DCS Reference/Air Defences/Western

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.

Radar-guided

Flakpanzer Gepard

From the 1970's until 2010, this unit was the cornerstone of the air defence of the German Army.

Flakpanzer Gepard

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SPAAA Gepard	?	Self-propelled AAA	2×330× 35mm HE	Detection: 0–8.1nm / 0–15km Detection alt.: 0–9,800ft / 0–3000m Engagement: 0–2.2nm / 0–4km Engagement alt.: 0–9,800ft / 0–3000m
Reload / rearm	RoF: 1,100 rpm; 1800s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	1s scan + 3s acquisition.
Acquisition limits	Radar lock-on: 6.9nm / 12.8km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad.
Sensor scan coverage	Radar: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. Visual: 360° horizontal × -3°–+27° vertical.
Aiming limits	Visual: 360° vertical × -4.5°–+85° vertical.
Time to ready	5s
Kill radius	N/A
Notes
Has a radar for searching, ranging, and tracking targets. Note that most eastern RWRs do not display this threat. Has no special setup and is instead integrated into armoured or mechanised columns.
Available to
Tactics
Not particularly threatening unless you are flying low. Since the 1980's, it is standard procedure to accompany these with Stinger MANPADs, who would take advantage of the Flakpanzer's radar as an early warning system. Note that it still is largely optically guided — do not be fooled by the notch window and think that you can just hover in a helo nearby and plink away without it firing back.

M163 Vulcan Air Defence Systems (VADS)

In service from 1969 to 1993, this AAA gun is comparable to the Shilka. Despite its designation as a AAA gun, in practice it tended to be used more as a ground support weapon, as its range was simply insufficient against air threats.

M163 Vulcan Air Defence Systems (VADS)

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range
AAA Vulcan M163	1	Radar-ranging, self-propelled AAA	×590× 20mm	Detection: 0–4nm / 0–7.5km Detection alt.: 0–16,400ft / 0–5,000m Engagement: 0–1.1nm / 0–2km Engagement alt.: 0–4,900ft / 0–1,500m
Reload / rearm	RoF: 3,000 rpm; 1200s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	4s acquisition.
Acquisition limits	Radar lock-on: 6.9nm / 12.8km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad.
Sensor scan coverage	Visual: 360° horizontal × -15°–+70° vertical.
Aiming limits	Visual: 360° horizontal × -5°–+70° vertical.
Time to ready	2s
Kill radius	N/A
Notes
Optical sight with radar ranging. Note that most eastern RWRs do not display this threat. Has no special setup and is instead intended to complement the M48 Chaparral, and be integrated into infantry/light mechanised columns.
Available to
Tactics
Designed as a complement to, and should be deployed alongside the M48 Chaparral. By itself, it is basically helpless to a competent bombing run. Like with the Gepard, note that it still is largely optically guided. Just because it has a notch window does not mean you can sit in a 0m/s hover nearby and expect it not to shoot you.

MIM-23 Hawk PIP Phase I

First seen in the 1960's, this medium range SARH SAM system was designed to be a more mobile replacement of the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. It was superseded by the Patriot system in the 90's.

The Phase I hawk, as seen in game, is primarily deployed in the hands of both Saudi Arabia and Iran, the latter thanks to US policy misadventures in the 80's.

