DCS Reference: Air Defenses

This resource is for players and mission designers to know the capabilities of and set up fully-featured and functional SAM groups using the many various units available under the “Air defence” vehicle category in the DCS mission editor.

Each block describes the system as a whole, the ground units it consists of, the dependencies between these units, and some very rough performance figures (in-game and 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.

Many systems include some sort of commander unit. The functionality these units is, at best, mythical. No official explanation has ever been offered, and community answers consist of a never-ending string of unsupported claims ranging from increasing detection range, to providing faster reloads or increased rate of fire, to data-linking (…but to what, or for what purpose, no-one knows). They are not necessary to create a working anti-air group, but it is possible that some obscure efficiency parameter will be degraded by leaving them out.

Note that maximum altitudes, in particular, can be a bit vague 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 are optional and not necessary for the functioning of the system. 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.

Basic Concepts

• All SAM components must be in the same group in the Mission Editor in order to function.
• All SAMs have limited ammunition.
• Placement of an Ammunition truck (such as the Ural-375) of any kind nearby a launcher will allow it to reload.
• In DCS, most multi-unit SAMs are able to spread units as far as 25nm from each other, enabling dispersed configurations. This is not particularly realistic for many sites in their native time periods, which had the challenges of limited cable runs and electrical power distributions. However, more modern scenarios can believably distribute sites as far as 20nm with "datalink upgrade" related handwaves. Pilots should be aware of this and recognize that missile launches from such sites can approach from angles other than the tracking emitter (including, quite dangerously, from directly below).

Eastern systems

Radar-guided

S-75_Dvina S-75M1 Divina / SA-2 Guideline

Typical Layout of an SA 2 (minus static or nonfunctional objects). Includes Shilkas and an Igla team to cover against low approaches.

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.

S-75M1 Divina / SA-2 “Guideline”

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-2 LN SM-90	6	Single-rail Launcher	1× 13DAM (V-755)	Engagement: 3–23nm Altitude: 980–98,000'
SAM SA-2 TR SNR-75 Fan Song	1	“Fan Song” Search and Engagement Radar	—	Detection: 53nm
SAM SR P-19	1	P-19 Danube 1RL134 / “Flat Face B” (search)	—	Detection: 86nm
(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	RV-10 Konus Heightfinding Radars	—	Detection: 16nm
Reload / rearm	2700s per missile.
Acquisition time	40s
ME Notes
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. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2009-0702.
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. 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 1,000 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.

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.

S-125 Neva/Pechora / SA-3 “Goa”

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-3 S-125 LN 5P73	4	5P73 4-rail Launcher	4× 5V27	Engagement: 10nm Altitude: 700–30,000'
SAM SA-3 S-125 TR SNR	1	SNR-125 UNV “Low Blow” Tracking Radar	—	Detection: 54nm
SAM SR P-19	1	P-19 Danube 1RL134 / “Flat Face B” (search)	—	Detection: 86nm
(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: 16nm
Reload / rearm	360s per batch of 2 missiles; 720s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	?
Notes
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. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2009-0602.
Available to

Tactics

Despite its short range, the missiles are rather maneuverable, and harder to shake off with fancy pilot shit. 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.

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.

2K12 Kub / SA-6 “Gainful”

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-6 Kub LN 2P25	4	Transporter Erector Launcher	3× 3M9M	Engagement: 13nm Altitude: 100–30,000'
SAM SA-6 Kub STR 9S91	1	1S91 “Straight Flush” Search/Track Radar	—	Detection: 37nm
SAM SR P-19	1	P-19 Danube 1RL134 / “Flat Face B” (search)	—	Detection: 86nm
(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	600s per missile; 1800s total rearm time per launcher from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	28s
Notes
P-19 radar optionally added to extend search range. The system is mobile but cannot be directly driven using Combined Arms. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2009-0701.
Available to

Tactics

This system was designed to be a mobile point defense 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 defense around important installations.

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 behavior 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 defenses.

