SF2 WW2 F8F-1 Bearcat 7/22/2016
 
"A Somewhat What If aircraft for WW2 PTO '46"
 
***Note: Due to massive changes in the skins, decals, and inis, if you have created a WW2 Version of the Bearcat, you ARE advised to move, remove, rename or otherwise hide it from the Game Engine. THIS mod will cause conflicts, due to aforementioned changes, with many of the original parts.***
 
This full aircraft package includes mods to Geo's F8F Bearcat, (re)creating the original 600-odd F8F-1 versions as deployed from August, 1945, just as the War ended. I've made the assumption, for PTO '46 users, that the A-Bombs, for whatever reason, were not used and the aircraft entered full squadron service for Operations Olympic and Coronet.
See the 'Changes' section in the "Notes" below.
 
The package includes 2 skin & decal sets:
 
VF-19 (USS Langley, CVL-27) as seen in 8/45, enroute to the War Zone, as the war ended)
VF-3 (USS Coral Sea, if the CVB class carriers had entered the war in the later parts of 1945)
 
With the exception of the nation marking, which remain painted on, all other markings are decals. Decal randomization is TRUE. Many are by Geo from the original release. Other (modex) are by me. The ship code letters ARE correct for the late 45 thru late 46 time frame. The skins have been partly repained to remove the incorrect "G" system marking used on the orignal VF-19 skin. Skins remain in bmp format. As they carry no markings, this will allow other skinners the freedom to create other carrier air group codes, although new modex numbers will probably be required as well.
The hangar screen is an SF2 version of my 1st Gen "Box Art" one.
 
All weapons (drop tanks), sounds and a pilot figure are included. Other weapons used (rocket, bombs, etc) use those you should already have in the WW2 Weapons Pack.
 
The canopy opens with the standard keystroke, Shift/0 (zero). Wingfold is =NOT= active, as it never was when originally released in 2006. The aircraft is NOT exported, having only the single user, the US Navy.
The aircraft has been given a Service Start Date of of July, 1945. The data ini contains a new (if somewhat experimental FM, but MUCH closer to stated performances). It may require further fine tuning by experts; to that end I've included the USN BuAer's "Standard Performance" chart PDF within the main aircraft folder. This is for those remaining FM gurus to use, if they wish, to further refine the FM.
 
As always, unzip this to a temp folder somwhere, and you'll have access to the rest of the readme for it's instructions. PLEASE read it before installing, ok?
As always, read the "Notes" section for notes and other ramblings
 
Happy Landings!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

------------------------------------------------------
USS Juneau Class Cruiser Ver 1.0
------------------------------------------------------
By YEYEYE & KJakker.
 
---------------
DESCRIPTION
---------------
This is the CL-119/CLAA-119 Juneau Class Light AA Cruiser modeled by YEYEYE. It includes both an early and a late version. The CL-119 represents the USS Juneau CL-119, USS Spokane CL-120, and USS Fresno CL-121 when equiped with the 40mm Bofors. The CLAA-119 represents the USS Juneau CLAA-119 after its November 1951 to February 1952 overhaul which replaced the 40mm mounts with 3inch/50caliber Mark 33 gun mounts.
 
Note: Three "Data.INI" files for the CL-119 Juneau class and two for the CLAA-119 Juneau class have been included. The AltGuns1 and AltGuns2_DATA.INI variants use alternate guns from the default file; these guns can be found in the Optional Files\Optional Guns folder.
 
Also in the Optional Files\Optional Data Files folder you will find subfolders titled Structural Factor x2, Structural Factor x3, and Structural Factor x4, and Default Data File Backup as I was not sure how strong players would want the ship to be. Each version has a Structural Factor that many times that of the Default variant.
 
---------------
SPECIAL NOTE
---------------
 
This package was assembled at the request of Do335.
 
