DCS User Manual EN.pdf

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Group Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Group Artificial Intelligence is a virtual object (represented by the lead unit of a group)
that controls game units or a group of units. The AI executes the actions set for the
group in the mission editor. In doing so, the object follows behavior rules programmed
into the simulation by the developers, however its behavior can also be adjusted by the
mission designer using the tasking options available in the Advanced Actions Panel.
Note, actions are set for entire groups only and not for individual units within a group.
When creating a group route, the mission designer can add or edit the actions for the
group to perform at each waypoint (WP) of the route. Actions of a given waypoint are
activated once the group leader reaches the waypoint. The actions are performed
sequentially based on their order and/or priority setting. Priority is set as a whole
number, starting with 0 as the highest priority value. Actions can also be set in the
Trigger Menu of the mission editor to be activated independently of the route waypoints.
Task
Task actions involve combat engagement, targeting and maneuvering. By setting a
Task, the mission designer commands the AI to perform a specific combat function at a
specific point in the mission. For example: orbit on station, engage an enemy group,
provide targeting to other groups as a FAC. Tasks have the highest execution priority for
the AI and are generally used to set the primary group action for a waypoint. The AI will
perform multiple Tasks one at a time according to their order or priority setting.
Task execution can be ended either by the AI automatically in-game or according to the
action stop conditions set by the mission designer. For example, the AI will cease to
attack a designated group of enemy vehicles when all of the vehicles in the group are
destroyed or the AI group has exhausted its supply of usable weapons. Alternatively, the
AI can be forced to cease the attack by setting an action stop condition, such as an
action duration time limit.
Enroute Task
Like Tasks, Enroute Tasks are combat actions that involve targeting or engagement
actions. However, Enroute Tasks are designed to be active for the length of the group's
route and can be executed multiple times and in multiple locations as long as the
conditions for executing the Enroute Task are in effect and the AI is able to execute the
action. As such, Enroute Tasks assume periodic interruptions of route navigation to
perform the action, such as attacking "pop-up" enemy units detected along the route.
Whereas Tasks involve definitely known and pre-set targets, Enroute Tasks allow for
some uncertainty in target type or location. The key phrase to keep in mind when using
Enroute Tasks is "Search For...". This means the AI will actively search for the target
and perform an attack only when the target is detected.
Enroute Tasks can only be ended by action stop conditions set by the mission designer.
Otherwise, an Enroute Task will be active for the duration of the AI's "life" in the
mission.
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