"Operation Desert Storm" for SF2 (Redux) - Part 1 of 3

"Operation Desert Storm" for Strike Fighters 2

 

This package contains an updated, "Strike Fighters 2" compatible version of the "Operation Desert Storm" mod package originally released for "Strike Fighters Project 1" (SFP1). In addition to making the original mod compatible with "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" (SF2E), this updated version also adds a number of other mods that were released in the years subsequent to the original release of this mod for SFP1.

 

This mod package should be installed to "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" (SF2E) installations (or merged installs incorporating SF2E) that are patched to the Mar2012 or later patch level. If you are running SF2E at an earlier patch level and do NOT intend to update to one of the later patch levels mentioned above, you should NOT install this mod package.

 

Note that this is a COMPLETE mod package. There is no need to install the original "Operation Desert Storm" mod for SFP1. If you have installed the previous SF2 version of ODS, it is recommended that you NOT install this refreshed and updated version over that earlier version. Create a new install.

 

NOTE: this mod is distributed as set of THREE 7zip archive files. If you did not download all three 7zip packages from CombatAce.com, then this mod will not work properly.

 

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Minimum Requirements

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To install and play this mod, you must have the following installed:

 

SF2 VERSION: Strike Fighters 2: Europe (SF2E)

PATCH LEVEL: Mar2012 or higher

 

This mod does support installations that include "Strike Fighters 2: North Atlantic" (SF2NA), however, SF2NA is not required.

 

 

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Update Notes

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This mod package is a refreshed and updated version of the original version that was released in April 2012 on CombatAce. It incorporates all the updates included in the "Update 1" package released on CombatAce in January 2013. It also includes further updates, fixes, and additions beyond what was included in the "Update 1" package. All told this refreshed version of the mod includes the following major additions to the "Operation Darius" mod package:

 

- new aircraft: H-6D, Mi-8 Hip, IL-76, IL-76B2, NimrodMR1, SH-3D

- new SF2NA aircraft: EA-6B_86, A-6E_90, E-2C

- new optional aircraft: A-10A_87, Mirage5AD, Mirage5EAD

- new aircraft models: F-1CR, F-7B, F-7M, F-16C_B30, F-16C_B40,

F-117A, JaguarA3_DS, Mirage2000EAD, Su-25

- new ships: USNTransport

 

...plus numerous other fixes, updates, and skin additions to dozens of aircraft and ground objects.

 

 

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Installation

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Before installing this mod package, please ensure the installation of Strike Fighters 2 that you intend to use is updated to at least the Mar2012 patch level. The latest patches for Strike Fighters 2 can be downloaded from ThirdWire:

 

http://thirdwire.com/downloads.htm

 

Also, please be aware that the mod requires "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" (SF2E). This mod can be installed to SF2E installations that incorporate "Strike Fighters 2: North Atlantic" (SF2NA). If SF2NA is part of your target install base, there are some additional items for you to install.

 

The main installation process consists of three main steps -- or, four if your target install base incorporates SF2NA. Please read the following instructions carefully and follow them religiously. If you wind up with a non-working mod install, then you likely failed to follow the instructions properly.

 

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* STEP 1: PREPARE THE MOD FOLDER *

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

 

This mod requires a separate mod folder. Please do not attempt to install this mod over or combine it with other mods such as NATO Fighter 4+ or the SF2V Expansion Pack.

 

- Open your SF2 Installation directory and make a copy of StrikeFighters2 Europe.exe or StrikeFighters2 NorthAtlantic.exe (if your target install base includes SF2NA). Rename the copied .EXE file to StrikeFighters2_ODS.exe (or whatever unique name you prefer).

 

- Run the newly copied and renamed .EXE file, then exit back out to the Windows desktop after navigating through a few menus. A custom Mod Folder for your "Operation Desert Storm" mod install will have been created in one of these locations:

 

Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\[username]\My Documents\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]

Windows Vista: \Users\[username]\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]

Windows 7: \Users\[username]\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder]

 

...where [YourModFolder] matches the name of the copied .EXE file that you created. You will install the "Operation Desert Storm" mod files to your Mod Folder.

 

- Open your Mod Folder and delete the \Objects sub-directory (including everything in it).

 

Now you're ready to install the "Operation Desert Storm" mod proper.

 

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* STEP 2: INSTALL MAIN COMPONENTS TO MOD FOLDER *

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

 

This is the easiest step.

 

- Unpack the three "SF2 ODS" archive packages to a temporary location on your hard drive.

