v2024-09-19 - See changelog at the bottom.
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Release video: https://youtu.be/lDfATcifLzM
Welcome to Bold Cheetah, a realistic and challenging 13 mission campaign for the DCS F/A-18C Hornet that will test both your and your aircraft to the limits.
Before we get into the details, there are some requirements that you need to be aware of before downloading and flying this campaign.
• You MUST own the DCS F/A-18C Hornet Module
• You MUST own the DCS Persian Gulf Map
• OPTIONAL: DCS Supercarrier module.
• OPTIONAL: For realistic Iranian F-14 markings, download this amazing skin (https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3304485/) by sadjad_vosoul on the DCS User Files section.
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DECEMBER 21, 2022 - Today I learned of the passing of Olivier Balland, known in the DCS community as Olivier Gaming and HODGY. Oliver recorded the voice of MAGIC for me in mission 12, and was very helpful in beta-testing Bold Cheetah.
Please take a moment to think of Oliver, his friends and family.
I would like to dedicate the campaign Bold Cheetah in his memory.
https://www.youtube.com/@OlivierGaming
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Bold Cheetah is designed for a player who is proficient in the use of the DCS F/A-18C Hornet module and its weapons systems. You will also require knowledge of US Carrier operations and how to conduct operations off both aircraft carriers and land bases.
Examples of challenges you will need to be able to perform include:
1. Case 1 and Case 3 operations, day and night
2. Ability to meet time over target requirements
3. Dynamic re-tasking in a fast-paced combat environment
4. Advanced targeting pod and weapon system employment
5. Formation flying.
In addition, familiarity with US military terms and abbreviations is helpful to understand what is happening once in flight. A glossary of useful terms is located at the end of this guide to help you out.
I truly hope that you enjoy this campaign. I have literally spent thousands of hours over the last 3 years pouring my heart and soul into this.
I think you’ll like it.
Sedlo
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INSTALLATION
This campaign is designed and tested for the latest DCS Open Beta version. I will endeavour to keep it upd ated as new Open Beta versions are released. I highly recommend players use the Open Beta version of DCS to get the most from this campaign. This means it will not work well on other versions of DCS. Please update your install to the latest Open Beta for best results.
Unzip the contents of the download to your C:\Users\YOURNAMEHERE\Saved Games\DCS.openbeta\Missions\Campaigns\en folder.
Since there is not currently an Iranian F-14 skin in game, I have used the amazing IRIAF Blue-Grey skin by Sadjad_Vosoul, which can be downloaded here:
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3304485/
Download and extract that file into your C:\Users\YOURNAMEHERE\Saved Games\DCS.openbeta\Liveries\F-14B folder. If you do not have a folder named F-14B, then you can create one in that location, then extract the contents.
If you do not do this, the Iranian F-14 in-game will visually appear to be an American Tomcat.
Once you download and install the campaign and skin, you will find it in the “My Campaigns” section listed as F/A-18C – Bold Cheetah.
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SITUATION UPDATE JUNE 1, 2013
The USS John C. Stennis and its task group have taken up station in the Gulf of Oman, and will soon commence air operations in support of the invocation of Article 5. The objective of our presence is to deter the Iranians from any military expansion in the region, and to show our allies that we are here for them.
Our goal is to provide support to the UAE governments in fighting the growing insurgency on the peninsula. US, British, Canadian and French special forces are now on the ground, helping advise the UAE military in counter insurgency strategy. The air wing will provide assistance to this effort, including Close Air Support over and on UAE territory, and air defense of UAE and Saudi Arabian airspace.
At this time, we will not be commencing any military action against any regular Iranian military force, nor will we violate the 12-mile Iranian territorial waters or 12-mile airspace boundary. However, we will be ready to strike, if and when called upon.
It is hoped that once the regime in Tehran gets a taste of our presence in the region, cooler heads will prevail and they will de-escalate.
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More information is included in the Docs folder inside the .zip file.
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Author’s Note
As you may know, the release of Bold Cheetah has been delayed for quite some time.
In fact, the campaign has been completed for well over a year now, but due to some real-life challenges I had to put off submitting it as an official, 3rd party developer.
These challenges are continuing, and I foresee them continuing into the near future. This situation has, unfortunately, caused me to pause my pursuit of releasing Bold Cheetah as a 3rd party, paid DLC.
