SF2 DLC #19: A-4L Skyhawk Skins/Ini Pak 5/29/2014
= For SF2, Full-4/5 Merged, =WITH= DLC #19 (Full-5 Reccomended/Preferred) =
*DLC #19 is REQUIRED for this mod!!*
**Please note, this pack is set up for the 3W A-4L Skyhawk DLC pack #19 ONLY!!! It is NOT be confused or USED with the Crab_02/Column5 mod. If you have the C2/C5 version, You are advised to REMOVE that mod COMPLETLY BEFORE installing this one!! It will cause conflicts, faults and General Mayhem. You have been warned!!!**
This pack contains skins/decals for the following units:
VC-13 "Fighting Saints" as based at NAS/MCAS Miramar
VC-2 "Falcons" as based at NAS Oceana
Several reworked inis included are:
Data.ini (operable canopy, Standard Keystroke , Shift/0, landing light)
Loadout ini (better offensive loadouts)
main ini (A-4L.ini, with resequenced skin listings - these are now 1 & 2)
All markings, excepting the squadon tail codes and VC-13's hump, are decals. The tail markings for both are painted on the skin. Decal randomization is TRUE, but be advised there's only 7 Modex for VC-2, and 12 for VC-13. This IS historically correct.
When installing, just allow the overwrite of the inis. I've fiddled with the skin listing order, to make them more user friendly. However, if you wish to keep the original order, BACKUP THE MAIN, A-4L.INI -=BEFORE=- INSTALLING THIS MOD!!!
*REMINDER!!! You =MUST= have DLC #19 to access the aircraft and it's other associated files.*
As always, fairly easy to follow, yet detailed install instructions are included. So, please -READ- them!! In fact, unzip the archive FIRST, read the instructions, and then install it. Best to be safe, eh?
Happy Hunting!
Wrench
Kevin Stein
AF-1 Brazilian Navy
Marinha do Brasil
Strike Fighters 2 Full Merge or Strike Fighters 2 Israel
obs : AF-1.ini cockpit A-4 standart
My latest Flight Test scheme is an A-4E Skyhawk from the Naval Air Test Center, Ordnance Test Unit, China Lake, circa 1968.
To install, simply drop everything into your MOD folder.
I've included the VHF antenna Russouk2004 made for me, as the TW stock A-4E was missing it. It's already added to the jet via my enclosed DATA.ini file.
Please add the following text to the SquadronList.ini
[squadronXXX]
Name=VX31
DisplayName=VX-31 Red Devils
Nation=USN
I know Test schemes aren't for everyone, so for those that appreciate the old days of Flight Test, this is for you.
Thanks again to Russouk2004 for the antenna, And Wrench for the assist with the aux fuel tank decal tip. And of course TK for the base files.
-Jeff "Storm" Stoermer
USMC Low Vis Grey skin for my SF2 A-4M
http://combatace.com/files/file/11522-a-4m-skyhawk-for-strike-fighters-2/
Simply drop files in correct locations.
Credit to Third Wire and Mirage factory for thier grey A-4 Echo skin I used as a base
A-4B Skyhawk VMA-331 Bumblebees Skin Pak
-- For SF2, Any and All that have the A-4B Accessable
This skin/decal represents VMA-331 Bumblebees as seen in 1962/63 when based at NS Rossevelt Roads, Puerto Rico and NS Guantanamo Bay (aka Leeward Field), Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis
All new, historically accurate BuNum decals have been created (thank you Skhawaks.org!!). Unfortunately, the listing didn't match Modex to BuNum, so it's not perfectly accurate.
Other mods include a tweeked data and loadout ini. The loadout ini changes the STRIKE bombs to use 1000 pounders. Data ini changes include activating the canopy via a manual animation key (use Shift/0 to open and close), and the addition of the landing light.
As always, READ the enclosed readme for full, detailed instructions. This package has been broken down into the various folders that SF2 needs, to make it a LOT easier to install (read: drag and drop).
Happy Hunting!
wrench
kevin stein
A-4C Skyhawk VA-76 Sprits Skin Pak
-- For SF2, Any and All that have the A-4C Accessable --
This skin/decal represents VA-76 Spirits as seen in 1962/63 when based USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65) during her Med Cruise and during the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine as part of CVG-6. All new decals (plus one "borrowed" stock one and editated to suit) have been created for the various markings and such.
Other mods include tweeked data and loadout inis. The loadout ini changes the STRIKE loadout to use a TER with 2 Mk82s each (I Like a little more striking power); if you don't want to carry 4 Mk 82 bombs, just delete the loadout ini, and it'll revert back to stock. Or, you can re-edit, remove the RackType reference, and replace with 2 1000 pound Mk.83s. Your choice!. Data ini changes include activating the canopy via a manual animation key (use Shift/0 to open and close), and the addition of the landing light.
