CSAT Modification Project

[theevancat 277]

The CSAT Modification Project

---

Lo and behold, the CSAT Modification Project. Undertaken because many have deemed the CSAT uniforms as too "bug-helmeted", "spacesuit-ish", and "Skeletor-suited", this aims to bring the CSAT faction to a closer aesthetic feel with the others and to create an enemy force that is more familiar but also in keeping with the time period of BIS's established lore. I have only done a few uniforms in three different variants (desert, grassland, and urban), but I plan to create a consistent theme across the CSAT military as I work towards a full faction. In the future, I plan to modify the vehicle fleet by doing something about the Marsmobile Ifrit, among others. Possibly, I might add more member states (if you notice, the Iranian flag is on the uniforms, indicating Iranian nationals instead of CSAT as a whole) with corresponding uniforms.

In addition, custom content is in the works: stuff is being added in the form of a modified BAF helmet port called the "FCH Penah." I hope to implement more in the future.

So now I have something meaningful to work on for the near future.

Anywho: pics.

http://cloud-2.steampowered.com/ugc/3281180873659633309/13CEA31C5CBA36F7EB1F5A5C0A4B61E9DF842D3E/ (456 kB)

http://cloud-4.steampowered.com/ugc/3281180873659646720/47F4938B87E1075E554B5B2C9804B5FBF420CCF4/ (301 kB)

http://cloud-2.steampowered.com/ugc/3280051887639295946/45B471A1AD2EA9AB9D84866809FF4413F1D2705C/ (293 kB)

http://cloud-4.steampowered.com/ugc/3282304231430457507/F261CF2C582E3F4E80AB469334787608B7AEB359/ (335 kB)

http://cloud-4.steampowered.com/ugc/3282304231453161922/0475334191C0683B0DA95DD318F7AE2E66ADC2CE/ (394 kB)

http://cloud-4.steampowered.com/ugc/3282305137982117865/8E9336E293722AD04E71381D4FDAFE47BD8D9441/ (347 kB)

http://cloud-4.steampowered.com/ugc/3282305138009874876/397655A107A28606FCBA33ECD6176B5164511485/ (252 kB)

http://cloud-2.steampowered.com/ugc/3282305138009869055/F1AB50B7ABC0368AD92F6941DF540A611555E7C1/ (261 kB)

http://cloud-4.steampowered.com/ugc/3278928434325739872/BEC8381C70CB003782DE13F3CDC4AB0D6C180195/ (367 kB)

Roadmap (as of 4/28/14):

> Initial release should be soon and this should include infantry units to play with. No vehicle changes will be made. Zeus compatibility is something I want to try and work on.

> A replacement pack for default CSAT units is definitely a wanted thing, and definitely something I want to add as an option.

> Updates beyond the initial release will focus on recrewing vehicles with TEC units and bugfixes/feature-tweaking (enhanced textures.) Groups and whatnot will be after the initial release. As per something like ALiVE, I'll take a look at it.

> Possible vehicle retextures to something more conservative than the camouflage pattern.

> More member states (first the Arabian theater like Turkey's newly-instituted government, Iraq, Azerbaijan, etc.)

> Future goals include finding a replacement for the Ifrit and the Kajman.

> After this is all done in the far future, I want to be able to diversify the CSAT arsenal with equipment like heavy lift helicopters, MLRS artillery, small patrol vehicles, etc. In addition, a possible phase-out of retextured gear for custom content may be something to do as well.

Credits for people assisting me thus far:

BIS - The models, the setting, the faction, and - most importantly - the game.

Surpher - Without him, my configs would still be a mess.

Da12thmonkey - Advise on fixing the helmet model.

Shtebbie - Help with custom model texturing.

AntoinneFlemming - I used his CSAT camouflage samples kindly posted here.

The Community - I did the mod for the community - it was their woes that convinced me to try my hand with this. They are the ones who showed interest and support, and for that I truly thank them.

Anyone I've missed should contact me so I can put them in. I appreciate everyone's help.

Edited May 3, 2014 by TheEvanCat

[CaptainAzimuth 714]

Looks almost like AAF Desert. Maybe its just me, but they look too... Protagonist. Lol. It still looks good though, keep up the good work!

[corporal_lib[br] 396]

The Ifrit is real (a russian armoured vehicle), thou it looks quite extraterrestrial and the CSAT vests are OK, if you only exchange their uniform (or use the CSAT optional uniform without the VR glooes kinda thing) and the buglike hemet you´re good to go... oh yeah, exchange the Havok-Hokum crossover chopper for the Mi24 or Ka-52 (don´t know it the alligator is in the sample models), the katiba for AK-107s and you´re all set!

cheers!

[theevancat 277]

Looks almost like AAF Desert. Maybe its just me, but they look too... Protagonist. Lol. It still looks good though, keep up the good work!

Thanks, and yeah, that was one of my concerns. Especially having them look like their counterparts on NATO or AAF. I want a unique style that isn't the one BIS set, because a lot of people don't like that (I like both styles, however.) I don't have a lot of skill modeling, so it's just existing stuff for right now.

