A/MH-6 Littlebird

Addon Name: A/MH-6 Littlebird (for OFP v. 1.45/1.75)
Version: 1.1
By: Ballistic Addon Studios (http://www.concept-5.com/ballistic)

OFP Ed Center Code: BAS

DESIGN TEAM
===========
Original Model:       Drakkhen
Original Concept R&D: Scorpio, Fliper
Model Improvements:   SelectThis, Tigershark
AH-6/MD500 Models:    SelectThis (using improved Drakkhen model)
Textures:             SelectThis, Tigershark
CPP Programming:      SelectThis, Scorpio
Beta Testing:         ofpeditor
Producer/QA:          Tigershark
Concept Missions:     Nagual	

Special Thanks:
Duff (pics, advice), Lucky (pics, advice), Sentinel (for PR), Gunship (for PR), Vixer (all kinds of help), Eviscerator (modelling advice and help), Remington (technical advice), Defender (testing), Bugkill (advice, technical observations) and countless others in the forums that have helped shape this addon.


VERSION HISTORY
===============
1.0 (29-Oct.-2002)
- First release

1.1 (5-Nov.-2002)
- handling adjusted to make the LBs less twitchy, better conrnering (the downside is more erratic handling when landing...the LB is now less forgiving if you approach a LZ at an angle or with speed, the AI land fine)
- lower elevation of miniguns reduced from -40degrees to -25 degrees
- passengers on the MH6 and MH6a can now be targetted and hit in flight
**Notem: make sure to use the AH6 to clear the area before an insertion!**
- pilot armpatches corrected
- some small texture edits
- These changes pertain to the 1.46 version of the Littlebird:
         -remade two problem textures
         -beretta proxy removed from pilot
         -all pbos repacked with stuffpbo


ADDON DESCRIPTION
=================
This addon is a entirely new model created in Oxygen (OFP Modelling tool) depicting the A/MH-6 Littlebird used by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiement (SOAR).

Features include:-

-Highly accurate dark low-radar reflective and visibility colour scheme and markings based on reference material from many sources on the Internet. Apart from new colour scheme there are OVER 30 authentic and visually accurate modifications made to the texture and shape of the aircraft.

- A realistically reskinned and newly modelled unit to represent a real 160th SOAR pilot. Pilots now wear camo flight suits and wear subdued combat version of the Special Operations patch on their left sleeve. Another patch on the right sleeve represents that they are combat veterans (in this case a veteran from the 101st Air Assualt Divison). Units include new helmets, microphones and combat vest. Also have the parachute packs removed from the BIS pilot model.

- Troop capacity 4 people (MH-6) as per real world specs (see Background Reading below)


- Accuracy values improved to simulate the skills of the highly trained specialists that operate these aircraft.

- Threat model tweaked so that Soft targets have priority, and then Armored and Air targets.

*** NOTE ***
The MD500D TOW helo is not operated by the 160th SOAR. This was a bonus helo provided for the OFP community.



INSTALLATION
============
There are 6 PBO files in the zip file. Installation files are different depending on which version of OFP you are running.

**** 1.46 and 1.75:
Put the following in your addons folder:
bas_lbs.pbo
bas_lbs146.pbo
bas_soar.pbo
bas_soar146.pbo

--do not include the bas_lbs185 or bas_soar185 files in the addons folder!
This version will not have custom vehicle classes nor animations or weapons.

