top of page
Search

Jane's USAF: Unsurprising Simple And Fast

Jane's USAF

A guide to running Jane's Combat Simulations: USAF under WIn10. This guide is for the vanilla game including the official Thunderbirds and Version 1.02 patches.


This Electronic Arts 1999 sim is another survey sim in the Jane's series.


This time it's the USAF, covering the following aircraft:



  • Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II (A-10A in sim).

  • Republic F-105D Thunderchief (F-105D).

  • McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II (F-4E).

  • McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle (F-15C).

  • McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle (F-15E).

  • General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon (F-16C).

  • Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk (F-117A).

  • Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor (F-22A).


Strategy


This strategy for Jane's USAF will be covering the vanilla game only. Comprehensive community mods like the Jane's USAF Community Edition (JUCE) or SuperPro 9.4 will not be covered in this guide. The Thunderbirds patch will be covered as an official patch to the vanilla sim. Community mods may be covered in a later guide.


The game is installed and then patched with the Thunderbirds patch and the version 1.02 patch. Then the game is patched with the most appropriate unofficial Tcklbrry patch and changes made to the DDrawCompat config. Finally older Windows dll libraries in the USAF installation folder are disabled.


Version and patch history


The following is a brief look at the version and patch history of Jane's USAF. There have been relatively few retail versions of Jane's USAF, with an initial retail release in October 1999 followed by a rerelease on the Electronic Arts CD-ROM Classics label in 2001. Both editions contain the v1.01F version of the game.


Both editions feature a 32-bit installer compatible with Win10.


Thunderbirds patch


The Thunderbirds patch adds three USAF Thunderbirds display team single missions. This is an entirely optional patch. It adds a new USAF Thunderbirds executable which is used to play the Thunderbirds missions. It can be thought of as a limited addon/mod rather than a patch.


All of the Thunderbirds missions use the F-16C aircraft in Thunderbirds livery. The missions are similar to display maneuvers used by the Thunderbirds including:


  • A low altitude Split-S.

  • Low altitude inverted rolls.

  • A half Cuban Eight.


Jane's USAF Thunderbirds patch
An F-16C in Thunderbirds livery

The new USAF Thunderbirds executable must be used to play these missions, as although listed in the single missions of the main game, are not available to play. It is also recommended not to use the Thunderbirds executable to run other missions as they will not play properly, with the loadout menu being unavailable.


Once installed the version remains at v1.01F. This patch is distributed as a self extracting archive, the extracted archive is a 32-bit installer, compatible with Win10. This patch although optional is recommended for the complete USAF experience. This patch is available from:



Version 1.02 patch


This is a comprehensive patch feature a number of fixes, changes and enhancements. This upgrades the base game and Thunderbirds patch/addon to v1.02F.


This patch is distributed as a self extracting archive, the extracted archive is a 32-bit installer, compatible with Win10. This is a recommended patch.


Taken from the release notes:


This patch updates your USAF game to version 1.02. Here is a list of additions/fixes in this release:


  1. Pentium III Optimizations: The following additional features are optimized for Pentium III users.

    • Terrain multi-pass rendering

    • Terrain coverage layer rendering

    • Pre-fetching memory for 3D objects and terrain blocks

  2. Voodoo 3 3000 Flashes in 3D cockpit: Fixes the problem some Voodoo 3 users were encountering with flashing cockpit graphics.

  3. Flight model changes/fixes:

    • Fix to excessive aircraft roll rate which was most apparent in the F-22, F-15 and F-16.

    • Bobbing effect: This problem was being caused by the flight model G-limiter and is has been substantially improved.

    • AI Pilot Crashes: AI wingmen were occasionally crashing into the ground, especially when flying the F-117 and A-10. Changes to the maneuver code have made improvements to this.

    • Engaging the autopilot was sometimes causing excessive up/down pitches. This has been fixed in the patch.

    • The overall joystick sensitivity has been decreased.

  4. AI changes/fixes:

    • AI wingmen were failing to engage targets over 15 miles, even when requested to do so by a wingman command. This has been fixed.

    • When taking over an aircraft from the AI it is always at 60% thrust, regardless its previous maneuver. This has been fixed.

