DCS Reference/Air Defences/Eastern: Difference between revisions
m (→) |
m (→) |
||
Line 981: | Line 981: | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Target tracking | ! Target tracking | ||
| colspan="4" | Can track 10 targets at a time; | | colspan="4" | Can track 10 targets at a time.<br/>Target size limit: 0.18m².<ref name="missizes"/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Sensor scan coverage | ! Sensor scan coverage | ||
Line 1,016: | Line 1,016: | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Target tracking | ! Target tracking | ||
| colspan="4" | Can track 10 targets at a time; | | colspan="4" | Can track 10 targets at a time.<br/>Target size limit: 0.18m².<ref name="missizes"/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Sensor scan coverage | ! Sensor scan coverage |
Revision as of 05:56, 25 December 2020
Each block describes the system as a whole, the ground units it consists of, the dependencies between these units, and some key performance figures (in most cases data-mined from the game files, but in some instances gathered from in-game tests or wiki-based). In addition, optional units and decorative static objects that would complement the system and make them closer to the real setup are listed, even if these units generally serve no added function. The only exception is ammunition-providing M818 and Ural trucks that effectively give nearby units (within 200m) infinite ammunition capacity. These units will have a black circle in the mission editor to signify the range within which they provide ammunition for nearby units.
Note that maximum altitudes can be a bit unreliable due to the interaction between maximum sensor elevation, sensor range, and missile flight capabilities. While the maximum altitude may seem sufficient on some systems, it is often a lot lower in practice because there is a rather narrow band between where the missile still has energy enough to climb, and where the (usually) radar is still able to track a target. For maximum skylord murderness, make sure the altitude capabilities are ridiculously above where the target is expected to fly.
Italicised units — ones with their number in parenthesis — are optional and not necessary for the functioning of the system. Beyond that, the numbers listed only indicate the doctrinal setups and all systems only require one of each mandatory unit to work if the mission designer wants to reduce the overall unit count. Units (mainly decorative) that can be found outside the Air Defence category have their category indicated in parentheses, as do decorations that only exist as static objects. In addition, in general, the main radar system is often required to be the first unit in any air defence group. For some of the more advanced systems, it is good practice to make the command post unit the first unit in the group.
Naming conventions
To fully understand what different systems do and what their purpose is, one has to dive into the murky world of GRAU indices — the Russian equivalent of the JETDS or AN-system. Three general groups and naming schemes are relevant to keep track of:
- The 2K series — the air defences that for one reason or another classify as artillery (the index number 2) anti-air systems (the ‘K’ category). Ostensibly, this signifies tactical air defence units that are deployed to protect a given (smaller) area. This can be contrasted against 2A category, where the A means it is a towed system.
- The 9K series — army missile (index 9) anti-air systems (again ‘K’). The army categorisation implies that these are more mobile units that are deployed to protect various army detachment rather than specific points. The actual missiles themselves are categorised as 9M, the individual launchers as 9A, and command units as 9S.
- The S- series — multi-part strategic (hence the ‘S’) defence system that, while they might have some mobility, are set up to defend large swaths of strategically important airspace. The number after the S signifies a nominal protection radius in kilometres. Individual pieces within this larger system will have their own GRAU indices, but that's of less relevance for the system name as a whole.
To add to the confusion, there is often a lot of overlap between these schemes as different components of each system will themselves have specific GRAU codes and of course, on top of this is the often more familiar NATO reporting names for each system. The NATO names have a logic of their own, commonly using “SA” to signify a Surface to Air system, and a number that essentially works as a chronological index — the SA-2 was made (or at least officially acknowledged) before the SA-3; SA-10 came out slightly before SA-11, and so on.
Picking an early-detection system
A look through the setups listed below will reveal that many systems have the option to use one of two different detection systems: the P-19 search radar or the Sborka reconnaissance/command centre/air defence radar. This includes a number of IR- and optically guided systems. The choice to use these two units is a bit of a compromise.
On the one hand, including them lets the group detect enemies early and have more time to change their level of readiness, letting them fire as soon as the target is in weapon range. On the other hand, this will give early warning to the target as well, which for some IR systems in particular might defeat the whole purpose of using a sneaky passive targeting system. On the third hand, since so many different systems use the same two detection units, it can be hard for the attacker to figure out the exact nature of what is about to shoot at them — if all you see is eight different “Dog Ear” cues on the RWR, you will not know if those are aiming SA-13 IR missiles, SA-15 radar missiles, or SA-19 optically guided missiles in your general direction (until it is too late). It also gives anti-radiation missiles more emitters to try to resolve or accidentally lock on to, wasting precious ordnance on something that does not actually reduce the threat for aircraft in the area.
From a mission-design standpoint, DCS' automated briefing screen will unfortunately give a lot of this away and ruin the surprise, as will the faked SA data loading that is integrated in aircraft such as the F-16, F/A-18, and Ka-50. Two mission editor options exist to “hide on planning screen” and “hide on MFD” that are supposed to suppress this free intel, but this functionality is unreliably and unevenly implemented in the different modules.
Radar-guided
2K12 Kub / SA-6 “Gainful”
The SA-6 is a Soviet Mobile Medium range SAM developed in 1958 intended to cover ground forces from aerial attack.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-6 Kub STR 9S91 | 1 | 1S91 “Straight Flush” Search/Track Radar | — | Detection: 0.5–37.8nm / 1–70km Altitude: 65–45,900ft / 20–14,000m |
SAM SA-6 Kub LN 2P25 | 4 | Transporter Erector Launcher | 3× 3M9M | Engagement: 2.2–13.5nm / 4–25km Altitude: 98–26,500ft / 30–8,000m Max speed: Mach 2.2 |
SAM SR P-19 | (1) | P-19 Danube 1RL134 / “Flat Face B” Search Radar | — | Detection: 0.8–86.4nm / 1.5–160km Altitude: 82–98,400ft / 25–30,000m |
(Armor) APC BTR-80 | (1) | Site Survey Vehicle | — | — |
(Unarmed) CP SKP-11 ATC Mobile Command Post | (1) | Radio Relay Van | — | — |
(Unarmed) CP Ural-375 PBU | (1) | Radar Test/repair Station | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport GAZ-66 | (1) | Transporter/transloader | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport KAMAZ-43101 | (2) | Missile Transporter | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport ZIL-131 KUNG | (1) | Repair/test/assembly Station | — | — |
(Static Cargos) ISO container small | (8) | Missile reloads | — | — |
Reload / rearm | 5s to ready new missile; 600s per missile to reload; 1800s total rearm time per launcher from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | STR: 1s scan + 20s acquisition. SR: 6s scan + 9s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | STR lock-on: 32.1nm / 59.5km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. SR lock-on: 73nm / 136km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | STR can guide 2 missiles at a time at a single target. Target size limit 0.18m².[1] | |||
Sensor scan coverage | STR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. SR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+45° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s (all components) | |||
Kill radius | 12m | |||
Notes | ||||
The optional components are mostly for decoration (especially the static cargo containers), although the many transport units will provide rearming functionality for the launchers.
