SF2 S2F-3S/S-2FE Tracker (Beta +)                   11/12/2025
-For SF2 =ONLY= (Any & All, Full 4/5 Merged Recommended)
Another "Found In The Archives" Job
Found this while cleaning an external drive. I have no idea where I got it, when I got it, or who built it. I've checked with our South American brethren, and they weren't sure either, but support the decision to release it. It's a 'not quite' ready aircraft, with some mapping issues (like, some parts are unmapped), but otherwise in good shape. It flies fine (albeit a bit TOO overpowered and maneuverable, but otherwise just fine). Therefore, I've given it the rating of "Beta +". If anyone does know who built it , Please Let Me Know, and I'll update the credits.
What we have here is a Grumman S2F-3S (SF2-E after 1962), and is VERY close to the G model. (See "Notes"). This is the later model, not the early type with the sensor pod on a pylon above the cockpit.
The aircraft came with several skins, and of course I had to add more! Those marked with a star (*) are the original skins. Those unmarked, are by me.  You'll have:
US Navy:
VS-21 "Fighting Red Tails" (Pacific 60-70)
VS-37 "Sawbucks" (Pacific 61-73)*
VS-28 "Hukkers" (Atlantic 60-69)
VT-28 "Rangers" (60-79 TS-2A)*
Argentine Navy:
Escuadrilla Aeronaval Antisubmarina (Blue)(<1970)*
Escuadrilla Aeronaval Antisubmarina (<1990)*
Brazilian Navy:
1/1 Grupo de Aviacao Embarcada (P-16E)<1965)*
Venezuela:
Escuadron Antisubmarino (Ven <1970)*
Royal Australian Navy:
VS-816 NAS (RAN) (67-85)
Generic Gull Gray/White*
As can be seen, the SF2 Date Switch if active, and skins will change accordingly. The "Generic Skin" has been decaled for the USN, but with "fictional" markings. As all decal positions are now pre-plotted, other Texture Artists can easily make additional skins and decals The skin template is included; it's stored within the main aircraft folder.
Nearly all marking are decals, with the exception of some national or squadron markings that are painted on due to a "lack of meshes" issue. All serials (BuNum for USN) have been matched as close as possible to their Modex numbers. Any numbers marked with the cross (Plus sign +) could not be matched to each other, but DID serve in the units assigned. In other words, nearly 100% historically correct. The BuNums for VT-28 are also correct, but as I couldn't find which were converted to the trainer, consider them 'generic' in nature. 
This mod uses (almost) all stock weapons. I've included the Mk.44 LWASW Torpedo, modifying it's service dates and exportation (after researching, of course). They work very well on Anti-shipping missions. All other weapons use stock 3W items. A new engine sound is also supplied (see "Notes" for install instructions)
I've used the Standard Animation Keystrokes (tm), Shift/9 will fold the wings. Shift/0 (zero) will open the starboard side crew door. The MAD boom and belly radome extend automatically with landing gear retraction. It is fully Carrier Qualified, having been tested on USN, RAN, Argentine and Brazilian Navy CVs.
On the Aircraft selection Dropdown on the Main Screen, you'll see:
S2F-3S (S-2E) Tracker
This will, of course, keep it differentiated from any other Stoofs that might be flying around.
As is always recommended, unzip to a temp folder or your desktop to give easy access to the rest of this readme for it's install instructions. PLEASE read them, before installing!!! You will be adding a sound to your SoundList.ini, as SF2 has some weirdness with engine sounds (expecially in Win10/11).
Please read the Notes section for other useless information, and (hopefully) full credits. 
Please also take note of changes in the Standard Disclaimer in the "Legal BS" section at the bottom.
Good Hunting & Happy Landings!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

This tool is a windows powershell script which allows users to do a few tasks, and launch several useful tools from one place.
Its key features includes 
1. ini file backup, with full file structure retained. backup file will be zipped under your mod folder
2.ini file bulk write protect/un-protect,
3. ini file bulk content search and replacement
4. changing game to Force using AI player or use human player.
 
