Add-On Aircraft

Republic F-84J Thunderstreak for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2:EUROPE
This is a simple mod of the stock Third Wire F-84F to give a fictional F-84J Thunderstreak of the Finnish Ilmavoimat (Finnish Air Force) with markings for Fighter Squadron 11 and Fighter Squadron 31.

BACKSTORY
With Finland being ever anxious to maintain it's neutrality it was surprising that in June 1954 the Finnish government elected to purchase the Republic Thunderstreak F-84J. However, in typically Finnish fashion the purchase of 40 F-84J's was organised via the Swedish government and the aircraft chosen could hardly be called 'state of the art' being essentially a warmed-up F-84F Thunderstreak with the General Electric J73-GE5EX engine (non-afterburning and rated at 9,000lbs thrust) shoehorned in. No munitions were supplied and SAAB were chosen to prepare the aircraft for Ilmavoimat service with four British Hispano V 20mm cannon replacing the six 0.5 calibre machine guns of the standard F-84F and giving the F-84J a strong 'neutral' flavour throughout, even to the extent of carrying mainly British, Swedish or Soviet weapons. Entering service with HavLLv31 in 1956 the aircraft equipped two squadrons and at least gave the Ilmavoimat a taste of a 'modern' swept-wing fighter although the F-84J was certainly no F-86 Sabre and, presumably, that was the whole point!

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the F-84J folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the F-84J folder into your main Decals folder.
That's it!! 
 
CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
Special thanks to ludo.m54 for the superb F-84F templates.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards
Spinners
Version 3 - November 26th, 2023.
 
 

F-84H for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2:EUROPE
This is a simple mod of the stock Third Wire F-84F to give a fictional F-84H 'Sharav' of the Israeli Air Force with markings for;
No.101 Squadron (Camo) 
No.107 Squadron (Silver)
No.140 Squadron (Camo) 
No.201 Squadron (Silver)
No.201 Squadron (Silver c/w sharkmouth)
This should work in a stand alone SF2:Europe game (featuring the stock Third Wire F-84F) but has only been tested in a merged install of SF2/SF2V/SF2E/SF2I/SF2NA. 

BACKSTORY
The Israeli Air Force had looked at purchasing the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak as early as 1952 but teething problems with the troublesome Wright J65 jet engine delayed a firm order until March 1955 when 36 F-84H's were ordered with deliveries starting in August 1955 with No.107 squadron becoming the first unit to re-equip with this tough and popular fighter-bomber. 
After seeing service in the ill-fated 1956 Suez conflict another batch of 36 F-84H's were ordered and the type eventually equipped four squadrons and took part in the 1967 'Six-Day' war gaining a fearsome reputation as a
low-level attack aircraft. However the two squadrons that were still equipped with the type at the start of the 1973 'Yom Kippur' war suffered heavy losses over the Sinai Peninsula and the type was withdrawn from service by the end of year.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the F-84H folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the F-84H folder into your Decals folder.
That's it! 

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
Special thanks to ludo.m54 for the superb F-84F templates.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 3 - November 26th, 2023

SF2 Chengdu J-7 Fishbed Series Pak by Mod Mafia/TMF (v.2)        11/12/2023
 
= For SF2, Full-4/5 Merged (Full-5 Reccomended/Preferred) =
An upgrade pack for the 3 J-7 Fishbeds built by The Mod Mafia/Mirage Factory. This is the full set as issued in 2012. This is EVERYTHING, all the aircraft, weapons, pilots etc. These aircraft have had their FM revised to something more SF2-ish, with all hit boxes and collision points also revised. It is designed to REPLACE, in total, all previous versions. Yes, you may just drop these over your originals. Backup copies of the data inis are all supplied as a "just in case CYA".
===
Some of several "newer models" that were never quite completed when Bpao passed away a few year back. I've been fortunate enough to be allowed to complete his work, as a member of the Mod Mafia.
This pack contains 3 of the J-7 Fishbed series, as built and operated by the PLAAF (People's Repbulic of China), and exported to some other folks. They are:
Chengdu J-7I
Chengdu J-7II
Chengdu J-7IIA
The J-7I and II have only PLAAF skins. The J-7IIA (exported as F-7B) has skins for
PLAAF
Iraqi Air Force (folder called "Camo2")
Islamic Republic of Iran AF (folder called "Camo1")
 
All skins are in jpg format, Decal Randomization is TRUE.  Damage textures are the older tga versions.
All markings are decals,(excepting National Markings, which on some skins are painted on), and reference stock 3W items. The PLAAF Bort numbers may be incorrect; skinner/decal makers are !ENCOURAGED!! to create more correct ones.
A user list is included for all, even for the I & II, which were NOT exported
All sounds, pilot figure(s), seats, are included. Weapons, for the most part, reference those already "stock" in-game items. However, in the usual "CYA" effort, Chinese A-A missiles are included. These come from the GunnyPak.
 
