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Hi folks, fellow lunatics! It finally happened! What was planned for ages, came to bloom last week! Here in The southern part of The Netherlands, me and The Dude were enjoying our 'summer' holidays. Part of it was planning to go visit the National Military Museum in Soesterberg, together with my brother and my niece. We also planned to meet up with world famous Derk, known here at CA of course! It was a meeting we both tried to plan earlier, but it never happened until this week. After knowing each other here on CA and on FB for 10+ years it would be our first face to face meeting! So we drove of from our home town to Soesterberg, the location which has been the former home of USAF 32nd TFS Wolfhounds and the Camp Royal airbase. We parked the car, walked to the entrance and Derk was there to welcome us and offer us a private tour around the museum. Since he's a volunteer guide there, we had front row seats! It was a warm welcome and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Derk also connected with The Dude, my brother and my niece and the mood of the day was set! Private (=sneaky) entrance to parts which were officially closed... entering vehicles which were 'officially' off-limits... and Derk had lots and lots of stories to tell and anecdotes to share. We also talked about a lot of stuff... small stuff and big stuff... and because of my own military history I also had the chance to visit 'my own' army ambulance which is on display at the exhibit. He appreciated the input of me and my brother, and expressed his gratitude, as me and my brother shared our history as military veterans from the botched UNPROFOR mission in Bosnia. We spent the day in a positive atmosphere. We talked, we sat down for coffee and soda, we laughed and we felt great! Derk grabbed the attention, of both the kids and us. He also gave me a book as a present, which I am reading now. All of this is just a small portion of that big day. A big day which is also made possible because of this... this site... this forum... this fabulous and awesome and crazy community which I am part of. Therefore... I want to say thanks! Thank you Derk! Thank you for the NMM day! But also thank you for everybody here I know. Thank you all, thank you for your friendships! Hope to see you one day, somewhere!

All hail Mue, for his target editor. I cannot imagine, in a million years, doing this by hand.

Gents, she's just been uploaded .. should be up soon. Kudos to the team, Ravenclaw_007, Baffmeister, Soulfreak, Crusader, and Guuruu who all put in stellar efforts and have worked hard to get this as accurate as the game engine would allow. Here is the NF-5A manual for you to read while you wait. NF-5a_RNLAF_Manual.pdf

Right in the pickle barrel LOL... Just pickle below the red square and bingo bombs on target.