9K33 Osa / SA-8 “Gecko”

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-8 Osa 9A33	4	Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar	6× 9M33	Detection: 16nm Engagement: 5.5nm Altitude: 21,000'
(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	∞	—
(Unarmed) Transport ZIL-131 KUNG	1	Repair/test/assembly Station	—	—
Reload / rearm	5s readying time; 310s per missile; 1860s total ream time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	23s
ME Notes
The system is mobile and can be directly driven using Combined Arms. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2009-0704.
Available to

Tactics

Each TELAR has a radar and optical sight for searching, ranging, and tracking targets as well as for missile guidance. Can launch and track 2 missiles at a time, possibly without RWR warning if optical targeting was used.

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.

S-300PS / SA-10 Grumble

Developed in 1979, this system is one of the most dangerous SAMs in the game (and real life).

S-300PS / SA-10 “Grumble”

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-10 S-300PS CP 54K6	1	Command Post	—	—
SAM SA-10 S-300PS LN 5P85C	4	Master TEL Launch vehicle	4× 5V55P	Engagement: 64nm Altitude: 50–150,000'
SAM SA-10 S-300PS LN 5P85D	12	Slave TEL Launch vehicle	4× 5V55P	Engagement: 64nm Altitude: 50–150,000'
SAM SA-10 S-300PS SR 5N66M	1	“Clam Shell” Low-altitude Search Radar	—	Detection: 32nm
SAM SA-10 S-300PS SR 64H6E	1	“Big Bird” Regiment Search Radar (can also locate missiles)	—	Detection: 86nm
SAM SA-10 S-300PS TR 30N6	1	“Flap Lid A” Tracking Radar	—	Detection: 86nm
(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 per missile; 7200s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	3s
ME Notes
Firing units and decorations should be divided among 4 firing emplacements evenly (i.e. 1x Master TELAR, 3x Slave TELAR, 3x KAMAZ-43101, 2 Ural-375, 1 Ural 4320, 2 ISO containers) The system is static and cannot be driven using Combined Arms. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2006-1201 and APA-TR-2008-0601-A.
Available to

Tactics

This is a very expensive and strategically significant air defense 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 up to five other friends from near 0 AGL to high altitude, 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 an 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.

9K37 Buk M1 / SA-11 Gadfly

The 1980's successor to the SA-6, this medium range SAM can be extremely hard to kill.

9K37 Buk M1 / SA-11 “Gadfly”

Units	Qty	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-11 Buk CC 9S470M1	1	Self Propelled Command Post	—	—
SAM SA-11 Buk LN 9A310M1	4-6	“Fire Dome” Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar	4× 9M38M1	Detection: 27nm Engagement: 19nm Altitude: 450–45,000'
SAM SA-11 Buk SR 9S18M1	1	“Snow Drift” Acquisition Radar (search)	—	Detection: 54nm
(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	240s per missile; 960s total rearm time per launcher from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	26s
ME Notes
The system is mobile but cannot be directly driven using Combined Arms. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2009-0706.
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 render the site inoperative.

9K331 Tor / SA-15 Gauntlet

9K331 Tor / SA-15 “Gauntlet”

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-15 Tor 9A331	Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar	8× 9M331	Detection: 13nm Engagement: 6nm Altitude: 60–26,000'
CP 9S80M1 Sborka	PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit	—	Detection: 19nm
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320-31 Armored	Missile Transporter/transloader	∞	—
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320-31 Armored	Test/repair/assembly station	∞	—
Reload / rearm	4s readying time; 579s per batch of 4 missiles; 1158s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	9s
Notes
A basic Tor battery consists of: 4× TELAR To expand on its capabilities and provide infinite ammunition, add 1× “Dog Ear” radar and 3× transporter/transloader For further decoration, add 4× test/repair/assembly stations. Has a radar for searching, ranging, and tracking targets as well as for missile guidance. Can launch and track 2 missiles at a time. Has self-defence anti-missile capability. The system is mobile and can be directly driven using Combined Arms. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2009-0705.
Available to

ZSU-23-4 Shilka

ZSU-23-4 Shilka

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SPAAA ZSU-23-4 Shilka	Radar-ranging, self-propelled AAA	2000× 23mm HE+AP	Detection: 2.7nm Engagement: 1.3nm Altitude: 6,500'
Reload / rearm	10s reload; 10s rearm from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	8s
Notes
Has a radar for ranging, and tracking targets, but offers no search scope in Combined Arms. Note that most eastern RWRs do not display this threat. 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. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2008-0502.
Available to