The Canopy opens with the Standard Animation Keystroke (tm), Shift/0. The RWR.lst for the J-7IIA references many items from dtmdragon's Updated Threat Library; the url/download link I cannot find! So, I've just went ahead and included all the various RWR tgas that I had (in the /Flight folder included in this zip)
When 'in game', you'll see on the Aircraft Selection Dropdown Menu, for each one...
Chengdu J-7I (TMF)
Chengdu J-7II (TMF)
Chengdu J-7IIA (TMF)
This will differentiate all these aircraft from any others you may have, either stock, user-made, imported from China, or whathaveyou.
 
As always, fairly easy to follow, yet detailed install instructions are included. So, please -READ- them. Also, give the "Notes" section a read too for futher explainations, clarifactions, illuminations and so forth.
A full listing of credits, as always, is below the Install Instructions.
 
Good Hunting!
 wrench
 Kevin Stein
-for The Mod Mafia-
 
For Oli
=Changes:
updated FM (3W based)
revised hitboxes
changed pilot for J-7I
gunsight tgas 'brightened'
minor 'hardening' of components
-for The Mod Mafia-

Republic Thunderstreak FGA.1 for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2:EUROPE
This is a simple mod of the stock Third Wire F-84F in Strike Fighters 2:Europe to give a fictional Thunderstreak FGA.1 with markings for the following squadrons;
No.67 Squadron, Royal Air Force Germany
No.71 Squadron, Royal Air Force Germany

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the ThunderstreakFGA1 folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the ThunderstreakFGA1 folder into your Decals folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - November 18th, 2023

Dassault Mirage IIICI 'Irelande' for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire Mirage IIIC to give a fictional Irish Air Corps Mirage IIICI with equally fictitious markings for No.1 'Black Velvet' squadron. 

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the Mirage3CI folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the Mirage3CI folder into your Decals folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - November 16th, 2023
 
 

North American Shark FGA.1 for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire F-100D to give a fictional North American Shark FGA.1 (I guess the RAF didn't fancy the 'Super Sabre' name) with markings for No.33, No.45 and No.58 squadrons of RAF Middle East Command.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the SharkFGA1 folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the SharkFGA1 folder into your Decals folder.
3. From the WEAPONS folder drag and drop the two files into your Weapons folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 3 - November 13th, 2023
 
 

When it became clear that the Mirage F1 was becoming a successful production aircraft, Dassault began investigating the possibility of a dedicated reconnaissance version for its most important client, the French Air Force. However, the escalating cost of fighter aircraft meant that add-on pods for this purpose were a more economical alternative. Many French Air Force aircraft, as well as those of some export clients (such as Iraq's Mirage F1EQ), did indeed have a variety of reconnaissance pods available, which were attached to the underside of the main fuselage. However, the development of a tactical reconnaissance aircraft for the French Air Force continued, and the first Mirage F1CR flew on 20 November 1981.
F1CR specifics:
A/A: R550/R550-2 self-defence only, no R530 and no S530F (no wiring) A/G: AUF2 (no CLB4, no CLB8), rockets (<90ies), bombs, BAP/BAT radio-altimeter Inertial Navigation System (Sagem ULISS 47), VOR/ILS Panoramic (Omera 40 75mm) and vertical (Omera 33 150 mm) cameras Radar Cyrano IV-MR Seat Mk10 AAR probe no right gun, Super Cyclope Infra-Red linescan imager (SAT SCM 2400) instead Barax, Phimat capability CC420 pods capability RPL201 EFT F1CR F7 standard specifics:
RPL201 EFT "Lion" and "Shark" special deco Corail gondolas (P0 station) GPS (GPS Improved Inertial Navigation) RWR Aigle double wingtip position lights Thomson CSF RAPHAEL TH SLAR Side Looking Aiborne Radar Recon Pod (P1 Id on AMCP) Rubis FLIR recon pod (P2 Id on AMCP) ASTAC (Analyseur de Signaux TACtiques) ELINT pod (P3 Id on AMCP) Thomson CSF MDS610 PRESTO (Pod REcon STand-Off) (P4 Id on AMCP) This addon is and will in all cases remain freeware.
Released under CombatAce Fair-Use terms.
Enjoy
The Mirage F-1 Team