Adding an optional P-19 radar extends the search range but may tip off the target early and reduces the site's mobility. The system is mobile but relies in multiple components and cannot be directly driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
This system was designed to be a mobile point defence system to protect ground forces from aerial attack, as such it can move with them and set up within 15 minutes. It is also employed as static point defence around important installations. Soviet doctrine places one SA-6 regiment (5 sites) per tank division.
Missiles are initially guided by remote command, becoming SARH in the terminal phase. The "Straight Flush" is equipped with both a tracking radar and an optical sight, making it a real life possibility to launch and guide until the terminal phase, minimizing RWR warning time and SEAD vulnerability. The possibility of a DCS SA-6 AI of any skill level or scripted behaviour doing this is unconfirmed. |
9K33 Osa / SA-8 “Gecko”
Developed in 1971, this short range low altitude SAM is highly mobile and makes for a dangerous escort for ground forces or complement to other defences.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-8 Osa 9A33 | 4 | Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar | 6× 9M33 | Detection: 0.8–16.2nm / 1.5–30km Detection alt.: 32–16,400ft / 10–5,000m Low alt. engagement: 0.8–4.6nm / 1.5–8.5km High alt. engagement: 0.8–5.5nm / 1.5–10.3km Engagement alt.: 32–16,400ft / 10–5,000m Max speed: Mach 2.1 |
CP 9S80M1 Sborka | (0-1) | PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit | — | Detection: 0.1–18.9nm / 0.1–35km Altitude: 50–32,800ft / 15–10,000m |
(Unarmed) CP Ural-375 PBU | (1) | TELAR Calibration and simulation | — | — |
(Unarmed) Fuel Truck ATZ-10 | (1) | Tanker | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport KAMAZ-43101 | (1) | Loading Crane | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-375 | (1) | Transporter/transloader[2] | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport ZIL-131 KUNG | (1) | Repair/test/assembly Station | — | — |
Reload / rearm | 4s to ready new missile; 300s reload per missile; 1800s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | TELAR: 1s scan + 18s acquisition. CP: 1s scan + 12s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | TELAR lock-on: 13.8nm / 25.5km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. CP lock-on: 16nm / 30km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | TELAR can guide 2 missiles at a time at a single target. Target size limit 0.22m².[1] No evidence that the CP can share target tracks. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | TELAR radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. TELAR “Karat” optics: 360° horizontal × -3°–+27° vertical. CP: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s | |||
Kill radius | 5m | |||
Notes | ||||
The addition of an optional “Dog Ear” radar can extend detection range, though it may be undesirable due to the lack of emissions control and will tip off the target early.
Soviet doctrine is to place a regiment of SA-8 (5 sites) within a motor-rifle division. The system is mobile and can be directly driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
Each TELAR has both a radar and optical sight intended for searching, ranging, and tracking targets as well as for missile guidance, but the unit as represented in DCS is only ever radar-operated since ECM is not sufficient to render the radar useless.
Can lock incoming missiles but only has limited self-defence anti-missile capability in this manner. Human controllers and scripters might consider to instead just turn off the radar and scoot out of the way in event of a perceived SEAD attack. It can track while on the move, but must stop in order to fire. Shoot and scoot tactics can make this unit a very elusive target for SEAD aircraft: units adopting this tactic would be better engaged by a maverick or high altitude laser guided bomb. |
9K37 Buk M1 / SA-11 “Gadfly”
The 1980's successor to the SA-6, this medium range SAM can be extremely hard to kill.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-11 Buk CC 9S470M1 | 1 | Self Propelled Command Centre | — | Detection: 1.1–54nm / 2–100km Altitude: 49–82,000ft / 15–25,000m[3] |
SAM SA-11 Buk SR 9S18M1 | 1 | “Snow Drift” Acquisition Radar (search) | — | Detection: 1.1–54nm / 2–100km Altitude: 82–82,000ft / 25–25,000m |
SAM SA-11 Buk LN 9A310M1 | 4-6 | “Fire Dome” Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar | 4× 9M38M1 | Detection: 1.6–27nm / 3–50km Detection alt.: 65–72,100ft / 20–22,000m Low alt. engagement: 1.8–13.8nm / 3.3–25.5km High alt. engagement: 1.8–18.9nm / 3.3–35km Engagement alt.: 49–72,100ft / 15–22,000m Max speed: Mach 3.4 |
(Unarmed) GPU APA-5D on Ural-4320 | (1) | PES-100T Mobile Power Generator | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport KAMAZ-43101 | (2) | Missile Reload Transporter | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-375 | (1) | 9T31M1 Self Propelled Crane | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320-31 Armored | (1) | 9V881M1 Equipment Repair/Test Station | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320-31 Armored | (1) | 9V883M1 Equipment Repair Station | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport ZIL-131 KUNG | (1) | 9V95M1 Mobile Automatic Test Station | — | — |
(Static Cargos) ISO container small | (2) | Missile releoads | — | — |
Reload / rearm | 5s to ready new missile; 195s reload per missile; 780s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | CC: 0.1s SR: 1s scan + 14s acquisition. TELAR: 1s scan + 20s search acquisition; 4s lock-on for search targets (self-designated or designated by CC). | |||
Acquisition limits | SR lock-on: 45.9nm / 85km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. TELAR lock-on: 19.4nm / 36km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | CC can track 10 targets at a time, fed by SR. SR can track 10 targets at a time. TELAR can guide 2 missiles per target at a time; can track 1 self-designated target + 1 CC-designated target. Target size limit 0.18m².[1] | |||
Sensor scan coverage | SR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. TELAR STR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. TELAR “Karat” optics: 360° horizontal × -3°–+27° vertical. | |||
Time to ready: | CC: 20s SR: 60s TELAR: 15s | |||
Kill radius | 13m | |||
Notes | ||||
Has limited self-defence anti-missile capability. The launch unit depicted is the TELAR model with its own tracking radar, and it can operate independently in a very limited capacity if the CC and SR units have been destroyed but requires both to actually fire in any coordinated fashion.
