Linebacker and the F-4E

[+daddyairplanes]

ah

theres not a limit, sometimes the site just doesnt let you like a post

no rhyme or reason that i've observed

[RustyKurnass]

On 11/8/2024 at 4:34 PM, Mr_Tayto said:

I was on vacation and forgot to check back, so thanks for all the input everyone.

 

Also @RustyKurnass for the edited .ini; can you point me to where the edited sparrow well is in the .ini? I'm still slowly learning this stuff.

As Daddy say.

Also which F-4E you will use?

In the Gold Expansion there're three different F-4Es IIRC

[Mr_Tayto]

4 hours ago, RustyKurnass said:

As Daddy say.

Also which F-4E you will use?

In the Gold Expansion there're three different F-4Es IIRC

I've gone back to Rolling Thunder and the (now) F-4D '67, for the moment. I'm trying to build a realistic pilot career starting there and moving through the VN campaigns to Europe. I've also started a 1950s USAF campaign run, starting with the '56 Europe campaign and a different pilot.

 

I didn't realise there were three Es. Does the merged install include the gold expansion?

[+daddyairplanes]

2 hours ago, Mr_Tayto said:

I didn't realise there were three Es. Does the merged install include the gold expansion?

not how it works (if i unstand you right)

 there is the stock F-4Es in a full 5+2 merged install (or the complete edition for those taht came along later) of which there are 4.

then there are modded F-4s here on site. its one of if not the most modded aircraft, with 58 individual aircraft and 78 individual skins or skinpacks. thats not including F-4s that are in mega installs Like Vietnam Expansion Pack Gold or ODS30AE

so yes, it helps to specify what youre using

 

[Mr_Tayto]

14 minutes ago, daddyairplanes said:

not how it works (if i unstand you right)

 there is the stock F-4Es in a full 5+2 merged install (or the complete edition for those taht came along later) of which there are 4.

then there are modded F-4s here on site. its one of if not the most modded aircraft, with 58 individual aircraft and 78 individual skins or skinpacks. thats not including F-4s that are in mega installs Like Vietnam Expansion Pack Gold or ODS30AE

so yes, it helps to specify what youre using

 

In that case, I believe I was in a stock WOV E

[Mr_Tayto]

On 7/31/2024 at 5:32 PM, RustyKurnass said:

You ned to edit the Forward Sparrow bays in the DATA.ini (and Loadout.ini) , in this way you can load a ECM pod on the right well and the Pave Spike on the left . I did it for almost all my USAF Phantoms

Here an example

F-4D_69_DATA.INI

 

Coming back to this, on the file you shared the below SparrowStations have the same station group ID:

[SparrowStation1]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=6
StationGroupID=5
StationType=SEMI_RECESSED
AttachmentPosition=-0.501,5.07,-0.84
AttachmentAngles=2.0,0.0,2.0
MissileRollAngle=45.0
EjectVelocity=0.0,0.0,-2.0
LoadLimit=231.5
AllowedWeaponClass=SAHM,LP
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SparrowStation2]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=7
StationGroupID=5
StationType=SEMI_RECESSED
AttachmentPosition=0.501,5.07,-0.84
AttachmentAngles=-2.0,0.0,-2.0
MissileRollAngle=45.0
EjectVelocity=0.0,0.0,-2.0
LoadLimit=231.5
AllowedWeaponClass=SAHM,EP
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=
 

for which I assume "groupID" to mean the loadout selector, i.e. both having ID=5 means I can only select them together? I.e. "SAHM" (AIM-7) x2, EP (on station 2) meaning ECM pod (with no mirror on station 1), LP (station 2) meaning Laser pod (with no mirror on Station 1)?

 

So I assume I assign one of these station with a different "StationID" to activate the drop down in loadout screen?

 

incidentally, your F4D_69 has exactly the same station IDs at my (stock) F4D_67.

 

 

[+daddyairplanes]

yes, but keep in mind you can only use 6 group IDs (hard coded game limit, and yes it sucks) so choose your layouts wisely.

[Mr_Tayto]

11 hours ago, daddyairplanes said:

yes, but keep in mind you can only use 6 group IDs (hard coded game limit, and yes it sucks) so choose your layouts wisely.

