A Forward Air Controller operating from an aircraft rather than on the ground. The AFAC’s role is to coordinate Close Air Support (CAS) missions by locating targets, marking them for strike aircraft, and relaying instructions from the air. AFACs extend the reach of FAC duties, providing greater visibility and situational awareness over the battlefield.
Key responsibilities of an AFAC include:
- Target acquisition and marking: Using rockets, smoke, or laser designators to identify targets.
- Radio coordination: Relaying 9-line briefs and attack clearances to strike aircraft.
- Deconfliction: Coordinating attack patterns and altitudes to prevent conflicts with ground troops and other aircraft.
- Battlefield awareness: Maintaining a wide-area picture from above, particularly valuable in complex terrain or when ground FACs have limited visibility.
AFAC aircraft are typically light, maneuverable platforms like the OV-10 Bronco or adapted trainers, though in modern contexts, UAVs and helicopters often perform similar roles.
Application in DCS World
- In DCS, certain aircraft can act as AFACs by marking targets with rockets, smoke, or laser designators for other players. Multiplayer scenarios often assign AFAC roles to trainers (L-39, C-101), helicopters (Ka-50, AH-64, Mi-24), or even jets with targeting pods
- DCS does not have a dedicated AFAC AI role. Only human players can fully simulate the AFAC mission with proper brevity and coordination. AI JTAC units cannot fly as AFACs.
Cadets can practice AFAC roles in multiplayer training, learning to locate and mark targets while communicating with strike packages over SRS. This develops the ability to function as a battlefield coordinator and prepares them for CAS integration exercises.