A single TELAR can be deployed and function without CC and SR units, but will rely on optical search to find its targets, and can take severla minutes to complete a full sweep of its detection area. The same holds true if the CC and SR units are destroyed before they can be readied and have not yet provided a target for the TELAR to track. The system is mobile but consists of multiple interdependent components and cannot be directly driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
Like the SA-6, this mobile system is designed to move with and cover other ground forces from air attack. As such, many of its upgrades are in the form of the ability to fire on missiles.
SEAD aircraft should be aware that each launcher has its own redundant tracking radar, and will take a ton of ARMs to bring down targeting tracking emitters. Instead, it is better to fire a salvo at the search emitter, as the loss of the search emitter or the command post will largely render the site inoperative unless you fly in very close proximity to the remaining TELARs. Per Soviet Doctrine, 1 SA-11 brigade (12 sites) is deployed within an army. |
9K331 Tor / SA-15 “Gauntlet”
Introduced in 1986 as a successor to the SA-8, this unit is even more of an annoying ankle biter than its predecessor.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-15 Tor 9A331 | 4 | Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar | 8× 9M331 | Detection: 0.3–13.5nm / 0.5–25km Detection alt.: 65–26,200ft / 20–8,000m Engagement: 0.8–6.5nm / 1.5–12km Engagement alt.: 32–19,700ft / 10–6,000m Max speed: Mach 3.0 |
CP 9S80M1 Sborka | (0-1) | PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit | — | Detection: 0.1–18.9nm / 0.1–35km Altitude: 50–32,800ft / 15–10,000m |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320-31 Armored | (1) | Missile Transporter/transloader | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320-31 Armored | (1) | Test/repair/assembly station | ∞ | — |
Reload / rearm | 4s to ready new missile; 540s reload per batch of 4 missiles; 1080s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | TELAR: 1s scan + 6s acquisition. CP: 1s scan + 12s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | TELAR lock-on: 11.5nm / 21.3km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. CP lock-on: 16nm / 30km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | TELAR can guide 2 missiles at a time at a single target. Target size limit 0.02m².[1] No evidence that the CP can share target tracks. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | TELAR radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. TELAR optics: 360° horizontal × -3°–+70° vertical. CP: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | TELAR: 10s CP: 2s | |||
Kill radius | 7m | |||
Notes | ||||
Has self-defence anti-missile capability.
The addition of an optional “Dog Ear” radar can extend detection range, though it may be undesirable due to the lack of emissions control and will tip off the target early. The system is mobile and can be directly driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
Each TELAR has both a radar and optical sight intended for searching, ranging, and tracking targets as well as for missile guidance, but the unit as represented in DCS is only ever radar-operated since ECM is not sufficient to render the radar useless.
Improved ability to engage incoming missiles, enabling the possibility of covering units from air attack and SEAD, or playing with the sorts of annoying shoot and scoot tactics the SA-8 can accomplish. The one Achilles heel it retains is that it needs to stop to shoot. In terms of soviet doctrine, a regiment of SA-15 (4 sites) replaces SA-6 or SA-8s within Tanks or Motor-Rifle divisions. |
9S80M1 Sborka-M1 (PPRU-M1) / “Dog Ear”
The PPRU-1 mobile reconnaissance and air defence control point was introduced in the late 1970s as a unified way to coordinate mobile tactical air defence batteries such as the Shilka, Strela-1, Strela-10, Tor and Tunguska.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
CP 9S80M1 Sborka | 1 | 9S80M1 Sborka / “Dog Ear” command unit | — | Detection: 0.1–18.9nm / 0.1–35km Altitude: 50–32,800ft / 15–10,000m |
Acquisition time | 1s scan + 12s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | Radar: 16nm / 30km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | Can track 10 targets at a time. Target size limit 0.18m².[1] There is no evidence that the Sborka can share target tracks with other units. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | Radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s | |||
Notes | ||||
The system has no offensive (or defensive) capabilities but is solely intended to augment AI unit early-warning detection capabilities. It cannot be driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
Since this is entirely a support unit — it presents no threat and cannot really protect against anything, the Sborka may seem like a completely harmless thing. It still creates issues, however. For one, when attached to any of the units it is supposed to support, it lets enemy units detect the player earlier and lets them be ready sooner. In some cases, this may seem like a disadvantage since IR-based systems like the Strelas or Iglas would otherwise not show up on the player's RWR. But on the other hand, given the breadth of units that it is supposedly attached to, this creates a problem: you have no idea what is hiding behind that RWR blip. It may just be some low-level AAA, but it might also suddenly flip over into showing an SA-15 site, or it might show nothing and out of nowhere you are yet another Tunguska victim.
