radar
Bongodriver ....................... EF-2000 Typhoon
Spiritwalker69 .................... EF-20000 new & updated skins
 
Credit for the original "Operation Darius" mod package goes to USAFMTL, Wrench, and the team of modders that contributed to that campaign collaborative project on CombatAce.com. To peruse the discussion surrounding the original "Operation Darius" project, see this thread:
 
http://combatace.com/topic/68337-ok-lets-start-a-virtual-nato/
 
If we have neglected to credit anyone here, please let us know. We will get it fixed ASAP.
 

--------------------------
eburger68 & USAFMTL (Dave)
31 August 2012
24 January 2013
30 October 2014
23 September 2015

Part four of the "Black Sea Crisis" mod for SF2NA.

Part three of the "Black Sea Crisis" mod for SF2NA.

Part two of the "Black Sea Crisis" mod for SF2NA.

"Black Sea Crisis" for
Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic
 
September 1994. Conspiring with senior elements of the military, a coalition of hard line Russian nationalists and former communists in the State Duma deposes President Yeltsin, who makes a dramatic escape from Russia in the middle of the night aboard a hastily commandeered Aeroflot airliner.
 
Declaring the December 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union to be an illegal act of high treason, the new powers in the Kremlin announce their intention to bring "renegade" former Soviet republics back into Moscow's orbit. Within days Russian tank divisions are massing on the Ukraine's eastern border.
 
Alarmed at the rapidly mounting threat to their newly independent country, Ukraine's leaders turn to NATO and the United States for assistance. The United States responds by sailing the Eisenhower carrier group through the Turkish Straits and into the Black Sea, while simultaneously deploying several USAF bomber squadrons to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. As tensions continue to rise, a Marine Amphibious Group is also dispatched to Sevastopol with its complement of battle-ready U.S. Marines.
 
Despite the show-of-force by Washington, the revanchist hardliners in Moscow press on with the build up of military forces on the Ukrainian border, all the while demanding that U.S. military units withdraw immediately from the Black Sea area. Ignoring pleas for talks to resolve the crisis, Russian tanks cross the border in the early morning hours of September 29 as part of a full scale invasion of the Ukraine.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Minimum Requirements
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
To install and play this mod, you must have the following games as part of a merged install:
 
SF2 VERSION: Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic
Strike Fighters 2 Europe
PATCH LEVEL: Mar2012 or higher
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Installation
~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
This mod requires "Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic" (SF2NA) as well as "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" (SF2E) in a merged install. Before installing this mod package, please ensure the installation of "Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic" and "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" that you intend to use is updated to at least the Mar2012 patch level. The latest patches for Strike Fighters 2 can be downloaded from ThirdWire:
 
http://thirdwire.com/downloads.htm
 
The main installation process consists of three main steps. Please read the following instructions carefully and follow them religiously. If you wind up with a non-working mod install, then you likely failed to follow the instructions properly.
 
-----------------------------------
* STEP 1: PREPARE THE MOD FOLDER *
-----------------------------------
 
This mod requires a separate mod folder. Please do not attempt to install this mod over or combine it with other mods such as "NATO Fighters 5," "Operation Desert Storm," or the SF2V Expansion Pack.
 
- Open your SF2 Installation directory and make a copy of StrikeFighters2 NorthAtlantic.exe. Rename the copied .EXE file to StrikeFighters2_BlackSeaCrisis.exe (or whatever unique name you prefer).
 
- Run the newly copied and renamed .EXE file, then exit back out to the Windows desktop after navigating through a few menus. A custom Mod Folder for your "Black Sea Crisis" mod install will have been created in one of these locations:
 
Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\[username]\My Documents\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]
Windows Vista: \Users\[username]\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]
Windows 7: \Users\[username]\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]
 
...where [YourModFolder] matches the name of the copied .EXE file that you created. You will install the "Black Sea Crisis" mod files to your Mod Folder.
 
- Open your Mod Folder and delete the \Objects sub-directory (including everything in it).
 
Now you're ready to install the "Black Sea Crisis" mod proper.
 
-------------------------------------------------
* STEP 2: INSTALL MAIN COMPONENTS TO MOD FOLDER *
-------------------------------------------------
 
This is the easiest step.
 
- Unpack the four "Black Sea Crisis" archive packages you downloaded to a temporary location on your hard drive.
 
