Operation Desert Shepherd

[+suhsjake 11]

What about some USMC, RAF, or RN Harriers?

[+Piecemeal 450]

No joy. It looks like aircraft will only fly if the squadron assigned to the aircraft are on the SquadronList.ini file. I also tried to add the VF-43 squadron to the squadronlist but it didn't recognise it. What a bummer.

[+SidDogg 130]

No joy. It looks like aircraft will only fly if the squadron assigned to the aircraft are on the SquadronList.ini file. I also tried to add the VF-43 squadron to the squadronlist but it didn't recognise it. What a bummer.

 

 

That is because instead of Squadron=, you have to change it to UnitName= in the AirUnit data f the Campaign6_DATA.INI...

 

Here's an example:

 

[AirUnit004]

AircraftType=A-4B

Squadron=VA36 <<<----change Squadron= to UnitName=, then type in VF-43 Challengers and see what happens...

ForceID=1

Nation=USN

DefaultTexture=USNGrey1

BaseArea=Echo Station

CarrierBased=TRUE

CarrierNumber=60

RandomChance=100

MissionRate=0.9

MaxAircraft=16

StartAircraft=16

MaxPilots=16

StartPilots=16

Experience=100

Morale=100

Supply=50

MissionChance[sWEEP]=0

MissionChance[CAP]=0

MissionChance[iNTERCEPT]=0

MissionChance[ESCORT]=0

MissionChance=90

MissionChance[CAS]=90

MissionChance[sEAD]=90

MissionChance[ARMED_RECON]=90

MissionChance[ANTI_SHIP]=90

MissionChance[RECON]=50

UpgradeType=FIXED

Upgrade[01].Year=1961

Upgrade[01].Type=A-4C

Upgrade[02].Year=1963

Upgrade[02].Type=A-4E

Upgrade[03].Year=1965

Upgrade[03].Type=A-4E_65

Upgrade[04].Year=1967

Upgrade[04].Type=A-4E_67

Upgrade[05].Year=1968

Upgrade[05].Type=A-4F

[charlielima 328]

Ouch! I guess the Mirage factory A-7Es are out too. Or any 3rd party planes. I have had less success tackeling simpler things.

no joy=true

bummer=true

:ph34r: CL

 

Edit: Good to see HS-14 is giving you enough time for hobbies SD.

Edited January 17, 2009 by charlielima

[+Piecemeal 450]

I just thought I'd give a quick update before I head for the bunk. I've been able to add the VF-43 F-21 Lion Aggressor squadron to the campaign, but only by assigning a different squadron to the campaign ini files. Obviously I was correct in my suspicions that the game would only accept default squadrons on the squadronlist.ini.

 

 

Which brings me to my next idea.

1. I extracted the squadronlist.ini from C:/Program Files/ThirdWire/StrikeFighters 2/Flight/MissionData001 and found the squadronlist.ini in it.

2. I then picked the squadron VA-152, which I would never use, from the list and edited the display name:

 

[squadron149]

Name=VA152

DisplayName=VF-43 Challengers (Aggressor) <--------------

Nation=USN

 

3. I then copied the above mentioned amended squadronlist to My Name/Saved Games/ThirdWire/StrikeFighters2/Flight (just to be sure).

 

I then edited the campaign ini files to include the F-21 and squadron VA-152, which should display the above display name.

Unfortunately the squadron was still displayed as 'VA-152 Friendlies'

 

I've been thinking of adding a new subfolder in the Flight folder mentioned in part three above anf throwing the squadronlist.ini into it, but I'm just too tired to experiment any more tonight.

 

Thoughts or recommendations anyone?

 

Ciao for now....

[+331Killerbee 840]

It's because the .CAT still holds the Original Squadron.ini......Got to make a New Squadron in the Squadron.ini to reflect this....

 

You know

 

(SquadronXXX)

Name=...

DisplayName=

Nation=

..........ect.

 

BTW.....Try putting a Copy of the Squadronlist.ini in Your PilotData Folder too....

 

331KillerBee

Edited January 18, 2009 by 331Killerbee

[+331Killerbee 840]

The first XXX amount of Squadrons are "Locked" by the .CAT......You can add to the Squadron .INI....But, You can't Re-name Defaults.....The Original Campaigns are the same way.....Can be copied and Changed....But the Originals that come with the game, stay the same.