Ah...

It wouldn't work then, because you'd have:

 

Wing outboard x2 (1)

Wing inboard x2 (2)

Wing inboard heater rails x4 (3)

Centreline x1 (4)

Sparrow aft x2 (5)

Sparrow forward x2/ECM/Pave Spike (6)

 

Otherwise I'd need to delete a station completely  

[+Sundowner]

Just build yourself a custom loadout in the loadout ini.

[Mr_Tayto]

22 minutes ago, Sundowner said:

Just build yourself a custom loadout in the loadout ini.

That looks simple enough; can you select a loadout? Or does it auto-select based on mission type (which seems to make sense).

 

I see there's a "Fast FAC"/FAC loadout already there, I've never had one of those missions.

Edited August 17, 2024 by Mr_Tayto

[+EricJ]

You select the custom loadout in the MIssion Editor, when you edit the mission. That's the only way to get it setup so you can have an ECM pod, and three Sparrows. Or if the pylon is a separate pylon by itself, simply select the ECM pod. It should allow you to do that in the Loadout screen.

[Mr_Tayto]

6 minutes ago, EricJ said:

You select the custom loadout in the MIssion Editor, when you edit the mission. That's the only way to get it setup so you can have an ECM pod, and three Sparrows. Or if the pylon is a separate pylon by itself, simply select the ECM pod. It should allow you to do that in the Loadout screen.

Huh, I've never done that yet. Changed weapons in loadout screen and the odd waypoint position, but otherwise just follow the defaults

[+EricJ]

3 minutes ago, Mr_Tayto said:

Huh, I've never done that yet. Changed weapons in loadout screen and the odd waypoint position, but otherwise just follow the defaults

I don't know which F-4 (didn't read all the posts), but if you are able to make a separate station for the bird, then it'll show "1 AIM-7 Sparrow", and so on. If it already does that then you just have to select the pylon and pod. If they are grouped together like "4 AIM-7 Sparrow" and so on, then you'll have to make your own loadout. I'm thinking if it's stock, then you'll have to make a custom loadout as Sundowner recommends, then in the Mission Editor go to your aircraft and then select that loadout (make sure you follow the format, it'll take some guesses where the ECM pod goes though) and do whatever else, and go fly.

Edited August 17, 2024 by EricJ

[+daddyairplanes]

one other trick is to have one or two Sparrow wells as Group7

little more advanced trick (you are just getting started) but it will keep the assigned weapon loaded without being displayed  in the drop down menu

the bird loaded here had its wing tanks deselected, yet the one still shows after adjusting its wep station to Group 7

how it applies to you is to either have the rear sparrow wells as group 7 or the ECM bay as such. they always show up then, and in the case of the Sparrows would be selectable during gameplay, but not show in the dropdown menu, like these Mk82s (added briefly for demo)

as Sundowner said, you would also need to adjust your loadout ini so that the desired bits load on the bird

Edited August 17, 2024 by daddyairplanes

[Mr_Tayto]

23 minutes ago, daddyairplanes said:

how it applies to you is to either have the rear sparrow wells as group 7 or the ECM bay as such. they always show up then, and in the case of the Sparrows would be selectable during gameplay, but not show in the dropdown menu, like these Mk82s (added briefly for demo)

That's a pretty neat Idea!

[CSomers611]

On 8/17/2024 at 8:37 AM, daddyairplanes said:

I'm trying to understand how to do this on my F-4D's.

Looking at my F-4D_69DATA.INI it shows the following under weapons:

// Weapon Stations ---------------------------------------------------------

// Weapon Stations ---------------------------------------------------------

[LeftOuterWingStation]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=1
StationGroupID=1
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=-3.47,0.37,-1.18
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,0.0
LoadLimit=1600
AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,LGB,ARM,GP,IFP,MER,RP,CGR,EOGR
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=wing_pylon_armament_L
PylonMass=86.18
PylonDragArea=0.02

[RightOuterWingStation]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=2
StationGroupID=1
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=3.47,0.37,-1.18
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,0.0
LoadLimit=1600
AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,LGB,ARM,GP,IFP,MER,RP,CGR,EOGR
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=wing_pylon_armament_R
PylonMass=86.18
PylonDragArea=0.02

