Combined Ops is a free, integrated web-based software suite for DCS World virtual squadrons, pilots, mission planners, and airspace controllers. It connects squadron-level mission planning and operational documentation, pilot flight preparation, and real-time ATC, AWACS, and GCI airspace control through three applications: DCS AOC Tools, DCS Mission Planner, and DCS Airspace.
Designed for both individual use and coordinated multiplayer operations, Combined Ops has been developed and continuously refined through practical experience in large-scale DCS World campaigns involving 100+ pilots and controllers. The applications can be used independently or connected to share relevant mission and operational data across the mission lifecycle.
Combined Ops is designed for DCS World virtual squadrons, individual pilots, flight leads, mission planners, squadron commanders, and airspace controllers. Each application supports a different operational role:
- Mission planners and AOC staff — DCS AOC Tools for mission planning, operational tasking, and documentation.
- Pilots and flight leads — DCS Mission Planner for flight planning, DTC preparation, and Mission Data Cards.
- ATC, AWACS, GCI, and mission controllers — DCS Airspace for real-time tactical airspace control.
- Squadron leaders and event organizers — Combined Ops group and operation management features for coordinating participants, registrations, and joint missions.
The suite supports individual users, single squadrons, and multi-squadron DCS World operations.
Choose the Combined Ops tool that best matches your role in DCS World, whether you are an individual pilot, flight lead, mission planner, squadron staff member or community organizer.
Each tool can be used independently, while the full suite can be combined to support coordinated operations from mission planning and pilot preparation to real-time airspace control.
- Squadron staff / mission planner — DCS AOC Tools
- Pilot / flight lead — DCS Mission Planner
- ATC / AWACS / GCI controller — DCS Airspace
- Squadron organizer / commander — Combined Ops Portal and any operational tool required by their role
- Running a complete operation — Use the relevant tools together
Combined Ops helps DCS World virtual squadrons plan, coordinate, and execute missions through a connected set of mission-planning, flight-preparation, and airspace-control applications.
Squadron leaders and event organizers can manage group members, assign roles, publish operations, coordinate registrations, and bring multiple squadrons together. Mission planners can use DCS AOC Tools to organize tasking and generate operational documentation, while pilots use DCS Mission Planner for flight preparation, supported DTC configuration, and printable Mission Data Cards. ATC, AWACS, and GCI operators can use DCS Airspace to monitor live DCS World contacts and coordinate tactical airspace operations.
Combined Ops has been developed and continuously used in large-scale multiplayer campaigns involving 100+ pilots and controllers, while remaining suitable for individual pilots, routine squadron training, and smaller missions.
Yes, Combined Ops is provided completely free of charge for non-commercial, entertainment use within the DCS World community.
Getting started with Combined Ops takes just a few quick steps. First, create your free personal account on the platform. Once registered, your next step depends on your role within your flight community.
If you are an individual pilot, you can search for your virtual squadron on the platform and request to join, or browse open public missions to sign up for available slots. If you are a squadron leader or founder, you can register your group profile, set up your roster, and send invite links to your members. Once your account and group are ready, you can immediately start using DCS AOC Tools, DCS Mission Planner, and DCS Airspace to plan and execute your missions.
Combined Ops is designed to keep mission planning, terrain analysis, and tactical displays consistent with the DCS World simulation. Depending on the application, it uses DCS World mission data, theater terrain elevation, coordinate references, and simulation-generated information.
Key technical features include:
- DCS World Terrain Data: SRTM1 elevation data extracted from DCS World theaters supports terrain-related calculations and analysis.
- Terrain Masking and Line of Sight (LOS): Terrain-aware calculations help analyze visibility between positions, including radar and SAM coverage, using terrain elevation and the specified target altitude.
- Magnetic Variation: Magnetic references can be calculated for the mission location and date using IGRF magnetic-field data.
- UTM Calibration: Coordinate and bearing calculations account for the UTM zone associated with the active DCS World theater.
