# Lightning HWP REPLACERs - Mod by SteamXCOM
On Mod Portal
http://www.openxcom.com/mod/replacer-lightning-97-hwp-series-and-moreOR the download for this is further below after the first set of screenshots.
v1.2b
Features REPLACER LIGHTNINGs one of which you select to replace the original LIGHTNING in the game;
adding HWP capacity, letting you bring a Heavy Weapons Platform (tank) into combat.
Maybe you just want a REPLACER LIGHTNING that does not change too much the original craft. The stats are the same as the original LIGHTNING, just carry capacity and some other features have been added.
Possible Loadouts for mods:
1. Lighting 12rHWP orange shipping container obtained from the docks and pressed into service for proof of concept.
- 14 Soldiers (two more than Original)
- or 10 Soldiers + 1 Tank
2. Lighting 16gHWP, interior slightly redesigned, the shipping container updated
and another added, suitably as a grey colored tank transport/deployment pod
- 16 Soldiers (4 more than Original)
- or 12 Soldiers + 1 Tank
- or 8 Soldiers + 2 Tanks
3. Lightning 97HL (heavy lift)
- two hardpoints (1 more than Original)
- Ladder allows roof and ground access
--can internally carry up to 3 HWPs
- 20 Soldiers (8 more than Original)
- or 16 Soldiers + 1 Tank
- or 12 Soldiers + 2 Tanks
- or 8 Soldiers + 3 Tanks
4. Lightning_AA (Air to Air)
Lightning upgraded from Original to have
- two hardpoints (1 more than Original)
- Ladder allows roof and ground access
5. Lightning 51 (Earth alien hybrid craft)
Lighting made up with parts from crashed UFOs
--Orange shipping container obtained from the docks and pressed into service for HWP transport
- 12 Soldiers (same as Original)
- or 8 Soldiers + 1 Tank
See screenshots for pod appearance and color.
Install the mod into the mod folder of open XCOM:
Xtract the .zip file into your mod directory
Run XCOM go to options>mods and select ONE of the following:
Lighting 12rHWP
OR Lighting 16gHWP
or Lightning 97HL
or Lightning AA
or or Lightning 51
(FYI: If using a mod such as Vanilla Rebalanced by Align; load Vanilla Rebalanced after Lightning HWP REPLACERs to get updated stats )
Check here for where your MOD folder might be at if you do not know:
https://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php?title=Installation_FAQ_(OpenXcom)
v1.2b
--fixed an HWP unable to move from its restraining tile in the LIGHTNING 97HL
v1.2a
--fixed stat errors on Lighting 51 and Lighting 12rHWP
v1.2
--removed some craft as redundant, kept an orange crate version(LIGHTNING 12rHWP) and added grey 2 pod version(LIGHTNING 16gHWP)
--Name changed from LIGHTNING HWP12r to LIGHTNING 12rHWP as the "12" could not be seen in the soldier
loadout screen
--Name changed from LIGHTNING HWP14g to LIGHTNING 16gHWP as to make it more distinguishable from the 12r and the "16" could not be seen in the soldier loadout screen.
--increased capacity of LIGHTNING 12rHWP by 2 soldiers to make it a more attractive upgrade.
--more craft added as replacers: Lightning 97HL, Lightning 51 and Lightning AA
--ladders have been removed from LIGHTNINGs carrying pods or crates as soldiers can
re-enter the craft from those areas now.
--crates and pods have working doors.
--UFOPedea pictures and base icons for some of the craft.
v1.1
--Uses updated "fix" maps.
--Added variations of the orange crate and the grey pod for
--LIGHTNING HWP12r and 14g
---LIGHTNING HWP14r and 14g
The HWP deployment pod is redesigned in keeping with the crude implementation of Earth and UFO technology.
The LIGHTNING cannot replace the SKYRANGER in sheer transport capacity, however it should be more useful now.
Hatch in the back has been added, soldiers can use it to access the top of the Lightning as well as
ground level.
v1.0
Release
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Additional information:
One or two re-purposed shipping containers are stowed inside the LIGHTNING HWP series carrying the tanks.