**** 1.85
Put the following in your addons folder:
bas_lbs.pbo
bas_lbs185.pbo
bas_soar.pbo
bas_soar185.pbo

--do not include the bas_lbs146 or bas_soar146 files in the addons folder!
The new units will be available under a custom vehicle class called BAS Special Ops - Vehicles

ADDED UNITS:
============

Under BAS Special Ops - Vehicles

Name - classname -weapon/magazine name

"MH6"
ClassName:bas_mh6 
wpn: unarmed

MH6 Armed 
ClassName: bas_mh6a 
wpn:bashkmounted
mag: bashkmounted

AH6 Gunship
Classname:bas_ah6j
wpn: basM134MiniGun, baszuni14
mag: basM134MiniGun, baszuni14

AH6 Multi Purpose
Classname: bas_ah6mp
wpn:basM134MiniGun, baszuni7, basah6helllauncher
mag: basM134MiniGun, baszuni7, basah6helllauncher

MD500D TOW
Classname: bas_md500dtow
wpn: basah6towlauncher
mag: basah6towlauncher

SOAR Pilot 
Classname: bassoarpilot
Wpn: HK, NVGoggles
Mags: HK, handgrenades

BACKGROUND READING	
==================

The Hughes H-6 series helicopter is the US Army's primary special operations Light attack and cargo aircraft. The Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment's aircraft are descendants of the Army's original OH-6 which was used as a light scout and utility helicopter in the Vietnam War. Although the Army's official name for the H-6 is "Cayuse" (named after an Indian tribe that lived in the Oregon Territory), the aircraft is almost universally known as the Little Bird. 

The Special operations history of the Little Bird dates back to the early 1980s, when after the failed rescue attempt in Iran in 1980, the US Army began to test and experiment with airborne special operations. Task Force 158 was formed to develop procedures and tactics; and in doing so they chose different airframes to test and use. One of these was the OH-6 scout aircraft, a fast and maneuverable helicopter developed by Hughes to serve as a light scout that could be armed with a small gatling gun for offensive capabilities as well. 

The OH-6 proved to be a stable platform and well suited for the special operations world, being small, quite, and having a larger load than its size would suggest. Early models were used as "slick" troops ships but weapons were mounted as well, so that the littlebirds could not only provide a ride into the target but could also supply air support for ground troops. 

There are two main versions of the H-6 today, the AH-6J attack variant and the MH-6J troop ship. The versions used today are based on the Civilian 500/530 series of helicopter built by Hughes and then McDonnell Douglas. The 500/530 features a more powerful engine and can be distinguished by its five bladed main rotor and "T" shaped tail. This increased power and better design allows the aircraft to carry more weight and handle better; the MH-6 has been known to carry up to eight soldiers outside the aircraft sitting on a specially made plank seat that can be folded in and out of the aircraft in seconds. 

In addition to the specially built plank, the MH-6 can be outfitted with equipment for STABO and Fastrope insertions, and a hoist can be fitted if needed. Specially built motorcycle racks were designed and built that allows a MH-6 to insert or pick up two motorcycles and their operators. The MH-6 also carries a broad array of communications gear, including SATCOM, FM, UHF, VHF, and Motorola Saber; all of which are capable of secure operations. A FLIR system is available and the cockpit is compatible with NVG's for nighttime use. In addition the aircraft is equipped with the APR 39 radar warning receiver to warn the crew of incoming missiles or lock-ons by enemy forces. 

The AH-6 is outfitted much like the MH-6, but instead of the plank with seats a plank for mounting weapons is installed. Instead of the single 7.62 minigun carried by the OH-6, two miniguns are mounted and fed by a large magazine located in the aft cabin. 2.75" folding-fin aerial rockets (FFAR) can also be carried in either two 7-rocket tubes or two 19-rocket launchers. In some special cases AGM-114 Hellfire missiles can be carried or the Gatling guns substituted with .50-calibre heavy machine guns or MK 19 Automatic grenade launchers. Other armaments include ATAS (Air-to-Air Stinger) missiles. Some of these aircraft had been fitted with special nose or rotor mast mounted sights for special direct action missions. The latest mod includes a conformal external fuel tank (replacing an earlier unit which took up much of the rear compartment) and a minigun. 

Early versions of the MH-6 could carry up to six people on platforms mounted outside the door for quick insertion and extraction of people. Later models have a new six-person fold-away system. The MH-6 can be fitted with caving ladders to drop off and pick up SOF personnel. There is also a hoist that allows them to rappel to their objectives. 