IR-guided

9K31 Strela-1 / SA-9 Gaskin

9K31 Strela-1 / SA-9 “Gaskin”

Units	Function	Stores	Range
SAM SA-9 Strela-1 9P31	IR-guided, self-propelled SAM	4× 9M31	Detection: 2.7nm Engagement: 2.2nm Altitude: 100–12,000'
Reload / rearm	311s per missile; 1244s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	2.5s
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. Largely obsolete, its more modern replacement is the 9K35 Strela-10M3 / SA-13. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2008-0502.
Available to

9K35 Strela-10M3 / SA-13 Gopher

9K35 Strela-10M3 / SA-13 “Gopher”

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-13 Strela-10M 9A35M3	Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar	4× 9M37 + 4 reserve 100× 7.62mm + 900 reserve	Detection: 4.5nm  Engement: 2.7nm Altitude: 75–15,000'
CP 9S80M1 Sborka	PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit	—	Detection: 19nm
(Armor) APC BTR-80	Mobile Command Post	—	—
(Unarmed) CP Ural-375 PBU	Training Simulator	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport GAZ-3308	Missile Repair/test Station	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320T	Transporter/transloader	∞	—
(Unarmed) Transport ZIP-131 KUNG	Radar Repair/test Station	—	—
Reload / rearm	130s per missile; 1040s total rearm time from a depleted state. 12s reload per batch of 100× 7.62mm; 158s total to ream a depleted 7.62mm gun.
Acquisition time	2.5s
Notes
A basic Strela-10M3 battery consists of: 4× TELAR To expand on its capabilities and provide infinite ammunition, add 1× “Dog Ear” radar and 1× transporter/transloader. For further decoration, add 2× missile repair/test stations and 1× all other units listed above. Optical and radar acquisition all-aspect IR homing. Has a radar for ranging, and tracking targets, but offers no search scope in Combined Arms. While they may disrupt the early acquisition, chaff and ECM have no effect on the IR-guided missile after launch. The system is mobile and can be directly driven using Combined Arms. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2009-0801.
Available to

9K38 Igla / SA-18 Grouse

9K38 Igla / SA-18 “Grouse”

Units	Function	Stores	Range
SAM SA-18 Igla	IR-guided MANPADS	3× 9K38	Detection: 2.7nm Engagement: 2.8nm Altitude: 12,000'
SAM SA-18 Igla comm	Command unit	—	Detection: 2.7nm
Reload / rearm	15s reload; 43s per missile; 172s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	6s
Notes
Optical acquisition all-aspect IR homing. Has no special setup and is instead integrated into infantry columns or as a supplement to any fixed installations. The system consists of infantry units and cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to

9K338 Igla-S / SA-24 Grinch

9K338 Igla-S / SA-24 “Grinch”

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-18 Igla-S	IR-guided MANPADS	3× 9K338	Detection: 2.7nm Engagement: 2.8nm Altitude: 12,000'
SAM SA-18 Igla-S comm	Command unit	—	Detection: 2.7nm
CP 9S80M1 Sborka	PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit	—	Detection: 19nm
Reload / rearm	15s reload; 43s per missile; 172s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	6s
Notes
Optical acquisition all-aspect IR homing, incorrectly labelled “SA-18” in spite of being the Igla-S model. Has no special setup and is instead integrated into infantry columns or as a supplement to any fixed installations. If combined with a Sborka command vehicle, each vehicle coordinates 6 sections of Igla-S:s. The system consists of infantry units and cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to

Optically guided

2A13 / ZU-23-2

2A13 / ZU-23-2

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
AAA ZU-23 Closed	Revetted static AAA gun	100× 23mm + 400 reserve	Detection: 2.7nm Engagement: 1.3nm
AAA ZU-23 Emplacement	Employed static AAA gun
AAA ZU-23 on Ural-375	Mobile AAA gun
AAA ZU-23 Insurgent	Revetted static AAA gun with insurgent crew
AAA ZU-23 Insurgent Closed	Employed static AAA gun with insurgent crew
AAA ZU-23 Insurgent on Ural-375	Mobile AAA gun with insurgent crew
CP 9S80M1 Sborka	PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit	—	Detection: 19nm
Reload / rearm	10s reload; 10s rearm per batch of 100; 52s rearm from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	3.5s
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