- Move the contents of the \To_Mod_Folder directory from all four unzipped packages to your Mod Folder (created in Step 1 above). (Note: do not simply drag and drop the folder named "To_Mod_Folder" or you will end up with a non-working install. You should drag what's INSIDE the "To_Mod_Folder" directory.)
 
If you've moved everything correctly, you should have a new \Objects sub-directory in your Mod Folder, along with a few new other sub-directories.
 
----------------------------
* STEP 3: EDIT OPTIONS.INI *
----------------------------
 
This last step involves a bit of text editing, so please pay attention.
 
Open the Options.INI in your Mod Folder. Locate the "Single Mission" section. At minimum you should change the EndYear= statement to 2000 or higher. I recommend setting the StartYear= and EndYear= as follows:
 
StartYear=1992
EndYear=2020
 
Finally, a little further down you should find the "Campaign" section. Replace it with the following:
 
[Campaign]
CampaignName=1994-0929 Black Sea Crisis (Full)
PlayerService=USN
PlayerUnit=VF-142 Ghostriders
AircraftType=F-14B_87
Difficulty=NORMAL
Length=NORMAL
AircraftSupply=NORMAL
WeaponSupply=LIMITED
LoadCampaign=FALSE
CampaignSavename=DefaultCampaignSave
 
Save your changes and close the Options.INI file.
 
* * * * *
 
THAT'S IT. The "Black Sea Crisis" mod should now be installed on your PC and ready to play.
 
If you start the mod and it crashes or you don't see any new aircraft or campaigns, then you didn't install the mod properly (and that's exactly what I'm going to tell you if you post to the CombatAce forums and ask me if I have "any ideas?" as to what the problem is).
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note on the Included Campaigns
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
This mod includes five different versions of the same underlying campaign:
 
- 1994-0929 Black Sea Crisis
 
The basic Blue campaign. Blue-side forces include the Ukrainian Air Force, the Eisenhower carrier battle group and its air wing, the Nassau Amphibious Group with its complement of AV-8Bs, and USAF bombers at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey (which are not player-flyable).
 
- 1994-0929 Black Sea Crisis (Full)
 
A variant of the basic Blue campaign. Blue-side forces include the Ukrainian Air Force, the Eisenhower Carrier Battle Group and its air wing, the Nassau Amphibious Group with its complement of AV-8Bs, USAF fighters and attack aircraft deployed to Ukrainian air bases, and USAF bombers at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey (these last not being player-flyable).
 
- 1994-0929 Black Sea Crisis (Red)
 
A Red variant of the "Full" 1994 campaign discussed just above. In this variant the player flies for the Russian Air Force.
 
- 1996-0929 Black Sea Crisis
 
Another Blue-side variant of the "Full" campaign above, but set in 1996. The Eisenhower's carrier air wing now includes F/A-18Cs in lieu of the A-6Es and A-7Es of the 1994 campaign. The Nassau's AV-8Bs are an upgraded version.
 
- 1996-0929 Black Sea Crisis (Red)
 
A Red variant of the 1996 campaign described above. Russian forces are essentially the same, but some fighters now use AA-12s in lieu of AA-10s.
 
** Conventional SF2 Campaign Variants **
 
The game engine for SF2NA brought many welcome new features to the world of Strike Fighters 2. As useful as those new features are, the SF2NA campaign engine (i.e., the engine that allows for "naval campaigns" with battle groups and cruise missile strikes) was clearly designed specifically for the SF2NA Iceland/North Atlantic campaign, as it attempts to turn every campaign into North Atlantic, Part II.
 
Once battle groups are "discovered" by the opposing side, the campaign engine will throw everything at that battle group, mission after mission, until all the ships are sunk or the attacking side runs out of aircraft capable of performing strike missions. This can become a bit wearisome, and it is extremely difficult to prevent those battle groups from being "discovered" and attacked. In the standard SF2NA-style campaigns listed above, this usually happens around the fifth mission of the campaign.
 
To give players an alternative to the standard "North Atlantic" duel-to-death naval campaign, I have included standard SF2-style campaigns that put the campaigns' focus squarely on the battle for the Ukraine. The carrier battle groups will no longer be attacked. (One can imagine a scenario in which the Kremlin -- based on a combination of military and political reasons -- elects not to directly attack American carrier groups while still engaging U.S. aircraft flying in defense of Ukraine.)
 