---------------
INSTALLATION
---------------
Backup anything in your SF2 Mods folder that you think may be effected. Extract all the files from the archive to a safe place on your harddrive then take the folder labled "To Mods Folder" and copy it into your Strike Fighters 2 mods folder, overwrite as needed.
 
Optional Files
 
If you want to use the alternate guns that the AltGuns1 and AltGuns2 data file variants are set up for then afte doing the above go to Optional Files folder and move the contents of the Optional Effects, Optional Guns, Optional Sounds folders to their respective folders in your Mods folder. Then add the data from the Sound List Additions.txt to your SOUNDLIST.INI folder.
 
---------------
CREDITS
---------------
Ship basic model, Distance-LODs, and Skins by YEYEYE.
 
Data and Names INI files as well as the Hull names and numbers for the Spokane and Fresno are by KJakker.
 
The included optional guns listed below are by KJakker.
 
20MM_L70ww
20MM_L70wwL
 
40MM_L56
40MM_L56L
 
3IN_MK22_TF
5IN_38_MK12_AA
 
Guns below were originaly from the "Guns Collection for SF2 Series 2.0" by FLOGGER23.
 
20MM_L70
40MM_L60
 
Most of the included effects are by Stary. The two Effects listed below are by KJakker and are based upon work by Stary & Thirdwire.
 
76mmFlakEffect
LtTankGunFireEffect
 
Do not distribute, repackage or post without consent from YEYEYE & KJakker.
 
No Modifications without previous consent is allowed.
 
And this is freeware, it must not be used in any commercial product.
 
Copyright ? YEYEYE, KJakker. All rights reserved.
 
---------------
Special thanks.
---------------
Thirdwire and TK for their sim and some instruments.
 
Hope you enjoy it.
 
YEYEYE & KJakker
July 2016
 
===========================================================

Fictional AT-6G Mosquito skin for SF1 & SF2.
This is a What If SEA skin for Wrench's AT-6G Mosquito mod found here: http://combatace.com/files/file/9082-at-6g-texan-mosquito-fac/
It is Wrench's mod to Bunyap's T-6 Texan. You will need this file for the plane, weapons and decal numbers.

Bunyap's T-6 Texan is a bit old and has a few malfunctions such as a shadow line and no texture mapping for the tires, etc. But it looks good in the air.
If you would like my .psd layer mods to Wrench's template, PM me.
 
Thanks to Bunyap for the plane and Wrench for the Mosquito mod and templates.
Any questions, please ask.
Enjoy,
Geary

Kamchatka Peninsula 250m heightmesh update with corresponding tweaks and rejuvenated/extended tileset and layout
for Strike Fighters 2, best fully-merged installation
v1.0
by Stary
July 2016
 
 
 
^^^^----------------------------------------------^^^^
 
This is test rebuild of Baltika's and Wrench's Kamchatka terrain, based on Kamchatka v2.0 which is major update to original Baltika's
terrain by Wrench.
 
This is semi-experimental update aimed at demonstrating and testing in wider userbase usage of denser resolution heightmesh.
I can >>not<< guarantee the stability of this terrain due to engine limitations and what I observed and what seems to be slight memory handling issues of the SF2 engine
 
Credits:
Baltika and Wrench for their work on Kamchatka map.
Gerwin for TFD tool and BMP2TFD
Combatace and Thirdwire
All the nice people around here
 
Extended information, please read carefully!
 
The height mesh:
 
The stock Thirdwire .hfd terrain format uses publictly available DEM (digital elevation model) databases to produce 500 meters vertex
spaced terrain meshes with 2000 meters tiles covering them. This is proven, easy to use system but 500 meters is awfully 1999 technology
for 2016 systems. Thus given my efforts into NA LOD-based terrains creation stalled due to lack of knowledge and tools I decided to
reproduce one of more interesting yet obscure maps available, the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The mesh in this download currently uses 250 meters resolution which is twice the density and detail* compared to original terrain.
Please note that due to being based on low resolution hfd file output the actual height representation is somewhat off compared to real terrain!
Not much and not that it really matters much. "If it looks good it is good"
 
