BMS Other Fighters Mafia (BMSOFM) Journal
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@drtbkj you know, i always talk about team, i know you’re not alone
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Happy New Year!
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Good Day, All. This time of year we’re busy with RL stuff, not to mention other BMS things, so we’ve kind of been letting the Universal Updater “do the work” for you.
There are a couple of projects being worked on. Scorpion and Dardo continue to work on the Eurofighter. The second follows up something mentioned in the first UniUp post. We had mentioned whether/how to make it work in a non-OFM Theater. So, we are testing taking such a Theater (ITO, in my case) and making it work with our db. Details to follow… -
Good Day, All.
Todays update is about the ITO-OFM mentioned yesterday…
Firstly, thanks to vAicon and the ITO crew for that theater.
Plan A was to make something like the Universal Updater, where you could update your own install. That has proved a bit more complicated then at first thought. So, Plan B is to get it working then present it to you as a completed project. It may be a zip file with the ITO-OFM folder that you just drop into your BMS 4.37.3. The advantage is that it will be a separate from ITO, itself. So, you’ll be able to have both. The OFM version will be somewhat more carrier-oriented, and will have our jet/weapons models and such.
I would say it’s about 90% done at present. Mainly, it’s now a Bug Hunt -
Good Day, All.
Universal Updater 2.3.5 is in final pre-release testing. We had a request for another jet in the database, and that led to another bug hunt. It will probably be out today.
As the UniUp Project is new, perhaps I should re-clarify what it is. The posts are here https://forum.falcon-bms.com/topic/26365/bmsofm-universal-updater-project
They are a collection of folders and files that you drop into any OFM Theater from 4.37.2 onwards. It brings your Theater up to the current database without you losing any active campaigns, and such.
ITO-OFM is also on the near horizon. It’s solid in testing, then we’ll see if Brother Chuckles wants to do any of his campaign magic to it. Call that one in “3-4 Mafia Days” We decided to do a full regular Installer for it, so you won’t have to mess with files -
One more update for today…
The Universal Updater version 2.3.6 has been released. The link, Changelog, and notes can be found here https://forum.falcon-bms.com/topic/26365/bmsofm-universal-updater-project.
We wanted to mention that part of our pre-release testing is to guarantee it’s safety and stability to you. To do so, we download from the Mafia Files link and install just as you do. In the case of 2.5.6, it’s been downloaded and installed to our soon to be released ITO-OFM , Nevada, and Somalia ( to test with 4.37.2 OFM Theaters)
We recommend you take your time and make sure everything gets put in the right place, back up the old folders/files (you won’t need them after correct installation), and as always feel free to ask questions. I’m happy to say we’ve not had a single complaint about the UniUps, but want to prevent negative experiences.
As previously mentioned, we had hoped to create a UniUp that will work with non-OFM Theaters. It may be possible, but in the case of ITO, it became complicated, and we can’t recommend you do so.
As for ITO-OFM, that should be released by the weekend. -
Good Day, All.
Scorpion82 has been busy refining the Eurofighter. https://www.mediafire.com/file/r2oibwhai3nl2ih/OFM+2.5.6+Eurofighter+Jet+Pak.zip/file
This contains the needed files and folders, a Changelog, and an Installation Readme. It is for any current BMSOFM Theater.