- Native DCS Maps: Native DCS World map references and terrain layouts are supported where available.
These features help pilots, mission planners, and controllers use geographical and tactical information aligned with the terrain and operational data of their DCS World mission.
Combined Ops uses DCS World-native terrain elevation data for terrain-dependent calculations. Its SRTM1 elevation data is extracted from DCS World theaters rather than relying solely on generic real-world elevation datasets.
This matters for flight planning, line-of-sight analysis, radar coverage, and terrain masking because the calculations need to reflect the terrain represented in the active DCS World theater. The available analysis and map features depend on the application and the supported theater data.
DCS AOC Tools, DCS Mission Planner, and DCS Airspace support different stages of the DCS World mission lifecycle.
DCS AOC Tools is used by mission planners and squadron staff to organize operational tasking, manage mission data, and prepare documentation such as ATO, ACO, SPINS, and communication plans. DCS Mission Planner allows pilots and flight leads to use available mission information for route planning, flight preparation, supported DTC configuration, and Mission Data Card generation. DCS Airspace provides controllers with a real-time tactical display using DCS World detection data alongside available mission and airspace information.
When the applications are connected, relevant operational data can be shared across staff, pilots, and controllers, reducing duplicated data entry and helping maintain a common operational picture. Each application can also be used independently when full integration is not required.
Combined Ops is a free, integrated web-based software suite for DCS World virtual squadrons. It connects operational planning, pilot preparation, and real-time airspace control through three applications:
- DCS AOC Tools: A web-based Air Operations Center for mission planners and squadron staff. Import available mission data from DCS World .miz files, organize flights, packages, targets, and tasking, and prepare operational documentation such as ATO, ACO, SPINS, Comm Plan, JIPTL, and printable mission documents.
- DCS Mission Planner: A pilot-focused flight planning and DTC preparation application. Plan routes and waypoints, review available mission and operational information, configure supported aircraft-specific DTC settings, export supported .dtc files, and generate printable Mission Data Cards (MDC) in A4 or A5 format.
- DCS Airspace: A web-based real-time tactical radar workstation for DCS World ATC, AWACS, and GCI operators. It displays contacts according to DCS World sensor detection data and provides tactical track management, IFF identification, BRAA and intercept calculations, airspace controls, and SRS integration.
Each application can be used independently. When connected, they can share relevant mission, flight, and operational data to support coordinated operations involving multiple flights, squadrons, pilots, and controllers.
DCS AOC Tools manages operational planning and mission data. DCS Mission Planner uses that information for detailed pilot flight preparation. DCS Airspace uses shared mission and airspace information together with live DCS World data for ATC, AWACS and GCI operations.
The tools remain independently usable, but connected workflows reduce duplicated data entry and keep staff, pilots and controllers aligned around the same operational information.
DCS AOC Tools is a free, web-based Air Operations Center and mission planning application for DCS World virtual squadrons. It helps mission planners, AOC staff, and commanders organize operational tasking, coordinate flights and packages, and generate mission documentation. It supports both routine squadron missions and complex multiplayer operations involving multiple flights and squadrons.
By uploading a DCS World mission file (.miz), staff can extract available mission data and use it as the starting point for operational planning, including:
- Automated Documentation Generation: Extract available mission information to help prepare ATO, ACO, SPINS, Comm Plan, JIPTL, and other operational documents.
- Operational Customization: Add or override task units, package and flight tasks, primary and secondary targets, TOT, NET, NLT, mission locations, mission start and stop times, unit remarks, and other supported operational details.
DCS AOC Tools complements the DCS World Mission Editor rather than replacing it. Mission creation remains in DCS, while operational information can be managed externally and shared with connected Combined Ops applications. This helps reduce repetitive editing and supports consistent planning across multiple flights and squadrons.
Yes. Combined Ops tools can import standard DCS World .miz mission files and extract the mission information available in the file. The amount of information available to the tools depends on how the mission is structured and which data has been configured in the DCS Mission Editor.