The upside to these "conventional" campaigns is that the campaign engine no longer gets stuck in the same cycle of hurling strike aircraft at the battle groups over and over. The downside is that carrier battle groups no longer move together. The carrier moves, but the escort ships are static terrain elements. Also, the big bombers on both sides tend to make less frequent appearances from their off-map air bases.
 
How to Use the Conventional Campaigns:
 
If you wish to try the conventional campaigns, you will have to install them from \Optional\CampaignsAlt (found in the directory where you unpacked the "Black Sea Crisis" downloads).
 
1. Drag the \Campaigns folder to the Mods folder where you installed the "Black Sea Crisis" mod, allowing Windows to overwrite files as prompted.
 
2. Drag the \Terrains folder to the "Black Sea Crisis" Mods folder as well, again allowing Windows to overwrite files as prompted.
 
When you re-start the game, the listed campaigns will play as conventional, SF2-style campaigns.
 
Please note that in the above install process you are effectively converting the Black Sea terrain into a conventional SF2 terrain. While the terrain is coverted into a conventional, non-naval terrain, naval aircraft in Single Missions will fly from land bases, not carriers.
 
To convert the terrain back into an SF2NA-style "naval" terrain, copy these files from \Terrains\BlackSea2 (in the directory where you unpacked the "Black Sea Crisis" download files) to the \Terrains\BlackSea2 directory in your Mods folder:
 
BlackSea2.INI
BlackSea2_TARGETS.INI
BlackSea2_WATER.bmp
 
That's right -- those are the only files that need to be restored. I would recommend restoring the original SF2NA-style campaigns at the same time.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note on Anti-Ship Missiles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
For this mod most third-party (i.e., non-stock) anti-ship missiles have been converted to use the ASM/cruise missile functionality introduced w/ SF2NA. At the same time, the older versions of these missiles have been preserved, as the new ASM cruise missiles can be used by AI only against ships.
 
So, for many anti-ship missiles you will now find two versions:
 
1) "Standard" guided version
 
These versions are the "old" style missiles setwith WeaponDataType=1. They can be used by AI against land and sea targets. These missiles retain their familiar names (e.g., AGM-84D Harpoon, Kh-59M Ovod, etc.).
 
2) ASM/cruise missile version
 
These versions utilitize the new cruise missile functionality set by WeaponDataType=7. They can be used by AI only against ships. These versions can be distinguished by their names:
 
- U.S./NATO missiles have the ASM tag (e.g., AGM-84D Harpoon ASM).
 
- Soviet/WP missiles follow the naming convention used by ThirdWire's
Soviet cruise missiles (e.g., Kh-59M AS-13 Kingbolt).
 
At the same time aircraft that typically carry these missiles have been updated to accommodate the ASM versions. Loadouts for these aircraft have been updated to use ASM versions by default for Anti-Ship, Naval_Attack, and Cruise_Missile loadouts.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note on Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
AI pilots in Strike Fighters have long had problems employing LGBs. AI pilots in the player's flight can drop LGBs, but will treat them as dumb bombs. AI pilots in flights not controlled by the player (i.e., AI-only flights) cannot use LGBs at all, and will typically get stuck circling the target.
 
To address this problem I have created EOGB versions of all LGBs for AI pilots to use (AI pilots have no problems with EOGBs for some reason). These AI versions are identical in all respects to the LGB versions save for the Guidance Type, which is set to "Electro-Optical Guided" instead of "Laser-Guided."
 
By default aircraft that use LGBs for certain loadouts (usually Stike, Attack, SEAD, or Anti-Ship) are loaded with these AI (EOGB) versions instead of the LGB versions. You should make it a habit to check the Loadout screen and switch the bomb version on your own aircraft to the LGB version.
 
You can distinguish between the AI (EOGB) and LGB (Player) versions by the weapon name -- for example:
 
LGB version: GBU-12D/B Paveway II LGB
AI version: GBU-12D/B Paveway II (AI)
 
While this solution introduces an extra step for the player in the preparation to start a mission, it allows AI pilots and AI-only flights to use these weapons.
 
~~~~~~~
Updates
~~~~~~~
 
This mod was released in October 2014. In September 2015 it was updated with the following additions, fixes, and changes:
 
New Aircraft:
- AH-1W Cobra
- AH-64A Apache
- Ka-27 Helix
- Mi-24P Hind-F
- P-3C Orion
- Su-27M Flanker-E
 