From his Changelog…PARENTS: 1495 (RAF), 2009 (GAF), 8452 (ITAF), 8926 (SAF)
COMMON CHANGES:
MODEL_0.BML:- Scale x 1.03
- Slots : 59-62 (FSU) shifted forwards
- R/H Nozzle animation linked to R/H throttle
MODEL_1.BML:
- Scale x 1.03
- Slots : 59-62 (FSU) shifted forwards
- R/H Nozzle animation linked to R/H throttle
MODEL_2.BML:
- Scale x 1.03
- Slots : 59-62 (FSU) shifted forwards
- R/H Nozzle animation linked to R/H throttle
MODEL_3.BML:
- Scale x 1.03
- R/H Nozzle animation linked to R/H throttle
Model_4.BML:
UnchangedGAF MODEL (2009) Specific:
MODEL_0.BML:- 4 Skin Sets (TLG71 “Richthofen”, TLG73 “Steinhoff”, TLG74, TLG31 “Bölcke”) with custom tactical codes and A/C build numbers
- DDS files updated 2469 & 2470 (standard DDS files for German variant)
- New DDS files (2481-2486) tailored for the three new skins sets (wing badges and tactical codes/serials)
- LWS removed
- Fin Decals
SAF MODEL (8926) Specific:
Model_0.BML:- Fuselage Decal moved from aft fuselage to front fuselage position, decal size adjusted
- Unused fin decal sized and positioned
- DDS files 5805 & 5807 updated with wing codes and corresponding build and construction numbers of Spanish Airforce Typhoon’s for Ala 11 and Ala 14
ITAF MODEL (8452) Specific:
Model_0.BML:- LWS removed
- Burakthan’s AMI Skin as replacement for stock skin
- SAF Decal positions included as provision
METEOR (PARENT 1452):
- Centre position of Models 0 & 1 moved “X +0.96”
Known Issues:
- With the enlarged model there seems to be a “canopy artefact” in the Eurofighter Typhoon cockpit’s centre mirror.
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Good Day, All.
Real life stuff has kept us busy for awhile, but we are back in the saddle.
Today we are finalizing OFM-ITO and in the Big Picture probably another Universal Upgrader. The plan is to include
1)Scorpion’s Eurofighter refinements
2) Air Brake refinements for several jets- the former model was a bit “robust”
3) Fegeleinn’s AIM-9X-Blk2 refinement.https://forum.falcon-bms.com/topic/26741/aim-9x-block-ii-mod-for-bms Formerly, some MP players had requested we give the option to enable or disable the AIM-120D. So, the plan is is release the Block 2 with an “on/off switch” as with the Slammer -
Good Day, All. Here’s an update on ITO-OFM…
It’s actually been done for weeks. In fact, I just finished a campaign in it. We haven’t released it for one main reason. Namely, that we are also working on a new db update, and we didn’t think people would like it if we released then immediately updated. The only problem with that strategy is that RL stuff has interfered with the project. So, if anyone just can’t wait ( ) let me know and we can get it to you.
Meanwhile, one of the things we’ve worked on , and hope you enjoy, is a new campaign for OFM-Nev
https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/yaosvgcv55rtgzn/theater.7z_%2528_2.5.6_Nevada_Battle_of_Bakersfield%2529/file
This is something of a spin-off of the Red Dawn campaign. The scenario is that to support the flank of the Red Dawn invasion, they occupy the town of Bakersfield, capture the airport there, and deploy fighters and SAM’s It’s somewhat designed around naval ops, but there plenty of Allied airbases in LA for you to deploy the jet(s) you want. The goal of the campaign was to make something a bit quicker paced, and not have to fly to the NTTR.
Just download and extract, and the included README will have installation instructions -
Good Day, All. For you enjoyment we present the Campaign Update Pak for OFM-Nevada. It’s been tested in the 2.3.6 upgrade version.The included README gives all the details but basically Brother Chuckles has gone through all the campaigns except TopGun and refined the force structures.
Also included in the Pak is a new TopGun campaign, "The Battle of Bakersfield) .
https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/w9oh7a4r0k6t9z0/OFM-Nevada_2.3.6_Campaign_Pak.7z/file
Enjoy! -
Good Day, All.
We were helping someone with an issue he was having in Korea 2012, and that brought up something we wanted to share. The Universal Updater was tested in a LOT of our Theaters, including OFM-KTO , but apparently not in K’12. We will be following up on whether that could cause issues. More on that later.
Speaking of the UniUp, I did a bit of housekeeping in the Mafia Files and they are now here .https://www.mediafire.com/folder/8mjer9ac82b9o/BMS+4.37+OFM+Universal+Updaters
Meanwhile, work continues on the next UniUp and ITO.