In addition it allows you to define your file location of several useful tools and launch them from one place. Such as dogfight generator, CAT extractor  TFD tool etc. These tools are available for download at Combatace.com
 
Due to the nature of Windows Powershell, bulk file change may represent a potential threat to the safety of your files. Please ensure you backup before trying this.
 
 
 
 
 
 

This is a sound and Skin add-on for EricJ Super Hornets. SF2 Only
COMING WEEKEND! - 0.91
You may want a mod that modifies the sound files in the game for a more inmersive 
experience, You found the correct mod!
//---INSTRUCTIONS---//--------------------------------------------------
Unzip, copy and paste the main files, READ AND COPY CAREFULY
//---INCLUIDES---//-------------------------------------------------------
 
---Optional Files---------------------------------------------------
  -Objects
    -Aircraft
      -FA-18FBlkI
        -FA-18A_RWR.LST
        -data.ini (MODIFIED)
        -cockpit.ini (MODIFIED) 
        -VFA-103 (MODIFIED)(UPDATED)
---Sounds-----------------------------------------------------------
    -Breathing (MODIFIED)
---Flight-----------------------------------------------------------
 All RWR TGA files that could be neccesary
---Objects----------------------------------------------------------
   -Aircraft
     -FA-18FBlkI
       -data.ini (MODIFIED)
       -Avionics.ini (MODIFIED)
   -Guns
     -M61A2
     -GAU8
---Sounds-----------------------------------------------------------
 Original sound files that are in EricJ main pack
 THEY ARE WITH A VOLUME REDUCTION
   -RWRF18Lock
   -RWRF18Track
   -Vulcan (MODIFIED)(HIGH VOLUME)
   -GAU8 (MODIFIED)(No reason actually)
  
//---SPECIAL THANKS TO----------------------------------------------------
3W team for making this game possible
EricJ for creating the main mod and files used.
Everyone who reached this point of scroll.
 

DRV 2.0 terrain
Democratic Republic of Vietnam or better known as North Vietnam
*****************************************************************************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This terrain is written for SF2NA and SF2E or SF2I or SF2V.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I. Short description:
This terrain covers North Vietnam, parts of South Vietnam and Thailand.
The timeframe of the terrain is from 1964 to 1979.
It is made as a NavalMap so that you can fly carrier missions against North vietnam.
You can fly following missions for the American and their allies, the South Vietnamese:
SWEEP,CAP,ESCORT,INTERCEPT,STRIKE,SEAD,ANTI_SHIP,RECON,CAS,ARMED_RECON
For the North Vietnamese you can fly this missions:
CAP,INTERCEPT

DRV 2.0 is a rework of DRV 1.4, a terrain which i made 20 years ago. I gave it a new tileset, reworked some tiling and some target areas. Further rework of the target areas is neccessary and will be done later.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
II. INSTALLATION:
To run this terrain you need SF2NorthAtlantic and SF2 Israel or SF2 Europe or SF2 Vietnam.

Unzip all files into your saved game folder ...ThirdWire\StrikeFighters2XXXX

Thats it.

If you have SF2Europe installed you must do nothing more.
If you miss SF2E and have SF2Israel you must open file
DRV.ini
with Notepad editor and look for the lines:
//CatFile=..\IsraelME\IsraelME.cat
CatFile=..\GermanyCE\GermanyCE.cat
change the entry into:
CatFile=..\IsraelME\IsraelME.cat
//CatFile=..\GermanyCE\GermanyCE.cat

If you have SF2Vietnam, but no SF2 Europe then open
DRV.ini with Notepad editor and look for the lines
//CatFile=..\VietnamSEA\VietnamSEA.cat
CatFile=..\GermanyCE\GermanyCE.cat
change the entry ino:
CatFile=..\VietnamSEA\VietnamSEA.cat
//CatFile=..\GermanyCE\GermanyCE.cat

save the file
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
III. Credits.
Tileset            is basing on Starys Green Hell 3.0 tileset. I converted it to jpg format and
            merged the 512x512 tiles to 1024x1024 pixel tiles.
Tileset green        made by Wilches
Korat Air Base        ArmourDave

I hope i have not forgotten someone.
.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
IV. This Terrain is Freeware. Commercial use is not allowed.
And i say it again for the YAP, YankeeAirPirates file thiefs, the usage of this terrain and/or parts of  the terrain for commercial use is not allowed!!!!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
V.
For remarks, comments, bugs, etc please use CombatAce forum or send me a PM.
Hope you enjoy it.