As always, READ the enclosed readme for full, detailed instructions. This package has been broken down into the various folders that SF2 needs, to make it a LOT easier to install (read: drag and drop).
Good Hunting!
Wrench
Kevin Stein
VA-83 A-4B Skyhawk Skin/Decal Pak
= For SF2 (Any and All, Full-4 Merged Prefered) =
*Can be used in any install that has access to the A-4B*
This skin pack reproduces A-4B Skyhawks of VA-83 "Rampagers" circa 1958, as seen aboard USS Essex (CVA-9) as part of ATG-201, during the Beirut Crisis of that timeframe, supporting the US Marines during the intervention.
All new decals, 100% historcally correct for the serial (Bureau) numbers for those -B Scooters used by VA-83 during this time period. I was unable to match Modex to BuNum, but that's a small thing
As always, fairly easy to follow, detailed install instructions are included. So, please read them ....
Good Hunting!
wrench
kevin stein
A-4C (65) Skyhawk, VSF-1 "Warhawks" Skin/Decal Pak
= For SF2 (Full-4 Merged Prefered) and/or SF2:V =
*Can be used in any install that has access to the A-4C_65, which comes from SF2:V. Hence, the 'Full-4 Merged' tag is applicable *
This skin set replicates A-4C Skyhawks as used by Antisubmarine Warfare Fighter Squadron 1 (VSF-1) during the 1965-1971 timeframes. I won't go into defining the "VSF" concept, you can research that on your own. (Google is your friend). Think of the Composite Squadron concept, as used during WW2 on the CVE Escort Carriers. These aircraft gave a modicum of air defense for the CVS-class carriers, while still maintaining their Light Attack Role
All but 3 of the decals are new; those were reused from a 1stGen mod by Paul Nortness (Fist of the Fleet). All BuNums are 100% historically accurate for A-4Cs as used by VSF-1. Unfortunatly, I was unable to match Modex to BuNum, so some inaccuracy in inherent. Research shows (via photo evidence), of some Dets have Modex numbers in the 570 and 580 ranges. I've chosen the slightly non-historical route for those. Please see the "Notes" section below for more information on BuNum assigned to aircraft on USS INDEPENDENCE.
Decal randomization is set to TRUE, so be at least at the June 2011 patch level (or whichever one gave it to us)
A couple of inis are included; the loadout ini has some minor changes for a couple of mission profiles. The data ini has had the landing light added, and (of course!) the canopy activated, via manual animation. Use shift/0 to open and close it.
All 'standard' Skyhawk mission profiles are retained.
As always, fairly easy to follow, detailed install instructions are included. So, please read them ....
Good Hunting!
wrench
kevin stein
Here is a skin for the A-4C_65 Skyhawk from VX-31 "Red Devils" based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Ca. circa 1965.
Here is a skin for the A4D (A-4A) Skyhawk from the Naval Air Test Center at Pax River, Md.
Pax River was heavily involved in the early, and future, development of the Skyhawk as it replaced the Skyraider in the light attack and nuclear strike role on board carriers.
Here is a skin for the A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk from VX-5 'Vampires", based at China Lake, Ca.
Two Skins for SF2 & SFV2 A-4E_65. Screenshots in zip
A-4M "Top Gun".
Two Skins for Thirdwire A-4F_74 depicting A-4Ms flying at "Top Gun" in the early 90s.
I have also included files to create an A-4M based onto the A-4F_74 ( Datafile, Cockpit and Avionics files for a HUD ...).
All files are stock Thirdwire files, modified or not.
SF2 A-4E Skyhawk, VMA-211 "Wake Island Avengers" Skin/Decal Pak 6/17/2014
= For SF2 (Any & All, Full-5 Merged Prefered) =
A new skin for VMA-211; this is inspired by a request by a CombatAce member that used to work for them. Also, it allows us to have a fully updated SF2 version of a skin set originally by Paul "FOTF" Nortness, that now longer works in SF2.
This is for the standard, or garden variety A-4E Skyhawk (no *year" suffix). However, they can be used on the 65, 67 and possibly on the A-4F by renaming the maps to match to lod's naming convention.
All new decals, excepting one left over from the 1stGen skin, were created for this mod. The skin maps themselves are in jpg format.
ALL markings are decals. Decal randomization has been set to "TRUE".
Also included is my modified Loadout ini, that has "increased" striking power for all mission statements. My Data ini is also included, that adds the Landing Light, and opening canopy (Standard Animation Keystroke, Shift/0).
When on the Loadout Screen, in the "Paint Scheme" dropdown, you'll see:
VMA-211 "Wake Island Avengers" (FOTF)
The Stock 3W skin is still available, but is accessed from the Unit Selection dropdown. This one should not conflict with the stock one. At least it didn't for me during testing.