It also creates problem for SEAD/DEAD aircraft since it creates another emitter that the ARM:s might go after and which needs to be resolved, filtered out, and separated from more worth-while targets. |
S-75M1 Divina / SA-2 “Guideline”
The SA-2 is a Soviet Radar guided medium range high altitude SAM system developed in 1957, but continues to see use to this day. The missiles are given remote commands from a ground operator, effectively making them Semi-Active Radar Homing.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SR P-19 | 1 | P-19 Danube 1RL134 / “Flat Face B” Search Radar | — | Detection: 0.8–86.4nm / 1.5–160km Altitude: 82–98,400ft / 25–30,000m |
SAM SA-2 TR SNR-75 Fan Song | 1 | “Fan Song” Tracking Radar | — | Detection: 0.8–54nm / 1.5–100km Altitude: 82–82,000ft / 25–25,000m |
SAM SA-2 LN SM-90 | 6 | Single-rail Launcher | 1× 13DAM (V-755) | Low alt. engagement: 3.8–21.6nm / 7–40km High alt. engagement: 3.8–16.2nm / 7–30km Altitude: 328–65,600ft / 100–20,000m Max speed: Mach 3.0 |
(Unarmed) CP SKP-11 ATC Mobile Command Post | (1) | Radio Relay Van | — | — |
(Unarmed) CP Ural-375 PBU | (1) | SNR-75 Radar Operation Van | — | — |
(Unarmed) CP Ural-375 PBU | (1) | SNR-75 Radar Electronics Van | — | — |
(Unarmed) GPU APA-80 on ZiL-131 | (1) | ESP-90 Power generator | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-375 | (1-6) | Transporter/transloader | ∞ | — |
(Static Cargos) Fuel Tank | (2) | 5L22A Fuel Tank | — | — |
(Static Cargos) Oiltank | (2) | 5L62A Oxidiser Tank | — | — |
(Unavailable) Rapier FSA Blindfire Tracker | (1) | RV-10 Konus Heightfinding Radars | — | Detection 0.3–16.2nm / 0.5–30km Altitude: 164–13,100ft / 50–4,000m |
Reload / rearm | 2700s per missile to reload. | |||
Acquisition time | SR: 6s scan + 9s acquisition. TR: 1s scan + 20s acquisition. HFR: 1s scan + 6s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | SR lock-on: 73nm / 136km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. TR lock-on: 41.3nm / 76.5km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. HFR lock-on: 11.5nm / 21.3km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | SR can track 10 targets at a time. TR can can guide 2 missiles at a time at a single target. Target size limit 0.18m².[1] | |||
Sensor scan coverage | SR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+45° vertical. TR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. HFR radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. HFR optics: 360° horizontal × -3°–+70° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s (all components) | |||
Kill radius | 20m | |||
Notes | ||||
While the radar is ostensibly capable of limited missile tracking, the locking time and the missile guidance will never allow for an actual egagement.
The optional components are mostly for decoration (especially the static cargo containers), although the many transport units will provide rearming functionality for the launchers. The Rapier Blindfire Tracker is a good visual representation of the height-finding radar, but is commonly unavailable to countries that possess the SA-2 and would probably interfere with detection mechanics if mixed in — a better solution is to add it as a Static Ground Vehicle object. The system is static and cannot be driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
Soviet doctrinal placements of units are in a flower pattern, with sensors/logistics units at the center and launchers arranged an a circle around them spaced no more than a few hundred feet apart. However, this is a very easy arrangement to spot from the air, so guerrilla forces throughout history have been known to use other arrangements for the sake of concealment. Since reuse of sites is a common practice, these rules are frequently applied to newer SAM batteries, as well.
One of the easier systems to evade, the tracking radar is easily fooled via notching and chaff bursts of at minimum 4 per second. Chaff on its own is 3× more likely than normal to spoof the V-755. Missiles have no guidance of their own: defeat the track radar to defeat the missile. Missiles guidance is fairly stupid, and can be dragged into the ground. It is also completely unable to track targets at sub 300 ft altitudes, leaving it vulnerable to low runs. As a result, sites should also include short range anti-air able to engage at low altitudes, such as AAA guns and MANPADS. But more than that, Eagle Dynamics have in their infinite wisdom decided that the weapon system that forced an entire new air war doctrine and mission tasking, with specialised aircraft, weapon systems, defensive systems, and specialist schools to be developed to combat it, is pretty much just a pop gun. Due to the SA-2 in DCS only using pure pursuit rather than any kind of proportional or otherwise predictive navigation, it can be defeated by flying straight and level at above 300kts, making it a threat to A-10s, a few helicopters, and not much else, and those can generally quite easily fly below its engagement altitude. Any kind of fighter aircraft or jet bomber or even most transports are completely untouchable by this weapon system. |
S-125 Neva/Pechora / SA-3 “Goa”
The SA-3 is a Soviet Radar guided Short Range SAM system developed in 1961 as a complement to the SA-2. Missiles are guided by remote command, but DCS treats them as SARHs.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SR P-19 | 1 | P-19 Danube 1RL134 / “Flat Face B” Search Radar | — | Detection: 0.8–86.4nm / 1.5–160km Altitude: 82–98,400ft / 25–30,000m |
SAM SA-3 S-125 TR SNR | 1 | SNR-125 UNV “Low Blow” Tracking Radar | — | Detection: 0.8–54nm / 1.5–100km Altitude: 82–65,600ft / 25–20,000m |
SAM SA-3 S-125 LN 5P73 | 4 | 5P73 4-rail Launcher | 4× 5V27 | Low alt. engagement: 1.9–5.9nm / 3.5–11km High alt. engagement: 1.9–9.7nm / 3.5–18km Altitude: 65–59,000ft / 20–18,000m Max speed: Mach 2.2 |
(Unarmed) CP SKP-11 ATC Mobile Command Post | (1) | Radio Relay Van | — | — |
(Unarmed) CP Ural-375 PBU | (1-4) | SNR-125 UNK Radar Operation Van | — | — |
(Unarmed) GPU APA-80 on ZiL-131 | (1) | 5E96 Cabin Power Generator Van | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-375 | (1) | Transporter/transloader | ∞ | — |
(Static Cargos) ISO container small | (1) | Missile reloads | — | — |
(Unavailable) Rapier FSA Blindfire Tracker | (1) | RV-10 Konus Heightfinding Radars | — | Detection 0.3–16.2nm / 0.5–30km Altitude: 164–13,100ft / 50–4,000m |
Reload / rearm | 10s to ready new missile; 300s reload per batch of 2 missiles; 600s total rearm time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | SR: 6s scan + 9s acquisition. TR: 1s scan + 10s acquisition. HFR: 1s scan + 6s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | SR lock-on: 73nm / 136km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. TR lock-on: 41.3nm / 76.5km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. HFR lock-on: 11.5nm / 21.3km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | SR can track 10 targets at a time. TR can guide 2 missiles at a time at a single target. Target size limit 0.18m².[1] | |||
Sensor scan coverage | SR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+45° vertical. TR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. HFR radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. HFR optics: 360° horizontal × -3°–+70° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s (all components) | |||
Kill radius | 14m | |||
Notes | ||||
The optional components are mostly for decoration (especially the static cargo containers), although the many transport units will provide rearming functionality for the launchers.