New heightmap was created in several steps which I now describe to help other more advanced terrain modders possibly use this method:
 
First steps -Gerwin's TFDTool and Photoshop:
-I used Gerwin's TDF tool to output the heightmap via F9 key
-Also created the textures bitmap as a helper file via F7 key
-The created file in grayscale is 3000x3000, which corresponds to 500m resolution on 1500000m map (3000/2=1500! Magic!)
-Thus I rescaled the file to 6000x6000 pixels, the same with the texture bitmap which I copied to greyscale file for reference
-The 6000x6000 or twice the original is the 250m per pixed heightfield file
-I filled the blue water areas TFDTool creates with pure black 0,0,0
-Then I spent some time in Photoshop working on several layers and using several brushes and tools to slightly tweak the grayscale height
image, mostly to brighten the higher areas and adjust some more interesting places. Mostly blur, stroke tools and some slight wave-y
filers to add some detail to now ARTIFICIALLY pumped up resolution (further on this below)
-Pro tip: to get rid of any water/shore artifacts is easy way, the so called tsunami waves or coast areas on slopes I selected the
texture map layer, selected all water areas (select by pixel color) and created another pure black layer on top of the main height layer,
that drops slight shadows around it (2 to 4 pixels black shadow) -this way the heightmap gets toned down for few pixels (two is good
value) when near the water areas; think smart not hard as The Ancient One says :P
when the heightmap was considered ready I flattened it and converted to 8bit palleted file using the stock Thirdwire terrain editor
palette (you can do this palette by exporting any heightmap as bitmap from within the TE and saving it's palette to file, most programs
allow palette saving)
 
Second step -Thirdwire Terrain Editor, the 042106 version:
so now I had the TE-format palleted 8bit heightmap but to import it without further data loss I needed to adjust the TerrainEditor.ini
settings via notepad:
-the line that specifies the min-max scale of height present in the file is this line:
 
[bitmapImport]
HeightScale=15 <---- this line, by default uses value of 10
MinLandHeight=0 <---- by default 1
 
experimenting with this value gives you the similar results as using PGUP/PGDN keys when using Gerwin's bmp2tfd tool, basically sets the global vertical scaling of min-max values in file
 
To create new 250m resolution the values at creating new map are as follows:
Terrain Map Size: 1500 (km, like original Kamchatka terrain)
Texture Tile Resolution: 2000 (meters, like all common SF2 maps and tilesets)
Height Field Resolution: 250 (meters, compared to defaul 500 meters)
 
Then if you do have the texturelist loaded yo ushould get new flat terrain with textures filling the areas, just impor t he
heightmap from the created 6000x6000 paletted bitmap and save.
This is basic procedure, same can be used to create 125 meters resolution terrains (I did so for Korea3 terrain so far) BUT those are unstable and I am still trying to get
perfect values in BOTH flightengine.ini and given terrain's _data.ini
*now the heihgt information/detail gets lost every time we index the heightmap so one must then increase the HeightScale= value to get
more or less proper -OR GOOD LOOKING height values. Also be warned that Gerwin's TFDTool doesn't properly translate non-standard maps
(1000 kilometers ones go ok though) that is why the TE hassle
That said -the height scale is a bit OFF in this map so if you are a purist complain all you want, I wanted better looking mesh more than
geographical accuracy. To have the latter we need to come up with otehr height data sources for denser terrains. I have yet to look into
the tools and programs I own what could be of use.
 
Installation:
 
Before installing this mod BACKUP your Kamchatka terrain!!! There is possibility you won't get this terrain working at all so I warned
you!
 
To install this exctract the zip and move the content of the included folder to your Kamchatka terrain, overwrite when asked.
 