Douglas A-4D Skyhawk for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire A-4E Skyhawk to give a flyable A-4D (Dhimar) in service with the Dhimari Air Force with markings for;
No.6 Squadron - 'The Eagles' 
No.7 Squadron - 'The Rattlesnakes' 

BACKSTORY
During the early to mid-1950's almost every US Navy aircraft programme hit some sort of propulsion trouble with either engines that were either down on thrust or simply so unreliable that they were a hazard to flight safety. Douglas were no exception and the SkyKnight and Skyray programmes were hit especially hard and the A4D Skyhawk programme initially didn't fare much better with the J65 down on thrust and the Pentagon bizarrely ordering that reconditioned Air Force J65's should be used for Skyhawk production. Ed Heinemann's wish to shoehorn the Rolls-Royce Avon into the Skyhawk fell apart when a production licence was granted to Westinghouse who then decided to only produce (with Navy funding but without telling Douglas ) a six-tenths scale version as the XJ64 giving less thrust than the J65! 
However, by 1955 the Navy BuWeps had decided to fund the promising Pratt & Whitney JT8, essentially a scaled-down JT3 or J57 and by 1957 the resultant J52 was running sweetly on the bench and Ed Heinemann could plan growth versions of his brilliant 'Bantam Bomber'. At about the same time the Navy were hinting that perhaps a more flexible machine was required than the high-altitude nuclear bomber of the original A4D requirement and the increased thrust of the J52 meant that two more stores pylons could be added and higher gross weights permitted. 
Douglas had planned to introduce the engine in the A4D-3 (A-4D) and A4D-5 (A-4E) variants but the US Navy cancelled the A4D-3 in 1959 and slowed the A4D-5 programme down. Douglas then looked at export opportunities resurrecting the A4D-3 designation to produce a multi-role fighter version later designated the A-4D which introduced the new J52 engine rated at 8,500lbs thrust plus a small and simple multi-mode radar. Oil-rich Dhimar became the launch customer ordering 60 A-4D's in 1961 and these were delivered in early 1963 initially to No.6 Squadron of the Dhimari Air Force who operated the type until 1982.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the A-4Dh folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the A-4Dh folder into your Decals folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
Special thanks to salvatorestupido for the USN Aggressor skin used for the No.7 Squadron machine.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - November 5th, 2023

Sukhoi Su-9PF 'Fishpot-A' for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2 
This is a simple mod of the stock Su-9 interceptor to create a fictional Su-9PF in service with the Warsaw Pact air forces of Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania and the USSR in an overall 1961-1983 timeline. The skins and markings are pretty generic and mainly use stock Third Wire stuff but I did create some new number decals for the Bulgarian, Hungarian and Romanian aircraft. I decided not make a skin for Albania as it was not part of the contiguous border between east and west and, in any case, it quit the Warsaw Pact in 1968.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the Su-9PF folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the Su-9PF folder into your Decals folder.
3. From the WEAPONS folder drag and drop the AA-1B2 folder into your Weapons folder.
That's it!
The AA-1B2 is a cloned 'Alkali' missile that I've altered simply to allow it to be carried by the WarPac nations - it's a pretty useless missile but I decided not to perk it up. But, for gameplay reasons, I've added guns to the Su-9PF with a simple edit that you can reverse. 

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
Special thanks to Stary for the Su-9 cockpit. 
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 1 - November 4th, 2023
 
 
 

Working Past Retirement: Metrea KC-135R
This skinpack is a representation of the 4 KC-135R operated by Metrea Strategic Mobility. Bought from Singapore in 2019, these contract tankers are supporting USAF as well as NATO operations

        Included*
KC-135R (Civil) aircraft
two skins to highlight the blue Shamu scheme (3 serial numbers) and the Agean Ghost Scheme (1 serial number)
Cockpit and ini edits to make player flyable
drogue "weapon", addable in the loadout screens

    Required
a legal functioning install of any SF2 version
    Installation
unzip this mod, then install new mod folder categories to your mod folder (Aircraft to aircraft etc)
allow overwrites
fire up game, take off and go pass gas
    Known Issues
-This is meant as eye candy. unfortunately, SF2 doesnt support air to air refueling so the best to be done is set up a recon mission and then park it in an orbit.
-Also, the C-130 cockpit is not too accurate. it is included mainly so that it can be player selected (i had to test it somehow). remember that there is no air to air refueling in game, so these are more eye candy than operational birds
- there are currently no wingtip MPRS pods for these aircraft. Once some have been sourced (via new aircraft model or pod model) they will be added in
-the Agean Ghost is not 100% accurate. there were not very good pics of the wings, plus model quirks meant some patches had to be put on each wing ot allow for color onthe airbrakes (all 4 of which were mapped to the two on the left wing)