MIM-23 Hawk PIP Phase I

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM Hawk PCP	1	Platoon Command Post	—	Detection 0.8–86nm / 1.5–160km Detection alt.: 49–82,000ft / 15–25,000m
SAM Hawk CWAR AN/MPQ-55	1	Continuous Wave Acquisition Radar (low-altitude search)	—	Detection: 0.8–37.8nm / 1.5–70km Detection alt.: 49–9,800ft / 15–3,000m
SAM Hawk SR AN/MPQ-50	1	Pulse Acquisition Radar (high-altitude search)	—	Detection: 0.8–48.6nm / 1.5–90km Detection alt.: 427–65,600ft / 150–20,000m
SAM Hawk TR AN/MPQ-46	2	High Power Illumination doppler Radar (tracking)	—	Detection: 0.8–48.5nm / 1.5–90km Detection alt.: 82–65,600ft / 25–20,000m
SAM Hawk LN M192	6	Launcher	3× MIM-23B	Low alt. engagement: 0.8–11.9nm / 1.5–22km High alt. engagement: 0.8–24.3nm / 1.5–45km Engagement alt.: 82–59,000ft / 25–18,000m Max speed: Mach 2.3
(Approximation: SAM Hawk PCP)	(1)	Assault Fire Command Console	—	—
(Approximation: SAM Hawk PCP)	(1)	Launcher Section Controls	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport M818	(3)	M501 Loading Tractor	∞	—
(Static Cargos) Container	(12)	M390 Missile Pallet	3× MIM-23B	—
(Static Structures) GeneratorF	(4)	Battery Control Central	—	—
(Static Structures) GeneratorF	(2)	Information Coordination Central	—	—
(Static Structures) GeneratorF	(2)	SEA 56kVA Generator	—	—
Reload / rearm	5s to ready new missile; 420s reload per missile; 420s total rearm time from a depleted state (loads in parallel).
Acquisition time	PCP: 0.1s. CWAR: 1s scan + 11s acquisition. SR: 1s scan + 11s acquisition. TR: 1s scan + 10s acquisition.
Acquisition limits	CWAR lock-on: 32.1nm / 59.5km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. SR lock-on: 41.3nm / 76.5km. Notch: < 15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad. TR lock-on: 41.3nm / 76.5km. Notch: < 10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad.
Target tracking	PCP can track 1 target at a time, fed by CWAR/SR. CWAR can track 10 targets at a time. SR can track 10 targets at a time. TR can guide 2 missiles at a time at a single target, designated by PCP. Target size limit: 0.22m².
Sensor scan coverage	CWAR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. SR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. TR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical.
Time to ready	2s
Kill radius	12m
Notes
The optional components are mostly for decoration (especially the static cargo containers and generators), although the many transport units will provide rearming functionality for the launchers. There exists a Range Only Radar component that is a fall-back system to help with ranging in a high-ECM environment. It is not simulated or present in DCS. Similarly, the AFCC and LSC are distributed systems for redundancy should the command post be eliminated. The effect of these can be approximated by adding additional PCPs. The system is static cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to
Tactics
The typical setup has redundant radars, requiring a few ARMs to take down. Being a SARH, defeating the tracking radar is enough to defeat the missile.

MIM-104 Patriot PAC-2

The PATRIOT, or, Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target, for those keeping track of the DoDs contributions to the field of tortured acronyms, is the premiere American long range SAM system. Initially conceived as an anti-aircraft system, the PAC-2 variant depicted in DCS features optimizations which make it efficient at engaging cruise missiles.

MIM-104 Patriot PAC-2

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM Patriot ECS AN/MSQ-104	4-6	Engagement Control Station	—	Detection: 1.6–86nm / 3–160km Detection alt.: 82–98,400ft / 25–30,000m
SAM Patriot STR AN/MPQ-53	4-6	PESA Radar (search and track)	—	Detection 1.6–86nm / 3–160km Detection alt.: 197–98,400ft / 60–30,000m
SAM Patriot LN M901	24-36	Launcher	4× MIM-104C	Low alt. engagement: 1.6–16.2nm / 3–30km High alt. engagement: 1.6–64.8nm / 3–120km Engagement alt.: 82–79,500ft / 25–24,240m Max speed: Mach 5.0
SAM Patriot AMG AN/MRC-137	(4-6 )	Antenna Mast Group	—	—
SAM Patriot ICC	(1)	Information Coordination Central	—	—
SAM Patriot EPP-III	(4-6)	Diesel-Electric Power Plant	—	—
(Unarmed) HEMTT TFFT	(4-6)	Guided Missile Transporter	—	—
(Unarmed) HEMTT TFFT	(4-6)	Large Repair Parts Transporter HEMTT	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport M818	(1)	Maintenance Center	∞	—
(Unarmed) Transport M818	(8-12)	Small Repair Parts Transporter	∞	—
(Static Cargos) Container	(8-12)	Parts containers	—	—
Reload / rearm	3s to ready new missile; 900s reload per missile; 3600s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	ECS: 0.1s. STR: 1s scan + 15s acquisition.
Acquisition limits	STR lock-on: 119.3nm / 221km. Notch: <15m/s (29kts, 54km/h) vrad.
Target tracking	ECS can track 8 targets at a time, fed by the STR. STR can guide 2 missiles per target at a time; can track 8 targets, designated by the ECS. Target size limit: 0.049m².
Sensor scan coverage	STR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical.
Time to ready	2s
Kill radius	13m
Notes
Has self-defence anti-missile capability. The system is static and cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to
Tactics
The Patriot system is designed around a battalion echelon, made of up 4-6 platoons. The ICC and the Maintenance Centre are part of the command platoon, which oversees 4-6 "line battery" platoons, each containing one of each radar type, six launchers, and other support units distributed among them. It is a strategically important and expensive system, and as such typically supported by MANPADs. The system is capable of shooting down missiles and aircraft alike with its fully active radar missiles. Considering the number of redundant sensors used within a properly configured battalion, this system would require a sustained barrage of ordinance to bring down. At the same time, note that these larger numbers are quite necessary since each individual component is actually a fair bit less capable than their SA-10 counterparts.

Rapier

Entering service in the British Army in 1971 as a replacement for its dated AAA guns, this system would replace most of its other air defence options by 1977. This unique system uses manually guided camera equipped missiles to guide to target.