The latest versions are powered by the Allison 250-C20/30 engine, which combined with the five-bladed rotor system and small, light airframe make it a manuverable and powerful machine. Despite published reports, the 160th has never used the NOTAR (NO TAil Rotor) version of this aircraft operationally. 

Both variants can be fitted with a nose mounted FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red), and both have advanced navigation and communications equipment (including SATCOM), NVG-compatible cockpits, and RWR (Radar Warning Receivers). IR suppressing equipment can also be fitted as needed. 

A previous version, the EH-6, was used for command and control and radio relay but is no longer in use. In addition, one aircraft was modified for the NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) system but poor performance of this design (NOTAR requires more power from the engine and thus decreases payload) caused it to be returned to its original condition. 

The 160th has plans to upgrade the little bird fleet. According to LTC Wesley Walter, the AH/MH-6 fleet is slated to receive a new, more powerful engine and transmission, a six-bladed rotor, and a new, four-bladed canted tail rotor (for increased control and decreased noise). These improvements along with improved landing gear will increase the little bird's load carrying capacity to 4,700 pounds, up from 3,950 Pounds. Also planned are a larger cargo compartment door, an improved FLIR, a "Small arms protection system," and a wireless intercom system, and a fuel system better able to withstand crashes. 

Planned upgrades for the Little Birds have apparently only partially happened.

BACKGROUND READING ON THE 160TH SOAR
====================================

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) provides aviation support to Army special operations forces. The Regiment consists of modified OH-6 light observation helicopters, MH-60 utility helicopters, and MH-47 medium-lift helicopters. The capabilities of the 160th SOAR have been evolving since the early 1980s. Shortly after the failed hostage rescue mission, Desert One, in Iran, the Army formed a special aviation unit. The unit drew on some of the best aviators in the Army and immediately began an intensive training program in low-level, night operations. The unit became a battalion of its own on October 16, 1981. Designated the 160th Aviation Battalion, the unit was popularly known as Task Force 160 because of the constant attachment and detachment of units to prepare for a wide variety of missions. Its focus on night operations resulted in the nickname, "The Night Stalkers." On May 16, 1990 the unit was reorganized, designated the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), and assigned to the US Army Special Operations Command.

 

Organization

The 160th SOAR(A) is based at Fort Campbell, KY and is composed of four active duty battalions and one forward deployed company. Its battalions include the Fort Campbell based 1/160 which flies the AH-6, MH-6, MH-60K and MH-60L DAP; the Fort Campbell based 2/160 which flies the MH-47E; the Ft. Campbell based 4/160 Special Operations Aviation Support battalion; and the Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA, based 3/160 which flies the MH-60L and MH-47D. D/160 consists of five MH-60Ls based at Ft. Kobbe, Panama. Although all Army aviation units have an inherent capability to support special operations, the units of the 160th SOAR(A) have been specifically designated by the Secretary of Defense to be prepared, trained, nd task organized for special operations mission support. The 160 th SOAR(A) organizes, trains, quips, validates, employs, sustains, and maintains air assets for worldwide deployment and assignment to theater CINCs for conducting direct action, special reconnaissance, and other special operations.

Army special operations aviation assets conduct specialized aviation operations in conjunction with other special operations forces. These operations include the use of dedicated aviation assets to:

· Insert, extract, and resupply SOF.

· Conduct armed escort, reconnaissance, surveillance, and electronic warfare in support of SOF missions.

· Provide C3 for SOF elements.

· Provide general support aviation during peacetime and contingency operations.

The most frequent mission is clandestine penetration for the insertion, extraction, and resupply of SOF by air.


History


The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) provides aviation support to Army special operations forces. The Regiment consists of modified OH-6 light observation helicopters, MH-60 utility helicopters and MH-47 medium-lift helicopters. The capabilities of the 160th SOAR have been evolving since the early 1980s.