    • When there is a single controllable flight in the mission and the player is shot down and then re-enters the flight, the AI pilot may not give the player control of the new aircraft. This has been fixed.

  5. User Mission Editor (UME):

    • The MiG-29 has been added as a fully controllable aircraft. Previously the MiG-29 was only available in All-Out War and QME. It was available in the UME as a non-controllable aircraft. It will now be available in the UME as a flyable aircraft. A MiG-29 loadout screen and new weapon icons have been added for this feature to work.

    • The MiG-17 is now available in the UME as a non-controllable aircraft.

  6. Additional fixes:

    • Fatal crash in the QME when revival time is 0 and setting unlimited revivals has been fixed.

    • Fatal crash in the QME when attempting to restart the mission from the On-the-fly menu has been fixed.

    • SoundBlaster Live cards were sometimes crashing the application, and this has been fixed.

    • When playing Multiplayer against the German version, German messages are now correctly displayed.

    • When panning to the rear of the aircraft in the 3D cockpit, the tail seems raised up. This has been corrected.

    • In the UME the Enemy Base in US terrain has wrong taxi coordinates. This has been corrected.

    • Dusk missions in the UME now have airfield lights.

    • The Basic Air-to-Ground training mission has aircraft landing on top of each other at the beginning of mission. This has been fixed.


This patch is available from:



Unofficial patches


Unless otherwise stated all unofficial patches should be applied to version v1.02F of Jane's USAF. It's unknown if the unofficial patches work with non-English versions of the game.


Note: some patches are distributed as a 7zip (.7z) archive.


RWR fix (20 February 2002)


An optional patch by Sikk, providing clearer RWR symbology. Distributed as a zip archive, the contents should be extracted to:

X:\<Jane's USAF installation folder>\Resource\Cockpits

It is recommended to backup the original files, prior to applying this patch. This patch is available from:



Jupiter Flight Models (1 April 2002)


This optional patch contains updated flight models by Jupiter. It is a file replacement patch, the contents of which should be extracted and copied into the appropriate folder. From the release notes:


This mod introduces the updated flight models (with correct fuel flow).


Unzip and copy-paste the files right into the MD folder located at \Jane's Combat Simulations\USAF\Resource\MD. (before overwriting any file, make a backup).


This patch is available from:



Jane's Fighters Anthology, Jane's IAF & Jane's USAF Tcklbrry patches (June 2015)


These patches enable the games to run on Windows XP/Vista/7/8, fix unresponsive menus and remove the disk checks. They are distributed as a single 7zip archive. After extracting the contents, (some of which are 7zip archives) the Jane's USAF Tcklbrry Patch WideScreen Solution? (JUTPWSS.7z) is the patch of interest.


This is a file replacement patch. The contents of JUTPWSS.7z should be extracted and the contents copied into the Jane's USAF installation folder, replacing any files as required. This patch runs the game in a single processor affinity mode with an included batch (.bat) file.


This is a recommended patch for earlier Windows XP/Vista/7/8 platforms. It can be used on Windows 10 platforms but is not recommended, having been superseded by a later patch. This patch is available from:



Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry patch (14 July 2019)


This version of Jane's USAF Tcklbrry patch uses WineD3D for Windows as the DirectX renderer. This patch includes the RWR fix by Sikk and some limited flight model changes.


This is a file replacement patch, the contents of which should be extracted and copied into the Jane's USAF installation folder, replacing any files as required.


Those using earlier Windows XP/Vista/7/8 platforms, may wish to try this patch, but is not recommended for Win10 (or later) platforms having been superseded by a later patch. This patch is available from:



Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry patch (23 July 2020)


This version of Jane's USAF Tcklbrry patch uses dgVoodoo2 v2.62 in combination with ReShade to improve visuals. It includes the RWR fix and Jupiter Flight Model patches.


This is a file replacement patch, the contents of which should be extracted and copied into the Jane's USAF installation folder, replacing any files as required.


Those using earlier Windows XP/Vista/7/8 platforms, may wish to try this patch, but is not recommended for Win10 (or later) platforms having been superseded by a later patch. This patch is available from:



Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Vanilla) patch (21 January 2026)


This version of Jane's USAF Tcklbrry patch uses DDrawCompat v0.7.0 as the DirectX renderer. As a vanilla patch it does not include other patches.