2K22 Tunguska / SA-19 Grison

2K22 Tunguska / SA-19 “Grison”

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM SA-19 Tunguska 2S6	Self-propelled AAA and SACLOS-guided Missile	8× 9M311 1936× 30mm HE/AP	Detection: 9nm Engagement: 2nm / 4nm (gun/missile) Altitude: 0-16,000'
CP 9S80M1 Sborka	PPRU-M1 / “Dog Ear” command unit	—	Detection: 19nm
(Unarmed) Transport GAZ-3308	Repair/test Station	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport KAMAZ-43101	Transporter/transloader	∞	—
(Unarmed) Transport Ural-4320-31 Armored	Repair/test/assembly Station	∞	—
(Unarmed) Transport ZIL-131 KUNG	Mobile Workshop	—	—
Reload / rearm	134s per missile; 1072s total rearm time from a depleted state. 2570s to rearm depleted 30mm gun.
Acquisition time	4s
Notes
A basic Tunguska battery consists of: 6× Tunguska To expand on its capabilities and provide infinite ammunition, add 1× “Dog Ear” radar and 3× transporter/transloaders. For further decoration, add 3× repair/test/assembly stations, 1× repair/test station, and 1× mobile workshop. Has a radar for searching, ranging, and tracking targets; missiles are optically guided and do not require a lock-on. Missiles can only be defeated through manoeuvring. The system is mobile and can be directly driven using Combined Arms. For further information, see Technical Report APA-TR-2009-0703.
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 are much longer.

1L13-3 Nebo-SV Box Spring

1L13-3 Nebo-SV “Box Spring”

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
EWR 1L13	Early-Warning Radar	—	Detection: 65nm (scripting) / 160nm (AI EWR Tasking)
Acquisition time	N/A
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.
Available to

55ZH6 Nebo Tall Rack

55ZH6 Nebo “Tall Rack”

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
EWR 55G6	Early-Warning Radar	—	Detection: 65nm (scripting) / 215nm (AI EWR Tasking)
Acquisition time	N/A
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.
Available to

Western systems

Radar-guided

Flakpanzer Gepard

Flakpanzer Gepard

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SPAAA Gepard	Self-propelled AAA	660× 35mm HE	Detection: 8nm Engagement: 2nm
Reload / rearm	1940s rearm from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	4s
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

M163 Vulcan Air Defence Systems (VADS)

M163 Vulcan Air Defence Systems (VADS)

Units	Function	Stores	Range
AAA Vulcan M163	Radar-ranging, self-propelled AAA	1180× 20mm	Detection: 2.7nm Engagement: 1.4nm Altitude: 1,500m / 4,500'
Reload / rearm	1280s
Acquisition time	6s
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

MIM-23 Hawk PIP Phase I

MIM-23 Hawk PIP Phase I

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM Hawk CWAR AN/MPQ-55	Continuous Wave Acquisition Radar (low-altitude search)	—	Detection: 37nm
SAM Hawk LN M192	Launcher	3× MIM-23B	Engagement: 24nm Altitude: 200–65,000'
SAM Hawk PCP	Platoon Command Post	—	—
SAM Hawk SR AN/MPQ-50	Pulse Acquisition Radar (high-altitude search)	—	Detection: 48nm
SAM Hawk TR AN/MPQ-46	High Power Illumination doppler Radar (tracking)	—	Detection: 48nm
(Approximation: SAM Hawk PCP)	Assault Fire Command Console	—	—
(Approximation: SAM Hawk PCP)	Launcher Section Controls	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport M818	M501 Loading Tractor	∞	—
(Static Cargos) Container	M390 Missile Pallet	3× MIM-23B	—
(Static Structures) GeneratorF	Battery Control Central	—	—
(Static Structures) GeneratorF	Information Coordination Central	—	—
(Static Structures) GeneratorF	SEA 56kVA Generator	—	—
N/A	Range-Only Radar	—	—
Reload / rearm	120s per launcher (3 missiles).
Acquisition time	12s
Notes
A basic Hawk battery consists of: 1× PCP 2× AN/MPQ-56 HPIR 1× AN/MPQ-50 PAR 1× AN/MPQ-55 CWAR 6× M192 Launchers For further decoration, add 8× Structures/GeneratorF and 12× Cargos/Container static objects. Add 3× Unarmed M818 trucks to provide reloads and to approximate the M501 Loading Tractors. The ROR 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 3 additional PCP:s. The system is static cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to