This way now you have new terrain tfd and hfd files, new inis, TODs and new reworked tileset in both summer nad winter flavours in their respective folders.
The mod has all the nedded tweaks into kamchatka.ini and kamchatka_data.ini already present,
HOWEVER to use this terrain in efficient way (ie, not to experience CTDs when loading the map every signle time) please do adjust few
 
things in your installation:
The essential is making small adjustments to your flightengine.ini file
 
[backgroundSceneClip]
FarClipDistance=70000
 
by default uses value of 80000, and while I now use the original value to prevent possible memory crashes use the 70000 value which lowers the loaded terrain "bubble" around the camera.
Also if you do use very extended trees/objects drawing distances (with or without additions of Mue's extra distance fading shaders) I
recommend lowering the DetailMeshSize= values, start with something like 8 or 10 and try if the map loads for you, can then increase this
further, it might be very VERY system-dependent
 
Known Bugs:
YES this is test and YES you might get constant CTDs when loading missions; might be very computer or installation dependent. I have
medium-high system and work ok with the values I use in inis. Also can't guarantee if some crazy large scale missions wouldn't prevernt the
terrain OR textures to load, as I have hit some engine limitations during more brutal force tests. That is why the tileset, albeit I have
it in 1024px resolution too, is 512 version.
 
Also you should have much less of issues when using ObjectsFade=TRUE and not using Mue's extender draw distance shaders. That is because
the sim engine apparently does not have to load ALL the TODs at once during mission loading, just later when need be.
Anyway that is my assumption, I might be totally wrong
 
Legal stuff:
CA Fair Use license apply, not to be used as base or part of any sort of payware
 
That should be all,
have fun (I hope) and if you are terrain modder, try my method. Again, 500m res is soo 1999 :P
 
Stary

SF2 WW2 BT2D "Skyraider" (AD-1) 7/21/2016
 
"A Somewhat What If aircraft for WW2 PTO '46"
 
**Note: consider this 'version 3.0', replacing the SF/Wo* version based on MontyCZ Skyraider I'd done many years ago. THIS version replaces that one completely. Delete it if you still have it.**
 
*Note you =MUST= have SF2:V as part of your merged install, as the mod references the stock A-1H lod for the aircraft.*
 
The is a semi-what if aircraft, as the BT2D did exist (and was renamed the AD-1 in 1947). This mod assumes that the aircraft WAS deployed to the Western Pacific in WW2, in the event that the development and/or usage of the A-Bombs was curtailed for some reason.
 
The aircraft comes with three skin/decal sets (although only one actual skin residing in the main folder; the "Brain32 trick".)
 
VB-14 (USS WASP)
VT-88 (USS YORKTOWN)
VB-19 (USS CORAL SEA)
 
The skin remains in bmp format. All markings are decals and decal randomization is TRUE. All Aircraft carry the new style (post-July 1945) "letter code" ship identification tags. These ARE correct for the time from 7/45 - 12/46(ish). VT88 & VB19 also make use the "hundreds" series modex numbers, which also started usage 7/45. VB14 remains with is double digit modex numbers. Several other ship ID code decal are provided, for those wishing to replace other SB2C & TBM units with the BT2D. Other units can be easily made if one knows their code letters (I do!) Other units may require new, different sequenced modex number decals.
 
All weapons, sounds and a pilot figure are included. The canopy opens with the standard keystroke, Shift/0 (zero). Wingfold is active, by using it's standard keystroke, Shift/9, but it's not reccomended to fold the wings when loaded, as due to some sort of game limitation, the weapons will NOT move with the wing (no matter how much I've tried to fix that).
The aircraft has been given a "start date' of of June, 1945.
The aircraft is equipped with radar, (AN/APS-4) in an external pod, and is speced to carry and deploy just about all USN weapons of the period, including "Bat" glide bombs, and torpedos.
 
As always, unzip this to a temp folder somwhere, and you'll have access to the rest of the readme for it's instructions.
 
Happy Landings!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

Skinpack including 4 skins from Ace Combat 04; Yellow 13, Yellow 4, Jean-Louis, and Gene.
 