DCS AOC Tools can use the imported data as the starting point for operational planning, while DCS Mission Planner can also work directly with .miz files for standalone flight preparation.
To ensure optimal parsing of some flight data, like waypoints and target data, certain formatting best practices should be followed when building missions in the DCS World Mission Editor. Detailed guidelines, tips, and step-by-step setup instructions are available in the DCS World Mission Editing guide in the Combined Ops Wiki.
DCS Mission Planner is a pilot-focused briefing and tactical planning application built specifically for flight leads and virtual aviators. It is not a mission editor or file creation tool for DCS World—you cannot edit map objects, triggers, or 3D terrain with it. Instead, it is a dedicated web dashboard where pilots analyze, customize, and prepare their flight profiles based on operational briefings.
Using DCS Mission Planner, virtual pilots and flight leads can:
- Access ATO Briefings & Data: Review flight assignments, waypoints, threat zones, communication plans, and Special Instructions (SPINS) published directly from DCS AOC Tools.
- Build Data Transfer Cartridges (.dtc): Configure custom avionics profiles—including radio pre-sets, weapon delivery parameters, countermeasure programs, and waypoint offsets—and export them directly into compatible DCS aircraft avionics via supported DTC mods.
- Generate Mission Data Cards (MDC): Automatically compile and export clean, printable Mission Data Cards in A4 or A5 format for quick reference during flight or integration into kneeboard folders.
- Coordinate Flight Packages: Adjust fuel loads, weapon loadouts, and flight-level tactics with wingmen before hopping into the cockpit.
Whether you fly as a solo pilot joining a public event or lead a four-ship package in a large coalition, DCS Mission Planner bridges the gap between high-level command planning and cockpit execution.
No. DCS Mission Planner is not intended to replace the DCS World Mission Editor. The Mission Editor remains the environment for creating the DCS mission itself. DCS Mission Planner focuses on the pilot's operational preparation: flight planning, route analysis, navigation, fuel and flight data, DTC preparation and Mission Data Cards.
This separation allows mission creation and pilot preparation to remain distinct parts of the workflow while still sharing the relevant mission data.
DCS Mission Planner is a dedicated, web-based tool designed for flight leads and pilots to seamlessly translate miz file data and Air Tasking Order (ATO) assignments into precise, executable flight plans. Key features include:
- ATO-Driven Briefing Access: Log in to select assigned missions and instantly access all relevant tactical and flight information compiled directly from .miz files via DCS AOC Tools.
- Advanced Navigation & Waypoints: Easily place and configure detailed navigation waypoints—such as Virtual Initial Points (VIP), Visual Reference Points (VRP), and Objective Areas (OA)—with intuitive map interactions.
- DTC Preparation: Prepare and share Data Transfer Cartridges (.json for DCS-DTC and .dtc for native DCS World) for quick avionics loading.
- MDC Preparation: Generate and export customizable Mission Data Cards (MDC) in printable A4 and A5 PDF formats.
- Terrain & Radar LOS Calculation: Perform precise Line-of-Sight (LOS) calculations from any specific map unit or arbitrary point on the map. The tool uses high-resolution SRTM1 elevation data extracted directly from DCS World to ensure the LOS accurately mirrors actual in-simulator terrain masking and visibility.
- Seamless AOC & Airspace Synchronization: Automatically sync every leg of the flight plan, assigned radio frequencies, targets, and mission remarks back to the AOC, keeping GCI and ATC controllers fully updated in real time across DCS Airspace.
Yes, absolutely. DCS Mission Planner is a fully independent pilot application and does not require DCS AOC Tools to function. You can use it as a standalone planning suite in two of its three operating modes:
- 1. Standalone without a .miz file: Select your aircraft type and theater (map) manually to build custom flight routes, configure radio presets, and set up weapon parameters from scratch.
- 2. Standalone with your own .miz file: Upload any local DCS World mission file (.miz) directly to automatically parse route waypoints, airfields, and flight data for personal mission briefings.
- 3. Linked with DCS AOC Tools (Optional): Connect directly to operations published by your squadron staff to automatically import synchronized Air Tasking Orders (ATO) and package assignments.
In all 3 modes, you retain full access to standalone core features, including exporting custom Data Transfer Cartridge (.dtc) files directly into your DCS aircraft avionics and generating printable Mission Data Cards (MDC) in A4 or A5 format.
Yes. DCS Mission Planner can be used independently with no DCS AOC Tools project. Pilots can create flight plans from scratch after selecting an aircraft and theater, or upload their own .miz file. AOC Tools integration is optional and adds shared mission and operational data.
DCS Airspace is a free, web-based real-time tactical radar workstation for DCS World ATC, AWACS, GCI, and mission controllers. It provides a browser-based interface for monitoring aircraft and other available contacts, managing tactical tracks, coordinating airspace, and supporting interception and air traffic control tasks.
DCS Airspace connects to DCS World through the DCS Olympus server architecture, which supplies live simulation data to the application. The tactical contact picture follows the detection state generated by DCS World rather than replacing it with an independent external radar model.
When integrated with DCS AOC Tools and DCS Mission Planner, DCS Airspace can also display available mission, flight, and airspace information alongside live simulation data.
DCS Airspace is a real-time tactical airspace-control application for DCS World ATC, AWACS, and GCI operators. It combines the contact detection data generated by DCS World with available mission information, tactical track management, and airspace-control functions in a browser-based workstation.
Key features include:
- Tactical Picture and Intercept Geometry: Multiple Bullseye references, free hand BRAA measurement, persistent and multiple track-to-track BRAA, geometry, and intercept cut-off calculations.
- Identification and Track Coordination: IFF-related identification, ATO correlation, Tracks of Interest, shared Groups of Responsibility, targeted tracks, and visual or audio alerts.
- ATC and Ground Operations: Scheduled flight monitoring, airfield and taxiway visualization, and a Precision Approach Radar (PAR) interface.
- Terrain and IADS Analysis: Terrain-aware Line of Sight (LOS) calculations using DCS World terrain elevation data, along with supported IADS and SAM management functions.
- Mission and Airspace Integration: Available ATO, ACO, flight plans, mission data, MGRS and WGS84 coordinates, and customizable tactical map layers.
- Connected Operations: Integration with DCS Olympus, DCS AOC Tools, DCS Mission Planner, and Simple Radio Standalone (SRS).
These capabilities support both routine ATC and GCI tasks and coordinated multiplayer missions involving multiple controllers and flights.
Yes. DCS Airspace was specifically designed for large-scale DCS World multiplayer operations and campaigns, drawing on practical experience gained during events involving 100+ pilots and controllers. Its shared tactical picture, coordinated track management and multi-controller features are designed to support complex operations involving multiple flights, squadrons and control positions.
However, DCS Airspace is not limited to large-scale events. It can also be used for smaller multiplayer scenarios, individual missions and everyday ATC, AWACS and GCI operations. Its capabilities make it suitable for both complex campaign environments and simpler mission setups.
DCS Airspace supports coordinated ATC, AWACS, and GCI operations by allowing connected controllers to work with shared tactical information and operational data, according to their configured access permissions.
Features such as shared Groups of Responsibility, shared tactical tracks, Tracks of Interest, targeted tracks, and synchronized tactical symbology help controllers coordinate their work and maintain a common tactical picture.
When integrated with DCS AOC Tools and DCS Mission Planner, available flight plans, mission information, and airspace data can also be displayed alongside live DCS World detection data. This workflow is designed to support both routine missions and large-scale multiplayer operations involving multiple flights and control positions.
Setting up DCS Airspace requires linking your DCS World server via DCS Olympus (which acts as the underlying backend telemetry server).
Follow these simple steps to get started:
* 1. Server Backend Setup: Ensure DCS Olympus is installed on your DCS server. Since DCS Airspace runs as a client for DCS Olympus, no additional software needs to be installed on the client side.