Besides, what military wants their troops to be the scary, dehumanized bugmen? You can relate to the locals better if you don't look like that character from Fallout 3:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3504/3989421955_316e8ce47d_o.jpg (725 kB)

---------- Post added at 00:52 ---------- Previous post was at 00:50 ----------

;2646730']The Ifrit is real (a russian armoured vehicle)' date=' thou it looks quite extraterrestrial and the CSAT vests are OK, if you only exchange their uniform (or use the CSAT optional uniform without the VR glooes kinda thing) and the buglike hemet you´re good to go... oh yeah, exchange the Havok-Hokum crossover chopper for the Mi24 or Ka-52 (don´t know it the alligator is in the sample models), the katiba for AK-107s and you´re all set!

cheers![/quote']

If by optional uniform you mean the officer one, I don't particularly like it. It feels too oldschool for the setting, especially with a military power like CSAT.

[mistyronin 1181]

I want a unique style that isn't the one BIS set, because a lot of people don't like that (I like both styles, however.)

If by optional uniform you mean the officer one, I don't particularly like it. It feels too oldschool for the setting, especially with a military power like CSAT.

First, I must thank you, because I'm actually one of those who hate the actual CSAT bug look. Your mod would improve my game a lot.

Talking about uniforms, if you think that the officer one is too classic, but you want to give them unique look, why not try to use one of the Guerrilla Smocks or this one 'U_BG_leader' as a base. The scarf would fit really well for Iranian troops.

Also the Raven vest would give them a good differential look.

For the headgear I'd suggest berets and the AAF one, after all its quite similar to the nowadays Iranian Army:

About vehicles, you could port the BTR90, BMP3, Hind and the Land Rover from Arma 2.

Edited March 18, 2014 by MistyRonin

[theevancat 277]

First, I must thank you, because I'm actually one of those who hate the actual CSAT bug look. Your mod would improve my game a lot.

Talking about uniforms, if you think that the officer one is too classic, but you want to give them unique look, why not try to use one of the Guerrilla Smocks or this one 'U_BG_leader' as a base. The scarf would fit really well for Iranian troops.

For the headgear I'd suggest berets and the AAF one, after all its quite similar to the nowadays Iranian Army:

http://groundreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Iran-army.jpg

About vehicles, you could port the BTR90, BMP3, Hind and the Land Rover from Arma 2.

You mean the button-up shirt? I could try that.

[mistyronin 1181]

You mean the button-up shirt? I could try that.

Well, IMO any of the guerrilla ones could fit ( use the Dyslexic Gear mission to check them ). Use your best taste.

[theevancat 277]

So I messed around with a few vests. Here are the Raven and Tac Vest. I decided to go with black since it looks good with the camouflage.

http://cloud-2.steampowered.com/ugc/3282302860243361087/DD258603BB966BB540ACE7E6B189A842DC2D9A91/ (250 kB)

http://cloud-4.steampowered.com/ugc/3282302860243358669/FD5F3CDF1389330D1768F98E763E1998B27F999C/ (309 kB)

---------- Post added at 01:32 ---------- Previous post was at 01:29 ----------

Well, IMO any of the guerrilla ones could fit ( use the Dyslexic Gear mission to check them ). Use your best taste.

I could use the guerrilla base (with the AAF pants) as a sort of "rugged" uniform, going with just the undershirt because they're out in a remote outpost and they threw the uniform standard out the window.

[chops 111]

Nice! Looking forward to seeing how these finish up. The default CSAT units aren't to my taste either. Good luck with it!

[theevancat 277]

I have some backpack textures ready, but I cannot into Six Config to get the configs for anything. I'm trying but no dice. Dunno where to look/what to do.

[OrLoK 20]

Hello there

Just a word of support here.

I would dearly love a "replacement" pack which will be useable in all user and BI missions.

For me my main bugbear is the OPFOR "bug" helmets and their uniform. Their equipment and weaponry is fine. Im not fond of the hex camo, but I can live with it (or indeed any camo)

Ive got my grubby little fingers crossed for this one.

Rgds

LoK

[theevancat 277]

Hello there

Just a word of support here.

I would dearly love a "replacement" pack which will be useable in all user and BI missions.

For me my main bugbear is the OPFOR "bug" helmets and their uniform. Their equipment and weaponry is fine. Im not fond of the hex camo, but I can live with it (or indeed any camo)

Ive got my grubby little fingers crossed for this one.

Rgds

LoK

If I can figure out how to do that, I may be able to. However, that may be outside my skills at the moment.

[Kaxii 11]

The weapons are fine in my opinion, you just need to change the helmets and uniform.

For helmets may I suggest the sssh-94 sphera, it looks modern, is real and could of been bought by CSAT from Russia.

http://www.rusmilitary.com/images/sphera_94.jpg

[katipo66 94]

If I can figure out how to do that, I may be able to. However, that may be outside my skills at the moment.

Id be happy if you were able to replace the helmets with a mixture of bandanna's, Shemagh's and caps.