Michael (Gepard)

Made in Germany
07.Juli 2025
 
 
 

Method for Stereoscopic 3D in VR with Headtracking in Strike Fighters 2 - Geo11
The latest zip download contains 2 files:
1. a PDF which outlines the steps using freeware programs, wrappers and apps, which can be used to implement VR in stereoscopic 3D in Strike Fighters 2 and it's associated mods;
2. A custom d3dx.ini file, which should be used to replace the default d3dx.ini file that comes with geo11.
Why the custom d3dx.ini?
I've recently had time to take a closer look at how geo11 functions and have enabled a number of settings which allow you to play SF2 in stereoscopic 3D VR in the native directX10 mode (i.e. you no longer need to set ForceDX9=TRUE in the options.ini). In addition, I've identified the shader responsible for the HUD in game and implemented a fix so that the target and waypoint markers appear correctly in game.
Back story:
Over the years I've tried many methods to get SF2 working on either a 3D monitor or in VR using programs such as vorpX or Tridef, as well as many others, but have never been happy with the results; however, using geo11 and dgVodoo2, I'm finally able to play in VR with proper 3D. Geo11 is a very clever piece of software, which is, I quote "a replacement for 3D Vision for DX11" and allows you to generate a very nice 3D image in VR using the latest Nvidia drivers in either Windows 10 or 11.
At this point I'm not sure if this will work for anyone else who is not using the same tech i.e. HP Reverb G2 VR Headset and running an Nvidia RTX 2080TI or RTX4080 GPU but please let me know if you have any success with similar hardware or something very different. Also a very similar method works for the Strike Fighters 1 series of games and if anyone is interested I'll post the additional steps here.
For anybody else trying this - Good luck
norrin

Royal Norwegian Air Force Starfighters. 
This mod is not to compete with any previous packs. It is just my different approach. So before removing/overwriting any of the older stuff, test this one - as you may not like it. 
Basic modding skills are required to run this mod.  (copy/paste, mod folder structure, etc.) 
Install:
Copy and paste specific folders into the correct destination.
A fake pilot is required to run this mod. Also, the Thirdwire F-104 cockpit is required from the original game. 
Fuel tanks- Tanks are just ini files. The mod uses tanks that are part of an aircraft lod.
If someone is wondering why again, Starfighters. Because I can. And this is a new model. So. Make it so...
In the game, under a prefix.LFV. * You will find  F-104G / CF-104  that served in the Norwegian Air Force.
* Luftforsvaret

All skins are in 4096x4096 format. You can easily resize as needed.  
Decals represent historically correct serial numbers assigned to aircraft during their service in the Norwegian Air Force, for a specific year, squadron, etc.
Historically, the first Norwegian starfighters were RF-104 versions, but without cameras, and during first IRAN modified to F-104G type. Those airframes were only in a castrated RF configuration for a few months. Additionally, in 1965, three airframes arrived in Norway, but those three were built by Canadair. They were also in F-104G configuration and had all the remarks of F-104G, not CF-104. Also, those three were painted light grey. Not silver aluminium like previous birds. In this mod, I did not follow the history of delivery so strictly, and all those 19 starfighters are F-104G with one silver paint.
The first CF-104 arrived in Norway in 1973. All were formed in one 334 squadron. And carried a little different mission profile than the older F-104G. I could write a little more about history, but probably most of you will never read this or do not care about what I have written here. (which is already proven after my recent uploads) So I will pass...

Credits.
The original model - Bobrock, Soulfreak, and my messing around model
Yours truly  -  mambo jumbo like skins, decals, some effects, research...
I have no idea who made the pilot model; it is an old model used almost everywhere. I just repainted the skin.
light effects - guuruu
All weapons by Ravenclaw, you should have them by now, but I have included what is listed in loadout.ini.
 