We also have another side project going on. The RL GBU-53/B https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reports/2010/August 2010/Day25/SDBII_factsheet_0810.pdf
can attack moving targets, and we are intrigued to see if we can model it. We have a “prototype” that indeed tracks movers. We’re testing to see if we can make it real enough to include in our db. It would have some limits. Because of how BMS works we can’t set up a weapon that had GPS and IR guidance. That limits it’s effective range to about 10 miles, currently, but testing continues. It’s been a fun project. Can datalink capability be added? How about a laser guide version , as well?We’d appreciate feedback from the Group as to whether such a weapon is something you’d like to see.
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Here is an update regarding the Universal Updater and the K’12 Mega Pak. You can UniUp it, but as the Pack contains what are essentially separate theaters, you have to do it a bit differently. Here is a vid. was instructions…
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Good Day, All.
We are happy to announce the release of Universal Updater version 2.4 for any 4.36 or later OFM Theater.
https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/j3m3vy7qk597w4n/OFM_2.4_UU.zip/file
The README in the Docs folder contains instructions and the Changelog…
CHANGELOG
A)Flight models-1)tornpod auto loads. Previously, when you set a loadout that required a TGP, the UI would load the external pod. Now it should load the torn pod. The “tornpod” fixes the TGP masking problem for jets with internal IRST. If you desire to use external pods, you can manually load it
2) Mig-15 landing gear repair
3)A-4 family refinements
4)F-86 added
5)F-35C fm refined to help AI land
B)Weapons- 1)AIM-9X ver.2 - Like the RL v2, the missile has a datalink connection to the jet, allowing LOAL
2) WIP GBU-53 SDB/B- IIR(“53IR”) and Laser guided(“53L”).These weapons can track moving targets The RL Stormbreaker has GPS and a multiseeker, but to model that would require BMS hard code access. Our versions use the Maverick seeker or the seeker from the Skipper missile, respectively. Unfortunately, they don’t have GPS guidance. The regular GBU-53 is retained.
3) Load Outs modded to put the new weapons on the F-18’s and F-35.
c) Preliminary WIP, USS Ford CVN-78 added- This is for you inspection only, in this Updater. It’s not fully functional at this point It will be included in all future released OFM Theaters. However, let us know if you want it in you OFM-Theater-of-choice. We can easily provide you the Theater specific files needed.
As is usually the case, once we have the new database complete, new Theaters can be quickly released. OFM-Iran,-Peru,-ITO, and others are “in the pipeline”
We hope you enjoy them, and as always we welcome your feedback. -
Good Day, All
Here are a couple of UniUp follow ups…
We had mentioned the Ford being available, but are seeing some issues with looking at it in 3D. It isn’t a bug, the UniUp just doesn’t have 2 theater-specific files that are needed. It’s already fixed in the Theaters that are about to be released. The Ford will be functional. One thing, though. The white strip for Catapult 2 (port forward) is wrong(offset to the right) . A new skin is in the works.
Speaking of new theater releases, you may want to hold off UU’ing Nevada. Since it’s a popular Theater, we have decided to make a full Nevada 2.4 Installer. -
Here’s one more update for today. OFM-Nevada 2.4 is out . It’s a full Installer
https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/ligvg54himvqm5j/Nevada_OFM_2.4.exe/file.
The Ford is functional, though hooking up to the catapults ca be tricky(WIP skin)
It appears that OFM-ITO, -Iran, and -Peru are next. We believe Brother Chuckles will be handling their release. -
One more update for today. OFM-Iran and -Israel are out. The There are links over in the Theater section, or you can get from the Mafia Files
https://www.mediafire.com/file/rwl0vvyesyrw90k/IsraelOFM+OFM+2.4.exe/file
https://www.mediafire.com/file/ku787d74osvvyzy/Iran+OFM+2.4.exe/file -
Good Day, All.
The Universal Updater 2.4.1, a HOTFIX for UU 2.4, is available. The links to 2.4 and 2.4.1 are here https://forum.falcon-bms.com/topic/26365/bmsofm-universal-updater-project-updates-and-log/10 Please note that UU2.4 has to be installed for 2.4.1 to work.
We spent 2 days testing the F-22, and we think you will like the results.
