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Does anyone have a goodsized picture of the Snake on the tail of VA-86 (1965 on USS Independence)? Drawing of VA-86s A-4E, 1967 A small update with some new skins: VA-34 Blue Blasters, 5/1967 - 12/1967, USS Intrepid, A-4C VA-36 Roadrunners, 10/1965 - 6/1966, USS Enterprise, A-4C Squadroncolor on this one is a guess, as I found only 1 color-picture with (the tailstripe not visible). The roadrunner may also be black instead of blue. Nothing for rivetcounters. VA-36 Roadrunners, 6/1968 - 2/1969, USS Intrepid, A-4C VA-23 Black Knights, 3/1965 - 11/1965, USS Midway, A-4E VA-23 Black Knights, 7/1966 - 2/1967, USS Coral Sea, A-4E CAG: Line: Have fun! (82 Skins done, 53 Skins to do)

Lockheed F-104M Starfighter - Imperial Iranian Air Force, 1973 Skin Credit: Nyghtfall

No smart bombs, and 1 VERY lucky aviator Always reminded me of a Manta Ray..

Now I have uploaded the TB2 I will be moving on to another project to complete. I may consider making a new US drone ;)

I just had to post this here.

I thought it was an advert for the real thing and I was wondering "What better advert than the Nov 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war?"

The War Diary of Auguste Besson, Escadrille MS. 23, part 2. Our escadrille is attached to the Second Army, which was engaged in a big push against the boche when I arrived in June. Fighting was particularly fierce in the Vimy Ridge sector, where our brave troops attempted to break through the enemy lines, unfortunately in vain. The escadrille’s role in this was to provide aerial support to the ground forces – that is, to fly reconnaissance missions over the front and photograph enemy formations and places of interest. However, I wasn’t thrown into battle straight away! At first, Captain Schlumberger took me for a couple of practice flights to get me oriented with the lay of the land – and also to see whether I was actually capable of doing my job. I was initially rather nervous, but to my great relief everything went well and I didn’t make a complete fool of myself. Fortunately it is quite easy to find one’s way in this sector of the front. The cities of Amiens and Albert are both excellent landmarks, and to the south flows the river Somme, which is the only significant waterway in this region. As long as one doesn’t become completely lost in the clouds and fog, it is simple enough for a military pilot to find his way here. I didn’t have it so easy at the military flight school of Pau in Southern France! There, during one of my long range flights I became lost as the weather suddenly turned poor, I ran out of fuel, and had to make an emergency landing on a field. Luckily I didn’t break either the machine or myself! A local farmer (the owner of the field) informed me that I was close to the Spanish border. Apparently I had been flying in a completely wrong direction. It was an important lesson to learn about how hard it can be to navigate in poor weather and how easy it is to get lost in the air. I was very embarrassed, but my instructors were understanding. I now know that it can happen to the best of pilots – and I was definitely just an amateur back then. This little adventure of mine at Pau didn’t stay secret for long at my new escadrille! When word got around, I was soon given a new nickname – L’Espagnol (the Spaniard)! It’s a sign of affection among this odd bunch of flying men, so I quickly learned to adopt this nom de guerre as my own. TO BE CONTINUED

Go to download it guys!!