TDU-11 - do not take it seriously, it is made as ASM - you can fire it and chase, and try to pick it with sidewinder.
Travel pod- absolutely do not take it seriously - you are not going anywhere...
There is a weapon station in the data ini calling for a training bomb rack made in the Netherlands (looking for some photos, infos and manuals). But since we do not have it...I just made a weaponstation entry in case we will have it. 
Also, CF-104 could carry 4 LAU-3/LAU-5003 on TSC racks, but since we do not have such a weapon model, maybe you can convince Ravenclaw to make one.  (We only have nice LAU-51 on TSC...so use them instead if you need to have 4 launchers)
Please don't forget to say thank you if you like the file. 
Or click on the link below and toss a coin.
https://combatace.com/clients/donations/
If you are not subscribing to this site. Highly recommended to do so. 
https://combatace.com/subscriptions/
Sorry for the trouble. I had to split it into two RAR parts. It is not so big...but for me, this is the way today.
*************************************************************
This is FREEWARE-DONATIONWARE, and it CANNOT be distributed unless permissions are granted by me.
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.
ALSO, THESE FILES CAN NOT BE HOSTED ON ANY OTHER SITE THAN COMBAT ACE.
See the original readme documentation, if any, for further allowances and restrictions
Any person wishing to make further modifications, contact me first.
Bribes and donations are accepted.
*************************************************************
THIS AIRCRAFT MOD OR ANY PART OF IT MUST NOT BE HOSTED OR
POSTED FOR DOWNLOAD ON ANY OTHER WEBSITE WITHOUT MY EXPRESS
PERMISSION, OR USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE THAN THIRDWIRE FLIGHT
SIMULATORS, AND MUST NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE BY ITSELF
OR WITH ANY OTHER FILES OR MODS.
*************************************************************
Have fun.
Report bugs. *
Expect the unexpected.
Live long and prosper.
Thanks for all your kind support.
Jarek Hereda

SF2 Formosa Straits Terrain Revamp (v.2.5) by Gepard                           11/5/25
*Full 5 Merged Installs Recommended*            
This terrain mod is designed to REPLACE any and all earlier versions. It also includes any previous updates from long past years. It is designed for use with the SF2-NA environment. 
**If you have the original version from 2023, this Newer Version 2.5 (tm) will just drop right on top of it, if you wish to do so. A separate "patch" is also available for those that just want to update. 
If you are new to this terrain, you need do nothing, but install it.**
While the tiling has not been touched, (almost) all the target areas have been revamped, rebuilt or replaced. Several new regions have been added, and many of the other inis have been upgraded (See Notes for more changes). Several items (Ground Objects & Weapons) are supplied; in the Notes section is a list of other items you'll probably want to obtain. Be advised, you will experience longer than usual loading times, due to the weight of objects on the terrain. And yes, you can expect a plethora of 'hidden in the open' Easter Eggs. After all, it's my trademark!! (tm)
As always, PLEASE read the install instructions, and the accompanying Notes and Other Nonsense for more details on other needed items. As is recommended, unzip to an easy to find location, so you can access the readme for it's full instructions. Gepard's original readme is also included, for historical purposes.
Good Hunting!
Wrench
Kevin Stein
 

SF2 Formosa Straits Terrain Fix-it Patch (v.2.5)                            11/15/25
*Full 5 Merged Installs Recommended*            
This is the Repair Patch (aka "Fix-it") for the Formosa Straits terrain available at the following URL:
https://combatace.com/files/file/18166-sf2-formosa-straits-terrain-revamp-v2-by-gepard/
If you already HAVE the terrain, THIS is the patch for it. If you don't have it, you should ignore this, and just get the Full Terrain (tm), as it has already been updated with the rebuilt TODs and other additional repairs and additions. See full Change List below in the "Notes" section.
As always, PLEASE read the install instructions, and the accompanying Notes and Other Nonsense for more details on other needed items. As is recommended, unzip to an easy to find location, so you can access the readme for it's full instructions. Gepard's original readme is also included, for historical purposes.
If there are any problems, please post in the Forums, or message me directly.
Good Hunting!
Wrench
Kevin Stein