View File NF-5A_RNLAF_Ver1.0.7z July 2021 =============== Royal Netherlands Air Force NF-5A Freedom Fighter Volume II VERSION 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------------ We are proud to present the NF-5A RNLAF, the Canadair variant of the Northrop F-5a, one of the most enduring American military aircraft designs ever produced during the Cold War period. The Canadair NF-5A was essentially similar to the Canadian AF CF-5 but introduced several modifications, the most important being the more powerful J-85Can-15 engines, Doppler radar navigation system, arrestor hook, two large split air intake doors aft of the main wing trailing edge on both sides of the fuselage to provide extra air to the engines (later also used for F-5E type), and provision to carry the larger 275 gallon under-wing fuel tanks. The aircraft also featured maneuvering leading edge flaps, a strengthened windscreen, and was the only F-5a to operate a two position nose gear. It has been our goal to provide to the simmer a highly detailed model and texture base which preserve the beautiful lines of this aircraft; and to engineer flight model files and a cockpit/gauge file-set that are authentic and add to the immersion of the flying experience within the Strike Fighters 2 series. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: -------------------------- 1. Copy the contents of the "To Mods Folder(s)" to your SF2 Mod directory. Allow directory merging and overwrites, provided the overwrites pertain to "fake pilot" entries, as well as weapons made by ravenclaw_007, which are included in this and many other releases. 2. Add the entries of "ADD_TO_SOUNDLIST.txt" to your SOUNDLIST.INI (located in the "user\Saved Games\ThirdWire\StrikeFighters2\Flight" folder).If one does not exist, then you will need to extract it using the 3rdWire CAT extract utility. You are simply required to substitute the "XXX"s with the next sequential number in the sound file section of the file. NOTE 1: ------------ Both Regular and Higher resolution cockpit textures are included in their own distinct folders in the package. The user may alternate between the two by "commenting out" the relevant line in the NF-5A_COCKPIT.INI [CockpitData] Directory=cockpit <---This is the default //Directory=cockpit_Lo-Fi In order to "activate" the higher resolution textures you would decomment the previous line and comment out the next line, thus: [CockpitData] //Directory=cockpit Directory=cockpit_Lo-Fi <---This is now Low-Res NOTE 2: ------------ Another frame-rate friendly option for those with older hardware is to use the Next level of Detail Model as the primary external model. This simply involves changing the first line in the F-5A_HAF.ini from this.. [LOD001] Filename=NF-5a.LOD to this.. [LOD001] Filename=NF-5a_002.LOD Much effort was made to provide those with lower end systems an alternative lower poly-model to be able to enjoy the F-5a, so please take advantage of this _002.LOD model should you experience frame-rate issues. While not as "rounded" as the Higher poly version, it is nonetheless just as detailed and extensive. NOTE 3: ------------ For those who may find loading times excessive, the .jpg files in the texture folders can be reduced to 50% of their size without sacrificing too much surface detail. Keys: ------- SHIFT+0 -> canopy open -/= (Default thrust vector Keys) -> elevator trim CREDITS: Sophocles - 3D Model, Cockpit, textures Ravenclaw_007 - Project "God-Father" 3D Modeling, Animations, Weapons, Research, Beta testing Baffmeister - Flight model, weapons edits, Avionics, Beta testing Soulfreak - Decals, Research, F-16 Camo scheme textures Crusader - Avionics and data tweaks, Beta testing Guuruu -Sounds and Afterburner effects, Beta testing Guest contributors: Gkabs - pilot figure Logan4 - Avionics tweaks, radar ranging gunsight. Cliff7600 -Avionics tweaks, functioning horizontal trim indicator Special Thanks to the staff and members of Combatace.com whose passion and efforts have enabled this game to endure, and to provide so much fun and excitement! Additionally, many thanks to the following Combat-Ace Modders, who either actively contributed to the project over the years, or who invested their time either providing much needed hints and help, or researching various aspects of the model. Brain-32 - Modeling advice, initial cockpit.cfg + more NeverEnough - Initial work on the Flight model Russouk2004 - Always answering questions when I needed help..Cheers!! Derk - Many, many references!!! Blade - Excellent mini-tutorial on damage textures Finally, thanks to TK and Thirdwire for creating such a fantastic game. **************************************************************** FEATURES: * A highly detailed external 3d model, including all features specific to the NF-5A including "F-5E" type Nose gear, animated auxiliary engine doors, arrestor hook, underside air intakes for the more powerful engines, external chaff and flare dispensers, and 275 gallon external wing tanks. * Specular color and Normal (bump) maps. * Seven Level of Detail models (LODs), providing an almost seamless transition from distance to distance; and perhaps more importantly, ensuring that the frame-rate "impact" of the aircraft is as low as possible. * Two sets of highly detailed external Fuel Tanks by ravenclaw_007; both the 150 gallon