View File Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UCAV Hello, and thank you for downloading my work. https://gkabs.net https://gulfknights.net What's included: Bayraktar TB2 is a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) model. this come with 6 Texutes (Azerbaijan, Morocco, Poland, Qatar, Turkey and Ukraine) All my files should include the Strike Fighters 2 Series game file, (.old) and the texture required. (tested and work only for SF2) Installation: Copy files to their proper folder If you need any further help, please read the Knowledge Base at: https://combatace.com/forums/forum/268-thirdwire-strike-fighters-2-series-knowledge-base/ Version 1.0.3 Improve the FM and removed VTOl from the hud display. Thanks to Coupi. Version 1.0.2 Updated the data file thanks to yakarov79's help in showing me how to fix it. now the camera and the laser are working searching around for targets. 1.0.0 LICENSE: You are allowed to, use this model and everything included with it for personal non-profit use for Strike Fighters 1 and 2. For use outside of this scope, you need to contact me for permission. gkabs@gkabs.net Credit goes to the following: Third Wire for making this outstanding game. Coupi for his early trying to work on the model and testing and for making the promo screenshots compufat for working on all textures for the TB2 (except the Turkish one) and for making the decals and testing the model. guuruu for making the all FM files, also for making the UMTAS Missile and Rail, and for reworking the UVW for the two missiles MAM-C and L. Thank you so much for all the time spent making this model come to life. Zurawski for using his outstanding MQ-10A Kodiak cockpit Credit goes to https://www.textures.com as I use a lot of their photos to create the skins. Google for some photos and information. And finally not to forget the wonderful site of https://combatace.com and all the nice members and their dedicated support for this game. Software used: 3d Max 2009 UVLayout v2 Pro Substance Painter Adobe Photoshop If you need any assistance, please contact me at gkabs@gkabs.net Submitter GKABS Submitted 01/16/2022 Category Other  

Thanks for the kind words. Seems like, theres still some interest in those skins. You'll need patience though...as you can see, there's still enough to do. Hangarscreens and stuff like that are also still missing for many skins. Green = Skin ready Dark Green = same Skin for 2 variants needed (for the faulty SF2 upgrade-function in campaigns -> only plane OR skin can be upgraded) Blue = 2 Skins for 1 deployment (gray + camo) Orange = older skin in lower resolution has to be reworked. White = not done yet. Nevertheless, I just found some more skins in a backup: VMA-214 Black Sheep, 6/1965 - 2/1966, Chu Lai AB, A-4C VMA-214 Black Sheep, 3/1966 - 4/1967, Chu Lai AB, A-4C VMA-223 Det. T Bulldogs, 10/1964 - 5/1965, USS Yorktown, A-4C VA-56 Champions, 11/1966 - 7/1967, USS Enterprise, A-4C VA-212 Rampant Raiders, 10/1964 - 5/1965, USS Hancock, A-4E

View File F-22A Raptor Add-on F-22A Raptor Add-on October 13th, 2021 (1st Release) by yakarov79, baffmeister, Crusader, guuruu and Menrva >For Strike Fighters 2 games This is a high quality add-on of the F-22A Raptor aircraft. The original model had been made by Heberth, and it was released in alpha stage. Upon noticing room for improvement, yakarov79 helped finalize the 3d model with numerous, additional details; accurate pylons and rail launchers, new external fuel tanks, highly detailed rack and small diameter bomb 3d models, canopy and thrust-vectoring animations, high-res skin with specular and bump maps, updated cockpit model, and so on. A realistic, well-thought flight model has been produced by our expert, baffmeister. Moreover, Crusader offered his great expertise to improve upon his previous modification for the Raptor's avionics. All their efforts have raised the quality bar of the project I had started; much credits to them all. I further polished the package by adding historically accurate weapon loadouts, my selection of sounds (including authentic engine samples by guuruu), realistic camouflage shapes and colours, reworked decals for the actual USAF's F-22A squadrons, new cockpit textures and other tweaks here and there. Each squadron has got historically correct serial numbers, and they appear in chronological order in the loadout screen; the serial numbers at the bottom of the list are those of aircraft that joined that squadron for last, while the serials at the beginning of the list indicate those aircraft that were available to that squadron for first. Like you would expect in an opera omnia, I even reproduced three unique paint schemes of real Raptors; the air superiority camouflage of the EMD 91-4001 Prototype of September 1997, the temporary "Blue Nose" decoration of the "Cripes A'Mighty" Raptor assigned to the 149th Fighter Squadron in April 2010, and a generic Mid-Production livery sporting the markings of the last Raptor ever produced that flew for the first time in March 2012. Templates by yakarov79, tweaked by yours truly, are included for your skinning fantasies. Notes: -The cockpit is not yet accurate, as various details couldn't be reworked due to RL and time constraints. We were working on a brand new cockpit with accurate HUD and displays. Slimers with correct illumination were also planned. Hopefully they will be a thing in a future re-release. -The aircraft folder is named "F-22A", just like the one included in a number of mod packages which use an old 3d model by Dels. In order to avoid mismatches and bugs of any sort, it's highly suggested to either remove or rename the aircraft folder using Dels' Raptor 3d model. -GPS guidance bombs (EOGB) do not work as intended in SF2, there are issues about them not locking on target and about AI behaviour. The GBU-39 has been set as an EOGR, so it works like a missile; this is a needed workaround to have them loaded properly on a rack while keeping the GPS guidance property. -You need to tweak the SoundList.ini file in order to fully experience any new sounds. Read "(Add to SoundList)" for further details, and remember to extract the SoundList.ini file from the FlightData.cat archive, if you do not have a custom one in your mod folder already. >Credits (in no particular order): -Heberth, for making this (once forgotten) fantastic 3d model. -Julhelm, for sharing the files of his superb F-22A cockpit 3d model, allowing yakarov79 to improve upon it. -yakarov79, for his invaluable help in finalizing the 3d model and remaking the base textures; you have my gratitude. -baffmeister, for his excellent flight model; it's thanks to him if this beauty flies as good as it looks. -Crusader, for reworking the avionics enhancement made for Julhelm's F-22A cockpit, and for improving the AIM missiles. -guuruu, for sharing his RWR symbols improvement mod and for making better engine sounds. -ravenclaw_007, for the AIM missiles from his top notch Weapons Pack 2, the GBU-32 JDAM bomb and the ACES II seat 3d models. -viper63a, for his old F-22A USAF Raptors Redux package, from which I borrowed decals. -simonmiller416, for his smokeless rocket effects mod. -mue, for his LOD Viewer which helped immensely in the making of the skins. -Cocas, for further help given to Heberth for the aircraft's 3d model. -My girlfriend, for supporting me in all of my endeavours. Additional ReadMe files by yakarov79 and baffmeister have been included among few others; be sure to read those to know about their work in better detail. >Disclaimer: This is a freeware; yet it can be redistributed ONLY in other CombatACE mods/mod packages. This mod may NOT in any way, shape or form be used in any payware additions. Submitter Menrva Submitted 10/13/2021 Category F-22  