*Wagner CD not included
 
            Credits
BPAO (Olivier Anguille, RIP) -                              original model
Dave-                                                                       head of original released original project
Dels-                                                                        C-130 cockpit
yakarov79-                                                             drogue basket model, original skin templates
Wrench-                                                                  tech advice, approval master extrodinaire
daddyairplanes-                                                    research, ini edits, texture and tga work, new additions to templates
            Big Thanks to
 Jimbib for research asssitance with the Metrea Agean Ghost camoflage
 
*************************************************************
This is freeware; it CANNOT be distributed unless permissions are granted by myself.
The original readmes, if any, and all other pieces of the package MUST remain intact.
The names of all contributors, modders, suppliers, etc =MUST= be listed in any new readmes.
This package and any part of it may NOT in any way, shape, or form be used in any payware additions.
See the original readme documentation, if any, for further allowances and restrictions
Any persons wishing to make further modifications, contact me first.
Any persons wishing to make further modifications MUST remember to put everyone's name in it.
*************************************************************
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.
*************************************************************

Tupolev Tu-16 'Badger-A' for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock AI Third Wire Tu-16 to give a flyable (and fictional) Tu-16 in service with the Fuerza Aérea Argentina with markings for Grupo 1 (grey) and Grupo 2 (silver) in the 1960's to early 1980's era.

COCKPIT
There is not really a totally suitable pit for this aircraft so I've decided not to include one but you will be sat in the right place (offset to port) and you will have a gun sight and a ground mapping radar. 
 
INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the Tu-16_FAA folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the Tu-16_FAA folder into your Decals folder.
That's it! 

FLYING THE BADGER
It's so easy to scrape the tail when taking off so let the Badger 'auto take-off' by setting flaps and full power, release the brakes and the nose will lift at 260kmh and it will lift off the runway soon after. I've had good results by releasing my bombs at 10km away from the target whilst at 6,000m altitude but the Badger will happily cruise at 9,000m and at that height you should release your bombs at about 12km away from the target or just a bit more. Remember that the Badger has a fixed forward-firing 23mm cannon so if your bombs miss the fuel tank then get down nice and low and take it out that way!
To help you land the Badger I've added fake airbrakes which will slow you down enough so it's just a matter of lining up the runway from a fair old distance and making a nice 'greaser' of a landing. It does sometimes help to push the stick forward to overcome the bounciness of the landing gear.

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 28th, 2023
 
 

Third Wire F-8A & F-8B Crusader 1.0

Modification of the Third Wire Crusader model into the F-8 A and B model Crusaders.
Included is the 2.75" Mighty Mouse air-to-air fuselage rocket drawer but it is not loaded by default as it was reportedly never used operationally.

F-8A
-    The F-8A (F8U-1) entered service in 1957. F-8A is powered by the J57-P-4 afterburning turbojet and can reach speeds of Mach 1.5
F-8B
-    The F-8B (F8U-1E) was the search radar equipped version, entering service in 1958. It is equipped with the AN/APS-67 radar.

To install:
1, Unpack and drop into your main mods folder.
2, Override when prompted.

Credits:
-    Crusader for the F-8A cockpit gauge placement.
-    ‘F-8 DATA & LOADOUT v1.0 update’ by FANATIC MODDER.
-    ‘SF2V Air & Ground War Expansion v.2.0 Gold’ by Eburger68 and team.
-    Weapons by Ravenclaw_007.

CombatAce fair use agreement applies.

Enjoy,
Dan.
 

Supermarine Syrena FGA.3 for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire Sukhoi Su-7BMK to give a fictional Supermarine Syrena FGA.3 fighter-bomber with markings for No.6 and No.54 squadrons of the Royal Air Force both in a 'Desert Storm' style scheme.
You'll need to have the Su-7BMK for the LOD's (not included) and also the F-105D from SF2:E for the pit although you can, of course, easily use another suitable stock pit.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the SyrenaFGA3 folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the SyrenaFGA3 folder into your Decals folder.
3. From the WEAPONS folder drag and drop the Tank_Syrena_FGA3 folder into your Weapons folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 27th, 2023
 
 

Supermarine Syrena F.1 for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire Sukhoi Su-7B to give a fictional Supermarine Syrena F.1 interceptor-fighter with markings for No.111 'Treble-One' squadron and No.145 squadron of the Royal Air Force in a typical 1960's Fighter Command scheme.
You'll need to have the Su-7B for the LOD's (not included) and also the F-105D from SF2:E for the pit although you can, of course, easily use another suitable stock pit.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the SyrenaF1 folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the SyrenaF1 folder into your Decals folder.
That's it!
This aircraft uses the stock Third Wire Firestreak missile so you won't get an audible growl when/if the missile locks on but you will get visual confirmation in your Lightning style gunsight.