 

- Move the contents of the \To_Mod_Folder directory from all three unzipped packages to your Mod Folder (created in Step 1 above). (Note: do not simply drag and drop the folder named "To_Mod_Folder" or you will end up with a non-working install.)

 

If you've moved everything correctly, you should have a new \Objects sub-directory in your Mod Folder, along with a few new other sub-directories.

 

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* STEP 3: EDIT OPTIONS.INI *

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

 

This last step involves a bit of text editing, so please pay attention.

 

Open the Options.INI in your Mod Folder. Locate the "Instant Action" section and replace it with the following:

 

[instantAction]

AircraftType=F-15C

MissionMap=DS

StartTime=05:30:00

StartDate=01/19/1991

StartTimeDeviation=120

TextureSet=0

NationalMarking=0

SquadronMarking=0

AircraftNumber=0

KillMarking=0

 

Just below the "Instant Action" section is the "Single Mission" section. At minimum you should change the EndYear= statement to 1992 or higher. I recommend setting the StartYear= and EndYear= as follows:

 

StartYear=1990

EndYear=1992

 

Finally, a little further down you should find the "Campaign" section. Replace it with the following:

 

[Campaign]

CampaignName=19910117 Desert Storm

PlayerService=USAF

PlayerUnit=336th TFS

AircraftType=F-15E

Difficulty=NORMAL

Length=NORMAL

AircraftSupply=NORMAL

WeaponSupply=NORMAL

LoadCampaign=FALSE

CampaignSavename=DefaultCampaignSave

 

Save your changes and close the Options.INI file.

 

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* STEP 4: Extra Step for SF2NA Users *

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

 

This last step is for those whose install base include "Strike Fighters 2: North Atlantic" (SF2NA). Included with this mod are a number of custom files that allow SF2NA users to enjoy some of the new functionality included with SF2NA, including:

 

- Updated F-14 cockpits and avionics that use the new AvionicsF14A.dll included with SF2NA;

 

- Carrier battle groups in campaigns

 

- SF2NA US Navy ships that are restricted to actual vessels that participated in Operation

Desert Storm.

 

- New mission types in campaigns, including Escort_Jamming missions for the EA-6B and EF-111A

(AI only) as well as Early_Warning missions for the E-2C and E-3A.

 

TO INSTALL: drag and drop the contents of the \_For_SF2NA folder into your Mod Folder, allowing Windows to merge and overwrite any folders and files it prompts to.

 

* * * * *

 

THAT'S IT. Your ""Operation Desert Storm" for SF2" mod should now be ready to use. You may consider installing some of the "optional" items as described in the next section.

 

 

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Optional Installs

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This mod includes a number of optional files that you can add to your Desert Storm installation. Note that some of the following optional installs require you to have other ThirdWire products beyond those listed in the minimum requirements.

 

A. SF2NA Tomcat Updates

 

Included in the \Optional\3W_F-14s folder are some optional items that you may consider installing, if your installation base includes SF2NA. Included are:

 

- DATA.INI files for the F-14 Tomcats that use the ThirdWire flight model

 

- COCKPIT.INI and AVOINICS.INI files for the Tomcats that use the ThirdWire cockpit

 

To use these files simply drop them in the appropriate F-14 folders in \Objects\Aircraft. (Note: the *.TMF versions of these files are copies of the files you replace when using these optional files.)

 

B. Optional Aircraft

 

1. A-10A_87

 

Included in the \Optional\Aircraft directory is an optional A-10A Warthog, using a new model and released by Spectre8750. To install it, simply copy the \A-10A_87 folder to the \Objects\Aircraft folder in your Desert Storm Mods folder. Once installed this A-10A version will be used in campaigns in lieu of the stock A-10A_78.

 

2. Mirage 5AD & 5EAD

 

Also included in the \Optional\Aircraft directory are two aircraft used by the UAE -- the Mirage 5AD and Mirage 5EAD. Please note that these aircraft require you to have the following additional products from ThirdWire installed as part of your base installation:

 

- Mirage 5AD: Mirage 5D from Strike Fighters 2 Israel (SF2I)

- Mirage 5EAD: Mirage IIIO from DLC #17

 

To install these aircraft, simply copy the \Mirage5AD and \Mirage5EAD folders to the \Objects\Aircraft folder in your Desert Storm Mods folder. These aircraft are not used in campaigns but will be available for single missions.

 

 

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A Note on Anti-Ship Missiles

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For this mod most third-party (i.e., non-stock) anti-ship missiles have been converted to use the ASM/cruise missile functionality introduced w/ SF2NA. At the same time, the older versions of these missiles have been preserved, as the new ASM cruise missiles can be used by AI only against ships.