* 2. Add Your Server in Combined Ops: Log into your User Control Panel (UCP), navigate to the Airspace Servers panel, and register your server by entering the DCS Olympus server IP, port, and access passwords.
* 3. Link to AOC Tools & Configure Permissions: Once connected, you can set access permissions for your virtual controllers and link the live server to an active DCS AOC Tools project to automatically display flight plans, ATO targets, and airspace limits on the radar scope.
Full details, setup instructions, and related resources are available in the DCS Airspace setup guide in the Combined Ops Wiki.
Yes, DCS Airspace features a highly customizable, multi-tier permissions system configured via your User Control Panel and DCS AOC Tools:
* 1. Public (No Restrictions): The radar scope is visible and accessible to all logged-in users on Combined Ops.
* 2. Host Group Members Only: Access is restricted strictly to members of your virtual group, granting full visibility over both Blue and Red coalitions.
* 3. Operation & AOC Tools Project Related: Ties radar access directly to an official Combined Ops Operation and AOC Tools project, unlocking granular control modes managed by Group and AOC Admins:
* Group Members + Registered Users (Unrestricted): Host group members get dual-coalition access, while external pilots must register for the Operation.
* Registered Users Only (Coalition Restricted): Users must register for the Operation and can only view their approved coalition (Bluefor or Redfor) to prevent intelligence leaks.
* Registered Users Only (Coalition & Role Restricted): The most secure tier. Only users registered and approved for designated ATC or AWACS roles within their coalition can access the radar display.
Full setup instructions for the DCS Airspace permissions system are available in the DCS Airspace permissions setup guide in the Combined Ops Wiki.
DCS Airspace displays aircraft and ground contacts according to the detection data provided by DCS World. It does not replace the simulator's detection state with an independent radar model for the tactical contact picture. This keeps the displayed tactical picture consistent with what the simulation itself detects.
DCS Airspace can additionally perform its own terrain-based line-of-sight analysis using DCS-native terrain elevation for radar coverage, sensor visibility and point-to-point tactical analysis.
Yes. DCS Airspace provides extensive display customization. Controllers can show, hide or adjust the opacity of tactical layers and operational overlays such as ACO, drawings, airbases and threat circles, while also adjusting map brightness and display style.
An ATC/GCI/AWACS-style dark tactical display is also available for controller-focused operations.
Yes. Combined Ops can perform point-to-point line-of-sight analysis using DCS World-native terrain elevation data. Users can analyze visibility between selected positions, including terrain effects between a sensor or radar position and a target position at a specified altitude.
This can be used to study routes, radar exposure and terrain-masking opportunities before the mission.
Once your group is created and your squadron members have joined, you can assign specific operational roles to delegate administrative and mission planning tasks:
- Group Admins: Can edit all squadron settings, manage member rosters, and assign user roles. For security reasons, Group Admins cannot delete the group or remove the Group Founder.
- AOC Admins & Staff: Receive full access to all features within DCS AOC Tools, allowing them to manage missions, update operational databases, and oversee Air Tasking Orders (ATO).
- Editors: Can create, edit, and publish operations on the Combined Ops site calendar, as well as accept or reject slot registrations from participating pilots.
- Group Members: Regular members receive full access to private group operations and DCS Mission Planner features. They can view briefing materials and participate in events without administrative modification rights.
As the Group Founder, you retain ultimate control over your squadron profile and can adjust member permissions at any time through your group dashboard.
To start publishing and sharing operations, you must be the Group Founder or have an assigned AOC Staff or Editor role within your squadron. Once permissions are set, you can share operations across the community using two synchronized methods:
- DCS AOC Tools (Mission Planning): Upload your DCS World mission file (.miz) directly to the platform. The system automatically extracts mission data and generates your Air Tasking Order (ATO), Special Instructions (SPINS), and flight packages.
- Combined Ops Main Site (Event & Slot Management): Create a new operation entry on the main event calendar. You can set slot availability, publish briefing details, and allow members from your own squadron or allied Combined Ops groups to sign up and participate in joint operations.