[LeftInnerWingStation]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=3
StationGroupID=3
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=-2.05,2.74,-1.22
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,0.0
LoadLimit=1400
AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,LGB,EOGB,NUC,CGR,EOGR,ARM,EP,TER,TLR,RP
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=
;PylonMass=
;PylonDragArea=
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[RightInnerWingStation]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=4
StationGroupID=3
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=2.05,2.74,-1.22
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,0.0
LoadLimit=1400
AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,LGB,EOGB,NUC,CGR,EOGR,ARM,EP,TER,TLR,RP
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=
;PylonMass=
;PylonDragArea=
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[CenterlineStation]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=5
StationGroupID=6
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=0.0,0.37,-1.01
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-2.0,0.0
LoadLimit=2050
AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,LGB,NUC,GP,LP,IFP,DLP,MER,RCN
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=pylon_centerline
PylonMass=32.21
PylonDragArea=0.02
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SparrowStation1]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=6
StationGroupID=5
StationType=SEMI_RECESSED
AttachmentPosition=-0.501,5.07,-0.84
AttachmentAngles=2.0,0.0,2.0
MissileRollAngle=45.0
EjectVelocity=0.0,0.0,-2.0
LoadLimit=231.5
AllowedWeaponClass=SAHM,LP
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SparrowStation2]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=7
StationGroupID=5
StationType=SEMI_RECESSED
AttachmentPosition=0.501,5.07,-0.84
AttachmentAngles=-2.0,0.0,-2.0
MissileRollAngle=45.0
EjectVelocity=0.0,0.0,-2.0
LoadLimit=231.5
AllowedWeaponClass=SAHM,EP
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SparrowStation3]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=8
StationGroupID=4
StationType=SEMI_RECESSED
AttachmentPosition=-1.08,-0.65,-0.87
AttachmentAngles=0.0,2.0,5.0
MissileRollAngle=45.0
EjectVelocity=0.0,0.0,-2.0
LoadLimit=231.5
AllowedWeaponClass=SAHM
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SparrowStation4]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=9
StationGroupID=4
StationType=SEMI_RECESSED
AttachmentPosition=1.08,-0.65,-0.87
AttachmentAngles=0.0,2.0,-5.0
MissileRollAngle=45.0
EjectVelocity=0.0,0.0,-2.0
LoadLimit=231.5
AllowedWeaponClass=SAHM
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SidewinderStation1]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=10
StationGroupID=2
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=-2.32,2.63,-1.12
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,90.0
LoadLimit=90.72
AllowedWeaponClass=IRM
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=missile_rails_L
PylonMass=
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SidewinderStation2]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=11
StationGroupID=2
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=2.32,2.63,-1.12
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,-90.0
LoadLimit=90.72
AllowedWeaponClass=IRM
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=missile_rails_R
PylonMass=
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SidewinderStation3]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=12
StationGroupID=2
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=-1.77,2.63,-1.12
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,-90.0
LoadLimit=90.72
AllowedWeaponClass=IRM
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=missile_rails_L
PylonMass=
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[SidewinderStation4]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=13
StationGroupID=2
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=1.77,2.63,-1.12
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,90.0
LoadLimit=90.72
AllowedWeaponClass=IRM
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=missile_rails_R
PylonMass=
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=

[LeftOuterWingStationWet]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=14
StationGroupID=1
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=-3.47,0.37,-1.10
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-2.0,0.0
LoadLimit=1600
AllowedWeaponClass=FT
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=wing_pylon_fueltank_L
PylonMass=41.73
PylonDragArea=0.02
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=
FuelTankName=Tank370_F4
FuelTankNodeName=droptank_wing_L

[RightOuterWingStationWet]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=15
StationGroupID=1
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=3.47,0.37,-1.10
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-2.0,0.0
LoadLimit=1600
AllowedWeaponClass=FT
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=wing_pylon_fueltank_R
PylonMass=41.73
PylonDragArea=0.02
LaunchRailNodeName=
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=
FuelTankName=Tank370_F4
FuelTankNodeName=droptank_wing_R