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 26th, 2023
 
 

Gloster Meteor F.8 'Iberia' for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire Gloster Meteor F.8 to give a fictional Meteor F.8 in service with the Spanish Air Force (3 skins) and the Portuguese Air Force (2 skins) in an overall 1954 to 1972 timeline.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the Meteor8_Ib folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the Meteor8_Ib folder into your Decals folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 24th, 2023.
 
 

Tupolev Tu-16 'Badger-A' for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock AI Third Wire Tu-16 to give a flyable Tu-16 'Badger' in service with the Empire of Paran Air Force with markings for No.1 Heavy Bomber Brigade.

COCKPIT
There is not really a totally suitable pit for this aircraft so I've decided not to include one but you will be sat in the right place (offset to port) and you will have a gun sight and a ground mapping radar. 
 
INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the Tu-16_Pa folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the Tu-16_Pa folder into your Decals folder.
That's it! 

FLYING THE BADGER
It's so easy to scrape the tail when taking off so let the Badger 'auto take-off' by setting flaps and full power, release the brakes and the nose will lift at 260kmh and it will lift off the runway soon after. I've had good results by releasing my bombs at 10km away from the target whilst at 6,000m altitude but the Badger will happily cruise at 9,000m and at that height you should release your bombs at about 12km away from the target or just a bit more. Remember that the Badger has a fixed forward-firing 23mm cannon so if your bombs miss the fuel tank then get down nice and low and take it out that way!
To help you land the Badger I've added fake airbrakes which will slow you down enough so it's just a matter of lining up the runway from a fair old distance and making a nice 'greaser' of a landing. It does sometimes help to push the stick forward to overcome the bounciness of the landing gear.

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 22nd, 2023
 

This has been a labor of love for my all-time favorite fighter aircraft. The service period of this aircraft fits perfectly with the time period that the Strike Fighters 2 game engine gives its best: Gun armed jet fighters with short range missiles and early/ limited avionics.

Changes:
-    The ‘SF2V Air & Ground War Expansion v.2.0 Gold’ and ‘F-8 DATA & LOADOUT v1.0 update’ here at CA were used as a starting point for this project.
-    Maximum G has been changed to 6.3 which is the airframe structural limit in all NATOPS publications.
-    There are automatically operating ‘fake’ leading edge droops (slats) that simulates the pilot being able to lower them a few degrees with a button on the throttle for cruising flight and manoeuvring flight (aka dog fighting). By ‘fake’ I mean they are not player operated in SF2 or linked to the 3D model but the aerodynamic effect is realistically simulated. You will notice the droop indicator in the cockpit will change with them however. If they were manually controlled in the game the AI would not use them correctly.
-    Single AIM-9 missiles and rails can be loaded instead of the Y-racks on all F-8 variants. This is done at the loadout screen (and by the loadout.ini file) it is set up so you cannot load single missiles/ rails and double missiles/ Y-racks at the same time.
-    Cannons harmonized as per NATOPS manual and gun accuracy adjusted to real world levels.
-    Adjustment to most decal positions and inclusion of Squadron codes on the wings.
-    Additional details added to most stock skins.
-    Additional squadron specific higher resolution skins with more accurate markings for that particular squadron.
-    Included for F-8J (69) is a proposed SEA camo overpaint for the VF-211 aircraft on detachment at Udorn in early 1972 to school USAF pilots in Dogfighting. The repaint was initially agreed to but it would have added 1200lbs so it was abandoned. If you wish to use it and fly DACT against USAF Phantoms you can load the extra 1200lb at the load out screen via a unique station specific hard point.
-    Overhaul of each data.ini and avionics.ini to bring them in line with the information in the F-8 NATOPS manuals, NATOPS supplements and F-8 Tactics manual.
-    More detailed pilots and ejection seats.
-    Fully compatible with ‘SF2V Air & Ground War Expansion v.2.0 Gold’ or Third Wire SF2V campaigns. 
-    Additional year specific aircraft to better reflect physical and avionic changes. As well as correcting a few mistakes and omissions by Third Wire.
-    Below is the updated list of F-8 Crusader variants with the original Third Wire description where appropriate and the specific major changes made in addition to the general ones listed above:

F-8C
The F-8C (F8U-2) entered service in 1959. F-8C is powered by J57-P-16 afterburning turbojet and can reach speed of Mach 1.6.
-    Missing radar symbology added and radar performance/ parameters corrected. The radar cursor for selecting a target is a long horizontal line that moves up from the bottom of the scope and is only adjustable in range and not azimuth to select a specific radar contact.
F-8C (66)
In 1966, F-8C received ALQ-51 ECM and chaff dispensers under project "SHOEHORN", after A-4 and F-4 were upgraded. The cannon ammo capacity is reduced slightly to make room for the ECM black box.
-    Uses the TW F-8D model modified into a F-8C in order for it to have the Y-rack Fuselage weapon rails.
F-8D
The F-8D (F8U-2N) was the all-weather interceptor version, entering service in 1960. It is equipped with AN/APQ-83 radar and more powerful J57-P-20 engine.
-    Missing radar symbology added including steering circle, aiming dot, break X and missile max range.
F-8D (66)
F-8D also received ALQ-51 ECM and chaff dispensers under project "SHOEHORN" in 1966. The cannon ammo capacity is reduced slightly to make room for the ECM black box.
F-8E
The F-8E (F8U-2NE), entering service in 1962, was the final production version of the Crusader. It is equipped with better AN/APQ-94 radar, and two underwing pylons for air-to-ground ordnance.
-    Radar frame lock, range and shoot cue lights all completely changed and now function correctly. See screenshot for more information.
-    Missing radar symbology added including range rate circle, which also doubles as the steering circle, aiming dot, break X and missile max range.
-    Missile firing order and cockpit weapon station section dial corrected.
F-8E (66)
F-8E also received ALQ-51 ECM and chaff dispensers under project "SHOEHORN" in 1966. The cannon ammo capacity is reduced slightly to make room for the ECM black box.
-    Significant use of the AIM-9C as after a lot of research it turns out they were commonly carried over Vietnam in this period, notably by VF-211.
F-8E(FN)
The F-8E(FN) is the French Aeronautique Navale version of the F-8 armed with Matra R.530 missiles. Nicknamed "Le Crouze" by the French crew, it operated off Clemenceau-class carriers from 1964 to 1994 until they were upgraded to F-8P standard. F-8E(FN) introduced many of the features, such as double-hinged leading edge flaps and drooping ailerons, that were later incorporated into remanufactured F-8J for the US Navy.
-    Equipped with the nose mounted IRST system like the USN F-8D and E.
-    This is the TW F-8J model modified into a F-8E(FN) so the DLC is NOT required.
-    Radar frame lock, range and shoot cue lights all completely changed and now function correctly. See screenshot for more information.
-    Location of Matra R.530 missile rails corrected.
F-8E(FN) (70)
-    The nose mounted IRST system is removed from all French aircraft.
F-8P(FN)
-    17 F-8E(FN) are upgraded to extend their service life, included is the Sherloc RWR system.
-    This is the TW F-8J model modified into a F-8P(FN) so the DLC is NOT required.
F-8P(FN) (94)
-    F-8P(FN) are fitted with a GPS navigation system and antenna.
F-8H
Starting in 1967, F-8Ds were remanufactured as F-8H, with improved AN/APQ-149 radar, ALQ-51 ECM, and the same underwing pylons as F-8E.
-    Retains the AN/APQ-83 radar from the F-8D but uses the physically larger and higher resolution cockpit radar display from the F-8E.
-    Missing radar symbology added including steering circle, aiming dot, break X and missile max range.
-    Radar frame lock, range and shoot cue lights all completely changed and now function correctly. See attached for more information. 
-    Missile firing order and cockpit weapon station section dial corrected.
F-8H (69)
F-8H is re-engined in 1969 with more powerful J57-P-420 engine. It also has improved ALQ-100 ECM in a larger pod, and full cannon ammo capacity restored.
-    Improved AN/APQ-149 radar fitted in place of the AN/APQ-83.
-    Additional missing radar symbology added including separate larger range rate circle and separate smaller steering circle. 
-    A lot of fleet F-8H around this period have had their Nose IRST system (temporarily?) removed.
-    Retains the ALQ-51 ECM.
F-8H (74)
-    After the Vietnam war F-8H has the improved ALQ-100 ECM in a larger pod installed, and full cannon ammo capacity restored.
F-8J
F-8J is a remanufactured F-8E with improved AN/APQ-149 radar, ALQ-51 ECM, and other improvements such as double-hinged leading edge flaps and drooping ailerons. However, its performance has suffered significantly due to increases in its weight.
-    Improved AN/APQ-124 radar installed.
-    Radar frame lock, range and shoot cue lights all completely changed and now function correctly. See screenshot for more information.
-    Missing radar symbology added including separate larger range rate circle, separate smaller steering circle, aiming dot, break X and missile max range. 
-    Missile firing order and cockpit weapon station section dial corrected.
F-8J (69)
To restore lost performance due to increased weight, F-8J is re-engined in 1969 with more powerful J57-P-420 engine. It also has improved ALQ-100 ECM in a larger pod, and full cannon ammo capacity restored.
F-8J (75)
-    In 1975 the remaining fleet F-8J (along with the RF-8G) receive the ALQ-126 ECM and ALR-45/50 RHAW RWR. The nose mounted IRST system is permanently removed.
F-8J (75) [w RWR]
-    Identical to F-8J (75) above except:
-    The cockpit radar display functions as a Vector RWR and not a radar. This is because in real life the pilot could change the radar scope from displaying radar images or displaying the RWR images. The F-8J did not have a separate RWR display. There was a setting in which it would be displaying radar images but if a missile launch was detected the threat bearing line would be displayed flashing over top of the radar images. Not possible in SF2 unfortunately.