Factory tanks and the 275 gallon variants; the NF-5A being the only F-5a variant to carry them. *Functioning AN/ALE-40 Chaff and Flare dispensers exclusive to the RNLAF NF-5A * Extensively fine-tuned flight parameters in the aircraft data configuration files, emphasizing the NF-5A's agile and highly maneuverable characteristics - courtesy of Baffmeister. * Functioning maneuvering flaps deployable up to 450 knots, which allow for tighter sustained turns .. also credited to Baffmeister. * 5 high resolution texture sets; thoroughly researched historic depictions of the Aircraft fielded by many RNLAF Squadrons. * Quality sound-set included. Base sounds, by Guuruu, were sourced from existing recordings of various aircraft at air-shows and were modified to match the prominent characteristics of the F-5A General Electric turbojets, the "buzz" of the M39 Pontiac 20mm machinegun, and the flap/Air-brake, undercarriage deployment and retraction sequences of the Freedom Fighter. * Super detailed dedicated NF-5A 'Virtual Cockpit' with animated throttle control, rudder pedals, control stick, landing gear lever, canopy, canopy lever, drag-chute lever, weapons selectors and weapon station arming flick switches, ..and more. *Accurate and functional representation of the Saab RGS2 lead computing gun sight, with accurate aiming mark (Mechanics by Crusader and Logan4). * A full complement of highly (or should I say "insanely" detailed weapons carried by the RNLAF NF-5A, all by ravenclaw_007. * Comprehensive RNLAF Loadouts representing the weapons carriage evolution of the NF-5A in Dutch service from 1972 to the 1991 by ravenclaw_007. * Complex animation of canopy opening mechanism, and animated Turbine blades; both thanks to ravenclaw_007. * GKAB's superb highly detailed crew figure with authentically modeled oxygen mask and flight helmet. * All new afterburner, emitter, and engine smoke effects by Guuruu. * Saab RGS2 lead computing gun sight with both Air to Air and Air to Ground modes. * Functioning elevator trim controls and gauge, using the Thrust Vector Controls; courtesy of Cliff7600. ****************************************************** PILOT NOTES ----------- NF-5A Limit and Reference Speeds. [Indicated Airspeeds] FLAPS (FULL DEFLECTION): 300kts for both leading and trailing edge. FLAPS (MANOUEVERING): 450kts for both leading and trailing edge NOTE: The F-5A uses full flaps for take off but due to a game bug you must manually select full flaps for take off when player flown. The AI will use full flaps although you can hear the flap sound cycling between flap 1 and flap 2. LANDING GEAR: 240kts DRAG CHUTE: 165kts CANOPY: 50kts NOSE WHEEL STEERING: 65kts MAXIMUM INDICATED AIRSPEED: 710kts [redline] MAXIMUM MACH: 1.72 Mach design limit but thrust/drag limited to about mach 1.50 in a 60deg dive from 50,000ft. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAKE OFF ROTATION SPEEDS 13500lbs: 155kts [full internal fuel and two sidewinders] 20500lbs: 195kts [about the maximum weight possible with included stores] NOTE: Use full flaps for take off! Adding 6kts for every 1000lbs above 13500lbs should give good aft stick/rotation speeds. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLIMB SPEEDS Military Power 13500lbs: 375kts with a transition to mach 0.89 20500lbs: 310kts with a transition to mach 0.74 Maximum Power 13500lbs: 595kts with a transition to mach 0.93 20500lbs: 480kts with a transition to mach 0.85 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINAL APPROACH SPEEDS With 500lbs fuel remaining and some empty racks use 160kts. Add 5kts for every additional 500lbs of fuel. NOTE: Target touch down speed is 20kts less than final approach speed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RGS2 Gunsight -------------------------------------------------------- We have simulated the two main modes of the sight, one for Air to Ground, and one for Air to Air. The Air to Ground reticle assumes 3 different levels of depression according to the air to ground ordnance selected; bombs, rockets or guns. Due to game limitations, the Air to Air aiming mark is set up for lead computing of a target at 213meters (or 700 feet). We have included another gun sight option, whereby lead is calculated for targets all the way out to 4000ft. This has involved adding a ranging radar (which the NF-5A didn't have) but this solution allows lead computing for targets further out than 700 feet - something the RGS2 was capable of. The radar ranging option is the default but the user can copy the files from the "Standard" subfolder of the Avionics_Alt folder (located in the Aircraft folder) and switch out the ini files. If you're unhappy with either of the two options you can simply copy paste the files from the folder you prefer. ************************************************************* Agreement _________ THIS AIRCRAFT MOD OR ANY PART OF IT ARE TO BE EXCLUSIVELY HOSTED BY COMBATACE.COM AND MUST NOT BE HOSTED OR POSTED FOR DOWNLOAD ON ANY OTHER WEB SITE. THIS PACKAGE AND ANY PARTS HEREIN MAY NOT BE UPLOADED AS PART OF ANOTHER MOD NOR MUST THEY BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE EITHER IN PART OR AS A WHOLE WITHOUT MY EXPRESS PERMISSION. ************************************************************* Sophocles July 2021 Submitter sophocles Submitted 08/22/2021 Category F-5  

