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August 2022 =============== United States Air Force F-5C Skoshi Tiger Volume III VERSION 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------------ We are proud to present the F-5C Skoshi Tiger, a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, and one of the most enduring American military aircraft designs ever produced during the Cold War period. This third Volume depicts the following variants; the USAF F-5C and the VNAF F-5C. 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 F-5C_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=F-5C.LOD to this.. [LOD001] Filename=F-5C_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 Crusader - Avionics and data tweaks, Beta testing Guuruu - Sounds and Afterburner effects, Beta testing Guest contributors: Gkabs - pilot figure 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 F-5C including...Aerial refueling probe and external armor plates under the cockpit and engine areas * 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. * Extensively fine-tuned flight parameters in the aircraft data configuration files, emphasizing the F-5A's agile and highly maneuverable characteristics - courtesy of Baffmeister. * 3 high resolution texture sets; thoroughly researched historic depictions of the Aircraft fielded by both the USAF and VNAF Squadrons. *Accurate serial numbers and pilot name decals for both the 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron and 110th commando squadron. * 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 F-5C '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, flap position indicator..and more. * A full complement of highly (or should I say "insanely" detailed weapons carried by the USAF F-5C, all by ravenclaw_007. * Comprehensive F-5C Skoshi Tiger Loadouts representing the weapons carriage evolution of the F-5C in USAF service from 1965 to the 1967 by Sophocles. * 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. * Functioning elevator trim controls and gauge, using the Thrust Vector Controls; courtesy of Cliff7600. ****************************************************** PILOT NOTES ----------- F-5C 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gun Sight -------------------------------------------------------- The designers of the F-5A elected the simplest and most reliable gunsight conceivable. The low-cost, optical-mechanical reticle display was manually adjustable from 0 to 200 mils depression. It was collimated to avoid sighting errors. The gunsight was acceptable for aiming AIM-9B missiles, guns, rockets and bombs. It was possible to "replicate" this simple, mechanical operation within Strike Fighters 2 series parameters, and thanks to Crusader's cockpit.ini entries, we have the following functionality: The site itself is animated so that the Mils lever and thecombining glass of the site move according to the Mills selected (activated when cycling through air to air weapons ; and more importantly, air to ground weapons with "Backspace" and "\" Backslash accordingly). ************************************************************* 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 August 2022

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, 2 F-16 Camo scheme skins and 2 NATO scheme skins 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

"Black Sea Crisis" for Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic September 1994. Conspiring with senior elements of the military, a coalition of hard line Russian nationalists and former communists in the State Duma deposes President Yeltsin, who makes a dramatic escape from Russia in the middle of the night aboard a hastily commandeered Aeroflot airliner. Declaring the December 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union to be an illegal act of high treason, the new powers in the Kremlin announce their intention to bring "renegade" former Soviet republics back into Moscow's orbit. Within days Russian tank divisions are massing on the Ukraine's eastern border. Alarmed at the rapidly mounting threat to their newly independent country, Ukraine's leaders turn to NATO and the United States for assistance. The United States responds by sailing the Eisenhower carrier group through the Turkish Straits and into the Black Sea, while simultaneously deploying several USAF bomber squadrons to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. As tensions continue to rise, a Marine Amphibious Group is also dispatched to Sevastopol with its complement of battle-ready U.S. Marines. Despite the show-of-force by Washington, the revanchist hardliners in Moscow press on with the build up of military forces on the Ukrainian border, all the while demanding that U.S. military units withdraw immediately from the Black Sea area. Ignoring pleas for talks to resolve the crisis, Russian tanks cross the border in the early morning hours of September 29 as part of a full scale invasion of the Ukraine. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Minimum Requirements ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To install and play this mod, you must have the following games as part of a merged install: SF2 VERSION: Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic Strike Fighters 2 Europe PATCH LEVEL: Mar2012 or higher ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Installation ~~~~~~~~~~~~ This mod requires "Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic" (SF2NA) as well as "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" (SF2E) in a merged install. Before installing this mod package, please ensure the installation of "Strike Fighters 2 North Atlantic" and "Strike Fighters 2: Europe" that you intend to use is updated to at least the Mar2012 patch level. The latest patches for Strike Fighters 2 can be downloaded from ThirdWire: http://thirdwire.com/downloads.htm The main installation process consists of three main steps. Please read the following instructions carefully and follow them religiously. If you wind up with a non-working mod install, then you likely failed to follow the instructions properly. ----------------------------------- * STEP 1: PREPARE THE MOD FOLDER * ----------------------------------- This mod requires a separate mod folder. Please do not attempt to install this mod over or combine it with other mods such as "NATO Fighters 5," "Operation Desert Storm," or the SF2V Expansion Pack. - Open your SF2 Installation directory and make a copy of StrikeFighters2 NorthAtlantic.exe. Rename the copied .EXE file to StrikeFighters2_BlackSeaCrisis.exe (or whatever unique name you prefer). - Run the newly copied and renamed .EXE file, then exit back out to the Windows desktop after navigating through a few menus. A custom Mod Folder for your "Black Sea Crisis" mod install will have been created in one of these locations: Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\[username]\My Documents\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder] Windows Vista: \Users\[username]\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder] Windows 7: \Users\[username]\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[YourModFolder] ...where [YourModFolder] matches the name of the copied .EXE file that you created. You will install the "Black Sea Crisis" mod files to your Mod Folder. - Open your Mod Folder and delete the \Objects sub-directory (including everything in it). Now you're ready to install the "Black Sea Crisis" mod proper. ------------------------------------------------- * STEP 2: INSTALL MAIN COMPONENTS TO MOD FOLDER * ------------------------------------------------- This is the easiest step. - Unpack the four "Black Sea Crisis" archive packages you downloaded to a temporary location on your hard drive. - Move the contents of the \To_Mod_Folder directory from all four unzipped packages to your Mod Folder (created in Step 1 above). (Note: do not simply drag and drop the folder named "To_Mod_Folder" or you will end up with a non-working install. You should drag what's INSIDE the "To_Mod_Folder" directory.) If you've moved everything correctly, you should have a new \Objects sub-directory in your Mod Folder, along with a few new other sub-directories. ---------------------------- * STEP 3: EDIT OPTIONS.INI * ---------------------------- This last step involves a bit of text editing, so please pay attention. Open the Options.INI in your Mod Folder. Locate the "Single Mission" section. At minimum you should change the EndYear= statement to 2000 or higher. I recommend setting the StartYear= and EndYear= as follows: StartYear=1992 EndYear=2020 Finally, a little further down you should find the "Campaign" section. Replace it with the following: [Campaign] CampaignName=1994-0929 Black Sea Crisis (Full) PlayerService=USN PlayerUnit=VF-142 Ghostriders AircraftType=F-14B_87 Difficulty=NORMAL Length=NORMAL AircraftSupply=NORMAL WeaponSupply=LIMITED LoadCampaign=FALSE CampaignSavename=DefaultCampaignSave Save your changes and close the Options.INI file. * * * * * THAT'S IT. The "Black Sea Crisis" mod should now be installed on your PC and ready to play. If you start the mod and it crashes or you don't see any new aircraft or campaigns, then you didn't install the mod properly (and that's exactly what I'm going to tell you if you post to the CombatAce forums and ask me if I have "any ideas?" as to what the problem is). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Note on the Included Campaigns ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This mod includes five different versions of the same underlying campaign: - 1994-0929 Black Sea Crisis The basic Blue campaign. Blue-side forces include the Ukrainian Air Force, the Eisenhower carrier battle group and its air wing, the Nassau Amphibious Group with its complement of AV-8Bs, and USAF bombers at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey (which are not player-flyable). - 1994-0929 Black Sea Crisis (Full) A variant of the basic Blue campaign. Blue-side forces include the Ukrainian Air Force, the Eisenhower Carrier Battle Group and its air wing, the Nassau Amphibious Group with its complement of AV-8Bs, USAF fighters and attack aircraft deployed to Ukrainian air bases, and USAF bombers at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey (these last not being