Shortly after the failed hostage rescue mission, Desert One, in Iran, the Army formed a special aviation unit. The unit originally was formed of attachments from the 229th Aviation Battalion and the 159th Aviation Battalion, immediately entered into a period of intensive night flying and quickly became the Army's premier night fighting aviation force and the Army's only Special Operations Aviation force. The unit drew on some of the best aviators in the Army and immediately began an intensive training program in low-level, night operations. The unit became a battalion of its own on October 16, 1981. Designated the 160th Aviation Battalion, the unit was popularly known as Task Force 160 because of the constant attachment and detachment of units to prepare for a wide variety of missions. Its focus on night operations resulted in the nickname, "The Night Stalkers." On May 16, 1990 the unit was reorganized, designated the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), and assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. 

The reckless and senseless destruction of Kuwait was met by the swift introduction of Special Operations Aviation into the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Both operations proved the 160th's ability to conduct complicated night and sustained combat operations as a Unit against a determined enemy. In October 1993, while supporting the requirements of the National Command Authority, Night Stalkers engaged an unconventional hostile force under the direction of gang leader, Farah Aideed. The soldiers of the 160th entered into an 18-hour firelight of an intensity that had not been encountered since Vietnam. The dedicated efforts exhibited by these soldiers to overcome adversity and rescue fellow comrades once again demonstrated that Night Stalkers don't quit. The courageous response of the Army's only special operations aviation unit has successfully deterred aggressive and provocative threats by those who seek harm upon our country, bolstered national morale and prestige, and support national foreign policy goals. 

The Regiment currently consists of three battalions. The 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, while the 3rd Battalion is located at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. The organizational structure of the 160th SOAR allows the Regiment to quickly tailor its unique assets to meet mission requirements of special operations forces. 

The 160th SOAR actively seeks and assigns the best-qualified aviators and support soldiers available in the Army. The unique mission of the unit requires that it work closely with the Army Personnel Command in the recruitment process. Once assigned, incoming officers and enlisted soldiers go through Basic Mission Qualification. The Officer Qualification Course lasts 14 weeks while the Enlisted Qualification Course is three weeks in duration. Two other qualification levels exist, Fully Mission Qualified and Flight Lead. Associated progression times are 12-18 months and 36-48 months respectively. 
 

ABOUT BALLISTC ADDON STUDIOS
============================
Ballistic Addon Studio is a talented group of modelers and texture artists that strive to make the best quality addons for the community. Ballistic was created from the foundations of Tigershark/Jellybelly Productions (TJP) to not only design and create addons but also to help others publish addons using the established quality standards Ballistic believes in. 
Ballistic has opened up it's doors as a publishing house for addons to help the community select from quality assured and realistic addons. 

Accuracy and quality are given the highest priority. The Ballistic team purchased 3rd party fonts that accurately depict the markings on aircraft from all branches of the US Military service and use hundreds of images from many different angles and data from many sources on the web to make units as accurate and realistic as humanly possible with the confines of the OFP engine.

There are so many addons out there (some of them of questionable quality) that it can be difficult to choose which addon is best. Ballistic will set the standard in addon quality where the benchmark has not already been set by another community member.

Each addon is researched meticulously and comes with real world photos showing the user how the Ballistic addon closely matches its real world counterpart.


The first in the line up of highly accurate models was the MH-6 "Littlebird" released in October of 2002.

Other projects in the pipeline (in no particular order):
- Marine's AH-1W
- Special Ops MH47 Chinook
- Real world retextured UH60
- US Presidential Blackhawk
- Desert Scheme MH60G "Pavehawk"
- MH60G "Pavehawk" using UH60 (non MG) model with aux. fuel tanks and FFAR pods.

For more info please email [email protected]

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Please visit the OFP Editing Center for further updates and discussions of this addon.
http://www.ofpec.com


*************Disclaimer:*******************
This is NOT an official Addon. You know the drill! Use it at your own risk.


Enjoy the addon!