View File Speech Enhancement & Expansion Speech Enhancement & Expansion February 13th, 2019 (1st Release) by Menrva >For Strike Fighters 2 games This package is my personal enhancement meant to improve the consistency and quality of the in-game English speech. I tweaked the SpeechSystem.ini file to include the additional SF2NA voices ("call the ball" and "Vampire") separately from those of the TACC; the additional SF2NA voices are now meant to be those of a Navy Controller. By chance, I have found and fixed a stock bug in the original SF2 SpeechSystem.ini file. With some .wav editing, I created a generic Hawkeye TACC using the original, female Red Crown voice. Additional .wav files have been created so that in-game flights and Departure mention Hawkeye instead of Red Crown. I hex-edited the .str file so that subtitles properly display Hawkeye instead of Red Crown. Other little fixes were also made; for instance, you'll no longer see "Call the ball" (capital letter after a comma), now it correctly is "call the ball". You get Hawkeye as TACC when flying for naval aviation services, otherwise you get Red Crown. This enhancement is a mixture of Polak's beautiful speech pack for SF1 games, and of SkateZilla's and Rends' improved Hawkeye voices; my thanks for their work! As a bonus, correct and complete or mostly complete speech files have been added for other languages: Italian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Persian. These languages have been added to the proper aviation services of countries where these languages are official: -Arabic is used for Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Somalia, Chad, Yemen, Oman, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Libya, Djibouti. -Spanish is used for Spain, Argentina, Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic. -Persian is used for Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan. -Vietnamese is used for North Vietnam only. -Italian is used for Italy only. It's highly suggested to install this mod on top of my Nations & Medals Expansion package; the included NATIONS.ini file is entirely based on the one from that mod (hence that mod is required), but with additional edits for enabling different speech packs and callsigns where proper. Mentioned countries feature correct callsigns as heard by the respective audio files (except for Persian, not possible for me to rework them without a transcription). The in-game subtitles have been fully reworked to feature such different callsigns. >Credits (in no particular order): -Polak, for his SF1 mod which enhances all of the original SFP1 speech sound files. -Rends and SkateZilla, for the improved SF2NA Hawkeye voices, which I have tweaked a bit. -GKABS, for producing the (still in progress) Arabic speech pack started for the development of ODS 30AE. -Nguyen Dang Hat and Rhugouvi, for creating the amazing Vietnamese speech pack. -FX Interactive, for producing the Italian and Spanish speech packs for their release of Strike Fighters: Project 1. -Gerwin, for his tips on properly hex-editing the header of .STR files. I included the original readme files from the mentioned mods, to the end of giving proper credit to everyone involved directly or not. >Disclaimer: This is a freeware; yet it can be redistributed ONLY in other CombatACE mods/mod packages. This mod may NOT in any way, shape or form be used in any payware additions. Submitter Menrva Submitted 02/13/2019 Category In Game Speech  