player-flyable). - 1994-0929 Black Sea Crisis (Red) A Red variant of the "Full" 1994 campaign discussed just above. In this variant the player flies for the Russian Air Force. - 1996-0929 Black Sea Crisis Another Blue-side variant of the "Full" campaign above, but set in 1996. The Eisenhower's carrier air wing now includes F/A-18Cs in lieu of the A-6Es and A-7Es of the 1994 campaign. The Nassau's AV-8Bs are an upgraded version. - 1996-0929 Black Sea Crisis (Red) A Red variant of the 1996 campaign described above. Russian forces are essentially the same, but some fighters now use AA-12s in lieu of AA-10s. ** Conventional SF2 Campaign Variants ** The game engine for SF2NA brought many welcome new features to the world of Strike Fighters 2. As useful as those new features are, the SF2NA campaign engine (i.e., the engine that allows for "naval campaigns" with battle groups and cruise missile strikes) was clearly designed specifically for the SF2NA Iceland/North Atlantic campaign, as it attempts to turn every campaign into North Atlantic, Part II. Once battle groups are "discovered" by the opposing side, the campaign engine will throw everything at that battle group, mission after mission, until all the ships are sunk or the attacking side runs out of aircraft capable of performing strike missions. This can become a bit wearisome, and it is extremely difficult to prevent those battle groups from being "discovered" and attacked. In the standard SF2NA-style campaigns listed above, this usually happens around the fifth mission of the campaign. To give players an alternative to the standard "North Atlantic" duel-to-death naval campaign, I have included standard SF2-style campaigns that put the campaigns' focus squarely on the battle for the Ukraine. The carrier battle groups will no longer be attacked. (One can imagine a scenario in which the Kremlin -- based on a combination of military and political reasons -- elects not to directly attack American carrier groups while still engaging U.S. aircraft flying in defense of Ukraine.) The upside to these "conventional" campaigns is that the campaign engine no longer gets stuck in the same cycle of hurling strike aircraft at the battle groups over and over. The downside is that carrier battle groups no longer move together. The carrier moves, but the escort ships are static terrain elements. Also, the big bombers on both sides tend to make less frequent appearances from their off-map air bases. How to Use the Conventional Campaigns: If you wish to try the conventional campaigns, you will have to install them from \Optional\CampaignsAlt (found in the directory where you unpacked the "Black Sea Crisis" downloads). 1. Drag the \Campaigns folder to the Mods folder where you installed the "Black Sea Crisis" mod, allowing Windows to overwrite files as prompted. 2. Drag the \Terrains folder to the "Black Sea Crisis" Mods folder as well, again allowing Windows to overwrite files as prompted. When you re-start the game, the listed campaigns will play as conventional, SF2-style campaigns. Please note that in the above install process you are effectively converting the Black Sea terrain into a conventional SF2 terrain. While the terrain is coverted into a conventional, non-naval terrain, naval aircraft in Single Missions will fly from land bases, not carriers. To convert the terrain back into an SF2NA-style "naval" terrain, copy these files from \Terrains\BlackSea2 (in the directory where you unpacked the "Black Sea Crisis" download files) to the \Terrains\BlackSea2 directory in your Mods folder: BlackSea2.INI BlackSea2_TARGETS.INI BlackSea2_WATER.bmp That's right -- those are the only files that need to be restored. I would recommend restoring the original SF2NA-style campaigns at the same time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Note on Anti-Ship Missiles ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For this mod most third-party (i.e., non-stock) anti-ship missiles have been converted to use the ASM/cruise missile functionality introduced w/ SF2NA. At the same time, the older versions of these missiles have been preserved, as the new ASM cruise missiles can be used by AI only against ships. So, for many anti-ship missiles you will now find two versions: 1) "Standard" guided version These versions are the "old" style missiles setwith WeaponDataType=1. They can be used by AI against land and sea targets. These missiles retain their familiar names (e.g., AGM-84D Harpoon, Kh-59M Ovod, etc.). 