sophocles

Gents, she's just been uploaded .. should be up soon. Kudos to the team, Ravenclaw_007, Baffmeister, 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 F-5C Skoshi Tiger manual for you to read while you wait .F-5C_Skoshi Tiger_Manual.pdf

View File F-5C_Skoshi Tiger_Ver1.0.7z 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 Submitter sophocles Submitted 08/20/2022 Category F-5

This interests me; by "2br" you mean two bomb racks? Why two? .. you mean the invisible pylon + the visible one acting as the rack? I could easily link the existing pylon to an invisible "parent pylon" and thus use the "child", visible pylon as a rack but I'd really need more info about doing the ini dance for the racks though. Whenever you have the time Yakarov79 I'd love some more info

I hear you brother!

Hello Gents, sadly, after days of creating pylons as fake rocket pods and fake gun pods, I've had no luck in getting the pylons to jettison using these fake weapons .. it seems that the parameter of NoJettision=FALSE just doesn't work :( The only thing that does work, is creating pylons as fake Fuel Tanks, which although jettison just fine, also have the dawback of jettisoning when one uses CTRL-D to jettison the fuel tanks. Completely heartbroken, I think the only workaround is to use loadouts which have either weapons or tanks .. NOT both. The weapon only loadouts would have no need for the CTRL-D command since obviously there are no external fuel tanks, but they would keep the wing-tip tanks and have the refueling probe selected (with some imagination, aircraft with the probe can refuel in flight.. cough, cough! .. and they will be able to jettison all 5 pylons with the jettison stores command (CTRL=J)! When using loadouts with no weapons (eg:Recce) the fuel tanks can be jettisoned, but the pylons stay. ..or I can just write all this off as a bad job and revert to the conventional way; where jettisoning pylons is simply not possible. I'd appreciate some feedback fellas; what do you guys think would better option?

Much obliged daddyairplanes! I'll check them out.

Sorry to be a pain fellas but does anyone know of a plane in the download section which has an example of a fake rocket pod with no rockets (being repurposed to a pylon or anything else)? I really want to make this work! Thanks in advance

.. and here is the fake FT functioning as a pylon; this actually works just fine! [WeaponData001] TypeName=BombPylon FullName=Bomb pylon ModelName= ModelNodeName= Mass=0 Diameter=0 Length=0 SubsonicDragCoeff=0 SupersonicDragCoeff=0 AttachmentType= SpecificStationCode=Pylon NationName= StartYear=0 EndYear=0 Availability=0 BaseQuantity=0 Exported=FALSE ExportStartYear=0 ExportEndYear=0 ExportAvailability=0 WeaponDataType=5 MaxFuelAmount=0.0 Asymmetrical=FALSE HideStationPylon=FALSE

This is the fake rocket pod I've tried to use but it doesn't show up at all in the arming screen so there's definitely something wrong. Any ideas anyone [WeaponData001] TypeName=F-5C_Pylon FullName=F-5C Weapon Pylon ModelName= Mass=35.299999 Diameter=0.420000 Length=2.000000 SubsonicDragCoeff=0.200000 SupersonicDragCoeff=0.770000 AttachmentType=NATO,USAF SpecificStationCode=Pylon NationName=USAF StartYear=0 EndYear=0 Availability=0 BaseQuantity=0 Exported=FALSE ExportStartYear=0 ExportEndYear=0 ExportAvailability=0 WeaponDataType=2 RailLaunched=FALSE RocketTypeName=NO_ROCKET NumRockets=19 ROF=0.000000 FireEffectName=RocketPodEffect FireEffectTime=0.150000 //FrontCoverNodeName=Front_Cover RearCoverNodeName= ShowRockets=FALSE

I followed your instructions to the letter .. but no joy :) .. the pylon doesn't jettison.

I understand, but which entries in the data.ini would make the fake rocket pod/pylon jettisonable? When using fake fuel tanks there is an entry called NoJettisionTank=FALSE which serves this purpose.

How do you mean?

dtmdragon, now I see the problem.. when I jettison my fuel tanks I lose my pylons as well :( Could you send over(attach) a fake rocket pod so that I can experiment with it? Much obliged!!

Here are the entries from the data.ini // Weapon Stations -----------------------------------pylon weights from Flight Manual [LeftSidewinderStation] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=1 StationGroupID=1 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=-3.77,-0.28,-0.21 AttachmentAngles=0.0,-2.0,90.0 LoadLimit=200.0 AllowedWeaponClass=IRM,FT AttachmentType=NATO,USAF SpecificStationCode=HAF LaunchRailNodeName=Left_WingRail LaunchRailMass=22.23 FuelTankName=F5a_wingtip_left_tank FuelTankNodeName=wingtip_left_tank NoJettisionTank=TRUE [RightSidewinderStation] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=2 StationGroupID=1 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=3.77,-0.28,-0.21 AttachmentAngles=0.0,-2.0,-90.0 LoadLimit=200.0 AllowedWeaponClass=IRM,FT AttachmentType=NATO,USAF SpecificStationCode=HAF LaunchRailNodeName=Right_WingRail LaunchRailMass=22.23 FuelTankName=F5a_wingtip_left_tank FuelTankNodeName=wingtip_right_tank NoJettisionTank=TRUE [LeftWingStationOutboard] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=3 StationGroupID=2 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=-2.907,0.70,-0.653 AttachmentAngles=0.0,-0.75,0.0 DiameterLimit=0.490 LoadLimit=420.00 AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,RP,CGR AttachmentType=NATO,USAF ModelNodeName=Left_Pylon_outer PylonMass=54.89 PylonDragArea=0.02 [RightWingStationOutboard] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=4 StationGroupID=2 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=2.907,0.70,-0.653 AttachmentAngles=0.0,-0.75,0.0 DiameterLimit=0.490 LoadLimit=420.00 AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,RP,CGR AttachmentType=NATO,USAF ModelNodeName=Right_Pylon_outer PylonMass=54.89 PylonDragArea=0.02 [LeftWingStationInboard] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=5 StationGroupID=3 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=-2.154,0.395,-0.653 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 DiameterLimit=0.490 LoadLimit=520.0 AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,RP,FT,GP,CGR AttachmentType=NATO,USAF ModelNodeName=Left_Pylon_inner PylonMass=51.71 PylonDragArea=0.03 FuelTankName=F5a_FuelTank_150 FuelTankNodeName=FuelTank_150_UnderWing [RightWingStationInboard] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=6 StationGroupID=3 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=2.154,0.395,-0.653 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 DiameterLimit=0.490 LoadLimit=520.00 AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,RP,FT,GP,CGR AttachmentType=NATO,USAF ModelNodeName=Right_Pylon_inner PylonMass=51.71 PylonDragArea=0.03 FuelTankName=F5a_FuelTank_150 FuelTankNodeName=FuelTank_150_UnderWing [LeftWingStationInboardAltFT] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=7 StationGroupID=3 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=-2.154,0.395,-0.653 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 DiameterLimit=0.490 LoadLimit=520.00 AllowedWeaponClass=FT, AttachmentType=NATO,USAF ModelNodeName=Left_Pylon_inner PylonMass=51.71 PylonDragArea=0.03 FuelTankName=F5a_FuelTank_SF150 FuelTankNodeName=FuelTank_SF150_UnderWing [RightWingStationInboardAltFT] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=8 StationGroupID=3 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=2.154,0.395,-0.653 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 DiameterLimit=0.490 LoadLimit=520.00 AllowedWeaponClass=FT, AttachmentType=NATO,USAF ModelNodeName=Right_Pylon_inner PylonMass=51.71 PylonDragArea=0.03 FuelTankName=F5a_FuelTank_SF150 FuelTankNodeName=FuelTank_SF150_UnderWing [CenterlineStation] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=9 StationGroupID=4 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=0.0,2.462,-0.668 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 LoadLimit=1000.00 AllowedWeaponClass=BOMB,FT,GP,NUC,RCN AttachmentType=NATO,USAF ModelNodeName=Pylon_center PylonMass=58.51 PylonDragArea=0.02 FuelTankName=F5a_FuelTank_150_Centre FuelTankNodeName=FuelTank_150_Centre [CenterlineStationAltFT] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=10 StationGroupID=4 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=0.0,2.462,-0.668 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 LoadLimit=1000.00 AllowedWeaponClass=FT AttachmentType=NATO,USAF ModelNodeName=Pylon_center PylonMass=58.51 PylonDragArea=0.02 FuelTankName=F5a_FuelTank_SF150_Centre FuelTankNodeName=FuelTank_SF150_Centre [Fuel_probe] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=11 StationGroupID=5 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=1.4, 3.54, 0.22 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0, 0.0 LoadLimit=50 AllowedWeaponClass=FT AttachmentType=USAF ModelNodeName= PylonMass=0.00 PylonDragArea=0.001 LaunchRailNodeName= MinExtentPosition= MaxExtentPosition= FuelTankNodeName=Refueling_pipe_1 FuelTankName=F-5C_Fuel_Probe NoJettisionTank=TRUE [LeftPylonInner] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=12 