To install:
1, Unpack and drop into your main mods folder.
2, Override when prompted.

Credits:
-    ‘F-8 DATA & LOADOUT v1.0 update’ by FANATIC MODDER.
-    ‘SF2V Air & Ground War Expansion v.2.0 Gold’ by Eburger68 and team.
-    ‘F-8E(FN) Crouze & F-8P(FN) Crouze Prolongé 1.1’ by Paulopanz, Denis Oliveira & Coupi.
-    Weapons by Ravenclaw_007.
-    Template by Geary.
-    Blade.
-    Wrench.

CombatAce fair use agreement applies.

Enjoy,
Dan.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19S for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire MiG-19S to give a fictional MiG-19S as it might have appeared in service with the Finnish Air Force at various stages in it's career between 1961 and 1981.
Fictional markings are included for;
HävLLv 11 (Fighter Squadron 11) in the 'as delivered' natural metal finish.
HävLLv 21 (Fighter Squadron 21) in the later medium sea grey scheme.
HävLLv 31 (Fighter Squadron 31) in an experimental two-tone 'aggressor' scheme.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the MiG-19S_Ilm folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the MiG-19S_Ilm folder into your Decals folder.
That's it! 

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
This revised version now includes Stary's excellent MiG-19 pit - thanks Stary!
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 20th, 2023
 

Hawker Harrier Mk.51 for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire Harrier GR.1 to give a fictional Harrier Mk.51 as it might have appeared when in service with the Fuerza Aérea del Perú. Fictional markings are included for Escuadrón Aéreo 112 and Escuadrón Aéreo 113. 
You will need to have SF2:E for the Harrier LOD's which are not included. For the record, this mod uses a little bit (more) artistic licence from me in so much that Fuerza Aérea del Perú aircraft normally only have a roundel on the port upper wing but I've applied it to both wings upper and lower.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the Harrier51 folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the Harrier51 folder into your Decals folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 20th, 2023

Grumman A-6A(FN) Intruder for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire A-6A to give a fictional A-6A(FN) as it might have appeared in service with the French Naval Air Arm (Aéronavale) in the 1960's to 1970's period with markings for 12 Flottille and 17 Flottille. 
You will need to have SF2:V for the A-6A LOD's which are not included here. 

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the A-6A_FN folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the A-6A_FN folder into your Decals folder.
That's it! 

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 19th, 2023
 
 

Hawker Hunter FR.13 for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2 
This is a very simple mod of the stock Third Wire Hawker Hunter FGA.9 to give a fictional Hawker Hunter FR.13 fighter-reconnaissance aircraft as it might have appeared in service with the Royal Air Force during the 1960's to early 1970's period. Of course during this time the RAF did successfully operate the Hunter FR.10 in the fighter-reconnaissance role but I'm unable to replicate the nose camera (with the eyelids) and the side cameras so this FR.13 just has side cameras reproduced by using a simple 'camera port' decal. Anyway, 'what if' markings are included for;
No.2 Squadron in standard RAF Camo.
No.79 Squadron in standard RAF Camo.
No.208 Squadron in Desert Camo to reflect that squadrons long associations with the Middle East.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the Hunter13 folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the Hunter13 folder into your Decals folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 3 - October 19th, 2023
 

Aero  L.23 'Furball' for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2:EUROPE
This is a simple mod of the stock Third Wire Dassault Super Mystere to give a very fictional Aero L.23 (NATO codename 'Furball') with markings for the Czechoslovak Air Force, the East German Air Force and also for the Polish Air Force - all within a 1958 to 1981 timeline. The markings are pretty generic and I've used stock Third Wire serials and numbers lists.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the Aero_L23 folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the Aero_L23 folder into your Decals folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
Special thanks to Kukulo for the revised Su-7BM pit based on Boopidoo's Su-15 pit.
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 18th, 2023
 

Fictional mod of the stock Mirage 5F to make it look like fictional fighter planes for the spanish air force (if they did not choose the Mirage III and F1).
They shall depict possble aircraft that could have entered service in if they did not choose the Mirage III and F1.
The cockpit used (and the one the aircrafts ini links to) is Crusaders great Cockpit for the 5F; but it's not included.
So you have to get it or take another one.
The pack comes with two aircraft:
- Mirage 5FE (standard aircraft) in two camos (two-color green-grey and the EDA Lizard scheme for the service in the 80s)
- Mirage 5FE2 (upgraded aircraft) in the grey camo used from the 90s on.
The upgrades on the FE2 include:
    - Cyrano Radar
    - upgraded Engine
    - internal ECM
    - improved A/G-capabilites (use of LG-Weaponry)
    - internal Chaff/Flare-dispensers
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Drop the folders into your Objects folder. If asked to overwrite, click yes.
CREDITS
Big Thanks to Thirdwire for the games and the superb models they have.
Kindest regards
ValAstur

De Havilland F-74A Vampire for STRIKE FIGHTERS 2
This is a simple mod of the stock Vampire FB.5 to create a fictional F-74A 'Aggressor' in service with the United States Air Force in the 1950-1960 timeline.
This revised upload now includes additional bonus skins for three 'what if' NATO Vampire operators.
N.B. Requires SF2 Expansion Pack 1

INSTRUCTIONS
1. From the AIRCRAFT folder drag and drop the F-74A folder into your Aircraft folder.
2. From the DECALS folder drag and drop the F-74A folder into your Decals folder.
3. From the SOUNDS folder drag and drop the Goblin folder into your Sounds folder.
That's it!

CREDITS
As always, thanks to Third Wire for a great little game/sim.
Thanks to Stary for the excellent Vampire Cockpit (not available for this when first released).
And, finally, thanks to everyone in the wider Third Wire community.
Regards 
Spinners
Version 2 - October 13th, 2023
 

Echoes Across the States: KC-135E Stratotanker's First 15 Years
This skinpack is a remod of the TMF KC-135E done years ago. While utilizing the same model, it now features a greatly improved texture set, ini performance enhancements and each of the skins is researched to be as accurate as is possible with current knowledge.

        Included *
two KC-135E versions, (82) and (92)
sixty (yes 60!) skins between the two versions. most Shamu based skins also feature nose arts
Cockpit and ini edits to make player flyable
drogue "weapon", addable in the loadout screens

    Required
a legal functioning install of any SF2 version
    Installation
unzip this mod, then install new mod folder categories to your mod folder (Aircraft to aircraft etc)
allow overwrites
fire up game, take off and go pass gas
    Known Issues
-This is meant as eye candy. unfortunately, SF2 doesnt support air to air refueling so the best to be done is set up a recon mission and then park it in an orbit.
- Also, the C-130 cockpit is not too accurate. it is included mainly so that it can be player selected (i had to test it somehow). remember that there is no air to air refueling in game, so these are more eye candy than operational birds
- dont manuever aggressively. aggressive manuvering will cause a deep stall. its a huge pain to recover from as a player (firewall the throttle, set flaps to landing, yank stick back and hold). any AI wingmen wont make it trying to follow you
*Wagner CD not included
            Credits
BPAO (Olivier Anguille, RIP) -     original model
Dave-                                             head of original released original project
Dels-                                              C-130 cockpit
guruu-                                            E8engine sound for the TF33s
yakarov79-                                    drogue basket model, original skin templates
PeacePuma-                                 research assist, tga work on FACH skin
Menrva-                                         data ini edits(mainly collision boxes)
Wrench-                                         tech advice, approval master extrodinaire
daddyairplanes-                           research, ini edits, texture and tga work, new additions to templates
TK-                                                  the overall game in all its modability
*************************************************************
This is freeware; it CANNOT be distributed unless permissions are granted by myself.
The original readmes, if any, and all other pieces of the package MUST remain intact.
The names of all contributors, modders, suppliers, etc =MUST= be listed in any new readmes.
This package and any part of it may NOT in any way, shape, or form be used in any payware additions.
See the original readme documentation, if any, for further allowances and restrictions
Any persons wishing to make further modifications, contact me first.
Any persons wishing to make further modifications MUST remember to put everyone's name in it.
*************************************************************
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.
*************************************************************