Edited January 18, 2009 by 331Killerbee

[+SidDogg 130]

Edit: Good to see HS-14 is giving you enough time for hobbies SD.

 

HAHAHAHAHAH I'LL SAY LOL

 

It's funny doe...

 

It's the weekend, and the rest of CAG-5 was STILL flyin

 

...I guess that's what happens when you go hard on an 8-month cruise, and

knock out all your tasking and come out ahead of the game....

 

...You can actually take a little breather

[charlielima 328]

Good Deal Ultra, KB, and SD! I'd like to beat this subject up more but I'm going to log off and go back 25 years and get some F-4S stick time.

:ph34r: CL

[+Piecemeal 450]

The first XXX amount of Squadrons are "Locked" by the .CAT......You can add to the Squadron .INI....But, You can't Re-name Defaults.....The Original Campaigns are the same way.....Can be copied and Changed....But the Originals that come with the game, stay the same.

 

Tried that already. No Joy. First I added it to the end of the list:

 

[squadron262]

Name=254IDF

DisplayName=No. 254 Midland Squadron

Nation=ISRAEL

 

[squadron263]

Name=436TFS

DisplayName=436th TFS

Nation=USAF

 

[squadron264]

Name=VF43

DisplayName=VF-43 Challengers (Aggressor)

Nation=USN

 

Result: FAIL

 

I then started from scratch and tried adding it to the list in the order that the squadrons would appear:

 

 

[squadron108]

Name=VF41

DisplayName=VF-41 Black Aces

Nation=USN

 

[squadron109]

Name=VF43

DisplayName=VF-43 Challengers (Aggressor)

Nation=USN

 

[squadron110]

Name=VA46

DisplayName=VA-46 Clansmen

Nation=USN

 

Result: FAIL

 

I've been thinking that maybe I'm putting the edited squadronlist into the wrong folder; or maybe as one member said here recently; there's still so much that we don't know about the new SF2 file setup and there's so many people going round like headless chickens.

In otherwords, it's still early days

[+331Killerbee 840]

Yep, You are right.........It's like, "Public Beta Testing"....

[+Dave 2,322]

ok edit your squadronlist.ini and put it in your vista saved games/ThirdWire/StrikeFighters2/Pilotdata folder. Remember that games/ThirdWire/StrikeFighters2 is where you put mods.

[+Piecemeal 450]

Dave, you are a f**king genius! I definitely OU1.

I checked it out and both the Aggressor F-21A and their VF-43 squadron is working in the campaign. I'd actually given up on the idea of using US Navy Aggressors and was in the process of adding a USAF aggressor squadron to the fray flying F-5Es with the 64th Tactical Fighter Training Aggressor Squadron, as they were called in the 80s. The 64th FIS is on the squadronlist which is what they were before they were re-assigned to DACT duties in the seventies:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64th_Aggressor_Squadron

 

I even edited an F-5E USN Agressor skin and was in the process of adding a decal setup based on website pics. But now that that the squadron issue's been solved I might stick with the F-21s

 

BTW, any luck with the start date issue? (sorry if I'm being over-assumptious)

[charlielima 328]

Perhaps 199th TFS should be invited too.

I bet there is enough room for ANG F-4Cs in Dhimar's time of need.

 

:ph34r: CL

[+Dave 2,322]

BTW, any luck with the start date issue? (sorry if I'm being over-assumptious)

 

None, have you pinged JSF_Aggie?

[Icarus999 70]

Hi guys. Don't know why but the IAI F-21 Lion Aggressor Kfir won't appear on the campaign, even as an AI squadron, so I've struck it off the project. Pity really. To make up for things I've added two squadrons; one USN attack squadron and one USMC fighter squadron (both also on Midway). Here's the list on the new CAMPAIGN.INI :

 

[CampaignData]

CampaignName=Operation Desert Shepherd

DataFile=Campaign6_Data.ini

CampaignMap=DESERT

Historical=FALSE

Service001=USAF

Service002=USN

Service003=USMC

Service004=Merc

 

[uSAFUnit001]

