Project ASTFOR - Astelandic Armed Forces

[PTV-Jobo 820]

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the official WIP thread for Project ASTFOR (Astelandic Armed Forces Mod) for ArmA 3. Some of you already know about the project, while others may just simply know of it. It's been a long time coming, but we've finally decided to come up out of the proverbial dark hole for some air and say hello to the community officially. Information will be added to the first page as it comes in, per usual.
 

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Project ASTFOR is basically built around the premise of a fictional Scandinavian country of our creation which we've come to simply call "Asteland", existing within the fictional "ArmAverse" located in/around the Norwegian Sea area. While currently housed in proximity at the moment to Norway, the Astelandic kingdom is an independant entity. Furthermore, Asteland is officially a Constitutional Monarchy and member of NATO.

 

 

 

Since Asteland is Scandinavian, it obviously draws in influence from said countries. However, while the ASTFOR team is focused on keeping hold of some form of realism within this project, the team also does take some creative license here and there along the way. While much of the equipment deployed with the Astelandic forces are familiar to the Scandinavian world, we also have taken creative liberties in some of our choices of said equipment as well to keep some of that uniqueness we wanted with our project. That is why you will find some non-Scandinavian equipment such as choosing the use of the Galil and Negev LMG (thanks to some of the non-Scandinavian influences we've decided to keep) instead of the usual over-used and seen everywhere M4's or HK 416's and M249's.




[As of 12/2015]

 

Yokhanan

thepuglife

Jones
RobertHammer

R0adki11

Task Soldier aka "That Guy"

Folkward

 

 

(Weapons)
Galil SAR

AG890k (Astelandic version of Sweden's prototype Galil, the FFV890c)

AGA25k (Astelandic version of the Galil ACE)
Negev LMG (5.56 commando/NG7-style)
Carl Gustav
,45 USP
SAKO TRG-42
Barrett M82
MG3 & MG3KWS (Upgrade)
M14 (Model JAE 100)

M60E6

(Vehicles - Land)
CV90 + variants
Rheinmetall AMPV

Rheinmetall Survivor R

Rheinmetall Pzh2000
XA-180 "Patria Pasi"
Leopard 2A4

MAN HX60 4x4

MAN HX58 6x6

MAN HX77 8x8

Rheinmetall YAK

Jackal 2

....& More!
Note: Land vehicles will have interiors. (will take forever, but it's worth it!)

(Vehicles - Air)
Bell 412
NH90
AS 550 Fennec
JAS 39C/D

(Vehicles - Sea)
Absalon class frigate
Hamina class corvette
LCAC-1
Jurmo Class landing craft




Unfortunately since it's early creation, we've met quite a number of challenges and unfortunate events that did their damage to the project. Namely, lot of people coming around with false promises and hopes, only to never deliver but leave after the damage was done. However, like the phoenix--we too kept rising from the ashes and keep fighting to move forward with our project. So what do we require to keep this project alive and moving?

Everything.

Whether you know your way around 3d modeling (weapons-based or infantry assets), or texturing....we accept any and all help we can get. The more hands on deck, the better and the quicker we can get this little gem of ours into the hands of the community to play with and enjoy. Basically any help we can get will benefit this project. So if there are people out there who really like the sound of our vision and want to be apart of a team where they are free to relax and explore their creativity in a friendly and welcoming environment---feel free to contact us and let us know.

And for those who are able to help but worried about time schedules and the like, don't worry. We work strictly in the time frame of "when it's done". We prefer things take their time and be done right rather than rushed through with lots of mistakes that will take even longer to fix. So if you feel the desire to want to help but limited in time or busy finishing up on another project--don't worry. We are a very flexible and understanding team. All that matters is to see this project through to completion rather than end up yet another promising-sounding project that never got the chance it deserved to succeed for the community. :)

[UPDATED 6/4/2017]

http://i.imgur.com/dzakSqO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4gqiXGH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/KVF5E9D.png

http://i.imgur.com/RQrS4xo.png

http://i.imgur.com/kXmpSoo.png

http://i.imgur.com/NdbgwgM.png

http://i.imgur.com/NTnmyJB.png

http://i.imgur.com/kRzDRW7.png

http://i.imgur.com/bplAsYe.png

http://i.imgur.com/b2Y4mmM.png

http://i.imgur.com/Uo3tWEY.png

http://i.imgur.com/CShXnIi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DMcLomO.png

http://i.imgur.com/YR4PnLT.png

http://i.imgur.com/hTNCUrH.png

http://i.imgur.com/ok6NCx0.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yOTMge5.png

http://i.imgur.com/sfjdGnC.jpg

 

 

 

Q: Why is Asteland using a Galil?! Shouldn't they have [insert every other rifle under the sun that we've seen 50 billion times]?!