The (FOTF) is a nod to Paul, as part of the inspiration to rebuild this to the lastest spec (and that I reused on of his decals, albeit slightly modified).
As always, fairly easy to follow, detailed install instructions are included. So, please read them ....
Happy Landings!
Wrench
Kevin Stein
EDIT:
a small oopsy! I uploaded the wrong zip, that was an earlier test version.
This has been corrected, and the zip contains the correct decals and the repositioned badges.
My apologies to all.
Unfortunately, you'll have to redown this mod.
When installing, just allow the overwrite
A-4F Skyhawk, VA-164 'Ghost Riders' Vietnam 1973 Skinpack
*** SF2V required for A-4F-model, tested in full 5-merged installation ***
The skin represents A-4Fs from VA-164 'Ghost Riders' in 1973 aboard the carrier USS Hancock in Vietnam.
All BuNo are correct for this squadron, but unfortunately I couldn't find the correct assignment for all modex to BuNo.
This pack contains another version of "Lady Jessie", this time the wellknown version with big letters on the fuselage. In 1973 VA-164 was on another combat-cruise in Vietnam. Carrier Air Wing CVW-21, which VA-164 was part of, was tasked with the responsibility, to develop expertise in unique mission types. For example VA-55 was tasked with Iron Hand missions, while VA-164 was to develop tactics to use Laser Guided Weapons at its best. Some A-4F were equipped with Laser Spot Trackers instead of the ususal Radar in the nose, so that LGBs could be used on designated targets. As these were only trackers, a special Designator was needed. For that case, 2 TA-4F were borrowed from USMC squadrons. A 2nd crewmember with a handheld-device to designate the targets was placed on the 2nd seat. Those people were volunteers from other squadrons, that usually flew E-1B or RF-8/F-8. As the handheld-device had to be held steady for a proper designation while the plane was flying, it was a not well-like job to do. But in the end, it proved successful and led to the development of build-in laserdesignators.
The pack consists of 2 parts:
- a skin for the stock A-4F, which cannot use laser-guided bombs (LGB). So this is only for the looks. Select the skin in the loadout-screen of the stock A-4F.
- a modification of the stock A-4F to use LGB. Ingame you will find a new plane - "A-4F (Laser Spot Tracker)" to choose. It also has a different gunsight and shows laser designated targets. For the laser-designator you have 2 options. First is to use the plane as is, meaning, you only can use LGBs on primary targets as they're always designated. The radarscreen is just black in that case, because the planes didnt have a radar anymore. Second, you use the Laser designator from the loadout screen and can use LGBs on every target. I included a modified AVQ-23 (modded from the stock one) for that purpose. It is not shown externally and is a compromise for playability-reasons. The radar-screen shows the target if you have selected one.
Planes marked with * are the LST-equipped ones (401, 407, 411, 413, 414), which have the different nosecone. 401 and 407 are confirmed by pictures, the other 3 are in for a good mix. There were more than 2 of them, but I couldn't find more numbers or other pictures.
Installation
============
1. unzip to a temporary folder
2. open "Put_In_Your_Mod folder" and do as you were told, if asked to overwrite, say 'yes' :P
3. enjoy!
Credits
=======
- Thirdwire and TK for a great game and nice models I used.
- Eole2, Hangar- and Loadingscreen, Vintage Screenshots, aswell as improvements of the packagearrangement (A big thanks for that!)
- ZScout370, wikimedia - USAF Insignia
- Wrench, updated data.ini (Canopy, Landinglight)
- myself, Skin, Decals, ini-work (Gunsight/HUD, LaserDesignator)
Thanks
======
- Soulfreak, for your decalpattern, which was a BIG help to improve the baseskin and fill it with "life"!
- Blowhard, for the weathering-tutorial at http://www.eaf51.org/Photoshop/Tutorial/Basic_Weathering.htm
- Wrench, KJAkker for the Gunsight-Issue
- all modders at CombatAce for their work and inspiration!
P.S.
====
If you have any problems with this skin or have suggestions and hints, feel free to PM me.
This pack and any parts from it, may be used as freeware only.
AF-1 Brazilian Navy
My latest Flight Test scheme is an A-4E Skyhawk from the Naval Air Test Center, Ordnance Test Unit, China Lake, circa 1968.
USMC Low Vis Grey skin for my SF2 A-4M
A-4B Skyhawk VMA-331 Bumblebees Skin Pak
VA-83 A-4B Skyhawk Skin/Decal Pak
Here is a skin for the A-4C_65 Skyhawk from VX-31 "Red Devils" based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Ca. circa 1965.
Here is a skin for the A4D (A-4A) Skyhawk from the Naval Air Test Center at Pax River, Md.
Here is a skin for the A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk from VX-5 'Vampires", based at China Lake, Ca.
Two Skins for SF2 & SFV2 A-4E_65. Screenshots in zip
A-4M "Top Gun".