AWACS module for the DCS

[bies]

I propose an AWACS/GCI module, with reasonably realistically recreated legacy E-2, A-50, E-3, some NATO and WarPac EW radar.

With their basic limitations, radar rotation time, radar resolution with range, merges, IFF, symultaneous tracks limit, terrain masking, ground clutter and weather filtering etc. Just like current DCS modules do. Not a strictly classified modern one, just a legacy platforms.

Something like 2001 F-22 TAW AWACS, but more ambitious. It would add a lot to the overall experience, realism and it would be a ton of fun coordinating an air combat in reasonably realistic AWACS with its basic limitations and capabilities etc.

[peti]

How do you envision this would work? CA but instead of controlling ground AI you're gonna control AI aircraft? How would this be implemented in MP? 

The idea is neat though, would love to see it/something similar, I just don't see a good way to implement it.

[Tippis]

Are you looking for it as a flight sim — i.e. its main focus is driving and E-whatever around and fiddling with the knobs in the back is a subset of that — or more as a gameplay component, where the plane itself is mostly accidental and the sensors and comms are the the stars of the show?

The former runs the risk of running headlong into the secrecy roadblock since these systems tend to be pretty darn sensitive from a strategic perspective. If it's more the latter, I'm guessing that you're familiar with LotATC and the (MP) gameplay it offers, and I'm wondering what in all of that you envision that such a module would offer compared to the more general “airspace control” offering of that software? What would you include and what would you cut out? Or is there something you'd add on top because LotATC doesn't offer it (I mean, aside from being a integrated part of DCS as opposed to an external third-party program)? Would it be MP only, or are you envisioning CA integration where you get more/better control over AI assets than AI currently provides?

Edited March 30, 2024 by Tippis

[HondaShadow600]

I guess this could be implemented if the module was real-time strategy based and you were controlling AI air assets like another user said. But then again, DCS is a flight simulator rather than a strategy game.

 

 

Personally though, I'd love to see an E-3 or even E-2 module given the significant role airborne early warning aircraft play on the battlefield.

[HILOK]

i wonder if the real-time-strategy part could be left to modders, and would probably not be so far off using MOOSE? in that case only the aircraft/platform as decribed by the OP would be sufficient 

[Mike_Romeo]

On 3/29/2024 at 1:25 PM, bies said:

I propose an AWACS/GCI module, with reasonably realistically recreated legacy E-2, A-50, E-3, some NATO and WarPac EW radar.

With their basic limitations, radar rotation time, radar resolution with range, merges, IFF, symultaneous tracks limit, terrain masking, ground clutter and weather filtering etc. Just like current DCS modules do. Not a strictly classified modern one, just a legacy platforms.

Something like 2001 F-22 TAW AWACS, but more ambitious. It would add a lot to the overall experience, realism and it would be a ton of fun coordinating an air combat in reasonably realistic AWACS with its basic limitations and capabilities etc.

Thats what lotATC is for https://www.lotatc.com/

[Exorcet]

1 hour ago, Mike_Romeo said:

Thats what lotATC is for https://www.lotatc.com/

Having it native to DCS would be nice. As would being able to fly the AWACS, even if not FF.

[MiG21bisFishbedL]

On 5/1/2024 at 1:17 AM, HondaShadow600 said:

 But then again, DCS is a flight simulator rather than a strategy game.

 

 

Personally though, I'd love to see an E-3 or even E-2 module given the significant role airborne early warning aircraft play on the battlefield.

But, we do have limited ground function. And, ED has said it isn't limited to only aerial warfare.

I'd imagine the real roadblock is access. We'd be looking at a VERY abstracted and simplified radar. So, the real question is how much simplification and abstraction consumers are willing to deal with.

[Exorcet]

7 hours ago, MiG21bisFishbedL said:

But, we do have limited ground function. And, ED has said it isn't limited to only aerial warfare.

I'd imagine the real roadblock is access. We'd be looking at a VERY abstracted and simplified radar. So, the real question is how much simplification and abstraction consumers are willing to deal with.

I think something like an AWACS could be branded as CA type product but focused on command and control. If so then it doesn't have to be extremely detailed, and it would still add a lot to DCS. I'd take a detailed aircraft module too, but just having a person replace the AI in the seat of even a simple AWACS could completely change the feel of a mission.

[Biggus]

I wouldn't buy unless it included a significantly improved AI control system.  I shouldn't get perfect callouts of groups that are 240nm away from me and flanking when I have six other groups under 100nm hot, and I should be able to tell the controller that I'm committing to a specific group at which point I should get finer and more regular relevant information on that group that enables me to plot an intercept.

But if it did include that, I'd have my wallet open in a fraction of a second.