MIM-104 Patriot PAC-2

MIM-104 Patriot PAC-2

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
SAM Patriot AMG AN/MRC-137	Antenna Mast Group	—	—
SAM Patriot ECS AN/MSQ-104	Engagement Control Station	—	—
SAM Patriot EPP-III	Diesel-Electric Power Plant	—	—
SAM Patriot ICC	Information Coordination Central	—	—
SAM Patrion LN M901	Launcher	4× MIM-104C	Engagement: 54nm Altitude: 200–80,000'
SAM Patriot STR AN/MPQ-53	PESA Radar (search and track)	—	Detection: 85nm
(Unarmed) HEMTT TFFT	Guided Missile Transporter	—	—
(Unarmed) HEMTT TFFT	Large Repair Parts Transporter HEMTT	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport M818	Maintenance Center	∞	—
(Unarmed) Transport M818	Small Repair Parts Transporter	∞	—
(Static Cargos) Container	Parts containers	—	—
Reload / rearm	1800s per missile; 7200s total rearm time per launcher.
Acquisition time	?
Notes
A basic Patriot battery consists of: 1× ICC 1× AN/MSQ-104 ECS 1× AN/MRC-137 AMG 1× EPP-III 1× AN/MPQ-53 PESA Radar 8× M901 Launchers For further decoration, add 4× HEMTT TFTT (1× GMT and 3× LRPT), 8× M818 (1× MC, 7× SRPT), and 14× Containers. The transports can be added as static objects, but as always, the non-static unarmed M818 vehicle can be used to provide ammunition rearmament. Has self-defence anti-missile capability. The system is static and cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to

Rapier

Rapier

Units	Function	Stores	Range / Symbol
Rapier FSA Blindfire Tracker	“Blindfire” Field Standard A radar guidance unit and generator.	—	Detection: 16nm
Rapier FSA Launcher	Launcher, surveillance radar, IFF, and generator.	4× Rapier Mk1	Detection: 16nm Engagement: 4nm Altitude: 10,000'
Rapier FSA Optical Tracker	SACLOS optical tracking unit	—	Detection: 10nm
(Unarmed) Land Rover 101 FC	Forward Controller	—	—
(Unarmed) Transport M818	Missile Supply Trailer	—	—
Reload / rearm	240s per missile; 760s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	?
Notes
A basic Rapier battery consists of: 1× Launcher 1× Optical Tracker 1× Blindfire Tracker The system should be capable of running pure SACLOS without the Blindfire radar, but will not fire if one is not povided. For further decoration, 1× FC and 1× MST can be added to supply ammunition. The system is static and cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to

Roland 2

Roland 2

Units	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	TÜR Early-Warning Radar	—	Detection: 18nm
Reload / rearm	3s readying time after missile detonation; 6s reload; 31s rearm per missile; 310s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	10s
Notes
Has a radar for searching, ranging, and tracking targets as well as for missile guidance. Has no special setup and is instead integrated into armoured or mechanised columns. 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

IR-guided

AN/TWQ-1 / M1097 Heavy HMMWV Avenger

AN/TWQ-1 / M1097 Heavy HMMWV Avenger

Units	Function	Stores	Range
SAM Avenger M1097	IR-guided, self-propelled SAM	8× FIM-92 + 8 reserve 200× 12.7mm	Detection: 2.75nm Engagement: 2.45nm Altitude: 3,000m / 10,000'
Reload / rearm	40s per missile; 640s total rearm time from depleted state. 30s to rearm depleted 12.7mm gun.
Acquisition time	2.5s
Notes
Optical acquisition all-aspect IR homing. Has no special setup and is instead integrated into mobile infantry and other HMMWV / Stryker-based columns.
Available to