"All right boys, close it up. There's a giant monkey climbing all over the building in the city."

Been working a bit, the last days, still learning... New Su-15TM

Warm welcome over Britain.

Dear Pilots, Our Mosquito FB Mk,VI for Battle of Normandy is coming along nicely. Some very early WIP shots of it in the engine. Still much support work to do for it still. Will initially be available to fly with 8 squadrons in Career mode. Q. If it's made from polygons is it still a Wooden Wonder? Enjoy!

This one was pretty wild. Ens. Bruning and i went up after the power plant at Hong Gai and it go sorta crazy. We passed the target to the east then swung west in order to hit it from behind and have a straight run out over the water. Things were a bit tense for a while as we got word that MIGs were up and heading our general direction. As we went feet dry there was a call about SAM but other than noting where the site was in the Haiphong area it was no threat to us. By the time we began to roll in, there was a hell of a brawl going on between our F-4s and MIGs so we figured we might just get away clean on this one. Of course it wasn't that easy. The attack went as planned and we smashed the target but oh my lord was there an absolute storm of AAA down below. Must be some gunnery school down there because the amount of 37mm fire was unreal. Also 14.5 and 23mm. It was so bad, Bruning got hit about 8 times by 14.5 mm. What led us to go so low (about 800ft) was a swarm of MIG21s that we actually flew right under. Yeah, i got an easy visual on 5 of them and there were more. All within 2 miles of us as we set our gunsights for a fight if they turned in on us. Nothing happened of course, though a little bit later we did get to confirm Trout One's MIG kill as we no doubt saw the MIG-21explode and go down into the water. At that time, twice we had MIGs that we were thinking of breaking on since they were getting pretty close (by that time we were at 5,000ft) but our fighters had them defensive. And so it went and to home we did fly.

I remember seeing a Jaguar operating on a carrier. I think it was called Jaguar M, and was in the run with the Super Etendard... Nice model though, it looks very nice... Mandatory screenshot: what if Argentina had bought Rafales?

'Burners...

Aero L-39CA Albatros - Grupo 5, Fuerza Aérea Argentina

Beast from the East

Hi Guys, see the news announcement for what's next for WOTR.

so, loaded for a quick photo op mission, wound up going thru the whole thing the locals seemed upset that i was there but the brass really wanted pics of that new trailer verrückte verdammte Engländer more pissed locals its sad that SF2 wont let you count manuevering kills well they did get a piece of me...... that time i ventured above 100 ft AGL

It was a pleasure and an honour to have you two combat veterans and your kids around. Visits like this are highlights in my volunteer job in the museum because of the variation and the human contact, emotions and interaction they bring . I know a little bit about what you and your brother had to endure and I am very glad that I could do a tiny bit in return !! Thanks for what you did for our country , thanks for your visit and thanks for your friendship over so many years !!!!!!

All Hali Mue the Merciless. All files shall fall before him!!!

you do not need to find it. Lod viewer will do it for you. Just open copied 'aircraft' and lod viewer will open arcraft as you have seen in game - cockpit. or use other solution. Which is also good.

Not even needed to launch the game. Fill the attached file with the cockpit name you need (Filename=XYZ_cockpit.LOD) and open in LODviewer Visu_cockpit.INI

It's a complete and correct speech pack, unlike many others with random words in Russian, German and so on. The second best speech pack is the Arabic one still in the works by GKABS, it's an exclusive for ODS 30AE at the moment. Alright, I look forward to prepare the Vietnamese speech pack with tweaks for SF2 and upload it with credits to the real authors, maybe next month. Now I got issues with RL that take priority.

I started to mod after I downloaded your LODviewer. Thanks !