The skin itself is edited from Jetfreak-7's Yellow 13 skin for HAWX, you can find it here --> http://jetfreak-7.deviantart.com/art/Su-37-Yellow-Squadron-331659969
 
A little info about the pilots:
 
-Yellow 13 and 4 were part of the 156th Tactical Fighter Wing, also known as Aquila, however, due to the yellow bellies of their Su-37s, the squadron was commonly known as the Yellow Squadron. The nicknames of their pilots came from the number of their aircraft, for example, Yellow 13 isn't the thirteenth pilot of the squadron, he pilots the 013 aircraft. Four was killed during the Stonehenge assault after deciding to depart with her damaged Su-37, after a bomb exploded on their makeshift runway. Thirteen was shot down and probably killed during the Siege of Farbanti. Both pilots were shot down by Mobius One.
 
-Jean-Louis and Gene are part of the Megalith Defense Squadron, a squadron hastily formed by a group of officers after the Second Usean Continental War to defend Megalith. They weren't part of the 156th TFW, but they had painted their Su-37s in their colors. They were both killed during the Megalith assault, first Jean-Louis, making Gene first-in-command, and later himself.
 
Note: The Su-37 model found in CombatACE and ported from HAWX has a mapping issue, where both wings use the same part of the texture. This means that the left wing is always mirrored from the right wing. Sorry, I can't do anything about it :(
 
Thanks for downloading, and good hunting!

Douglas BT2D "Dauntless II" Version 2.0 - for SF/SFG/WoV/WoE WW2 PTO installs patched to 06 levels -ONLY-!!


Updated to Version 2.0, Uploaded 5/18/09!!


 

-- NOTE: this package is designed to TOTALLY replace my original release from 2005, in it's entirety!! --


 
This is a complete reskin and redecaling of MontyCZ's A-1H Skyraider into a "What If..." variant of it's predecessor, the BT2D "Dauntless II", had it been available for use in the world of WW2: 1946, in the Pacific Theatre.
 
This version, as stated above, replaces the original. It's gone through some updating, but still remains pretty much the same. All new decals have been created (and properly done THIS time!) with correct Modex, and new BuNums. The BuNums themselves are actually AD-1 series numbers, but as the BT2D was renamed in 1947 TO the AD-1, this poses no historical conflicts. A new skin, with appropriate weathering, based of new templates, is also included. Some other 'fixes' include the renaming of some bits in the data ini, so's they 'disappear' when not used, and the addition of more formation/running lights and a landing light.
 
The aircraft depicted in the mod represents BT2Ds of VA-19A, the first squadron to recieve them, and be carrier qualified (that part really is true), aboard USS Coral Sea in 1945.
 
This is a COMPLETE addon aircraft, with all necessary parts, including an excessively repainted version of the A-4E cockpit (it's the closest there is -- see NOTES below for alternates). For those not having the WW2 Weapons pak, the AN/APS-4 radar pod and 300 gallon AD Blue drop tanks are included.
 
= IMPORTANT: This aircraft has been tested ONLY in 2006 Patch Levels SF/WoV/WoE. Be advised of the existence of some handling issues prevelant in WW2 era and many Pre-Patch (ie: 06 level) aircraft being used in the post 08 patch enviroments. It is NOT reccomended for use in WoI or SF/SFG/WoV/WoE in these post 08 patch game installs. It is also NOT reccomended for use in the SF2/SF2:V new series. If you insist on doing so, you do so at your own risk. No support is available from me for any issues you may experience. You have been warned/advised...
 
As always, unzip this to a temp folder somwhere, and you'll have access to the rest of the readme for it's instructions.
Also included, at the bottom of this document, is the Alternate History essay, telling the story of the Dauntless IIs use against the Home Islands.
 
Good Hunting!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

SF2 F-15 GAF Eagle Pack Redux 2016 (Fictional) - The Mudhen Team - 2016\07\19
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
 
This pack is an add-on for the F-15 Eagle Super Pack. However, it is a full stand-alone pack, no other mod packs are required.
 