Launchers should be placed within 70m of the central guidance area The transporters, containers, and radio relay van should be positioned 100m away from the central guidance area (but no farther away than 200m from any launcher so as to provide reloads); the other units should be part of the central guidance area. The Rapier Blindfire Tracker is a good visual representation of the height-finding radar, but is commonly unavailable to countries that possess the SA-3 and would probably interfere with detection mechanics if mixed in — a better solution is to add it as a Static Ground Vehicle object. The system is static and cannot be directly driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
Despite its short range, the missiles are rather manoeuvrable, and harder to shake off with fancy piloting, especially since it actually predicts the target's movement unlike the SA-2. The system is also somewhat more resistant to ECM than its predecessors, but is still rendered toothless once the track radar is defeated. It can also track at lower altitudes than its predecessors. |
S-300PS / SA-10 “Grumble”
Developed in 1979, this system is one of the most dangerous SAMs in the game (and real life).
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-10 S-300PS CP 54K6 | 1 | Command Post | — | Detection: 1.1–86.4nm / 2–160km Altitude: 16–88,600ft / 5–27,000m[3] |
SAM SA-10 S-300PS SR 5N66M | 1 | “Clam Shell” Low-altitude Search Radar | — | Detection: 1.1–32.4nm / 2–60km Altitude: 16–9,800ft / 5–3,000m |
SAM SA-10 S-300PS SR 64H6E | 1 | “Big Bird” Regiment Search Radar (can also locate missiles) | — | Detection: 1.1–86.4nm / 2–160km Altitude: 320–88,600ft / 100–27,000m |
SAM SA-10 S-300PS TR 30N6 | 1 | “Flap Lid A” Tracking Radar | — | Detection: 1.1–86.4nm / 2–160km Altitude: 82–86,600ft / 25–27,000m |
SAM SA-10 S-300PS LN 5P85C | 4 | Master TEL Launch vehicle | 4× 5V55P | Low alt. engagement: 2.7–40–21.6nm / 5–40km High alt. engagement: 2.7–64.8nm / 5–120km Altitude: 82–88,600ft / 25–27,000m Max speed: Mach 5.0 |
SAM SA-10 S-300PS LN 5P85D | 12 | Slave TEL Launch vehicle | ||
(Approximation: SAM SA-10 S-300PS CP 54K6) | (?) | MAZ-543M MOBD accomodation vehicle | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport KAMAZ-43101 | (12) | Transport and Loading | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-375 | (8) | Ural 375 towing tractor | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320T | (4) | Ural 4320 component tractor | ∞ | — |
(Static Cargos) ISO container | (8) | Missile container | — | — |
(Static Structures) GeneratorF | (4) | 5I57 Mobile Diesel Power Generator | — | — |
Reload / rearm | 1800s reload per missile; 7200s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | CC: 0.1s Low SR: 1s scan + 3s acquisition. High SR: 1s scan + 6s acquisition. TR: 1s scan + 6s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits[4] | Low SR lock-on: 119.3nm / 221km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. High SR lock-on: 91.8nm / 170km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. TR lock-on: 119.3nm / 221km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | CP can track 15 targets at a time, fed by the high/low SR:s. Low SR can track 15 targets at a time. High SR can track 15 targets at a time; can detect medium-sized AGM:s. TR can guide 2 missiles per target at a time; can track 5 targets at a time, designated by CP. Target size limit: 0.049m².[1] | |||
Sensor scan coverage | Low SR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. High SR: radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. TR: radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready: | 2s (all components) | |||
Kill radius | 20m | |||
Notes | ||||
Has self-defence anti-missile capability.
Firing units and decorations should be divided among 4 firing emplacements evenly (i.e. 1x Master TEL, 3x Slave TEL, 3x KAMAZ-43101, 2 Ural-375, 1 Ural 4320, 2 ISO containers) The system is static and cannot be driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
This is a very expensive and strategically significant air defence system, and absolutely should be backed up with shorter range systems and AAA. This system is very flexible in terms of realistic placement: it is known to inhabit old SA-2 sites (inheriting the "flower" layout), or components can believably placed as far as 21nm from the central command post.
The SA-10 is not a system to be taken lightly: it can track you and more than twenty other friends from near 0 AGL to high altitude, actively engage five different targets at once, shoot down HARMS and other missiles, and chew up dozens of aircraft in just a minute. Keeping terrain between yourself and the missile site is about the only real evasion technique. This system can realistically distribute its launchers as far as 21 nm from the command post. If a launch is detected, you may find that the fully active radar missile is approaching from a direction other than the tracking emitter. Since the missiles are fully active, defeating the track radar is not enough to save you: you have to defeat both it and the missile. Smaller ARMs, such as the LD-10, are too small for this system to fire upon. |
ZSU-23-4 Shilka
Produced through the 60's and 80's, this gun is not terribly threatening by modern standards. Despite this, it's cheap and many exist, and so can be found in many arsenals of small nations. Its quad 2A14 23mm autocannons are still able to shred just about anything it hits, out to fairly decent ranges, and the only issue is hitting to begin with.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SPAAA ZSU-23-4 Shilka | 4 | Radar-ranging, self-propelled AAA | 4×500× 23mm HE+AP | Detection: 0–2.7nm / 0–5km Detection alt.: 0–8,200ft / 0–2,500m Engagement: 0–1.3nm (8,200ft) / 0–2.5km Engagement alt.:0–6,500ft / 0–2,000m |
Reload / rearm | RoF: 3600 rpm; 1224s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | 1s scan + 6s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | Radar lock-on: 3.4nm / 6.4km. Notch: 0m/s vrad. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | Radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. Visual: 360° horizontal × -5°–+70° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 4s | |||
Kill radius | N/A | |||
Notes | ||||
Has a radar for ranging targets, but offers no search scope in Combined Arms.
Has no special unit integration or setup and is normally integrated into armoured and mechanised columns alongside 9K31 Strela-1 / SA-9 SAMs. Largely obsolete, its more modern replacement is the 2K22 Tunguska / SA-19. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
By itself, it's rather pathetic. Instead, it tends to be deployed as close cover for larger SAM sites. Goon mission designers also like to stick these over objective sites to catch out people who pull out of a divebomb too low.