New Skins:
- AV-8Bplus new skins
- C-5A new skins
- C-17 new skins
- C-141B new skins
- HC-130P new skins
- S-3B new skins
 
Other Updates:
- minor fixes & tweaks to
most other aircraft
- minor updates to terrain
- addition of new aircraft
to campaigns
- other minor updates to
campaigns
- addition of around 200
new weapons & guns
 
~~~~~~~
Credits
~~~~~~~
 
This mod package incorporates a large number of items from the following modders:
 
Aircraft
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
HomeFries ........................... A-6 Superpack for SF2
Wrench .............................. A-7 low-viz skin
Spectre8750 ......................... A-10A (new model) & cockpit
yakarov79 .......................... AH-1J_80
EricJ ............................... AH-1J camo skin
Dels ................................ AH-64
Bobrock & Brain32 ................... AV-8B-da & AV-8Bplus
Wrench .............................. AV-8B updates
331KillerBee & USAFMTL .............. AV-8Bplus skins
Crusader ............................ Harrier Avionics Mod
Dels ................................ B-52G
Dave (USAFMTL) & team ............... B-52G upgrades
USAFMTL, JSF_Aggie, Dels & wpnssgt... B-52H
Dels & the Bone Team ................ B-1B
Kesselbrut .......................... B-52 cockpit
Veltro2k ............................ C-5A, C-17, & C-141B
Wrench .............................. C-5A, C-17, & C-141B updates
Daddyairplanes ...................... C-5A, C-17, & C-141B skins
Dels ................................ C-130E, C-130H, EC-130H
Daddyairplanes ...................... C-130E/H upgrades & new skins
The Mirage Factory .................. E-3A
USAFMTL ............................. E-3A AEW Update
Daddyairplanes ...................... E-3A skins & SF2 updates
HomeFries ........................... EA-6 SuperPack for SF2
The Mirage Factory .................. E-8C J-Stars
Fastcargo ........................... F-111F & EF-111A
liamp51 ............................. Re-textured F-111A cockpit
slick_cowboy ........................ F-111E/F new skins
Dels ................................ F-117A
The Mirage Factory .................. F-14A & F-14B
Spectre8750, Caesar, SupGen, ....... F-14 Superpack
& Crusader
FastCargo & team .................... F-15C & F-15E
The Mirage Factory, ................. F-16A_Blk10 & F-16A_Blk15
Viper Crew .......................... F-16C_B25, F-16C_B30, F-16C_B40, F-16C_B42,
F-16C_B50, & F-16C_B52
The Mirage Factory / ModMafia ....... F/A-18A & F/A-18C
Wildcat, column5, SidDogg, & BPAo ... F/A-18 skins
Veltro2K ............................ Il-76, Il-78, & A-50
WhiteboySamurai ..................... Ka-27
Marcfighters......................... KC-10
Daddyairplanes ...................... KC-10 new skins
Pappychksix & 331KillerBee .......... KC-130F
Bpao ................................ KC-135E & KC-135R tankers
Marcfighters & Kreelin. ............. Mi-8 Hip
YEYEYE .............................. Mi-24P
emresukhoi .......................... Mi-24P skins
ArmourDave & Sal .................... Su-17 cockpit (used for Floggers)
Paladrian ........................... MiG-21 cockpits
AtariBaby ........................... MiG-21 Complete Pack for SF2
The Mirage Factory .................. MiG-29A Fulcrum
Russouk2004 ......................... MiG-29A updated model
Russouk2004 ......................... MiG-29C Fulcrum
Jv44kt, Erwin_Hans, & Lindr2 ........ MiG-31
Florian ............................. P-3C beta
FoxMonter ........................... S-3B
Wrench .............................. S-3B updates
slick cowboy ........................ S-3B skins
Florian ............................. SH-3D Sea King
Veltro2k & Lindr2 ................... Su-24M, Su-24MP, Su-24MR
Mikeymead ........................... repainted/updated Su-24 cockpit
NATO Fighters 4+ team ............... Su-25
Florian, Baffmeister, & Paulopanz ... Su-25 (updated model & skins)
Marcfighter, Erwin Hans ............. Su-27
SayWhat!, Massimo, Erwin Hans, ...... Su-27 skins
& Diogo
Marcfighter, Erwin Hans, ............ Su-33 (Su-27 w/ canards)
Bpao, & Jv44KT
tarru & Drdoyo ...................... Su-33 skins
Orsin & Lindr2 ...................... Su-27 & Su-33 flight models
YEYEYE .............................. Flanker cockpits
Paulopanz & Spillone104 ............. Tu-16 Badger Collection
Veltro2K ............................ Tu-95KD, Tu-95MS
Snailman ............................ Yak-38 Vertical Pack
Komrad .............................. New Yak-38 skins
Gabilon, Oliver, & Bpao ............. Yak-41M
Snailman ............................ SF2NA Vertical Pack
 