Upon landing, the crate (called pod) drops out of the LIGHTNING.
On the LIGHTNING 12rHWP; when the tank or soldiers exit the pod, the rampwell drops.
At the beginning of the next turn, the rampwell closes again, sealing up the pod.
On the LIGHTNING 51; when the tank or soldiers exit the pod, the rampwell drops.
At the beginning of the next turn, the rampwell closes again, sealing up the pod.
On the LIGHTNING 16gHWP when the tank or soldiers exit the crate, the door slides up to open.
At the beginning of the next turn, the door closes again, sealing up the pod.
Ports in the door or rampwall allow soldiers that are in the pod to fire upon targets they see, however they have to be standing to get a good shot angle. Even though the closed door or rampwell provides some cover, aliens can see and shoot from that end of the pod so plan accordingly!!! The pods are defensively orientated as the exit opening is underneath the LIGHTNING to prevent catastrophic ambush.
If crew only mission loadout is selected with no tank, two squad will be in the back of the pod. The back and sides of the pod can protect squad from immediate attack though the front has small windows that they can shoot or be attacked through. Additional soldiers can exit / enter the LIGHTNING HWP series through the pod area from above or use the front stairs as normal. Pod occupation counts for squad recovery, as it is drawn back inside the craft upon liftoff in case of an abort.
--The LIGHTNING AA is a LIGHTNING with enhanced AIR to AIR capability, as it has TWO hardpoints, though NO HWPs.
--The LIGHTNING HL is a LIGHTNING with enhanced AIR to AIR capability, as it has TWO hardpoints, and 3 HWP carry capacity.
Concept:
Engineers were proud when they had at last built a working prototype of a transport aircraft using UFO technology and parts. Called LIGHTNING it was fast and could be expected to carry 12 men as well as engage enemy UFO's. However, when inspected by the military brass, one growled his HWPs had nowhere to park. Also the thing was a deathtrap, there was only one way in or out.
Hatches were quickly added to the rear of the craft allowing exit either underneath or to the roof.
Another hardpoint was added.
The HWP was more difficult. Commanders preferred the Skyranger, it could carry 3. Various attempts
were made to fit a tank or two inside the LIGHTNING. However as an attack craft, a load of tanks threatening to break free of their restraining cables during maneuvers was too much of a hazard. The issue was securing the tanks while being able to deploy them quickly.
An engineer determined in the LIGHTNING's case, the best idea was to carry only one tank secured inside of a modified shipping container nicknamed the "pod."
Block and tackle using chains lifted the pod into the LIGHTNING where it was securely stowed during flight.
When the LIGHTNING landed, the pod instantly dropped carrying a portion of the craft's floor with it. (Chains attached to the floor would be used to later to lift the floor and the pod sitting on it back into the craft).
Upon impact, The dropped pod's rampwall would open and the tank could emerge ready for battle. Soldiers would exit the LIGHTNING either out the front assault door or use the hatches to the roof or travel through the deployed pod. Portable grates were placed over the deck opening above the deployed pod to assist in moving around in the craft. If the HWP still survived, When ready to launch, it would be hoisted back into the LIGHTNING inside the pod; re-sealing the lower deck opening for flight.
Later improvements in the power plant allowed the additional ability to carry another pod culminating in grav clamps, together with conventional restraints, which secured up to 3 the tanks safely in the main deck area.
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Credits
The investigation of these mods help in implementation of this one
--Thunder Mod by hellrazor
--REAVER'S ARMADA mod by The Reaver of Darkness, (Also double door used for Lightining HL)
--Some parts from Dioxine Piratez mod(ie ladder, chains and crate parts)
--Forum hints thanks to Hobbes and Roxis231
--Vanilla Rebalanced by Align ( if this mod is used, load it after the replacer to get updated stats )
--SideQuest's alien power core recolor for Lightning 51
License
Please give credit for any use of this file.
This mod in part or in whole may be used as part of any other mod.
https://openxcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,5500.msg83950.htmlDOWNLOAD FILE LINK FURTHER BELOW set of screenshots