Fixed. Caused by crappy NVidia video card on my gaming laptop. Reducing graphics down to High from Unlimited fixed it.

Very Nice

Gents, I must apologize for my prolonged absence, but school's been catching up pretty quickly. Mladenov's July was mostly delegated to ground work and test flights for the other folk, but he looks forward to get back up in the air by August.

Excellent work!

The file is uploaded and just waiting for approval. I would like to thank guuruu for his help/patient and time spent away from his family to get this drone flying.

Excellent stories so far everyone. Congratulations on the victory Paroni! And welcome to the campaign, Albrecht. I did actually fly this mission to Douai (by ignoring my actual orders, don’t tell the CO). Didn’t see anything myself though... --------------------------------------- There was an air of excitement as the officers of 2 squadron relaxed in their mess after dinner on the 31st of June. “It’s a big raid,” observed Lieutenant Reid as he swished his brandy speculatively. “3 are in and so are 16. That’s pretty much the whole Wing.” “We aren’t all going,” grumbled Clarke, from B flight. “Just C flight with bombs and ‘A’ flying escort.” “Well, we shall need you wireless chaps doing the day job,” Le Mesurier replied from behind a copy of Shaw’s Three Plays for Puritans that Loraine had loaned him. “You should be glad we will be taking the heat off you.” “Lots of heat,” Captain Hearson, who had taken over C flight from Dawes earlier in the month. “We have to do something about the Huns. I’ve been attacked three times this week!” “And got into Comic Cuts* as a result,” Captain Collins laughed. “Nice to be recognised, I must say,” said Lt Smith, who had also been mentioned in the RFC dispatch. The raid was to begin early in the morning and the contingent from 2 squadron took off from Hesdigneul at 5am. They were not to meet up with the pilots from 3 and 16 squadrons, but rather to bomb the airfield and sheds at Douai and Vitry independently. They reached Douai without much more that a smattering of Archie. The bomber pilots had to forgo an observer, because the BE2s could not carry bombs and a second man. The escorts from A did have observers armed with Lewis guns on Strange mounts. The bomber flight consisted of Smith, Leather, Reid and Le Mesurier. A flight flew above and there were some Parasols from 3 squadron who had arrived at the same time. Le Mesurier wished that he had copied Smith’s bombing practice as he tried to line up on the hangars. As it was his bombs went wide and sent up clods of earth in a field nearby. Some of the others’ bombs detonated amongst the sheds and a nice crater was created near the ‘T’ marking that was laid out on the landing field proper. It would probably take an hour to fill in. Le Mesurier turned around and headed for home. He was close to the escort flight and soon was joined by Smith. Leather and Reid seemed to have swung wider, but Le Mesurier was not concerned. They knew what they were doing. After they landed back at Hesdigneul, the atmosphere was a curious mix of elation and disappointment. They had coordinated 3 squadrons to attack a target far into enemy territory but then there had been little damage done. Leather turned up a little while after, but by lunch there was still no sign of Reid. Reid’s dog, Frisquette slunk around the entrance to the hangars and whined. Lt Reid with Frisquette After lunch a sergeant pilot from 3 squadron called McCudden came from Auchel to visit his friend, Butcher**, who was Le Mesurier’s engine fitter. Le Mesurier took the opportunity to ask if 3 squadron had any news. “I’m afraid not, sir,” McCudden answered. “Captain Barratt and Lieutenant Cleaver had to drive off a monoplane. One of those Morraine knock-offs that we are told Fokker are making.” The action was repeated the next day. The bombers stuck closer together this time and Le Mesurier’s bombs hit the landing field in front of a tent hangar. He hoped that he had done some damage. That evenin, an Aviatik sped over the field at Hesdigneul. It dropped a bag with a note in it. The note claimed that Reid was a prisoner having been injured by ainti-aircraft fire in the arm. It was signed by a Leutnant Immelman. The officers of 2 squadron returned to their huts with a heavy heart. Captain Hearson sat stroking Frisquette with a thoughtful expression. *yes, historical notes; I’m not sure that the RFC Communiques were called Comic Cuts this early (the action referenced here is in communique number 2, so very early). I was surprised when I read (in Smith’s diary) how many times 2 squadron machines were attacked by German machines in late July 1915. The period before the Fokker Scourge wasn’t peaceful really. **The future ace McCudden would often visit Butcher and other old acquaintances because he wasn’t treated very well by the officer pilots at his own squadron at this time. Barratt and Cleaver probably fought off Boelke, who was reported by Immelmann as chasing a monoplane (3 squadron flying Parasols). For Immelman’s own account of his first victory, see here. http://www.apw.airwar1.org.uk/immelmann ac.htm