We also did a lot of testing with the F-18E. In testing we found it could flat spin in certain regimes. That led to a refinement of the flight model. The Echo was our test bed, but in the future what we learned could be useful in other Hornet/Super Hornet variants.
2.4.1 CHANGELOG
1) Flight model refinements-F-22 -fix for landing
-F/A-18E- fix for flat spin
- F-35A NOR-fix for ctd
-F-20- fix for flat spin2) 108 different jets get new afterburner visual modeling 3) Updated TacRef 4) Introduction of WIP-low altitude Recce camera for Mirage III RD -F-5 cockpit activated - AC-130 now attack ground targets, using Hellfire missiles. -AV-8 and F-18- fix for NVG's washing out instrument needles
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Good Day, All. As you’ve probably noticed, the OFM-Afghanistan Theater is out. The Mafia File link is https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/ao67kg4rrk4cun3/Afghanistan_OFM_2.4.2.exe/file
Also, for anyone who hasn’t explored the OFM, we’d like to discuss with you how we get updates to you. We do full Theater Installers. They are over in Theater Discussion, in it’s geographic area, or in the Mafia Files https://www.mediafire.com/folder/rp58m79l0lhys/BMS+4.37.2-3Theaters,Campaigns+and+TE’s . However, as our database is constantly evolving, we’ve developed the Universal Updates. https://forum.falcon-bms.com/topic/26365/bmsofm-universal-updater-project-updates-and-log
The beauty of the UniUps is that they are not Theater specific. So, you can keep your favorite OFM Theater(s) “current”.
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/8mjer9ac82b9o/BMS+4.37+OFM+Universal+Updaters
However, some people have trouble downloading the larger UniUps. Thus, where possible we do “Hotfix’s” . They are smaller downloads. They may or may not be Theater-specific.
So, the questions become how to avoid confusion , get you the info you need, and how best to address your issues. Firstly , any Theater, UniUp, or Hotfix is always announced in this Thread, and the above Updater Journal Thread.
Finally, when/if you have an issue such as CTD’s or whatever, we request a couple of things. First, be sure you have the latest updates in place. Secondly, when you give us Bug Reports, please be as specific as possible. Which Theater/campaign/jet/etc. -
Good Day, All. On another thread we were helping someone, and it’s a topic worth sharing. Every jet may not be in every campaign of every Theater. It depends on what the campaign builder included, and there are a few of us doing that . But, the jets are all in the OFM database. Which means that with Mission Commander you can quickly add a squadron of whatever /wherever you want.
If you’re unfamiliar/uncomfortable with MC, let me know and we can help. -
@drtbkj said in BMS Other Fighters Mafia (BMSOFM) Journal:
We do full Theater Installers. They are over in Theater Discussion, in it’s geographic area, or in the Mafia Files https://www.mediafire.com/folder/rp58m79l0lhys/BMS+4.37.2-3Theaters,Campaigns+and+TE’s .
Well said, but is it well done? When i go to this link, i find Nordic dated May 10 2023.
When reading other Messages from the OFM Team, i find:
OFM 1.7.3.exe dated May 10 2023
OFM 2.3.2 dated Nov 25 2023Both under Theater Discussion (Nordic)
But:
Under Community Mods & Tools i find:Nordic Updater 2.3.4 dated Des 17 2023
Universal Updater 2.3.5 dated Jan 8 2024
Universal Updater 2.3.6 dated Jan 9 2024
Universal Updater 2.4.1.7 dated Mar 30 2024Then i get confused, because we are 5 colleges running MP together, but we do not agree which release of Nordic is the one which is most up to date, and best to use
Of course, included in the latest update we would like a NOR F-35-A working, same with F-22, and of course AIM 9X Blk 2 refinement.
Please give an advise how to get up to date.
My thoughts:
I click on Theaters, Europa and Nordic, and on the Top line i can choose download the current version and get happy. If i have to install the universal updater first, that is OK (I guess), even if original Balkans is my only Theatre besides Korea.
And finally: drtbkj and the rest of the team: You Never Fly OFM Alone