New zippers.

[+yakarov79]

Quick question to players.

Situation:

In 1973-74, the Orpheus pod was introduced to KLu. All old RF airframes were modified to carry this pod.

We all know Ravenclaw's work. 

At this point, RF were not yet equipped with any characteristic antennas on the nose (high band and low/mid band) and a high-band antenna on the rear fuselage.

Somewhere in 1976-77 ECMs were added to the fighter-bomber zippers and to reconnaissance airframes as well. And this is the time when antennas were present.

and one characteristic intake for cooling new electronic equipment

 

I can make ECM antennas pop up in a specific year (weaponstation mode) and add ecm in aircraft data.ini. Then antennas will be present according to the year, but ECM will be embedded in the aircraft anyway. Done for many years on other aircraft and on all aircraft in ODS30AE. ECM is working, visually everything is correct, and we are happy with it considering game engine limitations. This is more or less clear, and that was the plan. 

But going this way, the intake should not be present on early aircraft. 

So the question is:

Do you want another variant? Example RF-104G(O) '78  with ecms and early variant RF-104G(O) '73 ?

Or you can live with that intake on early birds.  Personally, I would make two birds (how I will have in my mod folder anyway) but I am considering your opinion (thing I am not doing usually) before uploading.

I can also make two variants anyway and those who want two will have two and those saving space can do some modding on your own and have one "inpure" mod. 

I am not going to mention that there were small differences between old refubrished RF and new converted from ex-AWX airframes (when 322 and 323 squadrons retired airframes) - this I simplified and it is solved. 

Of course, the process of refurbishing to RF(O) and ECM took some time (not overnight), but in mod this is simplified for - 1973 for Orpheus and 1977 for ECMs.

And this situation will also occur with the fighter-bomber variant also.  Just intake is in a different position. So there I will have the same problem to solve.  

So whatever will be done with RF will be done with the fighter-bomber variant too. 

 

Here is an example:

D-8138 in 1975

 

And a few years later, with antennas and intake. D-8138 was the last one to receive IFF/SIF and ALQ-126 mod in January 1978.

 

Or you simply do not care about such small details. Downloading for free is more important for some users than "what and why" modders are really doing. 

Should not been that way on the sim forum where downloads are based on modders' work, but hell ..You know nothing, Jon Snow...

 

Edited December 7, 2025 by yakarov79
change topic title.

[Nightshade/PR]

Speaking for myself, I'm interested in the new variants. The incremental changes mirror what happened in the RW, and helps game immersion.

Edited November 22, 2025 by Nightshade/PR

[Svetlin]

I myself would prefer 2 separate aircraft, if that is OK with you.

Edited November 22, 2025 by Svetlin

[+Muesli]

Either way.... we need more Dutch wings!

[+Wrench]

I would go with the seperate models. I know it adds more work for you, but in the end, it'll mirror Real Life (tm).

[+yakarov79]

nah..not much work..all is done by now. I am just putting it all together, and was thinking about which way would be best.

[+daddyairplanes]

cmon now

you know that 75% of us would prefer to have more options/variety

the rest are the ones too busy crying "free, free, free" to notice theres a difference 

(TW Discord. 2025, colorized)

 

[+yakarov79]

halo...

What do you see there....

[+yakarov79]

Seems you can not see anything at all. Nevermind.

I was about to upload KLu zippers today/tonight....But I started packing files, with some small adjustments. Then I realized that I had added the wrong seats in the previous packs.

Yes, at some point, Denmark used Martin-Baker, but early should be C-2. And Norway used C-2 the whole time.

So I started to make corrections. Then some small adjustments again to seat position...ah maybe will repaint...fook it...And I got carried away....

But still have a few things to do with it.

So you will have to wait until this chair is finished. And then maybe will mod some of my pilots to fit in.  Then this will happen after the New Year. So small delay.

[+ravenclaw_007]

On 12/6/2025 at 2:02 PM, yakarov79 said:

halo...

What do you see there....

could be  " INSPECTION RECLOSION LOCK " and  " INSERT SAFTEY PIN HERE " and above it is " MANUAL RELEASE "  , but i could be totaly wrong about it  

[+ravenclaw_007]

just checked my Mk25-2 material but they just mention the " INSPECTION HOLE  "

[+ravenclaw_007]

by the way if you need the Mk25 Practice Bomb Dispensers for the GAF F-104G or the other NATO F-104G i got them ready 

 

Top Mk25 used by the GAF , Bottom Mk25-2 used by the GAF

 

BDU-33 , Mk76 and DM18 practice bombs used by the GAF and NATO

[+yakarov79]

On 12/8/2025 at 11:06 PM, ravenclaw_007 said:

by the way....

I will be interested. Will get back to you when the time for the Luftwaffe comes. If everything goes as planned, after Christmas. 

I really appreciate it.

[+GKABS]

That is precisely the reason why I hold such a deep affection for this remarkable community. The sense of belonging, the shared values, and the collective dedication to our common goals foster an unparalleled environment of support and encouragement. Within this community, individuals come together, united by a shared vision and a commitment to uplifting one another. It is the collaborative spirit and the willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue that truly enhance the strength and resilience of our community.

[+yakarov79]

some small changes...

new seat and with the help of a few people few new pilots. Here early with P-4B helmet.

[+Soulfreak]

7 hours ago, yakarov79 said:

some small changes...

new seat and with the help of a few people few new pilots. Here early with P-4B helmet.

 

Looks stunning mate!

[+yakarov79]

Well, modders are sharing their progress on a daily basis... (I am bad because I do not do that so often) So I have made some progress, and I had some 'setback.'

Funny thing is that these zippers are more or less ready for nearly two years...so now looking at them is making me think what to improve...

I needed to update this and that...then something came up...etc. So I was planning to upload already KLu zippers, like 2 weeks ago. But again changes...Then, since I updated one thing, I needed to update old stuff. And so on...

I  have made some changes in ini files. Since I like to see aircraft appear on the flightline with wingtip tanks. I have made some changes in data ini and made fake "fuel tanks" to disable them if needed in the loadout menu.

Also, in fighter-bomber variants gun will be loaded optionally. As in the case of carrying nuke, the gun was to be removed...

and some other small changes. You will see. 

A Few new pilots. because one is not enough. There will be some options to choose. 

And planning to make a few more... for now HGU-2A with MBU-5 mask also optional with "ram" visor cover - and you can choose transparent or black visor. And P-4B helmet with MBU-3 mask...that i already showed before. Still going through pictures to create some options for countries. So if you have suggestions....

and yes i started to do GQ7/IQ7  seat for models that require it.  

will require revoking defogging tubes in the pit too

So instead of uploading AMI starfighters this week (plan from early December 2025), I have to go back and update some old stuff. Luftforsvaret and KLu are ready to upload, and when I find time will deal with files. 

 

o!

I reworked wheel bays and updated the skin in that area..

 

some cockpit details....

 

and 're-painted'  exhaust

 

 

[+Soulfreak]

Great work Jarek!