 

So, for many anti-ship missiles you will now find two versions:

 

1) "Standard" guided version

 

These versions are the "old" style missiles setwith WeaponDataType=1. They can be used by AI against land and sea targets. These missiles retain their familiar names (e.g., AGM-84D Harpoon, Kh-59M Ovod, etc.).

 

2) ASM/cruise missile version

 

These versions utilitize the new cruise missile functionality set by WeaponDataType=7. They can be used by AI only against ships. These versions can be distinguished by their names:

 

- U.S./NATO missiles have the ASM tag (e.g., AGM-84D Harpoon ASM).

 

- Soviet/WP missiles follow the naming convention used by ThirdWire's

Soviet cruise missiles (e.g., Kh-59M AS-13 Kingbolt).

 

At the same time aircraft that typically carry these missiles have been updated to accommodate the ASM versions. Loadouts for these aircraft have been updated to use ASM versions by default for Anti-Ship, Naval_Attack, and Cruise_Missile loadouts.

 

 

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A Note on Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs)

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AI pilots in Strike Fighters have long had problems employing LGBs. AI pilots in the player's flight can drop LGBs, but will treat them as dumb bombs. AI pilots in flights not controlled by the player (i.e., AI-only flights) cannot use LGBs at all, and will typically get stuck circling the target.

 

To address this problem I have created EOGB versions of all LGBs for AI pilots to use (AI pilots have no problems with EOGBs for some reason). These AI versions are identical in all respects to the LGB versions save for the Guidance Type, which is set to "Electro-Optical Guided" instead of "Laser-Guided."

 

By default aircraft that use LGBs for certain loadouts (usually Stike, Attack, SEAD, or Anti-Ship) are loaded with these AI (EOGB) versions instead of the LGB versions. You should make it a habit to check the Loadout screen and switch the bomb version on your own aircraft to the LGB version.

 

You can distinguish between the AI (EOGB) and LGB (Player) versions by the weapon name -- for example:

 

LGB version: GBU-12D/B Paveway II LGB

AI version: GBU-12D/B Paveway II (AI)

 

While this solution introduces an extra step for the player in the preparation to start a mission, it allows AI pilots and AI-only flights to use these weapons.

 

 

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A Note on the Water Shader Effect

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This updated version of ODS for SF2 implements a different water shader effect from Fubar512, replacing the water shader effect from the original release that caused costal tiles to have an odd, shimmering appearance.

 

If you run into problems with this replacement water shader, do the following:

 

1) Remove the following files from the \Terrains\DS folder:

 

DiffuseMap.tga

WATEREFFECT.FX

WaterNormal.tga

Water.dds

WNormal16.tga

TERWATEREFFECT2.FX

 

At this point, the game will revert to using the stock SF2 watershader and WaterNormal.BMP. If you wish to restore the water shader used in the original release of this mod, proceed to the next step.

 

2) Restore the water shader effect from the original release by unpacking WaterEffect_Fubar512.zip (found in \Terrains\DS\_Water) to the main DS terrain folder (\Terrains\DS).

 

If you later decide you prefer the new water shader effect included in this updated version of the mod, simply unpack WaterEffect_V1.zip (found in \Terrains\DS\_Water) to the main DS terrain folder (\Terrains\DS).

 

If you do encounter problems with this replacement water shader effect, please report them to the forums at CombatAce.com.

 

 

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Changes, Fixes, & Additions

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

This mod is a conversion and upgrade of the original "Operation Desert Storm" mod released for SFP1. This version incorporates the following major updates and additions over the original:

 

 

New Aircraft

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

A-6E_90 F-15D MiG-23BN_IRQ

A-10A_87 F-16C_B40 MiG-23MF_IRQ

AC-130U F-16C_B40_RBAF MiG-23MLAE_IRQ

AH-64A F-1CK MiG-23MS_IRQ

Buccaneer-S2B F-1CR Mirage5AD

C-130E F-1EDA Mirage5EAD

C-130H FA-18C Mirage2000C

C-130K H-6D Mirage2000EAD

C-130K-30 Hawk65 NimrodMR1

E-2C IL-76/B2 SH-3D

EA-6B JaguarA3_DS Su-20B

EA-6B_86 KA-6D Su-22

EC-130H KC-130F Su-22M

F-7B/M KC-135A Su-22M3

F-14A+ KC-135E Su-22M4

F-15C_RSAF Mi-8 Su-25

 

Upgraded Aircraft *

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

A-10A_78 F-14A F-117A

A-4KU F-15C JaguarGR1A_DS

B-52G F-15E MiG-25PDS

EF-111A F-16C_B30 Tornado_GR1_DS

F-4E_86 F-111E Tornado_GR1_RSAF

F-7A F-111F Tornado_IDS_IT

 

* The above are aircraft that were either converted to newer models

or that received major upgrades of some kind. All aircraft from

the original version of this mod were updated or tweaked in some

way -- at the very least for SF2 compatibility.