StationGroupID=7 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=-3.25,0.30,-0.85 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 LoadLimit=520.00 DiameterLimit=0.5 AllowedWeaponClass=FT SpecificStationCode=Pylon ModelNodeName= PylonMass=0 PylonDragArea=0 FuelTankName=BombPylon FuelTankNodeName=Left_Pylon_inner NoJettisionTank=FALSE [RightPylonInner] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=13 StationGroupID=7 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=3.25,0.30,-0.85 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 LoadLimit=520.00 DiameterLimit=0.5 AllowedWeaponClass=FT SpecificStationCode=Pylon ModelNodeName= PylonMass=0 PylonDragArea=0 FuelTankName=BombPylon FuelTankNodeName=Right_Pylon_inner NoJettisionTank=FALSE [LeftPylonOuter] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=14 StationGroupID=8 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=-3.25,0.30,-0.85 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 LoadLimit=520.00 DiameterLimit=0.5 AllowedWeaponClass=FT SpecificStationCode=Pylon ModelNodeName= PylonMass=0 PylonDragArea=0 FuelTankName=BombPylon FuelTankNodeName=Left_Pylon_outer NoJettisionTank=FALSE [RightPylonOuter] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=15 StationGroupID=8 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=3.25,0.30,-0.85 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 LoadLimit=520.00 DiameterLimit=0.5 AllowedWeaponClass=FT SpecificStationCode=Pylon ModelNodeName= PylonMass=0 PylonDragArea=0 FuelTankName=BombPylon FuelTankNodeName=Right_Pylon_outer NoJettisionTank=FALSE [CenterlineStationPylon] SystemType=WEAPON_STATION StationID=16 StationGroupID=7 StationType=EXTERNAL AttachmentPosition=3.25,0.30,-0.85 AttachmentAngles=0.0,0.0,0.0 LoadLimit=1000.00 DiameterLimit=0.5 AllowedWeaponClass=FT SpecificStationCode=Pylon ModelNodeName= PylonMass=0 PylonDragArea=0 FuelTankName=BombPylon FuelTankNodeName=Pylon_center NoJettisionTank=FALSE and here are the entries from the loadout.ini.. //.............Loadout for F-5C Skoshi Tiger, Ver 1.0 by Sophocles // Station 1 = Left Wingtip Station // Station 2 = Right Wingtip Station // Station 3 = Left Wing Station Outboard // Station 4 = Right Wing Station Outboard // Station 5 = Left Wing Station Inboard // Station 6 = Right Wing Station Inboard // Station 7 = Left Inboard Station Alt FT // Station 8 = Right Inboard Station Alt FT // Station 9 = Centerline Fuselage Station // Station 10 = Centerline Alternative Fuel Tank // Station 11 = Refueling Probe // Station 12 = Jettisonable Left Wing Pylon Inboard // Station 13 = Jettisonable Right Wing Pylon Inboard // Station 14 = Jettisonable Left Wing Pylon Outboard // Station 15 = Jettisonable Right Wing Pylon Outboard // Station 16 = Jettisonable Centerline Pylon [AirToAir] Loadout[01].WeaponType=AIM-9B Loadout[01].Quantity=1 Loadout[02].WeaponType=AIM-9B Loadout[02].Quantity=1 Loadout[09].WeaponType=F5a_FuelTank_150_Centre Loadout[09].Quantity=1 Loadout[12].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[12].Quantity=1 Loadout[13].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[13].Quantity=1 Loadout[14].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[14].Quantity=1 Loadout[15].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[15].Quantity=1 Loadout[16].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[16].Quantity=1 [AirToAirLongRange] Loadout[01].WeaponType=AIM-9B Loadout[01].Quantity=1 Loadout[02].WeaponType=AIM-9B Loadout[02].Quantity=1 Loadout[07].WeaponType=F5a_FuelTank_SF150 Loadout[07].Quantity=1 Loadout[08].WeaponType=F5a_FuelTank_SF150 Loadout[08].Quantity=1 Loadout[10].WeaponType=F5a_FuelTank_SF150_Centre Loadout[10].Quantity=1 Loadout[12].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[12].Quantity=1 Loadout[13].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[13].Quantity=1 Loadout[14].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[14].Quantity=1 Loadout[15].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[15].Quantity=1 Loadout[16].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[16].Quantity=1 [Attack] Loadout[01].WeaponType=F5a_wingtip_left_tank Loadout[01].Quantity=1 Loadout[02].WeaponType=F5a_wingtip_left_tank Loadout[02].Quantity=1 Loadout[03].WeaponType=LAU-3A_Mk40_Mk1 Loadout[03].Quantity=1 Loadout[04].WeaponType=LAU-3A_Mk40_Mk1 Loadout[04].Quantity=1 Loadout[05].WeaponType=MK82 Loadout[05].Quantity=1 Loadout[06].WeaponType=MK82 Loadout[06].Quantity=1 Loadout[09].WeaponType=F5a_FuelTank_150_Centre Loadout[09].Quantity=1 Loadout[12].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[12].Quantity=1 Loadout[13].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[13].Quantity=1 Loadout[14].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[14].Quantity=1 Loadout[15].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[15].Quantity=1 Loadout[16].WeaponType=BombPylon Loadout[16].Quantity=1 In bold are the "hidden" entries (fake pylons) that nonetheless appear in-game as they should. Sophocles

