Navigation performed under Instrument Flight Rules, where the pilot relies primarily on cockpit instruments instead of outside visual references. IFR navigation enables safe operation in weather conditions where visibility is poor or clouds obscure the horizon.
It uses a structured system of:
- Ground-based aids such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range), NDB (Non-Directional Beacon), ILS (Instrument Landing System), and TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation).
- Satellite systems, including GPS, to provide precise positioning.
- Published procedures and airways, which define routes, holding patterns, approaches, and departures.
All IFR flight is conducted under the authority of Air Traffic Control (ATC), which provides clearances to maintain separation between aircraft. This ensures safe departures, en-route navigation, and landings even without external visual cues.
Application in DCS World
- DCS supports TACAN, ILS, RSBN, and onboard GPS/INS systems, which allow for realistic IFR-style navigation in military aircraft.
- Full civilian IFR routing with ATC clearances and airways is not modeled; no continuous VOR/NDB airway network exists in the base simulator.
Cadets can train effectively by practicing TACAN fixes, ILS approaches, and instrument departures/arrivals in poor weather conditions, replicating the discipline of IFR navigation.