Squadron=104TFS

ForceID=1

UnitID=1

StartDate=07/11/1986

DescFile=Campaign6Start.txt

StartText=Campaign6Start.txt

AircraftType=F-4E_75

 

[uSNUnit001]

Squadron=VF151

ForceID=1

UnitID=2

StartDate=07/21/1986

DescFile=Campaign6Start.txt

StartText=Campaign6Start.txt

AircraftType=F-4SL

 

[uSNUnit002]

Squadron=VA66

ForceID=1

UnitID=3

StartDate=07/21/1986

DescFile=Campaign6Start.txt

StartText=Campaign6Start.txt

AircraftType=A-7E_Late_MF

 

[uSMCUnit001]

Squadron=VMFA333

ForceID=1

UnitID=4

StartDate=07/21/1986

DescFile=Campaign6Start.txt

StartText=Campaign6Start.txt

AircraftType=F-4SL

 

[MercUnit001]

UnitName=1st Special Ops Wing

ForceID=1

UnitID=5

StartDate=07/09/1986

DescFile=Campaign6StartMerc.txt

StartText=Campaign6Start.txt

AircraftType=Mirage5D

 

I've chosen the A-7E because there were two A-7E squadrons aboard the Midway, namely VA-56 and VA-93 aboard from the early 70s. I've chosen the MF A-7E as the aircraft platform but unfortunately there aren't any skins for that squadron available with the MF A-7E.

While looking into the Midway's career (acting also on charlielima's info - cheers bud ) it transpires that VMFA-333's F-4S squadron have been aboard from time to time so I thought it would be a good idea to add 'the boys':

 

BTW has anyone been able to think about my little problem regarding the carrier squadrons' start dates? For example:

The carrier start date is 07/21/1986. Obviously I've edited the carrierborne squadrons to start on the same date. But when, for example, I start a Merc campaign (which starts on 07/09/1986 - the same date as the campaign) there's carrier squadrons flying in the area. I can upload the campagn.ini and campaigndata.ini if anyone's interested in looking through that issue. I'd really appreciate it :yes: . I may seem like a pain in the a**e on this issue but I guess I'm just ine of those guys who likes everything just right

 

Just my opinion, but if the carrier is the midway in 1986 it would be a shame not to include VF-161 as they deployed alongside VF-151 for something like twenty years .

[+Piecemeal 450]

Just my opinion, but if the carrier is the midway in 1986 it would be a shame not to include VF-161 as they deployed alongside VF-151 for something like twenty years .

 

I understand exactly what you're saying bud. I must say that I've been tossing coins as to which squadron to assign to the Midway. But to answer your question; normally in peacetime there'd be the two squadrons aboard. But what I'm trying to achieve here is the premise that war's broken out in Europe between East and West, so resources are pretty tight. Basically the US is just throwing whatever it can muster (hence the deployment of VMFA-333 on Midway also.

What I'm trying to achieve here really is a friendly side that's more outnumbered than it would've been in previous SF2 campaigns. Hence the reduced number of USAF/USN/USMC squadrons. That's why I haven't added both squadrons to Midway. Don't know if you have already but check out my campaign intro text that I have on the previous page of this discussion.

[+SidDogg 130]

I understand exactly what you're saying bud. I must say that I've been tossing coins as to which squadron to assign to the Midway. But to answer your question; normally in peacetime there'd be the two squadrons aboard. But what I'm trying to achieve here is the premise that war's broken out in Europe between East and West, so resources are pretty tight. Basically the US is just throwing whatever it can muster (hence the deployment of VMFA-333 on Midway also.

What I'm trying to achieve here really is a friendly side that's more outnumbered than it would've been in previous SF2 campaigns. Hence the reduced number of USAF/USN/USMC squadrons. That's why I haven't added both squadrons to Midway. Don't know if you have already but check out my campaign intro text that I have on the previous page of this discussion.

 

.....uotnumbered? that's simple.

 

just up the number of enemy squadrons

[+Piecemeal 450]

Perhaps 199th TFS should be invited too.

I bet there is enough room for ANG F-4Cs in Dhimar's time of need.

 

:ph34r: CL

 

Hi again CL. Thanks again for your earlier input on real life carrier deployments. What you mentioned about VMFA-333 is the main reason I added them aboard the Midway. Besides, I think the Corps were a little conspicuous in their absence on this campaign.