Just fly high and it won't hurt you. If that's not an option, you can still reasonably evade its fire by flying fast. The radar is too imprecise for most ARMs to lock onto, so if you really want to assert your dominance over this thing, a simple bomb drop will do. It should be noted that most eastern RWRs don't even bother alerting you to its radar. On the flip-side of the coin, if driven in Combined Arms, it can actually be used to devastating effect against ground units since its ammunition is ever so slightly armour-piercing in the DCS damage model, and its round count and sheer rate of fire will chew through any amount of hit points in very short order. Soviet doctrine is that one either one air defence battalion (6 Tunguska, 6 SA-13, 18 MANPADs) or one air defence battery (4 Shilkas, 4 SA-9/13) accompanies each motor/rifle or tank regiment. |
IR-guided
Infrared missiles do not alert pilots on the RWR (though Missile Approach Warning System aircraft like the A-10 and JF-17 may still be warned of an inbound missile). While modern militaries are more than happy to proliferate and sling cheap shots with these, it is recognized that they are a big "Fuck You" to inattentive pilots, and can render a mission unfun if not used judiciously. Many goon missions limit the use IR missiles to catch out pilots who strayed from the briefed course, or as an occasional threat to catch unaware pilots.
Note that IR lock-on distances can wildly exceed or fail to meet the nominal detection ranges of their respective systems since they operate on the basis of an IR signature size that may shrink or bloom depending on aspect, throttle position, and similar factors. For AI units, this rarely makes any difference since they are bound by the sensor detection mechanics, but a player-controlled unit can conceivably be very lucky and lock up a target much sooner than expected (but it is unlikely that the missile itself will actually fly that far).
9K31 Strela-1 / SA-9 “Gaskin”
Designed in 1968, this highly mobile rear-aspect SAM is still used in the middle east to present day.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-9 Strela-1 9P31 | 1 | IR-guided, self-propelled SAM | 4× 9M31 | Detecton: 0–2.7nm / 0–5km Detection alt.: 0–16,400ft / 0–5,000m Engagement: 0.4–2.3nm / 0.8–4.2km Engagement alt.: 98–11,500ft / 30–3,500m Max speed: Mach 1.3 |
Reload / rearm | 1s to ready new missile; 300s reload per missile; 1200s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | 2s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | IR lock-on: 5.4nm / 10km for a normalised heat source. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | IR: 360° horizontal × -3°–+70° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 5s | |||
Kill radius | 2.5m | |||
Notes | ||||
Optical acquisition rear-aspect IR homing.
Has no special unit integration or special setup and is normally integrated into armoured and mechanised columns alongside ZSU-23-4 Shilka SPAAGs. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
This unit acquires targets optically, and its guidance system is limited to rear-aspect homing. Since the missiles only have a maximum speed of Mach 1.3, and still have a need to accelerate to that speed after launching, it is conceivable that the missile could be defeated simply by flying fast enough.
It is largely obsolete, but still widely in use for nations that cannot afford the upgrade — its more modern replacement is the 9K35 Strela-10M3 / SA-13. Soviet doctrine is that one either one air defence battalion (6 Tunguska, 6 SA-13, 18 MANPADs) or one air defence battery (4 Shilkas, 4 SA-9/13) accompanies each motor/rifle or tank regiment. |
9K35 Strela-10M3 / SA-13 “Gopher”
Entering service in 1976, the SA-13 is the successor to the SA-9, improving upon it with all-aspect seekers and a radar to augment its targeting capabilities.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-13 Strela-10M 9A35M3 | 4 | Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar | 2× 4× 9M37 10× 100× 7.62mm |
Detection: 0–4.3nm / 0–8km Detection alt.: 32–11,400ft / 10–3,500m Engagement: 0.5–4.3nm / 0.8–5km Engagement alt.: 32–11,400ft / 10–3,500m Max speed: Mach 2.0 |
CP 9S80M1 Sborka | (0-1) | PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit | — | Detection: 0.1–18.9nm / 0.1–35km Altitude: 50–32,800ft / 15–10,000m |
(Armor) APC BTR-80 | (1) | Mobile Command Post | — | — |
(Unarmed) CP Ural-375 PBU | (1) | Training Simulator | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport GAZ-3308 | (2) | Missile Repair/test Station | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320T | (1) | Transporter/transloader | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport ZIP-131 KUNG | (1) | Radar Repair/test Station | — | — |
Reload / rearm | 1s to ready new missile; 120s reload per missile; 960s total ream time from a depleted state. RoF: 750 rpm; 15s reload per box of 100× 7.62mm 150s total rearm time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | TELAR: 2s acquisition CP: 1s scan + 12s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | TELAR IR lock-on: 8nm / 15km for a normalised heat source. TELAR MG lock-on: 0.5nm / 1km CP lock-on: 16nm / 30km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | TELAR IR: 360° horizontal × -3°–+70° vertical. TELAR MG: ±50° horizontal × -3°–+45° vertical. CP: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 5s | |||
Kill radius | 3m | Countermeasure resistance factor | ×2 | |
Notes | ||||
Optical acquisition all-aspect IR homing, with a nominal range-finding radar. Most RWR systems will not show any indication of this radar.
The addition of an optional large “Dog Ear” radar component offers search capabilities at longer range but will alert the target and sacrifice the ambush capabilities of the launcher. The system is mobile and can be directly driven using Combined Arms. Despite having a radar, it offers no search scope in Combined Arms. When controlled by a player, expect loading and rearming times to increase by ~10%. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
This system improves upon its predecessor in every way: it retains extreme mobility and adds an all aspect IR seeker to its bag of tricks. It has a radar for acquisition purposes, but is perfectly capable of firing upon targets without it. The use of ECM and chaff may disrupt and delay an early acquisition but has no effect the actual launch or on missile tracking.