At the same time, I’m aware that I’ve been promising it’s been “coming soon” for far too long.
I have decided to release the campaign, for free, into the User Files section of the ED website.
I started working on Bold Cheetah back in 2018 and finished it up in 2021. It’s been a lot of hard work, and I’m really excited for you to finally enjoy it. I look forward to your feedback.
Sedlo
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Bold Cheetah - Changelog
2024-09-19 - Updated Mission 11: Added a safety for a trigger (fixed adversary not spawning. Thanks, Flying Kenny for the bug report!
2024-08-18 - Updated Mission 9. The radio transmission logic in DCS has changed/broke FM radio communications. I've had to replace radio transmissions with "Sound To" triggers. There is a chance some audio may not play if two simultaneous transmissions occur. I've also changed the design of both versions as well.
2024-07-22 - Updated all missions! Landing scripts had to be re-written due to DCS SSE change. I've also added the ability for the player to choose immortality AND an easier adversary. Both options are toggleable on and off. Easier adversary will self-destruct hostile missiles fired toward the player after a se t amount of time. Yes, this is a cheat, but can help newer players cope with the threat of enemy fire.
2024-06-15 - Mission 9 - tweaked scripts
2024-07-08 - Added ability for player to sel ect invulnerable on/off and easier adversary on/off via radio menu F10. Invulnerability speaks for itself, but easier adversary on/off will self destruct any missiles fired towards you after a certain amount of time. Both options are toggle-able on and off.
- The source of the Iranian F-14 paint scheme has removed his skins fr om the game. Pending me finding an alternative, the skins are now in the "Top Gun Rogue Nation" paint. I know it's not ideal, hopefully I can find a suitable F-14 skin soon.
2024-06-14 - Mission 5 - adjusted condition to proceed after bunker hit.
Mission 7 - Fixed broken refuel trigger.
Mission 9 - adjusted MANPAD effectiveness.
2024-06-02 - Fixed Mission 02 not progressing after target 1 hit. Thanks, Fil777777 !
2024-05-20 - Adjusted JDAM and LGB to have US Navy skins, adjusted loadout mission 1.
2024-04-23 Fixed Kneeboard with incorrect frequencies M9 and M13.
2024-04-13 (version numbering changed)
- Adjusted Victory Conditions in some missions
v2.9.A002 - updated 2024-02-24 - Adjusted trigger mission 13 to fix a CTD one user experienced.
2.9.A001 - Fixed Mission 4 briefing
- In certain situations, and aircraft in-game was se t to invulnerable. This has been fixed.
2.9.A001 - 1. Updated all missions with "Unlimited Wingman Fuel". No more wingman running out of fuel now. Once wingman fuel goes below 50%, their fuel state will be frozen at 50%. They can still refuel with the tanker normal.
2. Adjusted radio triggers to account for new radio design. DCS 2.9 introduces "realistic" radio effects. I have updated most of my missions this will not be an issue with the exception of mission 3. You may hear some extra static-y radio tranmissions during the first part of this mission, but it is not in my control.
3. Adjusted some scripts and behind the scenes triggers to ensure a smooth performing game.
4. Fixed wingman making multiple, useless callouts in mission 3.
5. Chnaged version numbering to align better with DCS version numbering.
1.073 - Changed Mission 12 Start / Finish
1.072- Adjusted wind direction and speed mission 12.
1.071- Fixed double menu entry mission 5, 6. Fixed Mission 10 to feature CVN-74.
1.07 - Swapped Carrier to CVN-74 USS John C. Stennis. Now Supercarrier non-owners can play Bold Cheetah whilst ownwers still have the same experience.
Changed Recovery Tanker / Rescue Helo method (MOOSE to ME).
1.06 - Adjusted label settings mission 9 an 10.
1.05 - Adjusted radio triggers mission 9
1.04 - Fixed Typo mission kneeboard card in mission 4. Push time is :30
1.03 - Updated Mission 2 to fix script error in radio message (if Uzi 12 gets killed, missed a " in the script. Fixed now.
1.02 - Updated Mission 3 to help prevent accidental team kill
Updated Mission 3 - changed on screen text message
Added Bold_Cheetah_changelog.txt to zip file
1.01 - Updated Mission 1 incorrect victoria condiditon - fixed