 

New Ground Objects

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

AH-64 CG-59 M167-VADS

AMX-30 CG-60 Iowa80s

AMX-30B2 CGN-25 M1939

Arab_DSHK Chieftain2 M1939_G

Arab_DSHK_G Chieftain5 PAC2_AMG

Avenger Chieftain11 PAC2_LS

CG-16 CVN68 PAC2_RS

CG-47 Humvee RolandRad

CG-52 Humvee_M1025 USNTransport

CG-53 Humvee_M1046 ZPU-1

 

In addition to the above updates and additions, the following major changes were made:

 

- All aircraft brought up to SF2 standards

- All naval aircraft made SF2NA compatible

- All ground SAM & radar ground objects brought up to SF2 standards

- All ships made SF2NA-compatible

- All weapons & guns converted to SF2 format

- All major modded INIs made SF2 compatible

- All effects made SF2 compatible

- DS terrain made SF2 or SF2NA compatible

- Overhauled "Desert Storm" campaign

- Added Red-side "Mother of All Battles" campaign

 

Please note that the above list does not constitute an exhaustive change log, as this

update incorporates too many minor fixes and tweaks to list or account for here.

Suffice it to say that this version of "Operation Desert Storm" for SF2E represents

a major overhaul of the original mod for SFP1.

 

 