This is a file replacement patch, the contents of which should be extracted and copied into the Jane's USAF installation folder, replacing any files as required.


This is the recommended patch for Win10 platforms and probably the most compatible for the Win11 platform. This patch is available from:



Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Enhanced) patch (21 January 2026)


This version of Jane's USAF Tcklbrry patch also uses DDrawCompat v0.7.0 as the DirectX renderer. At present this is a work in progress and falls outside the remit of this guide.


Retail media


This guide assumes any physical cds will be ripped to an image file, to reduce wear and tear on media and drives. The retail version of Jane's USAF does not contain cd audio and can be ripped to a data only .iso format. During the ripping process your software may choose to rip the one of the cds to a bin/cue image pair.


At present there is no release of the game on digital platforms.


Game management


As a windows game running natively, the installation folder will be created by the USAF installer. However some limited game management is still useful for files used in the USAF setup.


The installation folder and setup files for Jane's IAF and other Windows games can be found in the same folder (my own, as an example):

D:\Games\Win\<Game folders>
D:\Games\Win\Janes USAF Setup

The following setup folders can be used:


  • cd - to store any cd images.

  • conf - to store any HOTAS profile configuration files.

  • docs - to store any useful documents, manuals, etc.

  • patch - to store a copy of recommended patches/addons.

  • libs - to store disabled dll libraries.


Installation


The Jane's USAF installer is Win10 compatible and should run without issue. The installation steps are shown in the gallery below:


  • The first dialog asks for Name and Callsign. This can be set or left as default as a new pilot can be created at any time in-game. The Gameplay Level is left as a personal preference but can also be changed in game.


  • Choosing a installation folder is left to personal preference.


  • It is recommended to set the Installation Type to Full.


  • Additional Settings (desktop shortcuts) are left to personal preference.



Patching


The recommended patching process is as follows:


  • Install official patches:

    • Install the Thunderbirds patch (optional).

    • Install the Version 1.02 patch.

Official patches use a self extracting installer compatible with Win10 allowing for a straightforward patch installation. The Thunderbirds patch must be installed before the Version 1.02 patch.


  • Install unofficial patches:

    • Install the RWR fix (optional).

    • Install the Jupiter Flight Models patch (optional).

    • Install the Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Vanilla) patch (21 January 2026).


The unofficial patches change unique sets of files, so the order of installation is not as important as official patches. One or both of the RWR fix and Jupiter Flight Models patch can be added after the Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Vanilla) patch.


Unofficial patches are file replacement patches, once extracted the contents replace existing files in the Jane's USAF installation folder, although it is recommended to take a backup copy of the original files.


Modifying Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Vanilla) patch config


Note: This is an optional step only required if the Thunderbirds patch was installed.


The Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Vanilla) patch uses a single DDrawCompat.ini config file in the installation folder, suitable for the USAF sim and the USAFConfig app. This config is not compatible with the USAF Thunderbirds app.


DDrawCompat allows for different config files for different apps within the same folder by changing the config filename to an app (or process) specific filename. To do so:


  • Create a copy of the DDrawCompat.ini file. There should now be two DDrawCompat.ini config files, an original file and a copy in the installation folder.


  • Rename one to DDrawCompat-USAF.ini for the USAF.exe game executable.


  • Rename the other to DDrawCompat-USAFConfig.ini for the USAFConfig.exe app.


This completes the modification.


DDrawCompat config for USAF Thunderbirds


Note: This is an optional step only required if the Thunderbirds patch was installed.


As mentioned above an alternative DDrawCompat config file is required for the USAF Thunderbirds app. The reasons for an alternative config are:


  • DDrawCompat may cause a game to crash if there are a large number of valid resolutions to choose from, a known issue with DDrawCompat. The solution is to limit the number of supported resolutions in the config file. I believe the Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Vanilla) patch includes changes to the USAF.exe and USAFConfig.exe files, avoiding this issue, however these changes are not available to the USAF Thunderbirds app.


  • The USAF Thunderbirds app will fail to load a mission if palettized textures are enabled in the DDrawCompat config file. The solution is to remove this option to disable palettized textures.


The revised config file is named DDrawCompat-USAFThunderbirds.ini to limit use to the USAFThunderbirds.exe app only.