Both tools work together seamlessly so that mission parameters set in DCS AOC Tools are automatically accessible to registered pilots in DCS Mission Planner and air controllers in DCS Airspace.
Yes, absolutely. You do not need to generate your mission documentation through DCS AOC Tools to use the slot registration and event system.
When creating or editing an event in your User Control Panel (UCP), you can bypass automated generation and simply paste a link to your external documentation (such as Google Drive, Discord briefs, or custom PDFs) into the Operation Custom Link field. Participating pilots and allied squadrons will be able to sign up for mission slots on the calendar while accessing your custom briefings directly from the operation page.
When creating or editing an event in your User Control Panel, you can manage access using two key privacy settings:
- Operation Visibility: Controls who can see your mission and its tactical details. You can restrict access to your own squadron members or open sign-ups to allied Combined Ops groups and the wider community.
- Not Listed Option: Hides the event from the public calendar entirely. When enabled, your operation will not appear in search results or public feeds, making it accessible exclusively to pilots who receive a direct link.
Using these two settings together allows you to run completely private internal squadron trainings, unlisted tactical events, or fully public multi-group coalitions.
Detailed documentation and operational guides explaining Air Tasking Orders (ATO), Airspace Control Orders (ACO), Special Instructions (SPINS), and other generated tactical files are available in the Combined Ops Official Wiki for DCS World mission planning and operations.
In the wiki, you will find comprehensive breakdowns of:
- ATO & ACO Structure: How mission parameters, flight schedules, and airspace structures extracted from DCS World mission files (.miz) are compiled and formatted.
- SPINS & Comm Plans: Instructions on defining coalition radio frequencies, RAMROD tables, code words, bullseye positions, and combat search and rescue (CSAR) procedures.
- JIPTL & Targeting Lists: Guidance on setting up Joint Integrated Prioritized Target Lists and assigning primary/secondary objectives to packages.
- Export Formats: How to read and utilize exported PDF briefing packages, printable Mission Data Cards (MDC), and Data Transfer Cartridge (.dtc) files.
The wiki provides step-by-step references for both mission planners using DCS AOC Tools and virtual pilots using DCS Mission Planner to ensure standardized operational procedures across all missions.
Yes, complete official documentation for all Combined Ops tools, workflows, and integrations is available online in the Combined Ops Official Wiki and Documentation.
The wiki covers comprehensive guides and step-by-step tutorials, including:
* DCS AOC Tools Setup: Best practices for mission designers, including how to structure .miz files in the DCS World Mission Editor for optimal parsing of ATOs, ACOs, SPINS, and communication plans.
* DCS Mission Planner Usage: Detailed instructions for virtual pilots on generating custom Data Transfer Cartridges (.dtc), exporting Mission Data Cards (MDC), and managing flight briefings.
* DCS Airspace Integration: Configuration steps for linking live DCS World servers to the tactical radar view for ATC, AWACS, and GCI controllers.
* Group & Event Management: Guides on setting up virtual squadrons, configuring user permissions, and publishing joint coalition operations on the event calendar.
Whether you are a squadron commander, mission editor, or virtual pilot, the Combined Ops Official Wiki is continuously updated with documentation and practical guides to help you get the most out of the Combined Ops ecosystem.
Yes, Combined Ops has an official Discord community where you can get direct support, ask questions, and chat with developers, mission planners, and other virtual pilots.
Whether you need assistance setting up DCS AOC Tools, configuring DCS Mission Planner, or linking your server to DCS Airspace, you can join our active community using the Combined Ops Official Discord for DCS World Support.
You can report bugs, submit feedback, or suggest new features directly on our Official Discord server at Combined Ops Official Discord for DCS World Support.
Inside the server, you will find dedicated channels for bug reporting, technical support, and feature suggestions. Sharing your issue details or .miz mission files on Discord allows our development team to investigate problem reports quickly and continuously improve the platform for the DCS World community.