What if West Germany replaced their aging F-4s with F-15s!? I was inspired by Ravenclaw's F-14F ICE Phantoms to build this pack. Infact, I used his squadron info and some of the decals for this pack.
 
If you are interested in other Mudhen Team F-15 Eagles, you can find them in the following links...
 
http://combatace.com/files/file/16186-sf2-f-15-eagle-super-pack-redux-2016/
http://combatace.com/files/file/16161-sf2-f-15-strike-eagle-super-pack-redux/
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
What's included in this mod pack?
-------------------------------------------------------------
 
** This pack contains fictional West German F-15G Eagle Squadrons.
 
* Included GAF Jets:
 
F-15C Eagle, F-15G Strike Eagle, and F-15GSE Silent Eagles.
 
* Included GAF squadrons:
 
JG71 "Richthofen" Norm 90j
JG72 "Westfalen" Norm 90j
JG73 "Steinhoff" Norm 90j
JG74 "Mölders" Norm 90j
 
** Optional Package:
 
Please refer to the Readme in the "Optional" folder to...
1) Install 1920x1080 Hangar and Loading screens. This pack has 1024x768 screens by default.
2) Downgrade the default 4096x to 2048x skins if you have performance issues with the larger skins.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
Installation:
-------------------------------------------------------------
 
!! First and always - BACKUP!
 
** Copy the contents of the uncompressed "To_Mod_Folder" folder into your Saved Game mod folder. Overwrite any conflicts.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
Add F15 SoundList
-------------------------------------------------------------
 
Read the "Add F15 SoundList.txt" readme file on adding the F-15 sound files included in this pack to your "Flight\SoundList.ini" file.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
 
Thats it - Enjoy!
 
Please report any bugs or issues via the "Support Topic" link...
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Credits:
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Mudhen Maintenance Team 2016
-------------------------------------------------------------
Viper63a - Upgraded Skins, Decals, Cockpit and Menu Screens.
Spudknocker - Upgraded Flight Model and Weapons Loadout.
Fanatic Modder - Upgraded Flight Model and Engine Emitters.
Crusader - Upgraded and added 2012 FM and Cockpits to pack!
RavenClaw_007 - Freaking insane Weapons and Ejection Seats!
JAT81500 - For the excellent Florian Pilot upgrades!
Hi Ho Silvers - AfterBurner Mod.
Nengajyou Aki -JASDF Serial Decals.
Stick - Beta testing and assistance with FM - THANK YOU!
 
April 2016
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
Salute to the 2010 F-15 Super Pack Team for the original
F-15 Super Pack!
-------------------------------------------------------------
TK - For the ThirdWire series of sims.
The Mirage Factory - For the nice F-15D MSIP aircraft...in particular Flying Toaster, wpnssgt, and Dave for making the F-15 MAX files available for me to play with.
Kei Nagase - For the awesome skins for the F-15 ACTIVE.
AleDucat - For the nice ACES II ejection seat models.
Deuces - For the F-15 Afterburner and weapon effects.
Diego - For the Modern USAF Pilot skins.
Fubar512 - For the FM work.
JimmyBib - For the F-15C cockpit flight control textures.
MoonJumper - Avionics work.
Sundowner - Textures.
USAFMTL/Dave - Decals.
Wpnssgt - Models, Textures.
Kesselburt - Original F-15C cockpit.
Kout - Loading and Hanger Screens.
Kct - Textures and decals for the F-15SG.
Brain32 - Improved/new textures for F-15C cockpit.
Mago - F-15E Cockpit.
331KillerBee - SF2 Weapons Pack (basis for some of the weapons included).
Lexx Luthor - Siberian Sky Experimental 3-D Rocket Exhaust
JAT81500 - F-15E Cockpit avionics and HUD work.
To my fellows at Combatace for helping me beta test and work out bugs.
Any errors or mistakes are entirely mine.
 
FastCargo
12 Jan 10