The final step is to set an appropriate supported resolution used in flight by Jane's USAF. To do so:


  • Run and set the in-game configuration for Jane's USAF. Make a note of the graphics resolution selected (as an example I used 1680x1050).


  • Open the DDrawCompat-USAFThunderbirds.ini file in a text editor (e.g. Notepad).


  • Add the resolution to the SupportedResolutions setting or replace the 1680x1050 resolution with an appropriate setting.


The following is an example DDrawCompat-USAFThunderbirds.ini using the 1680x1050 resolution. It should be extracted to the Janes USAF installation folder and the resolution changed if needed.



Disabling libraries


Part of this strategy is the disabling (or removal) of older less compatible libraries in the Jane's USAF installation folder, allowing the (hopefully more compatible) Windows platform system libraries to be used.


These libraries will be found within the Jane's USAF installation folder. There are a few methods that can be used to disable them:


  • Delete the library (not recommended).

  • Rename the library, as this allows the lib to be restored, e.g. adding .bak to the filename, msvcrt.dll becomes msvcrt.dll.bak (preferred).

  • Alternatively move (not copy) the libraries to the game management libs folder (preferred).


The following libraries should be disabled:

msvcirt.dll
msvcrtd.dll

HOTAS config


Joystick, throttle and rudder pedals are supported. Configuring axes may not be required if your HOTAS has 4 axes or less. When using devices totaling more than 4 axes, a virtual controller can be used, limited to 4 axes, as Jane's USAF will automatically try to detect the HOTAS controller.


For those using controllers from multiple vendors, the vJoy/Joystick Gremlin combination may be required instead of vendor specific HOTAS profile software. You may also have to use HidHide as a device firewall, to hide your real controllers, so only the vJoy virtual controllers are detected by Jane's USAF.


The physical axes to Windows axes were configured as follows:

Physical axis

Windows axis

Joystick x-axis

DX_X_AXIS

Joystick y-axis

DX_Y_AXIS

Throttle

DX_Z_AXIS

Rudder

DX_ZROT_AXIS

Note: This config is identical to one used for Jane's F-15, F-18 and IAF but is repeated here for convenience.


First run


Before running Jane's USAF for the first time, it is recommended to run the USAFConfig.exe app. Running the test should configure some internal Jane's USAF settings. The app and successful test is shown below.



Running


A Win10 platform using the Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Vanilla) patch (21 January 2026) or an earlier Windows platform (Vista/7/8) and trying the Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry patch (14 July 2019) or Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry patch (23 July 2020) can just run the game executable without having to worry about single core affinity:

USAF.exe

Earlier Windows XP/Vista/7/8 platforms using the Jane's Fighters Anthology, Jane's IAF & Jane's USAF Tcklbrry patches / JUTPWSS patch (June 2015) should use the included batch file to run the game with single core affinity enabled:

USAF One Core.bat

Configuration


Note: The configuration used by the USAF sim is also shared with the USAF Thunderbirds app. Once the game is configured in USAF it is also configured in USAF Thunderbirds.


The following gallery shows the configuration options available.


  • The Display Resolution should be suitable for the hardware. All other graphics settings can be enabled and maxed out. This display resolution should be added to the DDrawCompat config for USAF Thunderbirds if required.


  • Sound settings are left as a personal preference.



  • Keyboard allows keyboard controls and joystick buttons to be remapped.


  • Gameplay settings are left to personal preference.



Example video


Jane's USAF with the Jane's USAF by Tcklbrry (Vanilla) patch

Finally...


Credit and thanks without which this guide would not have been possible go to:


  • Bob's Your Uncle/McFly's Hanger. GameFront, GamePressure, and ModDB for hosting Jane's USAF patches.

  • Internet Archive for allowing the creation and hosting of the Jane's USAF patch collection.

  • Sikk for the RWR fix.

  • Jupiter for modified flight models.

  • narzoul for DDrawCompat.


And special thanks to Tcklbrry (again!) for creating the unofficial patches that allow us to run this sim on later/modern platforms.


Good hunting!

Drop Me a Line, Let Me Know What You Think

Thanks for submitting!

© 2035 by Train of Thoughts. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page