Major Update: Introducing Advanced Realism Modes and IFF Simulation
The latest release introduces a comprehensive overhaul of the tactical display systems, focusing on realistic Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) protocols and dynamic Unit Visibility logic. These updates bridge the gap between simulation data and realistic Command and Control (C2) operations.
Advanced Identification Systems
The identification of live units now operates under two distinct, server-side realism profiles:
- DCS Mode (Legacy): Provides immediate and absolute data retrieval from the simulation, mirroring the DCS F10 map.
- Real Mode (High Realism): Implements a hierarchical IFF logic. All contacts are initially displayed as UNKNOWN (represented by a new yellow square symbol). Identification is achieved through Manual Controller overrides, Mode 3 ATO-matching, and Mode 4/Mode S status.
New transponder functionalities have been integrated to enhance safety and communication, including support for the IDENT (squawk ident) command and dedicated visual indicators for emergency codes 7600 (Radio Failure) and 7700 (General Emergency).
Dynamic Visibility and Tactical Filtering
The radar screen now utilizes sophisticated logic to determine when and how contacts are displayed:
- Airborne & Ground Operations: While airborne visibility in Real Mode requires active sensors or transponders, aircraft on the ground remain visible. This ensures that Tower and Ground controllers can manage airfield traffic effectively without relying on radar line-of-sight.
- Threat Intelligence: The visibility of hostile threat circles is now tied to mission intelligence. Circles for units pre-set as "visible" via DCS AOC Tools (.miz) appear immediately, while hidden threats only manifest upon active detection.
Enhanced Tactical Tools and UI
Several quality-of-life improvements have been implemented for controllers:
- Tactical Info: Access to Mission Info and Flight Plans is now strictly regulated by the server's realism mode and identification status. To maintain data security, the INFO button is now disabled for non-friendly tracks.
- Interface Updates: A new BRAA Tool has been assigned to the middle mouse button for faster vectoring, replacing the legacy Ruler BRAA mode.
- Customizable Labels: Track labels have been streamlined; the Bullseye name has been removed, and every label item can now be individually toggled for a cleaner tactical picture.
Detailed technical documentation and specific logic flows for these features are available in the official Documentation.
While the primary focus remains on the Airspace module, the AOC Tools and Mission Planner have also received functional upgrades. These include the integration of elevation data for the Syria map and the ability to set VIP, VRP, and OA points directly through map interaction, further streamlining the pre-flight planning process.
Complete Changelog here.
Note: The new IFF functionalities require the Combined Ops Link to be running by the controller operating on DCS Airspace, with SRS open and connected: