About This File
"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 *
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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 *
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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 *
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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 *
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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