and i thought 28 skins, 55 unique tgas per was a workload!

700 series modex are purple, iirc

Jean-Fidele Hierrot, Report #3: 3-9 July, 1915 Just as Jean-Fidele started finding himself a bit more at home with Escadrille MS 12, the squadron's assignment for 3 July very nearly brought him back home in the most literal sense possible. The mission was an extended patrol behind friendly lines - nothing new there - but this assignment was projected to be over two and a half hours, much longer than the previous two missions. And, most poignantly for Jean-Fidele, this patrol was going to bring him just within miles of his family's home in Meaux. Captain Caillebotte talked out the orders for the day, and the men proceeded to load up their Morane-Saulniers and take off. Surrounded by comrades As the formation neared a factory somewhat northeast from Paris, Aldric noticed the young pilot giving a good, hard look at the scene below them both. "What are you looking at? Any boches I need to know about?" the observer asked. "Oh no, nothing like that." Jean-Fidele sighed. "It's just that a couple months ago, I was working at a factory much like this one, and not too far from here, either. I like to imagine maybe in another life, maybe somebody else would be flying this plane and I'd be building an engine or a spigot or whatever down there right now." "Go ahead, let's give this place a few turns." "But what about the formation?" "Never mind the formation. Does it look like they need us right now? Besides, we can just catch up with them. Go on, let's do a few circles over this town." Jean-Fidele complied. He had often thought about what he was fighting for, how the same Germans who'd pushed his family out of Alsace very nearly pushed his family out of Paris. Yet, at times the new pilot felt like he was living an entirely different life in an entirely different world than the one he'd been in before; for the first time since reporting to MS 12 in Rosnay, he felt in the most concrete terms how the world he'd left behind still very much cast a shadow on the new life he was now pursuing. *** The next day, Jean-Fidele read in the newspapers about how Germany's Kurt Wintgens had been credited with his second kill: another French pilot, dead at the hands of the enemy's new Fokker Eindecker weapon. "What I'd give to put a few holes through one of those things," Jean-Fidele told Aldric at the time. "Leave that to me," the observer replied. "Whatever magic the Germans have worked out, I've still got the gun and you've got the aircraft. We'll take an Aviatik down one of these days." That day, however, was still a ways away. On 5 July, Captain Caillebotte led Escadrille MS 12 on a scramble mission to intercept a formation of Aviatik two-seaters that were approaching Rosnay. The Aviatiks had gotten a good head start, though, and while the Morane-Saulnier L had somewhat of a speed advantage, that advantage wasn't great enough to close the gap quickly. The pursuit dragged on for over an hour, in part because the Aviatiks had disappeared at one point behind some clouds. Next thing Jean-Fidele knew, oil was splattering all over the cockpit. "WHAT ON EARTH?!" he shouted out, partly in pain but mostly out of sheer surprise. "Petit sous, look, smoke!" Jean-Fidele took a look back and sure enough, the engine was streaming smoke all over Aldric. The petit sous took the parasol down in desperate circles, looking for a clear landing spot. At this moment, thankfully, fortune smiled upon him and Aldric alike: an airfield. How convenient! From what Jean-Fidele knew of the area, this was likely the airfield at Ambrief. The Morane-Saulnier touched down at Ambrief, and the crew spent the next day or so working out arrangements to return to Rosnay. Upon their return, Aldric and Jean-Fidele found the entire squadron celebrating Captain Caillebotte's confirmed kill. "Heh, apparently le capitaine took down a two-seater while we were busy not dying," Aldric muttered. Jean-Fidele gained an appreciation for just how difficult that task truly is - for, a couple days later, MS 12's formation chanced upon a couple more Aviatiks, and Jean-Fidele & Aldric once again attacked the two-seater only for the two-seater to limp back towards German lines. There was clearly some damage to the engine - progress, at least! - but no cigar. At least not yet.