[theevancat 277]

Id be happy if you were able to replace the helmets with a mixture of bandanna's, Shemagh's and caps.

An army needs helmets though. There'll be boonies and patrol caps, too. Maybe some watch caps as well.

---------- Post added at 00:05 ---------- Previous post was at 23:59 ----------

The weapons are fine in my opinion, you just need to change the helmets and uniform.

For helmets may I suggest the sssh-94 sphera, it looks modern, is real and could of been bought by CSAT from Russia.

http://www.rusmilitary.com/images/sphera_94.jpg

If anyone wants to help me model them (since my skills in that department are lacking), I'd appreciate help. It'd be cool to have all custom stuff.

Also, I've been using the config example from the retexture guide but I seemed to have screwed it somehow:

enum {
    //  = 2,    // Error parsing: Empty enum name
   DESTRUCTENGINE = 2,
   DESTRUCTDEFAULT = 6,
   DESTRUCTWRECK = 7,
   DESTRUCTTREE = 3,
   DESTRUCTTENT = 4,
   STABILIZEDINAXISX = 1,
   STABILIZEDINAXESXYZ = 4,
   STABILIZEDINAXISY = 2,
   STABILIZEDINAXESBOTH = 3,
   DESTRUCTNO = 0,
   STABILIZEDINAXESNONE = 0,
   DESTRUCTMAN = 5,
   DESTRUCTBUILDING = 1,
};


class CfgPatches {
   class TEC_CSAT {
       units[] = {};
       weapons[] = {};
       requiredVersion = 0.1;
       requiredAddons[] = {"A3_Characters_F"};
   };
};

class CfgVehicles {

   class B_Soldier_base_F;

   class TEC_CSAT_Soldier_F : B_Soldier_base_F {
       _generalMacro = "B_Soldier_F";
       scope = 2;
       displayName = "Rifleman (Arid)";
       nakedUniform = "U_BasicBody";
       uniformClass = "TEC_U_CSAT_Arid";
       hiddenSelections[] = {"Camo"};
       hiddenSelectionsTextures[] = {"TEC_CSAT\Data\csat_clothing_arid_co.paa"};
   };

};

class cfgWeapons {
   class Uniform_Base;
   class ItemInfo;

	class TEC_U_CSAT_Arid : Uniform_Base {
	scope = 2;
	displayname = "Fatigues [CSAT] [Arid]";
	picture = "\A3\characters_f_beta\data\ui\icon_U_IR_CrewUniform_rucamo_ca.paa";
	model = "\A3\Characters_F\Common\Suitpacks\suitpack_blufor_diver";

class ItemInfo : UniformItem {
	uniformmodel = "-";
	uniformclass = "TEC_CSAT_Soldier_F";
	containerclass = "Supply40";
	mass = 40;
};
   };
};

Edited March 20, 2014 by TheEvanCat

[nikeleye 10]

Great concept, the default faction is at best annoying and at worst immersion breaking. Can I just advocate also removing the NVGs from the units during the day somehow, all soldiers running about with them permanently looks ridiculous (not to mention unrealistic to the extreme).

[theevancat 277]

Great concept, the default faction is at best annoying and at worst immersion breaking. Can I just advocate also removing the NVGs from the units during the day somehow, all soldiers running about with them permanently looks ridiculous (not to mention unrealistic to the extreme).

If anything, that's something for the mission editors. I can take a look at stuff but I think NVGs are there permanently? I might just keep them on to be with the same kind of flow with the rest of the units, and editors can use the regular removeitem in the init. But for now, my focus is getting my configs running.

[katipo66 94]

An army needs helmets though. There'll be boonies and patrol caps, too. Maybe some watch caps as well.

Ok great to hear, and it's been so long since I've played CSAT that I completely forgot about their ridiculous Eco skeletor suits so yeah, look forward to any new uniform that looks legit :)

[Nikoteen 24]

Looks already very good ! Interesting concept, and promising mod ! :)

[theevancat 277]

Still have issues with the config. If anyone wants to take a look at it and see what I totally screwed, it's posted a few posts back.

In content news, I'm mimicking urban (since I don't have a sample) by completely desaturating arid camo. I feel lazy doing it but it works.

EDIT: Pics. This is also testing how it looks with the BLUFOR ECH. I personally don't like the MICH much, but I could make it work.

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=241892245

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=241893217

Edited March 24, 2014 by TheEvanCat

[General Kong 148]

Hope to see a release soon, I am always unnerved by the bug helmets and overall design of CSAT infantry, what your doing could make them as equel to my my favourite AAF

[jcae2798 132]

this looks geat, keep it up

[theevancat 277]

Today I'm gonna see what I can do about finding new headgear. I might ask some people permission to use helmet models.

[biggerdave 56]

Today I'm gonna see what I can do about finding new headgear. I might ask some people permission to use helmet models.

The SSh68 from the sample models pack might work pretty well - swap out the strap and add some widgets from the MICH and you'd have a pretty neat looking piece of kit.

[C.T 44]

Check out here...

http://strikingpanthers.webs.com/sppack.htm