Ground Objects
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kesselbrut .......................... CommTrailer, HQTrailer
Pasko ............................... D-20, 155mm Howitzer, M-59, EW_Radar
rebel ryder ......................... BMP-1, BRDM-2, BRDM-3, & M-109
BANIDOS TEAM ........................ BTR-60
Razvan Stanciu & EricJ .............. BTR-80
Gepard .............................. T-64s
BPAo, Fubar512, 331KillerBee ........ T-80BV
Gerald14 & Kesselbrut ............... M3A1 Bradley & M6 Linebacker
Pasko & Kesselbrut .................. M60A3, M60A1AOS
Kesselbrut .......................... M1 Abrams, LVTP-7, 105mm Howitzer, ZiL-157 trucks
SUICIDAL & TORNO .................... Humvees
Spectre8750 ......................... Ural-375 trucks, GAZ-66 trucks, & GAZ-66_ZPU23
bigal1 .............................. M270MLR
BANIDOS Team ........................ M167 VADS
Gerald14 ............................ "Russian Defence/ZSU-23-4 Pack"
SUICIDAL ............................ New Destroyed Tank LODs
Monty CZ............................. Stinger site
YEYEYE .............................. PAC-2 system
Pasko ............................... Hawk launcher/radars, Chaparral, SA-7
Fubar512 & Wrench ................... Hawk INI tweaks
Gabilon ............................. 2S6, Tor-M1, & SA-13
Abhi ................................ AN/TQ-1 Avenger, Pantsir-S1
Pasko ............................... SA-3 launchers, Flatface, Sidenet
FastCargo ........................... SA-5 & SquarePair
Kesselbrut, BPAo & Sundowner .........SA-9
Monty CZ............................. SA-10 & Flaplid, Stinger site
Fubar512 ............................ SA-10 INI tweaks
EricJ ............................... SA-11 & SA-17
YEYEYE .............................. TubeArm
Crusader ............................ Soviet MANPADs for SF2
Stary ............................... Soviet MANPADS (new models)
Fubar512 & MiGBuster ................ Carrier Deck Illumination package
WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Bainbridge & Leahy class ships
WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Ticonderoga & Arleigh Burke class ships
WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Kidd Class DDG
WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Kirov, Sovremenny, & Nanuchka missle boats
Cocas ............................... Trawler & Soviet Trawler
Raven ............................... Trawler skins
Kesselbrut .......................... Trawler 1 & 2, Small Cargo Ship, Navy Tug
Kesselbrut .......................... Kilo Class submerged (November)
AleDucat ............................ Kilo Class Sub (ARA Salta)
JSF_Aggie ........................... ThirdWire LHA upgrade
Florian ............................. USN AOE Transport
Julhelm ............................. USN Tanker & Kresta II
Orsin ............................... Udaloy & Slava classes
WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Udaloy & Slava Upgrade Packages
 
Other
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pfunk ............................... Black Sea 2 terrain
Stary ............................... seasonal terrain tiles (Baltic terrain)
cellinsky, Insky/Orsin, & PanamaRed Environment mods
OldDiego, Pappy, Wrench, Pasko, ..... Pilots
Florian/AmokFloo, & PureBlue
Stary ............................... new gun tracers
Spillone104 ......................... custom engine sounds
Spectre8750 ......................... Fake Afterburner Node
Stary ............................... Ejection mod
 
If I have neglected to credit anyone here, please let me know. I will get it fixed ASAP.
 
The works of art used for the campaign end screens -- "The Black Sea" (1881), "Russian Black Sea Fleet on a Parade Review" (1849), and "Pushkin on the Coast Black Sea" (1887) -- are all by the 19th century Russian maritime artist Ivan Aivazovsky. You can see more of Aivazovsky's works online at Wikiart:
 
http://www.wikiart.org/en/ivan-aivazovsky
 

--------------------------
Eric Howes
eburger68
25 October 2014
22 September 2015