New aircraft armour values

[Kulikov2009 10]

Hey all, after playing Arma2 for only a little bit now, I noticed that basically while doing online play (coop or pvp), aircraft are essentially useless in the game (especially if veteran is selected in pve for the enemy or everyone and their brother is an AA soldier). IMO, the armour values for the aircraft in ArmA2 are way off. So, I decided to modify these values and this is what I found.

Before I modified anything, I blew up each craft, and took note on how much it took to blow up each one. Some of the results were surprising to me.

Take a look below.

uh1 - 4 hits stinger

ah1z - 4 hits stinger

uh60 - 5 hits stinger

f35 - 2 hits stinger

a10 - 3 hits stinger

c130 - 3 hits stinger

mv 22 - 1 hit stinger

ka52 - 7 hits stinger

su25 - 3 hits stinger

mi24 (all versions) -4 hits stinger

su34 - 2 hits stinger

av8 (all versions) - 2 hits stinger

After making the adjusted values for each aircraft (some were unchanged on their armor values only), this is what I noticed.

c130 - 8 hits stinger

a10 - 5 hits stinger

f35 - 2 hits stinger (unchanged)

mv22 - 3 hits stinger

ka52 - 7 hits stinger(unchanged)

su25 - 5 hits stinger

mi24 (all versions) - 4 hits stinger(unchanged)

su34 - 6 hits stinger

uh1 - 4 hits stinger (unchanged)

ah1z - 4 hits stinger(unchanged)

uh60 - 5 hits stinger(unchanged)

av8 (all versions) - 3 hits stinger

Summary:

Each aircraft that has been modified is for the sole purpose to enhance their surivability when in combat. I have taken into account when I modified their respective armour values the fact that each aircraft has extra armour to better protect it.

For example, the A10 is known for its survivability in combat due to a titanium tub that surrounds the pilot. It can sustain 20mm & 30mm fire and still keep flying. In addition, it has 2 engines that can sustain SAM or AAA fire and still keep flying.

Another example is the UH60. The UH60, unbeknownst to many, is that it contains a kevlar pad about 5 inches thick that lines the floor of the aircraft's cabin. This is a kevlar pad that is meant to take on 20mm, 25mm and 30mm cannon fire, as well as small arms fire.

In order to achieve the above realism, I added a piece of code that was found in only a few aircraft: damageresist. Not every aircraft had this value and when I added it, the survivability of the said aircraft was increased considerably (but not to a point of invulnerability).

Notes:

I tested these values by firing on them with a US Stinger missile (tons of them), rifle fire, 20mm, 25mm, and 30mm cannon fire from various vehicles, as well as M1A1 fire. The overall averages for cannon fire was 25-48 rounds before the aircraft exploded. The M1A1 fire took out each aircraft in 1 shot.

Again, I modified these values because while in pvp combat or pve/coop combat (on veteran mode especially) the aircraft is virtually useless and really takes up space. This is an effort to increase their usability and survivability and to make them more of a viable asset to players.

If you wish to download these modified files simply click here and choose from the list.

After downloading just unpack the files to the following directory:

<yourdriveletter>:\Program Files\Bohemia Interactive\ArmA 2\AddOns.

Please note to make a backup of your existing files before unpacking and installing!

Thanks and I hopefully will have some missions and models soon for all to enjoy.

Kulikov

PS - Please leave any feedback. All I ask is to keep it courteous :)

Edited November 28, 2009 by Kulikov2009

[.kju 3105]

Ok first of thanks for your effort and getting into coding editing Kulikov!

Unfortunately this release is a big no no:

1. Never ever move files, or even worse overwrite, files in ArmA 2\AddOns.

Always use modfolders.

2. You modified a2 pbos. This causes loads of problems with patching and

compatibility.

Instead you need to make small config replacement addons only for your task

at hand.

Check the PROPER addons to get the idea.

You may only define different values in replacement configs - NEVER EVER

unmodified, same as BI a2 config values.

3. You are aware of the addons to add flares to balance AAA vs air?

4. Did you keep in mind, that often the engine fails or fuel leaks appear.

So the full destruction is not necessary, nor realistic I guess.

5. Testing is bit tricky as for real situation, you need to shoot flying units,

and even better in MP, as air units mostly get splash damage instead of direct

hit damage.

Hopefully you will address the problems - looking forward to your update. :bounce3:

[Beagle 674]

I just tested this again, and I only need ONE Stinger to down all helicopter in game. Best aspect is from front or rear. This fact makes your effeort a little bit, ...meaningless.

[Kulikov2009 10]

Hey guys,

Thanks for taking a look my post. I appreciate your time in giving me pointers. For the record I did take the time to take into consideration the engine failures, which is what I was aiming for. I did not take into consideration though the fuel and hydraulic leaks though.

As far as adding any modded files to a mod folder, wouldn't I have to modify a config file to do that? Like add the mod folder and the modded item to a config file so it could ref it properly? If so just point me to the direction and I will do that :)

As far as shooting from behind, I did do that as well and found that after I modded it there was a difference in the aircraft absorbing it more. I can go check again though.

Thanks again guys for your feedback. I truly appreciate it.

[Kulikov2009 10]

Just a quick update - I have modded the existing UH60 into a separate mod folder, containing the vehicle and config files.

I took into account, before modding > packaging, the reflecting and also fuel leaks and hydraulic leaks while increasing some other armor values (ex. hull value was at 1 now its at 3.5). And I must say it works pretty cool!

I did several tests that involved crashing while taking 2 more Stinger hits ( all from behind), as well as small arms fire. The bird was still flyable and went into a quick spin but it recovered quickly before finally having to crash land after a 3rd Stinger hit.

Naturally taking into account pilot skill and awareness of the crew can help increase survivability too :)

All in all I am enjoying this! Any other feedback would rock!

Thanks,

Kulikov

[.kju 3105]

If you still have OFP, you might wanna try WGL5.1/5.2.

Killswitch spent a lot of time there to get the damage values

and breakdown features right.