Eureka!!!!!!!!!!!! It dawned on me that the StationGroupID limit of six was not for the game itself but only for the weapon stations that would be "visible" in the armaments selection screen. So what i did was use the StationGroupIDs till number 8 in the data.ini as I had done it originally, but have included the "hidden" entries ID 7 through 8 ( StationIDs 12 through 16) for all the mission types in the loadout.ini! So it appears that 2 birds have been killed with one stone; ..one, the user doesn't have to mess around the arming screen manually adding the "jetisonable" pylons, and two, in-game ctrl-j jettisons both the stores and pylons.. as in the real F-5C!!! Thanks a lot for all your ideas gentlemen!!

Guys I almost had it. I used dtmdragons idea to set up the pylons as Fuel tanks and everything was working fine untill I went beyond the "magic" number of only 6 StationGroupIDs available .. Is there any way to get around this 6 number for StationGroupIDs? I happened across this in one of my forum searches by Wrench.. "..yes, you can have a 7th station, if you want something permantently loaded. Can't remember what plane we used it on, but it did work iirc.." Can anyone help? One idea I've had is the refueling probe; does anyone know If it can be attached in a way other than setting it up as a weapon (I'd save a stationgroupid right there)???? However I liked the fact that the game user could select it in the weapons option menu and not have to fly with it on always.. Really appreciate any help!!!!

I have no idea; anyone know?? The caption for the photo says "..and a friendly "zap" bulldog from a Marine attack squadron adorn the F-5 flown by Challen "Choni" Irvine.." What is meant by the word "zap"?

That's interesting; would the pylons retain their regular pylon abilities (carrying ordnance)? I'd really need some more details dtmdragon; could you provide some of the code that would make this possible? Thanks much!!

..that's better! Thanks Nyghtfall

Actually Nyghtfall you're quite right! VMA Bulldogs was 223 .. looks like there's some editing to be done in someone's future..

Hello Gentlemen, I've been having fun researching the Skoshi Tiger programme and have tracked down most of the pilots in the "provisional" 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron- and have assigned their names as decals on the aircraft.. and have also added decals for some "outliers" including this particular aircraft which "borrowed" nose art from a marines Skyhawk aquadron! Not long to go now; would've been great to add a little more authentic capability to the F-5C, like the ability to jettison all weapon pylons; but this just isn't possible in game. I've got the documentation left to do now and it should be ready soon ..

..and the VNAF represented too .. 522nd Fighter Squadron 1967..

Hopefully I can find time to finish these off by the end of summer..