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Credits

~~~~~~~

 

This release adds a number of new items to the "Operation Desert Storm" mod package. These new items are from the following modders, who generously allowed their use:

 

Home Fries ..................................... Optional 3W A-6E_90 & EA-6B_86

Spectre8750 .................................... Optional A-10A_87

Dels ........................................... AH-64 Apache helo & ground object

Crusader ....................................... Harrier avionics mod

Dels & wpnssgt ................................. B-52GH MegaPack (for B-52G)

ravenclaw_007 .................................. Buccaneer S2B

Dels ........................................... AC-130U, C-130E, C-130H, EC-130H

Daddyairplanes ................................. C-130E/H upgrades & new skins

Dels, Sundowner, & Dave ........................ RAF C-30K Super Pack

Hawker/Agemmenon & 331KillerBee ................ EA-6B Prowler

Fubar512 & Wrench .............................. EA-6B upgrades & fixes

Paul Nortress .................................. EA-6B skins

The Mirage Factory.............................. F-7B & F-7M Airguard

The Mirage Factory ............................. F-4E ARN-101 (F-4E_86)

Crusader ....................................... F-5E avionics mod

The Mirage Factory ............................. F-14 Tomcats

Spectre8750 .................................... F-14 fixes & upgrades

JSF Aggie, Paul Nortress, Hrntfixr ............. F-14 skins

Dave, Caesar, & SupGen ......................... F-14A SF2NA avionics & cockpit upgrade

FastCargo & team ............................... F-15C & F-15E

Viper Crew ..................................... F-16C_B30 & F-16C_B40

FastCargo ...................................... EF-111A, F-111E, F-111F

slick_cowboy ................................... F-111E/F new skins

liamp51 ........................................ re-textured F-111A cockpit

Dels ........................................... F-117A new model

The Mirage Factory ............................. F/A-18C model & skins

Spectre8750 .................................... F/A-18C upgrade

RussoUK2002 .................................... Hawk 65 model

RussoUK2004 .................................... Hawk Mk.65 updates

Veltro2K ....................................... IL-76 & A-50 (IL-76B2)

Oli & Sundowner ................................ Jaguar GR1

Bpao, Jeanba, Tom Venom, & Sony Tuckson ........ Jaguar A

Stary .......................................... Jaguar & Mirage F1 cockpit repaints

Monty CZ & wpnssgt ............................. KA-6D Tanker

Paul Nortress .................................. KA-6D skins

Daddyairplanes ................................. KC-10 new skins

Pappychksix & 331KillerBee ..................... KC-130F

Bpao ........................................... KC-135A/E Tankers

Marcfighters ................................... Mi-8 Hip

Paulopanz ...................................... MiG-21PF skins

Rafael & BPAo .................................. MiG-23 models

Lindr2 ......................................... MiG-23 upgrade packs

eburger68 ...................................... MiG-23 SF2 upgrades

CrazyhorseB34 .................................. MiG-25PDS upgrade

Baffmeister .................................... MiG-25 updated flight model

RussoUK2004 .................................... MiG-29A updated model

The Mirage Factory ............................. Mirage F-1CK, F-1EDA models

Bpao, Centurion-1, Brain32, & Ludo.M54 ......... Mirage F-1CR model

FRPignon/cangas ................................ Mirage F-1CR mod/update

Paulopanz, Denis Oliveira, Coupi, & Ludo.M54 ... Optional Mirage 5AD/EAD

The Mirage Factory ............................. Mirage 2000C

Ace888 & The Mirage Factory .................... Mirage 2000EAD

Veltro2K & Wrench .............................. Nimrod MR.1

Florian ........................................ SH-3D Sea King

ArmourDave & AmokFloo .......................... Su-20/22 models

Lindr2 ......................................... Su-20/22 upgrades

eburger68 ...................................... Su-20/22 SF2 upgrades

Florian, Baffmeister, & Paulopanz .............. Su-25 (new model & skins)

WingsOverIsrael ................................ Su-25 IrAF camo skin

Sundowner & Ianh ............................... Tornado IDS

Bobrock, X-Ray, & Soulman ...................... Tornado IDS skins & decals

Sundowner, AD, & Dave .......................... Tornado GR1

Ianh ........................................... Tornado GR1 fixes & updates

Paulopanz & Spillone104 ........................ H-6 & Tu-16 Packs for SF2

whiteknight06604 ............................... Tu-22 Iraq AF camo skin

 

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

 

Stefano ........................................ AMX-30 & AMX-30B2

EricJ .......................................... Arab_Dshk

Abhi ........................................... AN/TWQ-1 Avenger

WhiteBoySamurai ................................ Leahy, Ticonderoga, & Bainbridge class ships

Florian ........................................ USN AOE Transport

Fubar512 & MiGBuster ........................... Carrier Deck Illumination package

SFP1Ace ........................................ Chieftain tanks

aleks1 ......................................... CVN-68

SUICIDAL & TORNO ............................... Humvees

ID(io)T Team, Torno, YeYeYe, & Spitwulf ........ Iowa '80s battleship

Fubar512 ....................................... Iowa '80s configuration

JSF_Aggie ...................................... ThirdWire LHA upgrade

Julhelm ........................................ Firecan radar (new model)

BANIDOS TEAM ................................... M-167 VADS

bigal1 ......................................... M270MLR

rebel ryder & Nicholas Bell .................... M1939 flak guns

YEYEYE ......................................... PAC-2 system

Florian ........................................ RolandRad

CrazyhorseB34 .................................. RolandRad desert skin

Kesselbrut ..................................... ZPU-1

SUICIDAL ....................................... New Destroyed Tank LODs

 

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

 

Kout ........................................... Main screen

cellinsky, Insky/Orsin, & PanamaRed ............ Environment mods

Fubar512 ....................................... Improved water shader effect

Spectre8750 .................................... Fake Afterburner Node

Capitaine Vengeur .............................. Coalition Pack (medals & icons)

Brennus ........................................ ODS desktop icon

OldDiego, Pappy, Wrench, Pasko, Florian/ ....... Pilots

AmokFloo, & PureBlue

Malibu43 ....................................... Revamped ground campaign

Dave, Sundowner, Crusader, JSF_Aggie, Dels, .... Testing & minor fixes

Caesar, Gocad, Malibu43, & CrazyhorseB34

 

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

 

(Used in an earlier release of this mod package)

 

Swede & Wpnssgt ................................ F-16C_B30 & F-16C_B40_RBAF models

Oli & Sundowner ................................ Jaguar A

Erwin Hans ..................................... Mirage 2000EAD model

TORNO/Banidos Team ............................. Mirage 2000EAD skin

101tfs, YEYEYE, Erwin Hans, & Lindr2 .......... Su-25 (based on Su-39)

 

 

Credit for the original "Operation Desert Storm" mod package goes to Dave, JSF_Aggie, and the team of modders that contributed to that original release for SFP1. For a list of all the modders whose work is used in the complete "Operation Desert Storm" mod, see the original ReadMes included in \_OriginalReadmes.

 

If we have neglected to credit anyone here, please let us know. We will get it fixed ASAP.

 

 

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

eburger68 & USAFMTL (Dave)

28 April 2012

26 November 2014