[CenterlineStationWet]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=16
StationGroupID=6
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=0.0,0.37,-0.96
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-2.0,0.0
LoadLimit=2050
AllowedWeaponClass=FT
AttachmentType=NATO,USAF
ModelNodeName=
PylonMass=0.0
PylonDragArea=0.00
MinExtentPosition=
MaxExtentPosition=
FuelTankName=Tank600_F4
FuelTankNodeName=droptank_centerline

[FalconStation1]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=17
StationGroupID=2
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=-2.32,2.59,-1.17
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,90.0
LoadLimit=90.72
AllowedWeaponClass=IRM
AttachmentType=USAF
ModelNodeName=missile_rails_L
PylonMass=
LaunchRailNodeName=
SpecificStationCode=AIM4

[FalconStation2]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=18
StationGroupID=2
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=2.32,2.59,-1.17
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,-90.0
LoadLimit=90.72
AllowedWeaponClass=IRM
AttachmentType=USAF
ModelNodeName=missile_rails_R
PylonMass=
LaunchRailNodeName=
SpecificStationCode=AIM4

[FalconStation3]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=19
StationGroupID=2
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=-1.77,2.59,-1.17
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,-90.0
LoadLimit=90.72
AllowedWeaponClass=IRM
AttachmentType=USAF
ModelNodeName=missile_rails_L
PylonMass=
LaunchRailNodeName=
SpecificStationCode=AIM4

[FalconStation4]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=20
StationGroupID=2
StationType=EXTERNAL
AttachmentPosition=1.77,2.59,-1.17
AttachmentAngles=0.0,-1.0,90.0
LoadLimit=90.72
AllowedWeaponClass=IRM
AttachmentType=USAF
ModelNodeName=missile_rails_R
PylonMass=
LaunchRailNodeName=
SpecificStationCode=AIM4

I'm wanting to make the rear sparrows as Group 7, to me this makes logical sense considering nothing else can be loaded there. My question is, should I remove the Falcon Stations and then seperate the 2 front Sparrow Bays so I can use/load them individually? I would be interested in seeing your setup.

 

Edited September 5, 2024 by Wrench
PLEASE don't quote with images still attached, thank you

[+daddyairplanes]

5 hours ago, CSomers611 said:

I'm trying to understand how to do this on my F-4D's.
I'm wanting to make the rear sparrows as Group 7, to me this makes logical sense considering nothing else can be loaded there. My question is, should I remove the Falcon Stations and then seperate the 2 front Sparrow Bays so I can use/load them individually? I would be interested in seeing your setup.

you wouldnt even need to do that. simply change

SparrowStation4]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=9
StationGroupID=4 <----------------------------- to 7
 

be aware that doing this means they will either always be there or never be there depending on your loadout ini. at this moment, believing you havent screwed with said loadout ini, they would always be there

i just did this with the Recce Phantoms and the wing tanks; the are on in 99% of shots post Desert Storm and i wanted the option of 2 or 4 Winders, so the tanks went to group 7 and will now be on forevermore (at least for the _91 and Spanish models)

[CSomers611]

31 minutes ago, daddyairplanes said:

you wouldnt even need to do that. simply change

SparrowStation4]
SystemType=WEAPON_STATION
StationID=9
StationGroupID=4 <----------------------------- to 7
 

be aware that doing this means they will either always be there or never be there depending on your loadout ini. at this moment, believing you havent screwed with said loadout ini, they would always be there

i just did this with the Recce Phantoms and the wing tanks; the are on in 99% of shots post Desert Storm and i wanted the option of 2 or 4 Winders, so the tanks went to group 7 and will now be on forevermore (at least for the _91 and Spanish models)

What Station Group's do you make Sparrow Stations 1 & 2 so you can load them individually or do I not need to change them in order to load an ECM pod in one only?

[+daddyairplanes]

as im reading that data ini, you shouldnt have to mess with it

but try it out and see

[lastcartridge]

For posterity's sake, I've had a lot of success with the AN/ALQ -119. Even one seems to really keep the SAMs, even the SA-2X, fairly manageable. Half my squadron died for this info. 

[Mr_Tayto]

Thanks, @lastcartridge