Rapier

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
Rapier FSA Launcher	1	Launcher, Surveillance Radar, IFF, and generator.	4× Rapier Mk1	Detection 0.3–16.2nm / 0.5–30km Detection alt.: 164–13,100ft / 50–4,000m Engagement: 0.2–3.7nm / 0.4–6.8km Engagement alt.: 164–9,800ft / 50–3,000m Max speed: Mach 2.5
Rapier FSA Blindfire Tracker	1	Blindfire “Field Standard A” Tracking Radar	—	Detection 0.3–16.2nm / 0.5–30km Altitude: 164–13,100ft / 50–4,000m Engagement: 0.2–16.2nm / 0.4–30km Engagement alt.: 65–26,200ft / 20–8,000m
Rapier FSA Optical Tracker	(1)	SACLOS Optical Tracking unit	—	Detection: 0.2–10.8nm / 0.4–20km Altitude: 65–26,200ft / 20–8,000m
(Unarmed) Land Rover 101 FC	(1)	Forward Controller	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport M818	(1)	Missile Supply Trailer	—	—
Reload / rearm	3s to ready new missile; 37.5s reload per missiles; 180s total ream time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	SR: 1s scan + 2s acquisition TR: 1s scan + 0.1s acquisition. OT: 6s acquisition.
Acquisition limits	SR lock-on: 11.5nm / 21.3km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. TR lock-on: 5.5nm / 10.2km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad.
Target tracking	SR can track a single target. TR can guide a single missile at a single target, fed by the SR. OT can track a single target, but plays no role in engaging targets. Target size limit: 0.1m².
Scan zone	SR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. TR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. OT: 360° horizontal × -3°–+70° vertical.
Time to ready	2s
Kill radius	0m (only direct hits)
Notes
The FC and the regular land-rover are country-appropriate decorations but provie no functionality, not even ammunition loading. The system should be capable of running pure SACLOS without the Blindfire radar, but instead the opposite is true: the system requires the Blindfire radar and has absolutely no need for the optical tracker. With only the OT present, the launcher will follow detected targets, but lacks the tracking information needed to launch. The missile guidance essentially uses Vikhr logic, which causes it to oscillate up and down on launch before it finds a stable flight path. Without good elevation and/or ground clearance, the downward oscillation can easily make the missile hit the ground. The system is static and cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to
Tactics
The system is capable of firing without the radar in real life, but this capability is not reflected in DCS at this time. This is a running theme with the system as the DCS implementation does not reflect many of its supposed qualities. Being optically guided, low flyers should need to be wary that RWRs will not alert them to fired missiles, and that neither flares nor chaff would do much to help you evade. The only indication being the tracking radar, especially at night. However, since it is wholly reliant on that tracking radar in DCS, and since it has a very unstable high-low-yoyo launch profile, you get ample warning of the system long before it can fire, and it cannot launch against low-flying enemies without the missile striking the ground before it achieves stable flight. Mission-makers wanting to make use of this system need to take care to either place the launchers in downward slopes, or somehow ensure that approaching targets stay some 1000ft / 300m above the ground in order for any appreciable threat to exist.

Roland 2

Developed jointly by the French and Germans in the 70's, this short range SAM was designed to protect mobile field formations and fixed, high-value targets such as airfields.

Roland 2

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM Roland ADS	?	Marder-mounted Air Defence System	2× Roland + 8 reserve	Detection: 6nm Engagement: 4nm Altitude: 30–19,500'
SAM Roland EWR	1	TÜR Early-Warning Radar	—	Detection: 18nm
Reload / rearm	3s to ready new missile; 37.5s reload per missiles; 180s total ream time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	SR: 1s scan + 2s acquisition TR: 1s scan + 0.1s acquisition. OT: 6s acquisition.
Acquisition limits	SR lock-on: 11.5nm / 21.3km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad. TR lock-on: 5.5nm / 10.2km. Notch: <10m/s (19kts, 36km/h) vrad.
Target tracking	SR can track a single target. TR can guide a single missile at a single target, fed by the SR. OT can track a single target, but plays no role in engaging targets. Target size limit: 0.1m².
Scan zone	SR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. TR: 360° horizontal × -15°–+60° vertical. OT: 360° horizontal × -3°–+70° vertical.
Time to ready	2s
Kill radius	0m (only direct hits)
Notes
Has a radar for searching, ranging, and tracking targets as well as for missile guidance. In Combined Arms, reloading and rearming the ADS is very prone to breakdowns, and missiles very rarely track outside of minimum range. The EWR cannot be driven. While nominally supported, the Roland is for all intents and purpose not compatible with or suitable for CA direct control.
Available to
Tactics
While nominally a radar guided missile, it is capable of optical target acquisition and tracking. This mobile system is typically integrated into armoured or mechanised columns.