Jean-Fidele Hierrot, Report #2: 2 July, 1915 Well, it certainly didn't take too long: Jean-Fidele had his first encounter with the enemy today. Sous-Lieutenant Hierrot and his observer, Aldric, took off with MS 12 for another patrol behind friendly lines. All was calm and clear until about thirty miles from the Rosnay airfield, when Aldric called out for Jean-Fidele's attention: "Petit sous, petit sous!" Petit sous was quickly becoming Jean-Fidele's nickname, a reference to the fact that the rookie pilot somehow finagled his way into a commission as a Sous-Lieutenant despite his small stature and obvious youth & inexperience - he claimed to be 19, but nobody located more than two metres from a bureaucrat's office chair believed him. (Of course, Jean-Fidele thought it prudent not to mention the role that long-time family friend Alphonse Gellée played in getting him that commission. Jean-Fidele's Oncle Alphonse, the man from whom his parents borrowed Jean-Fidele's middle name, built a business partnership with Jean-Fidele's father back at the vineyard in Algiers - but before that, Gellée had served as an officer in the French army in Africa and Indochina in the 1870s and 1880s. Upon making his return to France in 1910 - for reasons unrelated to the Hierrot family plight - Gellée found himself back in touch with many of his old military contacts. Thus, Gellée seemed like a natural person to reach out to when Jean-Fidele decided he was going to enlist in the aéronautique militaire, and Oncle Alphonse was adamant that Jean-Fidele get posted as an officer. Jean-Fidele did not know the full details, but when he received a commission as a Sous-Lieutenant, he put two-and-two together to figure out that Gellée had pulled some strings for him.) "Petit sous, petit sous!" Aldric shouted again, "look behind you!" And sure enough, there they were: a pair of blocky, lumbering figures overhead. German Aviatik two-seaters, likely performing reconnaissance to gain intelligence on French army movements! This was not to be tolerated! Aldric's view of the Aviatik This was Jean-Fidele's first time in armed combat against the enemy. Just keep low, just keep low, the petit sous kept telling himself, they can't shoot down. Performing a couple awkward loops below the Aviatiks, Jean-Fidele gave Aldric enough time to drill 71 rounds in the general vicinity of one of the two-seaters - yet, it was all to no avail, and les boches flew on unperturbed. Aldric started shouting again. "FORGET IT! We need to join back up with the formation!" No argument from me, Jean-Fidele thought, and he promptly steered the parasol back towards the MS 12 formation. Meanwhile, Aldric wouldn't be caught dead saying it aloud, but he quietly respected the petit sous's willingness to run head-first into battle - on his second day on the job, no less.