Soviet doctrine is that one either one air defence battalion (6 Tunguska, 6 SA-13, 18 MANPADs) or one air defence battery (4 Shilkas, 4 SA-9/13) accompanies each motor/rifle or tank regiment. |
9K38 Igla / SA-18 “Grouse” and 9K338 Igla-S / SA-24 “Grinch”
The SA-18 is a Soviet Infrared guided mobile short range SAM system.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-18 Igla | 1 | IR-guided MANPADS | 3× 9M39 | Detection: 0–2.7nm / 0–5km Detection alt.: 0–16,400ft / 0–5,000m Engagement: 0.3–2.4nm / 0.5–4.5km Engagement alt.: 32–11,400ft / 10–3,500m Max speed: Mach 2.2 |
SAM SA-18 Igla-S | 3× 9M337 | |||
SAM SA-18 Igla comm | (1) | Command unit | — | Detection: 0–2.7nm / 0–5km Detection alt.: 0–16,400ft / 0–5,000m |
SAM SA-18 Igla-S comm | ||||
CP 9S80M1 Sborka | (0-1) | PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit | — | Detection: 0.1–18.9nm / 0.1–35km Altitude: 50–32,800ft / 15–10,000m |
Reload / rearm | 1s to ready new missile; 40s reload per missile; 120s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | 2s acquisition CP: 1s scan + 12s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | IR lock-on: 5.4nm / 10km for a normalised heat source. CP lock-on: 16nm / 30km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | IR: 360° horizontal × -3°–+70° vertical. CP: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s | |||
Kill radius | 1m | Countermeasure resistance factor | ×2 | |
Notes | ||||
The commander is a static unit and cannot be driven using Combined Arms. The commander offers no clear numbers or mechanical advantage except maybe offering a second Sensor scan coverage that can detect enemies in a direction the launcher unit is not currently looking.
There is no mechanical difference between the two versions other than which is available to what nation and what skins are applied to the models, but doctrinally, the Igla-S can be linked to Sborka command vehicles for early detection and coordination. | ||||
9K38 Igla / SA-18 “Grouse” Available to | ||||
9K338 Igla-S / SA-24 “Grinch” Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
Can be found anywhere two guys with a tube can reasonably hide, and the Soviets deployed them liberally with their ground forces. As such, these all-aspect guided units are particularly dangerous. Best avoided by staying out of range (4-5 miles, 15,000 ft). If you must cross into its engagement circle, your chances are improved by flying fast and dropping flares at a rate of about 1 per second, but be ready to evade just the same.
Most frequently integrated into infantry columns or as a supplement to any fixed installations. These days, the more modern Igla-S / SA-24 version is available to Russia and a few allies, and the SA-18 is relegated more to various older customers and insurgents. Soviet doctrine dictates:
|
Optically guided
2A13 / ZU-23-2
The direct predecessor to the ZSU-23-4 Shilka and to some extent the 57-2, this weapon continues to see use to present day. Since it's heyday in the 60's, it use has transitioned from AAA to ground fire support, and can be found rigged on the backs of many a pickup truck in third world countries.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
AAA ZU-23 Closed | ?-6 | Revetted static AAA gun | 5× 2×50× 23mm | Detection: 0–2.7nm / 0–5km Detection alt.: 0–16,400ft / 0–5,000m Engagement: 0–1.3nm (8,200ft) / 0–2.5km Engagement alt.:0–6,500ft / 0–2,000m |
AAA ZU-23 Emplacement | ?-6 | Employed static AAA gun | ||
AAA ZU-23 on Ural-375 | ?-6 | Mobile AAA gun | ||
AAA ZU-23 Insurgent | ?-6 | Revetted static AAA gun with insurgent crew | ||
AAA ZU-23 Insurgent Closed | ?-6 | Employed static AAA gun with insurgent crew | ||
AAA ZU-23 Insurgent on Ural-375 | ?-6 | Mobile AAA gun with insurgent crew | ||
CP 9S80M1 Sborka | (0-1) | PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit | — | Detection: 0.1–18.9nm / 0.1–35km Altitude: 50–32,800ft / 15–10,000m |
Reload / rearm | RoF: 1800 rpm; 10s reload time; 10s rearm per batch of 100 (50 per barrel); 50s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | 3s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | Visual: 1.3nm / 2.5km. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | Visual: 360° horizontal × -15°–+90° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 10s | |||
Kill radius | N/A | |||
Notes | ||||
All firing units have the same offensive capabilities. The difference is mostly cosmetic, other than that the Ural-375 variants can be driven around, whereas the rest are static emplacements. All can be directly controlled using Combined Arms.
Has no special setup and is integrated into infantry or light mechanised columns, or used as static defences for fixed installations. If combined with a Sborka command vehicle, each vehicle coordinates 6 sections of ZU-23:s. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
As with the Shilka, just don't get too low while you clown on it and you'll be fine. |
2K22 Tunguska / SA-19 “Grison”
This combination AAA and missile system was designed in the 70's to replace the Shilka and counter new threats like the A-10. Since it's first deployment in 1982, it has been used to provide all-weather day and night protection to infantry and tank regiments against CAS threats and cruise missiles.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
SAM SA-19 Tunguska 2S6 | 6 | Self-propelled AAA and SACLOS-guided Missile | 8× 9M311 2×968× 30mm HE/AP |
Detection: 0.1–9.7nm / 0.2–18km Detection alt.: 0–11,400ft / 0–3,500m Engagement 1.1–4.3nm / 2–8km (9M311) Engagement alt.:47–11,400ft / 14.5–3,500m Max speed: Mach 2.82 Engagement: 0–1.9nm / 0–3.5km (30mm) Engagement alt: 0–9,800ft / 0–3,000m< |
CP 9S80M1 Sborka | (0-1) | PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit | — | Detection: 0.1–18.9nm / 0.1–35km Altitude: 50–32,800ft / 15–10,000m |
(Unarmed) Transport GAZ-3308 | (1) | Repair/test Station | — | — |
(Unarmed) Transport KAMAZ-43101 | (3) | Transporter/transloader | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320-31 Armored | (3) | Repair/test/assembly Station | ∞ | — |
(Unarmed) Transport ZIL-131 KUNG | (1) | Mobile Workshop | — | — |
Reload / rearm | 1s to ready new missile; 120s reload per missile; 960s total missile ream time from a depleted state. RoF: 4500 rpm; 1536s total gun rearm time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | 9M311: 1s scan + 5s acquisition 30mm: 3s CP: 1s scan + 12s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | Radar “lock-on”: 8.2nm / 15.3km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad.. Visual: 2.7nm / 5km. CP lock-on: 16nm / 30km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | Radar: 360° horizontal × -5°–+60° vertical.<br/Visual: 360° horizontal × -15°–+80° vertical. CP: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s | |||
Kill radius | 5m | Countermeasure resistance factor | Not affected by countermeasures | |
Notes | ||||
The radar “lock-on” stat is effectively just a range decrease and firing delay for the missiles for AI units — there is no traditional lock that can be jammed, chaffed, or otherwise broken, nor will it generate any kind of lock-on or launch warning.