I have it, it should still be available in the French Check Six archive, it's just hidden. I could upload it here at CombatACE, but I do not have any contact with the original creators. Will wait for the admins to hear about it. I could also update it for use on SF2.

I like his LOD Viewer too, as said saves time firing up the game trying to match camouflages on skins. And the ability to refresh it is great, better than the viewer for DCS.

well, ever since he added decals to the LOD Viewer, i damn near never fire the game up as i dont have to check progress nearly as often in game but its soo much better having results viewable with 2 seconds rather than two minutes

I am working on the big project for SF2 and a book with a small team. They have been an excellent teacher too. I learned a lot from them. The project involves two fictional nations. The book contains the detailed information about the nations' background and timelines, flag, squadron, their insignia, various military vehicle inventory, etc. I used to work on the former project for SF2 known as "SF2: Alternative world: Dhimar and Paran expansion". Then I realized several things: 1) Dhimar and Paran are already written by TK, so I do NOT want to override his stories. That way I can be unlimited with my creativity 2) I wasn't prepared. I realized I was lacking in the detailed knowledge about military structure, so I decided to research more about them. 3) I realized that designing two new nations for SF2 it requires a lot of times. It involves writing the stories about two nations (Background and timelines), designing the flags, squadron, their insignia, vehicle inventory, etc. This also involves a lot of researches about the specific countries' cultures, language and their military to get idea for each nations' cultures, language and military structure. I intend to make it semi-realistic with the balances between this world and alternative world. I owe huge thanks to the wonderful modders in this community. They all are the reasons why I am working on this, which lead me to project. Two nations involves the land of Eritrea and another place next to it. I am very fortunate that one of member in this community helped me with the Arabic languages for one of nation's scripts. Now I need the help with Trigrinya languages. Without revealing detailed information about the project I am working on for now, I can share two of squadron insignia: This is for one of nation located in southern Eritrea geographically: (NOTE: Trigrinya scripts may be incorrect. That is why I need someone who know this language to check if they are correct.) English: 5th Squadron “Dragon” Tigrinya: መበል 5ይ ስኳድሮን "ገበል" This is for another nation who have the conflict with this nation. English: Squadron No. 5 "Victory" Arabic: السرب رقم ٥ "النصر" Arabic (English): Alsirb Raqm 5 "Alnsr"

SpangQuentin Gunslingers in the Cold............

Recon and fighter cover..

German Hornets.

Midair collision. Thats bad!

With a little help from the almighty modders, this game is gorgeous Even when NV air defense makes me piss off the ground crew.

Panavia Tempest F.3 - No.229 Operational Conversion Unit, Royal Air Force, 1991

Into The Valley

Hawker Hunter FGA.9B - No.28 Squadron, RAF South East Asia Command, 1968

Not quite this day in history, but more like the history we're living through right now. Kabul Airport, August 2021, and the Afghan population storm the tarmac to try to flee from the Taliban who are taking back the country. US troops try to secure the airport to allow flights to arrive, load and leave safely...

Exactly right m8, you should never be without a Big Stick..! Just a 2 man crew nowadays..... More internal fuel ( still has the Bombay ) more powerful engines.....in fact just a whole lot more capable..

Little tiger over the "Ilha formosa", what means "beautifull island" in portugese. Today we call this island Taiwan.

OBD: Latest Development News 18th August 2021 After the resounding success of Wings Over Flanders Fields Between Heaven & Hell II, we are now turning our attention to Wings Over The Reich. We aim to bring to WOTR all the new features that have made BH&H II a critically acclaimed success. The brilliant revised Scenery, New High Resolution Maps, Animations to bring more immersion to the feeling of flight, and in the cockpit, plus other features to be announced soon.

General Dynamics F-111A - 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, USAF Tactical Air Command, 1964

Grumman 1950s kitties I can keep up, at least Lands easy

Well little by little we are moving further to develop spurt bombs an other advanced weaponry! By now we can greet the Orion's bigger brothers, the extended range Orion and the "Apollo-class starfighter"

Pair of MiG-21SM flying along the coastline of the Kuril Islands.