Identification Logic DCS Airspace
Last updated: Mar 24, 2026

The system identifies live units based on two primary realism levels: DCS (Simplified) and REAL (Advanced IFF-based).

1. DCS Mode (Standard Realism)
Identification is immediate and absolute. All data (Coalition, Callsign, Mission Number, and Aircraft Type) is pulled directly from the simulation data without any restrictions.

2. REAL Mode (High Realism)
Identification follows a hierarchical logic based on IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) status and manual controller inputs.

A. Manual Identification
If a controller has manually set a unit's data in the database, that information takes precedence.

Result: Data is displayed as defined by the controller.
Success Status: Marked as successful if Mode 4 is active or forced by the system.

B. Automated IFF Authentication
If no manual override exists, the system attempts to authenticate the unit through transponder data:

• ATO Match (Mode 3): If the unit's Mode 3 code matches the assigned codes in the ATO (Air Tasking Order):
  • Full mission data is displayed (Callsign, Aircraft Type, etc.).
  • Note: Unit remains a "Bogey" (Unknown) unless Mode 4 is active.
• Standard/Manual Mode 3: If the Mode 3 code matches a "Standard" code (e.g. VFR, Emergency, etc.) or a specific code requested by a controller:
  • Mode S required: Detailed labels (Callsign/Type) are only visible if Mode S is active.
  • Mode 4 required: Unit remains a "Bogey" (Unknown) unless Mode 4 is active.
• Generic Mode 3: If only a generic Mode 3 is detected:
  • Unit remains a "Bogey" (Unknown) unless Mode 4 is active.
  • Mode S provides further data (Callsign/Type) if available.
• Link16: Not available at this moment.

Simulation Limitations (AI & Link16)

Due to current technical constraints in reading the real-time Link16 and IFF toggle states of AI-controlled aircraft, the system relies on a server-side configuration to determine their identification status.

Administrators can select the preferred behavior via the Server Settings:

• Option A - Friendly AI Air Units Identified: All allied AI aircraft are processed as if IFF Mode 4 and Link16 are permanently active.
  • Impact: Ensures consistent recognition of friendly AI, preventing identification gaps caused by simulation data limitations.
• Option B - Friendly AI Air Units Unknown: All allied AI aircraft are initially displayed as UNKNOWN (Yellow Square), regardless of their actual mission profile.
  • Impact: Provides a higher challenge for controllers, requiring manual identification or correlation (e.g., via ATO, ACO or visual ID) even for friendly AI assets.

Note: These settings are enforced globally for all clients connected to the server to ensure tactical synchronization.

Summary of IFF Modifiers

• Mode 4: The primary trigger for Coalition identification (Friendly/Hostile).
• Mode S: The trigger for Callsign and Aircraft Type visibility from the transponder.
• Mode 3: Used for cross-referencing against the ATO or standard codes to derive mission-specific data.
• Status: Units failing all above checks remain "Unknown".