The system is mobile and can be directly driven using Combined Arms. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Tactics | ||||
This unit has pretty decent range and can be a dire threat against CAS aircraft, such as the A-10 and Harrier. It's mobility and ability to forgo the radar makes it difficult to target with a SEAD strike, scripters and human drivers might take advantage of this with a shoot and scoot strategy.
Best targeted with high-altitude laser guided weaponry. Note that missiles are optically guided and cannot be defeated by countermeasures: you must manoeuvre to lose them. Soviet doctrine is that one either one air defence battalion (6 Tunguska, 6 SA-13, 18 MANPADs) or one air defence battery (4 Shilkas, 4 SA-9/13) accompanies each motor/rifle or tank regiment. |
ZSU-57-2
A post-WWII self-propelled anti-aircraf gun (SPAAG), this two-barrelled, 57mm piece can be a pretty nasty surprise since it is essentially the post-war reincarnation of the anti-bomber flak cannon, and can reach surprisingly high altitudes — upwards of 13,000ft, and giving off no warning until the sky starts exploding. It is still optically guided so accuracy will not be stellar no matter what, but it can and will catch anyone who lazily flies straight and level within its operational range.
Units | Qty | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol |
---|---|---|---|---|
AAA ZSU-57-2 | 1 | Optically guided, self-propelled AAA | 15× 2×4× 57mm HE-T 7× 2×4× 57mm APCBC-HE-T |
Detection: 0–5.4nm / 0–10km Detection alt.: 0–16,400ft / 0–5,000m Engagement: 0–3.7nm / 0–7km Engagement alt.: 0–13,100ft / 0–4,000m |
Reload / rearm | RoF: 240 rpm; 4s reload time; 4s rearm per batch of 8 (4 per barrel); 60 + 28s total ream time from a depleted state. | |||
Acquisition time | 3s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | Visual: 3.7nm / 7km. | |||
Sensor scan coverage | Visual: 360° horizontal × -15°–+90° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s | |||
Kill radius | N/A | |||
Notes | ||||
Has no special unit integration or setup and is normally integrated into armoured and mechanised columns, | ||||
Available to | ||||
} |
Early-warning / GCI systems
These units can be turned into ground-based GCI radars by assigning the advanced waypoint actions:
- Start Enroute Task > EWR
- Perform Command > Set Callsign
- Perform Command > Set Frequency
They are all static units and cannot be driven using Combined Arms, but offer detection capabilities that tie into the more realistic simulation modes of LotATC 4 DCS. The editor detection ring displays an artificial limit of how far detection scripting will report a target; actual ranges for the EWR task should be much longer, but have been bugged for years.[5]
1L13-3 Nebo-SV “Box Spring”
The GRAU index would imply that this is a 1 = radio and electonics equipment, L = IFF system.
Units | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol | |
---|---|---|---|---|
EWR 1L13 | Early-Warning Radar | — | Detection: 0–64.8nm / 0–120km Altitude: 0–98,400ft / 0–30,000m | |
Acquisition time | 1s scan + 12s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | Radar: 55nm / 102km. Notch: <50m/s (97kts, 180km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | Can track 10 targets at a time. Target size limit: 0.18m².[1] | |||
Sensor scan coverage | Radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s | |||
Notes | ||||
Has no offensive or defensive capabilities beyond what air assets it can guide towards a threat, and should be paired with layered AA and ground assets for protection. Is supposed to have a 162nm / 300km detection range for the purpose of providing GCI, but is seemingly limited to the 120km set by the sensor definition. | ||||
Available to | ||||
55ZH6 Nebo “Tall Rack”
The GRAU index would imply that this is an in-atmosphere interception air-defence system (index 55).
Units | Function | Stores | Range / Symbol | |
---|---|---|---|---|
EWR 55G6 | Early-Warning Radar | — | Detection: 0–64.8nm / 0–120km Altitude: 0–98,400ft / 0–30,000m | |
Acquisition time | 1s scan + 12s acquisition. | |||
Acquisition limits | Radar: 55nm / 102km. Notch: <50m/s (97kts, 180km/h) vrad. | |||
Target tracking | Can track 10 targets at a time. Target size limit: 0.18m².[1] | |||
Sensor scan coverage | Radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. | |||
Time to ready | 2s | |||
Notes | ||||
Has no offensive or defensive capabilities beyond what air assets it can guide towards a threat, and should be paired with layered AA and ground assets for protection. Is supposed to have a 215nm / 400km detection range for the purpose of providing GCI, but is seemingly limited to the 120km set by the sensor definition. | ||||
Available to | ||||
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Compare:
Vikhr: 0.012m²
AGM-122: 0.03m²
LD-10: 0.033m²
Kh-23 / Kh-25 / Kh-66: 0.06m²
AGM-88 / AGM-154: 0.05m²
AGM-65 / C-701: 0.063m²
GB-6 / LS-6: 0.072m²
AGM-84 / C-802: 0.08m²
Kh-58 / Rb-04 / Rb-05 / Rb-15: 0.12m²
Kh-29: 0.175m² - ↑ A 9T217 OSA transloader vehicle is defined in the vehicle database but is not assigned to any nations and cannot be accessed or added in the mission editor.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 This unit has its own detection statistics for the purpose of determining search and Target tracking, but depends on the availability of a linked search radar to actually allow target detection.
- ↑ According to the measuring distance and lock-on distance coefficient in the data files, this system can actually lock targets beyond its detection range. This is possibly intended to simulate data linking capabilities where “legitimate” locks can be maintained beyond the individual unit's own range. Actual engagement still requires the target to be within detection range of at least one emitter.
- ↑ See https://forums.eagle.ru/topic/185446-already-reportedewr-and-getdetectedtargets/ for a discussion on the scripting engine bug(?) / limitations.