Flight Formations: Description, Guide, and Decision Matrix

[Frederf]

Due to a lack of a specific informative guide existing on these forums, confusing radio chatter during actual gameplay, and a joy of organized flight I'd like to discuss flight formations in DCS: Black Shark.

 

Command Access

Flight formation commands are executed via R-800 (VHF-2) radio by the flight lead only. Radio equipment must be functioning, on the same frequency, within 150km range, and have line of sight. The primary formation management interface is reached using keys (default assignment)

[\] Commands -> [F1] Flight -> [F6] Go Formations…

 

 

Primary Formation Commands

 

Shape: basic layout

[F1] – Heavy

[F2] – Echelon

[F3] – Spread

[F4] – Trail

 

Overwatch: Special modified positioning of one or more flight member

[F5] – Overwatch

Configuration: normal/mirror-image

[F6] – Left

[F7] – Right

 

Spacing: distance between adjacent flight members

[F8] – Tight

[F9] – Cruise

[F10] – Combat

 

 

Formation Shapes

Right (default) / Left

 

Heavy

   [b](1)[/b]                             [b](1)[/b]
(2)     (3)                     (3)     (2)
            (4)            (4)

Echelon

[b]
(1)[/b]                                    [b](1)[/b]
   (2)                            (2)
       (3)                    (3)
           (4)            (4)

Spread

[b](1)[/b]   (2)   (3)   (4)           (4)   (3)   (2)   [b](1)[/b]

Trail

[b](1)[/b]
(2)
(3)
(4)

Overwatch

    [b](1)[/b]
(2)     (3)
            ( )
             |
          1.500m
             |
             v
            (4)

Overwatch commands the last member in a formation to offset 1,500m behind his normal position in the formation for the purposes of observation and security. Combined with the "Cover Me" command, the overwatching flight member can effectively, securely, and automatically respond to hostile aircraft threatening the flight lead.

 

 

Configuration

 

Heavy, echelon, and spread formations can be placed into either the right or left configuration depending on expected enemy direction, terrain, or to facilitate safer en-route or combat maneuvering of the flight. Trail is identical whether in right or left configuration, but the status is remembered by AI so that a "Left Trail" will transition to a "Left Spread" simply by ordering a change in shape from "Trail" to "Spread." Note, the player vocal sound file will declare that changes in configuration are "left echelon" and "right echelon" respectively; this is a mistake as only the configuration will change and previous heavy, spread, or trail shapes will remain in effect.

 

 

Spacing

 

Tight[b]
(1)[/b]<-50m->(2)<-50m->(3)
Cruise
[b](1)[/b]<----100m---->(2)<--100m-->(3)
Combat
[b](1)[/b]<-----------200m----------->(2)<-----------200m----------->(3)

Tight, cruise, and combat spacing rules for close (~50m), medium (~100m), and far (~200m) spacing between adjacent flight members respectively. Ideal formation distance choice depends on phase of flight, terrain, weather, visibility, maneuver requirements, weapons employment requirements, enemy detection abilities, etc. Generally wider spacing allows freer maneuvering by members, greater enemy detection ability, and lesser chance of flight path conflict with another member. On the other hand wider spacing decreases the ability to navigate in poor visibility, reduces the speed at which a formation can change direction, increases exposure to enemy weapons and detection equipment. Again do not be confused by the player vocal file that declares "combat spread" formation; this command only commands the spread shape and does not change spacing.

Edited December 21, 2009 by Frederf

[159th_Falcon]

:thumbup:,Rep inbound

[talisman]

thank you very much

[pitbull]

Excellent work!!

 

Is something similar was done IRT Helicopter airfield/FARP procedure?? I mean by that taxi, take-off (rolling or vertical) approcah patterns for both FARP and airfield for Russian air force??

 

I have some knowledge of western fixed wing procedures but I really lack eastern side..

 

Thx!

[My Fing ID]

As far as I can tell, Russian take-off procedures involve your wingman flying into and destroying your rotor if you take too long on the runway. Russians don't mess around!

[Distiler]

Crystal clear now thanks!

[Endoplasmic Reticulum]

As far as I can tell, Russian take-off procedures involve your wingman flying into and destroying your rotor if you take too long on the runway. Russians don't mess around!

 

He may think you are thinking about desertion when taking too long for taking off and entering the battle?!?! You have to function and not think in war ;).

 

And thanx for the in depth explanation of the formations, Frederf.

[My Fing ID]

He may think you are thinking about desertion when taking too long for taking off and entering the battle?!?! You have to function and not think in war ;).

 

And thanx for the in depth explanation of the formations, Frederf.

 

Lol, good way of putting it.

 

Also yes, tyvm for this information. I've always been curious how formations work.

[slug88]

Overwatch commands the last member in a formation to offset 1,500m behind his normal position in the formation for the purposes of observation and security. Combined with the "Cover Me" command, the overwatching flight member can effectively, securely, and automatically respond to hostile aircraft threatening the flight lead.

 

Overwatch/Cover Me is also effective for responding to ground threats. The AI wingman will look for SAMs and AAA tracers, and engage the shooter(s).

[Frederf]

FM14-10

The “Cover Me” command is used when enemy aircraft has become a threat to your helicopter.

Once a wingman receives it, they stop their current tasks and provide cover for you. If they detect an enemy aircraft, they will attack it without need of further orders.

 

The manual could be wrong, but I generally believe it unless proved otherwise. The "Attack My Enemy" command however does attack what the AI thinks is the most threatening unit around you, be it land or air.

 

Is something similar was done IRT Helicopter airfield/FARP procedure?? I mean by that taxi, take-off (rolling or vertical) approcah patterns for both FARP and airfield for Russian air force??

 

Airfield procedure is covered decently well by the manual and the tutorial missions. FARP stuff isn't really touched. I just know a few tidbits about such things that aren't common knowledge like the taxi command from the tower says "taxi to runway XX" they mean "position and hold" and not "hold short." Personally I think it's kinda dumb that all taxi clearances to runways are "position and hold" but that's the way it is. Also declaring inbound to a FARP will mean they turn on their pad lighting.

Edited December 22, 2009 by Frederf

[slug88]

Try it in game and see for yourself, they'll engage ground targets that threaten you. At least, this is true for the Cover Me command. Not sure if they'll automatically engage ground threats from the overwatch position.

[Celo63]

Thanks for that formation info Frederf. Very useful to know.

 

For convenient reference I've made it into a PDF file - attached below.

 

I hope you approve.

DCS BlackShark Formations Guide.pdf