2) ASM/cruise missile version These versions utilitize the new cruise missile functionality set by WeaponDataType=7. They can be used by AI only against ships. These versions can be distinguished by their names: - U.S./NATO missiles have the ASM tag (e.g., AGM-84D Harpoon ASM). - Soviet/WP missiles follow the naming convention used by ThirdWire's Soviet cruise missiles (e.g., Kh-59M AS-13 Kingbolt). At the same time aircraft that typically carry these missiles have been updated to accommodate the ASM versions. Loadouts for these aircraft have been updated to use ASM versions by default for Anti-Ship, Naval_Attack, and Cruise_Missile loadouts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Note on Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AI pilots in Strike Fighters have long had problems employing LGBs. AI pilots in the player's flight can drop LGBs, but will treat them as dumb bombs. AI pilots in flights not controlled by the player (i.e., AI-only flights) cannot use LGBs at all, and will typically get stuck circling the target. To address this problem I have created EOGB versions of all LGBs for AI pilots to use (AI pilots have no problems with EOGBs for some reason). These AI versions are identical in all respects to the LGB versions save for the Guidance Type, which is set to "Electro-Optical Guided" instead of "Laser-Guided." By default aircraft that use LGBs for certain loadouts (usually Stike, Attack, SEAD, or Anti-Ship) are loaded with these AI (EOGB) versions instead of the LGB versions. You should make it a habit to check the Loadout screen and switch the bomb version on your own aircraft to the LGB version. You can distinguish between the AI (EOGB) and LGB (Player) versions by the weapon name -- for example: LGB version: GBU-12D/B Paveway II LGB AI version: GBU-12D/B Paveway II (AI) While this solution introduces an extra step for the player in the preparation to start a mission, it allows AI pilots and AI-only flights to use these weapons. ~~~~~~~ Updates ~~~~~~~ This mod was released in October 2014. In September 2015 it was updated with the following additions, fixes, and changes: New Aircraft: - AH-1W Cobra - AH-64A Apache - Ka-27 Helix - Mi-24P Hind-F - P-3C Orion - Su-27M Flanker-E New Skins: - AV-8Bplus new skins - C-5A new skins - C-17 new skins - C-141B new skins - HC-130P new skins - S-3B new skins Other Updates: - minor fixes & tweaks to most other aircraft - minor updates to terrain - addition of new aircraft to campaigns - other minor updates to campaigns - addition of around 200 new weapons & guns ~~~~~~~ Credits ~~~~~~~ This mod package incorporates a large number of items from the following modders: Aircraft ----------------------------------------------------------------------- HomeFries ........................... A-6 Superpack for SF2 Wrench .............................. A-7 low-viz skin Spectre8750 ......................... A-10A (new model) & cockpit yakarov79 .......................... AH-1J_80 EricJ ............................... AH-1J camo skin Dels ................................ AH-64 Bobrock & Brain32 ................... AV-8B-da & AV-8Bplus Wrench .............................. AV-8B updates 331KillerBee & USAFMTL .............. AV-8Bplus skins Crusader ............................ Harrier Avionics Mod Dels ................................ B-52G Dave (USAFMTL) & team ............... B-52G upgrades USAFMTL, JSF_Aggie, Dels & wpnssgt... B-52H Dels & the Bone Team ................ B-1B Kesselbrut .......................... B-52 cockpit Veltro2k ............................ C-5A, C-17, & C-141B Wrench .............................. C-5A, C-17, & C-141B updates Daddyairplanes ...................... C-5A, C-17, & C-141B skins Dels ................................ C-130E, C-130H, EC-130H Daddyairplanes ...................... C-130E/H upgrades & new skins The Mirage Factory .................. E-3A USAFMTL ............................. E-3A AEW Update Daddyairplanes ...................... E-3A skins & SF2 updates HomeFries ........................... EA-6 SuperPack for SF2 The Mirage Factory .................. E-8C J-Stars Fastcargo ........................... F-111F & EF-111A liamp51 ............................. Re-textured F-111A cockpit slick_cowboy ........................ F-111E/F new skins Dels ................................ F-117A The Mirage Factory .................. F-14A & F-14B Spectre8750, Caesar, SupGen, ....... F-14 Superpack & Crusader FastCargo & team .................... F-15C & F-15E The Mirage Factory, ................. F-16A_Blk10 & F-16A_Blk15 Viper Crew .......................... F-16C_B25, F-16C_B30, F-16C_B40, F-16C_B42, F-16C_B50, & F-16C_B52 The Mirage Factory / ModMafia ....... F/A-18A & F/A-18C Wildcat, column5, SidDogg, & BPAo ... F/A-18 skins Veltro2K ............................ Il-76, Il-78, & A-50 WhiteboySamurai ..................... Ka-27 Marcfighters......................... KC-10 Daddyairplanes ...................... KC-10 new skins Pappychksix & 331KillerBee .......... KC-130F Bpao ................................ KC-135E & KC-135R tankers Marcfighters & Kreelin. ............. Mi-8 Hip YEYEYE .............................. Mi-24P emresukhoi .......................... Mi-24P skins ArmourDave & Sal .................... Su-17 cockpit (used for Floggers) Paladrian ........................... MiG-21 cockpits AtariBaby ........................... MiG-21 Complete Pack for SF2 The Mirage Factory .................. MiG-29A Fulcrum Russouk2004 ......................... MiG-29A updated model Russouk2004 ......................... MiG-29C Fulcrum Jv44kt, Erwin_Hans, & Lindr2 ........ MiG-31 Florian ............................. P-3C beta FoxMonter ........................... S-3B Wrench .............................. S-3B updates slick cowboy ........................ S-3B skins Florian ............................. SH-3D Sea King Veltro2k & Lindr2 ................... Su-24M, Su-24MP, Su-24MR Mikeymead ........................... repainted/updated Su-24 cockpit NATO Fighters 4+ team ............... Su-25 Florian, Baffmeister, & Paulopanz ... Su-25 (updated model & skins) Marcfighter, Erwin Hans ............. Su-27 SayWhat!, Massimo, Erwin Hans, ...... Su-27 skins & Diogo Marcfighter, Erwin Hans, ............ Su-33 (Su-27 w/ canards) Bpao, & Jv44KT tarru & Drdoyo ...................... Su-33 skins Orsin & Lindr2 ...................... Su-27 & Su-33 flight models YEYEYE .............................. Flanker cockpits Paulopanz & Spillone104 ............. Tu-16 Badger Collection Veltro2K ............................ Tu-95KD, Tu-95MS Snailman ............................ Yak-38 Vertical Pack Komrad .............................. New Yak-38 skins Gabilon, Oliver, & Bpao ............. Yak-41M Snailman ............................ SF2NA Vertical Pack Ground Objects ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Kesselbrut .......................... CommTrailer, HQTrailer Pasko ............................... D-20, 155mm Howitzer, M-59, EW_Radar rebel ryder ......................... BMP-1, BRDM-2, BRDM-3, & M-109 BANIDOS TEAM ........................ BTR-60 Razvan Stanciu & EricJ .............. BTR-80 Gepard .............................. T-64s BPAo, Fubar512, 331KillerBee ........ T-80BV Gerald14 & Kesselbrut ............... M3A1 Bradley & M6 Linebacker Pasko & Kesselbrut .................. M60A3, M60A1AOS Kesselbrut .......................... M1 Abrams, LVTP-7, 105mm Howitzer, ZiL-157 trucks SUICIDAL & TORNO .................... Humvees Spectre8750 ......................... Ural-375 trucks, GAZ-66 trucks, & GAZ-66_ZPU23 bigal1 .............................. M270MLR BANIDOS Team ........................ M167 VADS Gerald14 ............................ "Russian Defence/ZSU-23-4 Pack" SUICIDAL ............................ New Destroyed Tank LODs Monty CZ............................. Stinger site YEYEYE .............................. PAC-2 system Pasko ............................... Hawk launcher/radars, Chaparral, SA-7 Fubar512 & Wrench ................... Hawk INI tweaks Gabilon ............................. 2S6, Tor-M1, & SA-13 Abhi ................................ AN/TQ-1 Avenger, Pantsir-S1 Pasko ............................... SA-3 launchers, Flatface, Sidenet FastCargo ........................... SA-5 & SquarePair Kesselbrut, BPAo & Sundowner .........SA-9 Monty CZ............................. SA-10 & Flaplid, Stinger site Fubar512 ............................ SA-10 INI tweaks EricJ ............................... SA-11 & SA-17 YEYEYE .............................. TubeArm Crusader ............................ Soviet MANPADs for SF2 Stary ............................... Soviet MANPADS (new models) Fubar512 & MiGBuster ................ Carrier Deck Illumination package WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Bainbridge & Leahy class ships WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Ticonderoga & Arleigh Burke class ships WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Kidd Class DDG WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Kirov, Sovremenny, & Nanuchka missle boats Cocas ............................... Trawler & Soviet Trawler Raven ............................... Trawler skins Kesselbrut .......................... Trawler 1 & 2, Small Cargo Ship, Navy Tug Kesselbrut .......................... Kilo Class submerged (November) AleDucat ............................ Kilo Class Sub (ARA Salta) JSF_Aggie ........................... ThirdWire LHA upgrade Florian ............................. USN AOE Transport Julhelm ............................. USN Tanker & Kresta II Orsin ............................... Udaloy & Slava classes WhiteBoySamurai ..................... Udaloy & Slava Upgrade Packages Other ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Pfunk ............................... Black Sea 2 terrain Stary ............................... seasonal terrain tiles (Baltic terrain) cellinsky, Insky/Orsin, & PanamaRed Environment mods OldDiego, Pappy, Wrench, Pasko, ..... Pilots Florian/AmokFloo, & PureBlue Stary ............................... new gun tracers Spillone104 ......................... custom engine sounds Spectre8750 ......................... Fake Afterburner Node Stary ............................... Ejection mod If I have neglected to credit anyone here, please let me know. I will get it fixed ASAP. The works of art used for the campaign end screens -- "The Black Sea" (1881), "Russian Black Sea Fleet on a Parade Review" (1849), and "Pushkin on the Coast Black Sea" (1887) -- are all by the 19th century Russian maritime artist Ivan Aivazovsky. You can see more of Aivazovsky's works online at Wikiart: http://www.wikiart.org/en/ivan-aivazovsky -------------------------- Eric Howes eburger68 25 October 2014 22 September 2015

This bmp replaces the stock TW "Initializing system... Please wait..." splash screen. Just drop it in the folder "Menu" found in the folder where your Strike Fighters 2 is installed. (eg "C:\Program Files\Strike Fighters 2\Menu\") Nick "Squid" D.