A: Discussions concerning this have been tackled numerous times, please visit these for our reasons:

 

https://forums.bistudio.com/topic/166606-project-astfor-astorian-armed-forces/page-5#entry2629131

https://forums.bistudio.com/topic/166606-project-astfor-astorian-armed-forces/page-20#entry3043787

 

Q: This looks great so far! So, um...what kind of ETA are we looking at?
A: When it's done.

Q: I noticed some non-Scandinavian weapons/choices. What gives?! Why not a M4, HK 416 or something?
A: Short answer--because we wanted to take a bit of creative license with our project.

Many of us were bored back in A2 after seeing so many M4's, 416's, etc, that everyone seemed to release and use. It's kind of like how you try looking for a squad to join and notice there's 50 billion different "omgsupereliteDeltaSFRangerMarineReconChuckNorris" groups out there all looking and sounding alike. Sometimes, there's people like us who want something a bit more....unique or different.

Q: How big will Astland be?
A: We're constantly back-n-forth with such topics as this. Obviously when it comes to things like maps for ArmA, it will be different in terms of size scale compared to the "real life" size of Astoria in the ArmAverse, since you have to make sure the size makes sense and makes certain facts and figures seem plausible (i.e. population size, armed forces size, amount of resources, budget, etc). So right now, nothing is set in stone yet and like much of the mod—subject to change at our discretion.

Q: Did we hear right, you guys are putting interiors into your tanks?!
A: Yep! We've looked at photos as well as even renting a license from Steel Beasts Pro for a month to gather pictures, movies and to experience how proper tanks not just look but functions as well and how we can achieve something close given ArmA's limitations and playability. Now due to size, workload, etc, things might not be 110% all there, but we hope to get as much in as we are able to. The UV mapping alone will be a living nightmare.

Moreover, we do hope to explore the possibility of having some sort of interaction with some of the interior. We won't be going crazy with the interactions like the awesome Apache for A2 as it'll be way too much and complex for us currently. However, we will look at some basic stuff to turn on monitors, start the engines, etc. Basically, give the crewmen a better feeling of immersion instead of the usual, stale and boring BIS method of jumping in and immediately on your way. It means tons of work and stress, but it'll be worth it. We like to look at the finer details and see how we can make things more fun and awesome when and where we can.

Q: Ok, sounds good, but seriously....when will it be done?
A: Please refer to the top question and our official response. If you still proceed to keep asking us this question, you will be beaten repeatedly to death slowly with a spoon by an obese man dressed like an adult baby as he shouts, "Not the momma!". Thank you.

[papanowel 120]

Very big project, good luck, nice to see some talented modder who are coming together and having the same goal.

[LykosMactire 298]

Sweeet

[nikiforos 450]

Excellent , wish you luck guys :)

[Messiah 2]

Fantastic concept, and well researched too - look forward to following this.

[Ckrauslo 12]

Will you guys do new soldier models (clothing)

[PTV-Jobo 820]

Will you guys do new soldier models (clothing)

Yes. That is one reason why we mention we are searching for 3d modelers who are interested in helping, for infantry-related modeling. StalkerGB has been kept busy doing the weighting for everyone's projects, etc. So we're looking for someone who can come in to help out with infantry-related modeling. We're trying to avoid having to go with retextured placeholders for as long as we can. :)

[znooptokkie 14]

Note: Land vehicles will have full interiors.[/Quote]

This project has great potential. I like your choice for some freedom within the equipment.

[Ckrauslo 12]

Nice i liked the mod

[blackadder 10]

looks awesome what camos are you guys gonna use ?

[astast 12]

Congrats with the announcement guys :) looking forward to see more! Good job so far:)

[theevancat 277]

Looks really cool. I like having fictional countries in the game because they can branch out from realitya bit and offer something new.

As for joining the development team, I'm kind of on the fence. On one hand, I know Blender and I've done models before (well, my stuff in my current project isn't 100% from scratch - it uses Arms 2 models as a base.) On the other hand, I am definitely no pro and I haven't tried producing anything of BIS caliber. But I don't have too many obligations (woot woot seventeen year old bachelor!) and I'm trying my best to learn. I don't know if you guys would be interested - if not, I'd totally understand.

