General/Tactical Communication
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Tactical Communication
ASACS (Airborne Surveillance and Control System)
is the integrated command-and-control framework that links airborne surveillance platforms, ground-based control centers, and air defense assets into a single coordinated system for managing the air battle. Rather than being a specific unit or aircraft, ASACS defines the doctrine, communications architecture, and authority relationships that govern how assets such as AWACS, CRCs, and radar sites share data, build a common Recognized Air Picture, and allocate control of aircraft and weapons. Within NATO terminology, ASACS ensures seamless handover, deconfliction, and information flow between airborne and ground controllers so that tactical air operations are directed through one coherent control structure instead of multiple independent agencies.
AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System)
is an airborne command-and-control platform equipped with long-range radar and battle management consoles. It provides surveillance, identification, and tactical control of aircraft over extended ranges, particularly where ground radar coverage is limited. AWACS builds and maintains an air picture, directs fighter intercepts, coordinates air operations, and relays communications between airborne and ground units.
CRC (Control and Reporting Center)
is a ground-based air command-and-control facility responsible for surveillance, identification, and tactical control within a designated airspace sector. It fuses data from multiple radar and sensor sources to generate a Recognized Air Picture and provides fighter control, airspace coordination, and reporting to higher headquarters. A CRC may control aircraft directly and coordinate with surface-based air defense systems.
GCI (Ground Controlled Intercept)
is the tactical function of directing fighter aircraft to intercept airborne targets using ground-based radar and communications. GCI refers to the activity performed by trained controllers rather than a specific facility. It involves providing vectors, target information, and engagement support to aircraft based on radar tracking data.
Intercept Controller
The controller in charge of guiding military assets in a tactical environment.
Even though they have the same job, when located onboard an AEW/AWACS the name changes to Weapon Controller (WC) but in this manual we always refer to IC for convenience.
They have the primary task of assisting and coordinating military aircraft during the operations of:
- QRA
- AIR TO AIR REFUELLING
- COMBAT AIR PATROL
The IC is responsible for:
- Selection and assignment of targets
- Providing information about the PICTURE
- Giving the initial vector to air defense fighters (COMMIT)
Control Types
PIL = Pilots Responsibility
IC = Intercept Controllers Responsibility
State Call
A State Call reports an aircraft’s combat status to the IC.
It covers weapons, fuel, and playtime in a fixed order.
Example:
Flight Lead: “State is 602+ 10000lbs 90M
| # FOX-3 | # FOX-1 | # FOX-2 | Gun | Fuel | Playtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0 | 2 | + | 10000lbs | 90M |
Would mean:
6 x FOX-3, 0 x FOX-1, 2 x FOX-2, Gun Available, 10000lbs of fuel remaining
90 Minutes of Playtime
BRAA Call
A tactical control format providing target bearing, range, altitude, and aspect (BRAA) relative to the specified FRIENDLY aircraft.
| Groups | Format | Bearing | Range | Altitude | Aspect | DECLR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Group | BRAA | 320 | 30 | 20000 | Flanking | BOGEY |
Flight Check / Frequency Change
When Switching the Flight to a different Frequency a “Flight Check” is executed
Intraflight = Frequency only the flight members are on
Interflight = Control Agency’s Frequency
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| ATC | {CS} Push Button _ |
| Flight Lead (on interflight) | {CS} Push Button _ |
| Flight Lead (on intraflight) | Push {UHF / VHF, Radio 1 / Radio 2} Button _ |
| All Flight Members switch to channel _ | |
| Flight Lead | {CS} Check |
| Wingman of Flight Lead | 2 |
| Element Lead | 3 |
| Wingman of Element Lead | 4 |
| Flight Lead Proceeds with Initial Call as normal | |
Authentication
Authentication is a fundamental procedure to make sure you are in contact with an "ally" unit. Normally the check is performed by comparing a table in the possession of both parties who, each other, wonder about the content of the same.
There are several methods available but we are going to focus only on one of them named DRYAD (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRYAD)
For authentication, a challenging station selects a letter at random from the left most column followed by a second (randomly selected) letter in the row of the first chosen letter. The station being challenged would then authenticate by picking the letter directly below the row and position of the second letter selected.
Table Will be provided in the PreMission Briefing
| ATC | Authenticate E-A |
|---|---|
| Pilot | Come back G |
| Pilot | Authenticate J-U |
| ATC | Come back R |
| Pilot | Good Authentication |
AWACS / CRC / … - Communication Procedures
CS = Callsign for example SHADOW1
Check in with a Controlling Center
Note that this is an example! Depending on the mission, not every procedure may be executed.
Check in on Radar (Transit Control)
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Check | |
| Flight Lead | {CRC-CS} {CS} {FlightLevel} |
| Authentication | |
| CRC | {CS}, Identified, {Instructions} |
NOTE: Close Positive Control is inferred
Check in with Weapons Controller
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Check | |
| Flight Lead | {CRC-CS} {CS} Mission Nr {MSN} {Position} {Altitude} {PLAYTIME} {as Fragged / With Exceptions } |
| CRC | {Acknowledges} |
| Authentication | |
| CRC | {CS}, Identified, {Control Type}, ALPHA CHECK BULSEYE {position from bullseye} |
| Flight Lead | Same {Alpha Check} |
NOTE: Bullseye cannot be used for initial position calls.
Bullseye is only valid after ALPHA CHECK
Training Range Operations
Ingress
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Check | |
| Aircraft | Tactical, {CS} Leaving IP, Heading ___ |
| Tactical Controller | Radar Contact, Continue as Fragged, CALL IN |
| Aircraft | Roger, {CS} |
Attack
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Once turning in for an attack run | |
| Aircraft | {CS} In Hot, Heading ___ |
| Tactical Controller | Cleared Hot (or Abort, Turn Left / Right HDG) |
| Upon completion of the attack run. | |
| Aircraft | {CS} Off Target |
This has to be repeated for every attack run.
If multiple aircraft are attacking the same target ASACS-Controller will issue traffic information and may request the aircraft to maintain visual separation.
Formation Splits
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Lead | {CS}, request split into {number} parts of {number} each |
| CRC | {CS}, report ready for {Right hand / Left Hand \ _} {Split Type} |
Only In case of split by vectors ATC will call the Side (Lefthand / Righthand)
Vertical (Split by Altitude Adjustment) Continued
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Lead | {CS},ready |
| CRC | {CS 2}, descend {FL number} |
| Flight Lead 2 | {CS 2}, descending {FL number} |
| CRC | {CS 2}, squawk {number} |
| Flight Lead 2 | {CS 2}, squawk {number} |
| CRC | {CS 2}, identified |
| Repeat for each new flight. | |
Lateral (Split by Vector Change) Continued
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Lead | {CS},ready |
| CRC | {CS 2} For split turn {side} {degrees} |
| Flight Lead | {CS 2} For split turn {side} {degrees} |
| CRC | {CS 2} squawk {number} |
| Flight Lead 2 | {CS 2} squawk {number} |
| CRC | {CS 2} identified |
| Repeat for each new flight | |
Join-UP
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Lead | {CS} requesting join-up with {CS 2} |
| CRC | {CS}, roger |
| CRC | {CS 2}, confirm join up clearance for {CS}. |
| Flight Lead 2 | {CS 2}, {CS} is cleared to join up. |
| CRC | {CS}, for join-up, fly {heading} and climb / descend to {angels}. |
| Flight Lead | {CS}, for join-up, fly {heading} and climb / descend to {angels}. |
| CRC | {CS}, report {CS 2} in sight. |
| Flight Lead | {CS}, report {CS 2} in sight, {Position} |
| CRC | {CS}, visual join-up approved {CS 2}, report formation tight. |
| Flight Lead 2 | {CS 2}, formation tight. |
| CRC | {CS 2} formation adopt callsign {new CS} |
AAR
Air to Air Refueling is not only mechanically difficult but requires close coordination with the Tanker.
To ensure that all parties are at the right spot at the same time they agree on a Rendezvous (RV) which will be defined in the Pre-Mission Briefing or directed by the IC
There are multiple Types of RV
- RV Alpha - Fixed Anchor
- RV Bravo - Head-on
- RV Charlie - Tail Chase
- RV Delta - Point Parallel
- RV Echo - Timed Arrival
- RV Foxtrot - Sequential Departure
- RV Golf - En Route
They get increasingly more complicated and require some calculation to determine the correct speeds and turnradii.
Since the DCS tanker AI is even with the help of Olympus absolute dogshit we will not be covering the more complex Rendezvous procedures which require the Tanker to manoeuvre out of its Fixed Anchor.
Instead we will focus only on the RV Alpha for simplicity.
RV Alpha
Execution:
The receiver pilot must:
- Fly up to an altitude of 2000ft below the AAR Altitude (As instructed by the IC)
- Follow the Heading instructions by the IC
- Declare that they have radar contact with the tanker by the expression JUDY
- When in sight of the tanker declare visual contact by the expression VISUAL
- Secure the armament (Weapons Master OFF) and turn of the radar when in view of the tanker
- Take the position of ENCHELON LEFT when authorized by the IC
Tanker Orbit Airspace
A tanker orbit is assigned an altitude stack of 4000 feet, from Top to bottom they are Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta
Alpha is used for receivers leaving the tanker and the tanker emergency break away level
Bravo is the Base level of the Tanker
Charlie is used for evasive action on the receiver side
Delta is used for receivers approaching the Tanker
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| CRC | {CS} Proceed Tanker BRAA {BRAA} This will be Rendezvous ALPHA Tanker Frequency {Frequency} {Further Instructions} |
| Flight Lead | {CS} Roger, RV A, Tanker Frequency {Frequency} {Readback of further instructions} |
| Once the flight has Radar Contact to the Tanker | |
| Flight Lead | {Flight - Name} JUDY 1 Weapons Safe |
| All Wingmen in order | 2,3,4, … Weapons safe |
| Once in view of the Tanker | |
| CRC | {CS} Tanker is on your {x} o clock, Report Visual |
| Flight Lead | (Once Visual} {CS} Nose Cold, Visual with Tanker |
| CRC | {CS} Roger Contact Boom |
| At this point you switch to dcs’s Tanker Frequency | |
NOTE: Flight Lead shall ask his wingman on intraflight to confirm Nose Cold before reporting it to ATC
Positive Identification (PID)
In modern air combat, PID is about proving, to a reasonable and defensible standard, that the contact is a legitimate target under the Rules of Engagement (ROE). That proof can come from sensors, behavior, location, declarations, or higher authority. It is rarely just one thing.
Just like AAR, this is coordination and discipline under pressure. And unlike refueling, the consequences of getting it wrong don’t end with embarrassment.
Execution:
The pilot (or flight) must:
- Correlate the radar contact with the assigned track from CRC / AWACS
- Verify Mode 4 / Mode 5 IFF response (if applicable)
- Confirm that no friendly aircraft are in the engagement basket (deconfliction by altitude, heading, or timing)
- Compare target BRAA with declared hostile tracks from controlling agency
- Assess target behavior (aspect, speed, formation, emissions)
- Ensure ROE criteria are met before weapons release
PID is achieved when the flight lead is confident that:
- The contact matches the declared hostile track
- The contact does not respond correctly to IFF challenge
- The contact is operating in a hostile declared area or violating airspace
- Higher control (CRC / AWACS) has declared the contact HOSTILE
- Visual confirmation (if required by ROE) has been achieved
There are generally three practical forms of PID:
Electronic PID
Achieved via IFF interrogation, Link picture, NCTR (Non-Cooperative Target Recognition – radar attempting to classify aircraft type by engine modulation), and controller declaration.
This is the most common in modern BVR.
Engagement of Groundbased Targets
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Lead | {CS} Identified {Target Description} {if prebriefed: Matches Target __} |
| CRC | Cleared to Engage |
| Flight Lead | In hot {Target Description / Target ID} {Ingress Heading} |
| CRC | Cleared Hot / Abort |
| Flight Lead | Completed Engagement |
| CRC | Continue as Fragged / Additional Instructions |
Engagement of Air Targets
PID for Aircraft can be achieved through Declaration by a CRC or Visual Identification
In some cases a CRC will require an Intercepting Fighter to archive a Visual Identification
Visual PID
The pilot must visually confirm number and type of aircraft, (registration), color, armament, heading and rough speed
This often requires merge or VID pass.
NOTE: In DCS acquiring the Registration might be considerably difficult because of low resolution monitors and similar. Therefore this is optional
NOTE: Color does not necessarily mean the color of the aircraft but if possible the name of the country the aircraft's livery corresponds to. ie: “German / Russian / Syrian Airforce colors”
A2A Combat
For coordination the air combat area is divided into different sectors of control called Lanes. Each lane usually has a CRC or AWACS attached to it. In case of an CRC this is usually referred to as GCI
Air combat is mainly carried out by CAP (Combat Air Patrol) Aircraft there are a great amount of variations of such but the two most important overruling types are DCA (Defensive Counter Air) and OCA (Offensive Counter Air)
We highly recommend you to watch this video series on BVR combat to get a better understanding on Strategic Air to Air Combat https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd5Qdmhmp3Y7wxYI4cVxcDPdswhj_Zgpi
Each intercept / engagement starts with the controller or the fighter initiating a Commit, before the commit the Controller has Priority, after the commit this changes. As the fighters close in on the group they will have better situational awareness on the Target. Until the intercept concludes the Fighter’s have radio priority.
