Overview of Combined Ops

What is Combined Ops?

Combined Ops is a web-based platform for DCS World virtual squadrons, pilots, mission planners and air operations staff. It supports the complete mission lifecycle, from mission planning and operational briefing to flight operations, tactical control and debriefing.

The platform brings together three complementary tools: DCS AOC Tools, DCS Mission Planner, and DCS Airspace. Each tool can be used independently, while shared project and operational data allows them to work together as a coordinated mission planning and execution environment.

COMBINED OPS ECOSYSTEM & TOOL ARCHITECTURE

Standalone DCS Tools with Optional Shared Mission & Operational Data

COMBINED OPS PORTAL — GROUP, USER & OPERATION MANAGEMENT
Groups & Squadrons
Squadron Profiles Member & Staff Roles External Squadron Invites
Operations & Events
Mission Events Multi-Squadron Operations Operational Calendar
Registration & Assignments
Pilot Slots ATC / AWACS / GCI
BLUFOR REDFOR
DCS WORLD TOOLS — STANDALONE OR CONNECTED
DCS AOC Tools
Air Operations & Mission Planning
Standalone Import a DCS World .miz file and extract available mission data. Complete and manage operational information including ATO, ACO, SPINS, Comm Plan, targeting and mission data without using the Combined Ops portal for organizational management.
Connected Shares relevant mission and operational data with DCS Mission Planner and DCS Airspace, including flight information, communications, targets and airspace control measures.
  • .miz Mission Data Extraction
  • ATO, ACO & SPINS
  • Comm Plan & Operational Data
DCS Mission Planner
Pilot Flight Planning & Mission Preparation
Standalone Create a flight plan from scratch, from a basic .miz, or from an existing DCS World mission. Plan routes, waypoints, fuel, altitude, speed and DTC settings, then generate printable Mission Data Cards (MDC) and compatible DTC files.
Connected Receives relevant mission and operational information from DCS AOC Tools, allowing pilots to use shared flight, mission, target, communication and other planning data when preparing their flight.
  • Interactive Flight & Route Planning
  • Fuel, TOLD, MDC & DTC Preparation
  • MDC PDF & DTC File Export
DCS Airspace
Real-Time ATC, AWACS & GCI Operations
Standalone Connect to a DCS World mission and provide a real-time tactical display for ATC, AWACS and GCI operators, including aircraft tracking, Bullseye, threat information and tactical control tools.
Connected Provides the same real-time tactical capabilities while receiving additional shared operational information from DCS AOC Tools and DCS Mission Planner, including callsigns, frequencies, flight information, targets and airspace control measures.
  • Real-Time Aircraft & Track Display
  • ATC, AWACS & GCI Tactical Control
  • Airspace Control & PAR Tools
Standalone or connected: DCS AOC Tools, DCS Mission Planner and DCS Airspace can each be used independently. The Combined Ops portal adds optional group, user, role, operation and event management for organized virtual squadron operations.

Standalone Tool Functionality

Each Combined Ops tool addresses a different part of the DCS World mission workflow. They can be used individually or connected to support complex operations involving multiple flights, squadrons and control positions.

  • DCS AOC Tools provides the operational planning and coordination layer for DCS World missions. Mission planners can upload a .miz file and import available mission data, then complete or override operational information externally, including ATO, ACO, SPINS, Comm Plan, targets, tasking, timings, loadouts and other mission data. This complements the DCS Mission Editor without replacing it and reduces the need for repetitive mission editing. (Read more about DCS AOC Tools)
  • DCS Mission Planner focuses on detailed pilot flight preparation. Pilots can use interactive maps and shared mission information to plan routes, waypoints, altitude, speed and fuel management, prepare DTC data and create printable Mission Data Cards (MDC). Flight plans and supported aircraft .dtc files can be prepared from existing mission data or built independently. (Read more about DCS Mission Planner)
  • DCS Airspace provides a web-based real-time tactical display for ATC, AWACS and GCI operators. It combines live aircraft tracking with mission and airspace information such as Bullseye references, ACO/ACM, threat areas, MGRS and WGS84 coordinates, mission data and ATO information. It also provides tools such as Precision Approach Radar (PAR) and target intercept support for tactical airspace operations. (Read more about DCS Airspace)

Combined Operation Across Tools

When the three tools are connected to the same project, operational information can be shared across the mission workflow. DCS AOC Tools provides the coordinated mission tasking and operational context, including flight assignments, targets, timings, communications and airspace information. This information becomes available to DCS Mission Planner, where pilots can use it as the basis for detailed flight planning and preparation of their MDC and DTC.

At the same time, DCS Airspace can use the shared mission and airspace data to provide ATC, AWACS and GCI operators with the same coordinated operational picture during the mission. This connects mission planning, pilot preparation and tactical control without requiring every participant to maintain separate versions of the same operational information.

Combined Ops Integrated Mission Workflow

Standalone tools or connected workflow for DCS World virtual operations

Combined Ops Main Site — Group & Operations Management
Groups & Members  •  Staff & Leadership Roles  •  Operations & Events  •  Pilot / ATC / AWACS / GCI Registration  •  Coalition & Mission Slots
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DCS AOC Tools — Mission Staff & Operational Planning
Imports DCS World .miz mission data and completes the operational plan with ATO, ACO, SPINS, communications, targeting and mission data.
↓
Shared Mission & Operational Data
DCS Mission Planner
Pilot Flight Planning & Mission Preparation
  • Shared mission and operational information
  • Detailed flight planning and route preparation
  • Mission Data Cards (MDC) and DTC preparation
Standalone: Can also be used independently with a .miz file or from scratch.
DCS Airspace
Real-Time Tactical Display for ATC, AWACS & GCI
  • Real-time display of aircraft and tactical airspace
  • ATC, AWACS, GCI and airspace control operations
  • Shared flight, communication and airspace data when connected
Standalone or Connected: Provides the same real-time tactical display and control capabilities, with shared operational data available when integrated with the Combined Ops suite.
Integrated workflow: The Main Site organizes groups and operations; DCS AOC Tools manages operational planning; DCS Mission Planner supports pilots; and DCS Airspace supports real-time ATC, AWACS and GCI operations.

Squadron Network and Group Management

Beyond mission planning and tactical tools, Combined Ops also provides a management and collaboration environment for DCS World virtual squadrons and flight groups. Squadrons can create group profiles, manage member rosters, assign administrative and leadership roles, and organize their operational activities.

Group leaders can create missions and multi-package operations, publish events, and invite external virtual squadrons to participate in joint DCS World operations. Individual pilots can browse available missions, register for flight slots, select their coalition and receive operational assignments such as flight lead, wingman, ATC, AWACS or GCI.

This connects squadron management, mission organization, operational planning and mission execution within a single environment designed for both individual virtual squadrons and large multi-squadron DCS World operations.

Combined Ops and its tools (DCS AOC Tools, DCS Mission Planner and DCS Airspace) are developed and maintained solely and exclusively for DCS World as a platform for digital entertainment and flight simulation. Our operations are strictly non-commercial and non-military. Under no circumstances is our environment intended, nor should it be used, for commercial purposes, professional pilot training, or any military applications. We are a community of enthusiasts dedicated to the hobby of flight simulation, and all our activities are conducted purely for recreational and educational enjoyment within the gaming community.

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