[rksl-rock 1300]

Those renders look great. I can only echo Messiah's post and say that I'm going to watch you guys closely!

[PTV-Jobo 820]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to chime in and thank you all for the support already. While it's a bit stressful at the moment with setbacks, seeing how people are already getting into our ideas makes it worth it. I never thought I'd ever be apart of something like this. It really started as a small idea in hopes of having something more positive in my life to be involved in. Then to end up with a team--without whom this would still be merely a dream!--and being able to share with the community this, means a lot. :)

@TheEvanCat

Well Blender knowledge isn't exactly required. It's just Dennis/LJ learned off Blender and made these weapons with it. We've had occasional UV guys and texture artists try to come along and offer a hand, but so far the transition from Blender to 3ds hasn't been so well, and ended up with technical issues. So we figured, if someone comes in with Blender know-how, it's merely a bonus help, unless we can figure out why we are experiencing some of these issues that keep things from getting into 3ds Max. Of course if it does get into 3ds, it means what uv maps we do have from blender would need to be redone I suppose for working with 3ds. Yeah, it really is the headache it sounds like, lol. But anyways, help is help. If people end up having experience with Blender as well, it's a bonus.

@blackadder

Well we're a bit back-n-forth. It's pretty much down to either 1) Flecktarn or 2)our original ASTCDU which kind of looked like Estonia's digital pattern that is currently used nowadays. Vehicles will probably be more splinter-style like you see with Sweden, Finland, etc. So while our idea of doing such a pattern with Norwegian colors looked kind of cool, we didn't want the vehicles to match the clothing. So it's down to either custom Digital or custom Flecktarn. Below are some old examples I did up back when the team was discussing possible pattern styles to go with. The color swatches need adjusting because in-game they seem kind of dark and muddle together too much, but you'll get the rough idea at least:

ASTCDU

http://i.imgur.com/Igfy610.png

Astorian Flecktarn

http://i.imgur.com/99Kyyu2.jpg

[sabre 244]

Vehicles look really nice guys.

Look forward to seeing more progress

[theevancat 277]

Well, if you need help I'll put in my application as soon as I get to a proper computer. Just keep in mind I'd be learning and practicing the entire time.

[blackadder 10]

@blackadder

Well we're a bit back-n-forth. It's pretty much down to either 1) Flecktarn or 2)our original ASTCDU which kind of looked like Estonia's digital pattern that is currently used nowadays. Vehicles will probably be more splinter-style like you see with Sweden, Finland, etc. So while our idea of doing such a pattern with Norwegian colors looked kind of cool, we didn't want the vehicles to match the clothing. So it's down to either custom Digital or custom Flecktarn. Below are some old examples I did up back when the team was discussing possible pattern styles to go with. The color swatches need adjusting because in-game they seem kind of dark and muddle together too much, but you'll get the rough idea at least:

ASTCDU

http://i.imgur.com/Igfy610.png

Astorian Flecktarn

http://i.imgur.com/99Kyyu2.jpg

very nice

are you guys thinking of adding a helicopter assualt carrier kinda thing bit like hms ocean ?

http://i.imgur.com/EJWx413.jpg

Edited April 20, 2014 by blackadder

[Mr. Charles 22]

This looks already great! Finally we know what's behind these nifty signatures :D

[FanBF2 13]

It's nice to see something different (and more european). :p

I really want to see more !

[ei8ght 11]

haaa great I am very happy to finally see this topic, I'll watch every day and this topic to favorites.

[PTV-Jobo 820]

very nice

are you guys thinking of adding a helicopter assualt carrier kinda thing bit like hms ocean ?

http://i.imgur.com/EJWx413.jpg

This is a layout example of what we're thinking of in terms of naval assets for Astoria currently:

http://i.imgur.com/7gHladA.jpg

[Redphoenix 1540]

This is a layout example of what we're thinking of in terms of naval assets for Astoria currently:

http://i.imgur.com/7gHladA.jpg

If the LCAC works - You will be god.

[blackadder 10]

This is a layout example of what we're thinking of in terms of naval assets for Astoria currently:

http://i.imgur.com/7gHladA.jpg

awesome what is this ?

http://i.imgur.com/PT8Dw4k.jpg

[Westonsammy 1]

I have been waiting on news about ASTFOR for a long, long time (Especially after Jarhead posted those wip pictures awhile back...)

and I have to say this sounds AMAZING.

Its like an unofficial official DLC for ArmA 3

[lennard 447]

Good to see this project out in public. Love the renders and the setting.

Also nice to see they adopted the Karel Doorman class support ship.