AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System)

An airborne radar and command platform that provides wide-area surveillance, early warning, and tactical control of friendly aircraft. AWACS aircraft (like the E-3 Sentry or A-50) act as flying control centers, extending radar coverage far beyond ground-based sensors and coordinating air operations over large regions.

Key characteristics

• Airborne radar coverage
  Mounted on a high-flying aircraft, the radar can see over terrain and the horizon much farther than ground-based systems, detecting:
  
  
  • Fighters
    
    
  • Bombers
    
    
  • Support aircraft
    
    
  • Sometimes low-flying threats, depending on geometry and range
    
    
• Command & control node
  AWACS crews:
  
  
  • Build and maintain the air picture (friendlies, bogeys, bandits, unknowns)
    
    
  • Assign and manage intercepts
    
    
  • Deconflict friendly flights and packages
    
    
  • Coordinate with GCI, tankers, and strike aircraft
    
    
• Key roles
  
  
  • Early warning: Detect inbound threats early and alert defenders
    
    
  • Battle management: Assign CAPs, direct intercepts, coordinate escorts and strike packages
    
    
  • Airspace deconfliction: Ensure safe separation between multiple formations and missions
    
    
• Advantages
  
  
  • Huge situational awareness over wide regions
    
    
  • Flexible – can reposition to cover different sectors
    
    
  • Critical for complex, multi-package operations
    
    
• Limitations
  
  
  • High-value, high-priority target
    
    
  • Requires fighter protection
    
    
  • Performance can be affected by jamming, terrain masking, and rules of engagement
    
    

Application in DCS World

• AI AWACS units
  DCS includes AI AWACS that can:
  
  
  • Provide picture calls
    
    
  • Give bogey dope / BRAA (bearing, range, altitude, aspect)BRAA (bearing, range, altitude, aspect)
    
    
  • Offer basic situational updates to players
    
    
• However, they do not perform full human-style battle management, sector control, or complex prioritization.
  
  
• Human “AWACS” via LotATC / SRS
  In multiplayer, a human controller using LotATC and SRS can simulate an AWACS role, providing:
  
  
  • Continuous air picture updates
    
    
  • Intercept vectors
    
    
  • Threat calls and deconfliction
    
    
  • Package coordination (CAP, sweep, escort, strike)
    
    
• Training value for cadets
  
  
  • Learn to check in with AWACS and request picture/BRAA
    
    
  • Practice building mental SA from AWACS calls instead of just staring at your own radar
    
    
  • Fly intercepts and CAPs based on AWACS tasking, mirroring real-world tactics