The most important metric here is Targeting Range, which is an agreed-upon distance at which every contact needs to be intercepted / engaged
A group inside the Targeting Range that no fighter has taken responsibility for is labelled as “Untargeted”
Fighter Initiated
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Once all commit criteria are met. The Flight will suggest a Commit | |
| Flight Lead | {CS} Recommend Commit |
| The Controller will evaluate the situation and initiate a Commit based on threat levels | |
| CRC | {GCI-CS} {Nr of groups}, {Group Description} {Fighter-CS} Commit |
| Flight Lead | {CS} |
Controller Initiated
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| CRC | {GCI-CS} {Nr of groups}, {Group Description} {Fighter-CS} Commit {+ VID if required} |
| Flight Lead | {CS} Commit. |
Once the Formation has the Contact on Radar and no further guidance is required:
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Lead | {CS} Judy |
Once the Formation has tally on the Target
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Lead | {CS} Tally |
Contact Declaration
There are 5 possible Declarations.
- Bogey - Unknown | Not Cleared to be Engaged
- Bandit - Enemy | Not Cleared to be Engaged
- Hostile - Enemy | Cleared to be Engaged
- Neutral - Neutral (Neither a Friendly or Hostile) | Not Cleared to be Engaged
- Friendly - Friendly | Not Cleared to be Engaged
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Flight Lead | {CRC-CS} Declare {Group Label or Bullseye Position) |
| CRC | {Group Label} Declared … |
Weapon Release
| Station | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Aircraft employing Weaponary | {CS} Fox-{1,2,3} {Group Label or Bullseye Position} {Further Description of Shot upon target within Group} |
| CRC | Copy Shot |
Brevity Words
AS FRAGGED: Unit or element will perform exactly as briefed or scheduled.
WITH EXCEPTIONS: Unit or element will perform as briefed with additional given
exceptions
ALPHA CHECK: Verification of the position of a BULLSEYE or related point.
ANGELS: Height of FRIENDLY aircraft in thousands of feet MSL.
AUTHENTICATE: Method to verify communication with allied agencies.
PLAYTIME: Time aircraft can remain on station (hours + minutes).
PICTURE: Request for mission information in digital bullseye format.
BRAA: Bearing, Range, Altitude, and Aspect relative to a FRIENDLY
aircraft.
BULLSEYE: Reference point used to establish positions (bearing + range).
GROUP(S): Any number of contacts within 3 NM of each other.
AZIMUTH: Two GROUPs separated laterally (referenced by cardinal
directions).
RANGE: Two GROUPs separated along a line of bearing (LEAD/TRAIL
GROUP).
STACK: Two or more contacts within a GROUP with altitude separation
(≥10,000 ft).
MONITOR: Maintain sensor awareness on a GROUP or object.
CLARA: Radarscope clear of enemy contacts.
CLEAN: No radar contacts on BANDITS, BOGIES, or aircraft of interest.
DRAG / COLD: Contact stabilized 000–070°.
BEAM: Contact stabilized 070–110°.
FLANK: Contact stabilized 110–160°.
HOT / HEAD ON: Contact stabilized 160–180°.
TRACKING: Direction of flight/movement (in BULLSEYE format).
MARSHALL(ING): Positioning forces at a point for offensive operations.
BANDIT: Positively identified enemy (not clearance to engage).
BOGEY: Unknown contact.
HOSTILE: Enemy contact cleared for engagement (IAW ROE).
FURBALL: FRIENDLY and non-FRIENDLY aircraft within 5 NM.
FOX (ONE): Launch semi-active radar-guided missile.
FOX (TWO): Launch IR-guided missile.
FOX (THREE): Launch active radar-guided missile.
ENGAGE: Directive to fire on a target.
GATE: Fly as fast as possible (afterburner).
BUSTER: Fly at maximum continuous speed (military power).
BREAK: (Direction): Immediate maximum-performance turn.
VISUAL: Sighting of FRIENDLY aircraft/ground/ship.
BLIND: No visual contact with FRIENDLY.
TALLY: Sighting of a target/enemy.
NO JOY: No visual contact with target/enemy.
MERGE(D): Radar tracks have come together (3–5 NM).
JUDY: Aircrew has control of intercept / Radar Contact; controller
minimizes comms.
DECLARE: Inquiry as to ID of track (responses: FRIENDLY, BOGEY,
BANDIT, HOSTILE, NEUTRAL, UNABLE, FURBALL). Positional
data included.
BOGEY DOPE: Request info on indicated or nearest GROUP in BRAA format.
TARGETING: Fighter has acquired assigned GROUP and assumes
responsibility.
CONTACT: Individual radar return within a GROUP.
HEAVY: Known GROUP with >3 elements.
HIGH: Target altitude above 40,000 ft.
FAST: Target speed 600–900 kts GS or Mach 1.0–1.5.
VERY FAST: Target speed >900 kts / Mach 1.5+.