As regards ANG F-4Cs, what I've wanted to do is add aircraft types that are not too outdated. I added the F-4E_75 which is an old design but is (on SF2 anyway) the pinnacle of USAF F-4 developement.

Anyway; if this campaign works out ok I'll more than likely release it on CA for anyone who's interested. I've tried it out and it works but it still needs some fine tuning and 'screwdriver' work.

I'm sure that when released and if members download it, each individual will still be able to add or remove aircraft types to their own particular tastes :yes:

[+Piecemeal 450]

.....uotnumbered? that's simple.

 

just up the number of enemy squadrons

 

 

I'd rather keep the amount of enemy squadrons as they are. My best FPS when playing campaigns is 15-20. If I added more than there are the game on my system would probably crash before I get to the target area.

Besides, You'd still have the same friendly-to-enemy odds by leaving my squadron numbers in the ini files as they are without compromising FPS as compared to what you've suggested.

I suppose if one was lucky enough to have a high powered system you could take up your suggestion

[charlielima 328]

Carrier air always traveled or / and maintained a certain strength. It was Ronald Reagans' Navy back then. We were trying to fight a 4 sea war with a 3 sea navy. Also the Midway / CAG-5 was always out numbered.

This is what I propose:

The carrier:

2 F-4S Squadrons, VF-151, and VF-161. No Cag wants to not have his regular VF squadrons.

A-7Es, Need just one Midway / Cag-5 Squadron. The other went back to NAS Lemore to transition to F-18s. So a Marine Corps F-4 squadron fills in the gap. The CAG will be bragging he has 3 F-4 squadrons on his boat.

1 A-6 Squadron.

1 EA-6B Squadron.

From the Late 70s to my exit to silly villain life in the mid 80s, and even beyond, there where really no surprises internationally for the US Navy. If something happened we allready had a carrier there. and of course outnumbered. Our rotation schedule didn't mean sierra.

If Dhimar was a swell enough ally for Navy Air support, there will also be Marine F-4s deployed and flying off the beach in Dhimar either before or very close after hostilities start.

Those in Ronald Reagans Air Force Probably will say something similar.

I allways wondered what would happen to all those West Geman F-4FS at George and Hollomen if the world would go to total sierra. If they went into the fray, Who would be flying them for whom.

:ph34r: CL

 

Edit: I see. Was typing this out while the last 2 posts came up. Hey I gave you some ammo for 2 navy and 2 marine F-4 squadrons. Also if the Midway goes into flex deck ops they will be launching and recovering AC slower.

Edited January 19, 2009 by charlielima

[+Piecemeal 450]

Remember guys, what I'm trying to create here is a 's**t hits the fan/backs to the wall' type scenario. I'm really grateful for the input and interest that everyone's given so far. Don't stop now! Second opinions are invaluable in any kind of project.

But with regard to the story background I'd rather not stray off the beaten track.

 

...... At the end of the day this is still a fictional campaign ........

 

[charlielima 328]

Remember guys, what I'm trying to create here is a 's**t hits the fan/backs to the wall' type scenario. I'm really grateful for the input and interest that everyone's given so far. Don't stop now! Second opinions are invaluable in any kind of project.

But with regard to the story background I'd rather not stray off the beaten track.

 

...... At the end of the day this is still a fictional campaign ........

 

 

I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th 2nd opinion.

In your words, don't stop now and stay on track Utramax.

:ph34r:

[+Dave 2,322]

It is not unusal at all to have USMC units based off carriers. In facts it becoming common.

[+Piecemeal 450]

I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th 2nd opinion.

In your words, don't stop now and stay on track Utramax.

:ph34r:

 

Here's a question for the member who's becoming my personal expert on US Naval activities :

 

With regard to trying to sort out start dates, how long roughly would it take a carrier like Midway to sail from Yokosuka to the Middle East in time of war? I suppose you'd have to take into account the threat of Soviet subs during wartime.

 

Also, it's just a thought but after reading of all the interest by other members of a 'beefed up' friendly squadron deployment, I might do up an 80s version of the stock campaigns - with normal squadron numbers and perhaps RAF and other friendly air forces deployed.