FIM-92 Stinger

FIM-92 Stinger

Units	Function	Stores	Range
SAM Stinger comm	Command unit	—	—
Stinger MANPADS	IR-guided MANPADS	3× FIM-92	Detection: 2.7nm Engagement: 2.7nm Altitude: 3,000m / 10,000'
Reload / rearm	15s reload per missile; ~180s rearm from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	6s
Notes
Optical acquisition all-aspect IR homing. Has no special setup and is instead integrated into infantry columns or as a supplement to any fixed installations. The system consists of infantry units and cannot be driven using Combined Arms.
Available to

M6 Linebacker

M6 Linebacker

Units	Function	Stores	Range
SAM Linebacker M6	IR-guided, self-propelled SAM and IFV	4× FIM-92 + 6 reserve 250× 25mm HE 71× 25mm AP 800× 7.62mm	Detection: 4.3nm Engagement: 2.45nm Altitude: 3,000m / 10,000'
Reload / rearm	0s reload per missile; 23s rearm per missile; 230s total rearm time from depleted state. 515s to rearm depleted 7.62mm gun; 1300s to rearm depleted 25mm AP; 830s to rearm depleted 25mm HE.
Acquisition time	2.5s
Notes
Optical acquisition all-aspect IR homing. Has no special setup and is instead integrated into armoured columns.
Available to

MIM-72G / M48 Chaparral

MIM-72G / M48 Chaparral

Units	Function	Stores	Range
SAM Chaparral M48	IR-guided, self-propelled SAM	4× MIM-72G + 4 reserve	Detection: 5.4nm Engagement: 0.2–4.5nm Altitude: 25-4,000m / 82–13,000'
Reload / rearm	41s per missile; 335s total rearm time from a depleted state.
Acquisition time	2.5s
Notes
Originally based on the rear-aspect AIM-9D, the G model upgrade uses an all-aspect seeker from the FIM-92 Stinger. Has no special setup and is instead intended to complement the M163 VADS as protection, and be integrated into light mechanised columns.
Available to

WWII Systems

All these systems require the WWII Assets Pack. All are optically guided and do not create any kind of firing indication beyond flashes and (minimal) barrel smoke that has to be spotted visually. All are static emplacements that cannot be driven using Combined Arms.

2cm Flak 30

2cm Flak 30

Units	Function	Stores	Range
AAA Flak 30	Fixed AAA	20mm	2,200m / 1.3nm
Available to

2cm Flakvierling 38

2cm Flakvierling 38

Units	Function	Stores	Range
AAA Flak-Vierling 38	Fixed AAA	4×20× 20mm	Engagement: 2,200m / 1.3nm
Available to

8.8cm Flak 18

8,8cm Flak 18

Units	Function	Stores	Range
AAA Flak 18	Fixed “Eighty-eight” Anti-air/anti-tank artillery	88mm Flak	Engagement: 14,800m / 8nm
AAA Kdo.G.40	Kommandogerät 40 optical rangefinder command unit	—	Detection: 16nm
Notes
The variant available in DCS only fires anti-air rounds.
Available to

8.8cm Flak 36

8,8cm Flak 36

Units	Function	Stores	Range
AAA Flak 36	Fixed AAA	88mm Flak	Engagement: 14,800m / 8nm
AAA Kdo.G.40	Kommandogerät 40 optical rangefinder command unit	—	Detection: 16nm
Available to

8.8cm Flak 37

8,8cm Flak 37

Units	Function	Stores	Range
AAA Flak 37	Fixed AAA	88mm Flak	Engagement: 14,800m / 8nm
AAA Kdo.G.40	Kommandogerät 40 optical rangefinder command unit	—	Detection: 16nm
Available to

Bofors 40mm

Bofors 40mm

Units	Function	Stores	Range
AAA Bofors 40mm	Fixed AAA	620× 40mm L/60 Flak	Engagement: 7,160m / 4nm
Available to