Jean-Fidele Hierrot, Report #1: 1 July, 1915 Jean-Fidele reported to Escadrille MS 12 in Rosnay today. This was his first time at the front, though the trip wasn't very long: Rosnay, being in the department of Marne, was a mere 55 miles from the Hierrot family home in Meaux, just outside Paris. Jean-Fidele could remember the incoming German invaders who'd descended upon Meaux just nine months ago, before getting pushed back in defeat at the Battle of the Marne. Given MS 12's operational imperatives, there wasn't time for introductions with all the squadron. Jean-Fidele was really only able to get acquainted with two of his comrades: Captain Jacques Caillebotte, a well-built man with a voice to match - the Platonic ideal of what a captain would look and sound like, a rugged military veteran whose presence and physicality immmediately came off as overwhelming to Jean-Fidele (who, not coincidentally, was feeling very much his age of 17 at the moment); and secondly, Aldric Lyautey, a wiry, taciturn fellow who at best seemed to tolerate company - just as well, though, since he was assigned to be Jean-Fidele's observer, and Jean-Fidele wasn't feeling particularly social at the moment. Aldric Lyautey, Jean-Fidele's observer Today's mission proceeded without incident. The Morane-Saulnier L model the flight was flying wasn't too different from what Jean-Fidele had been trained in, and there wasn't an enemy aircraft in the sky. While MS 12 was patrolling behind friendly lines, however, an intense thunderstorm broke out. Jean-Fidele spent much of the mission wondering what would happen if his aircraft got struck by lightning - would he be the first such case in aviation history?

You're welcome! I just like these old videos because it's neat for me to see how things were done then in comparison to how things are done now. I also like seeing how engineering and technology worked back then too.

August 11 Armand's Diary Back to Bryas again! Mission offensive patrol Vimy Ridge again. Near St.Vith we encaged two Aviatiks.We get good position and after 150 rounds,EA make half-split and almost collide us.Pilot hit sure! Schneider saw plane smashed near railway station.Le Sort claimed another plane. Mon Dieu! The first confirmed victory! I joked to Jean that she was on a shooting range on vacation. His response was that I had probably taken flight lessons!

F-104M Starfighter - Imperial Iranian Air Force, 1972 (Shar-fighter?)

August Armand's Diary My home city Rouen Mama and Papa working in the field.They repeatly asked when the war would end.Their endurance was to the extreme. I replied it can take years.Neither side showed any sign of surrender.They said nothing more. I helped those winery work for those few days. Some evenings,the wind brought cannon thunder from the east.The front line was frighteningly close. I wondered if it came Ypres or Arras. My little brother Louie.I'm glad he is too young for the madness of war!

Nice video

Before returning home, I decided to visit my old regiment that had been staying on the outskirts of Paris. It was a pleasure to meet the former platoon leader. He was one of the few acquaintances. I was reminded of the cavalry's suicide attacks on German's machine guns. Even our Capitaine went in half for a shrapnell hit. I got to follow the cavalry exercises and finally there was a parade. The show was as handsome as ever, but I knew that the days of glory of the cavalry were already gone.

Welcome Albrecht! I look forward to your adventures! Great work with the picture of Jean Hierott. Peroni I hope you guys have behaved yourselves on leave! Looking forward to the rest of the stories! 14-25 July Haven't seen any enemy aircraft at all over the last few days. I think we have scared the blighters off. We have been involved in a number of recon patrols. Spotting troop movements and flying over Hun airfields to find out what the Devil they are up to. I've heard rumours of german single-wing scouts that are apparently very dangerous - but haven't seen one. Methinks that Davies and I will give it a jolly fright if it comes near us. Guns or no guns! One of my photos The dawn patrols are eye-wateringly early but the feeling of us all lined up and raring to go is a feeling of pure exhalation. While some chaps I went to school with are having a terrible war and families around the world grieve I must say I am having the time of my life. 0445hr the sun is barely cresting the front and we are lined up ready to go! Salute!

Rolling inverted for a good look on the roll-in

Add-on package has been updated to Version 1.1; read the change log for further details.

Add-on package has been updated to Version 1.1; read the change log for further details.

I thought many of you would enjoy this multi part series. Part 2 and 3 have sound issues 1-4 and 5 were fine. It was still worth the watch just turn the sound off. CVWR-30 was home to some of the most highly experienced pilots in the US Navy.