F/A-18C - Revision history

Jak at 22:38, 23 June 2021

2021-06-23T22:38:37Z

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	The '''F/A-18C Hornet''' is a twin-engine, multi-role, carrier-capable fighter aircraft. Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Northrop in the 1970s, it is the only aircraft in the US inventory to carry both the fighter and attack designation (the "F/A" part of the name). The airframe is capable of sharp angles of attack, high G turns (peaking at 7.5G), and supersonic speeds, nearing around Mach 1.8 with afterburner in optimal flight conditions.		The '''F/A-18C Hornet''' is a twin-engine, multi-role, carrier-capable fighter aircraft. Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Northrop in the 1970s, it is the only aircraft in the US inventory to carry both the fighter and attack designation (the "F/A" part of the name). The airframe is capable of sharp angles of attack, high G turns (peaking at 7.5G), and supersonic speeds, nearing around Mach 1.8 with afterburner in optimal flight conditions.

	The F/A-18C modeled in DCS represents an U.S. Navy Lot 20 aircraft, circa mid 2000s. It is fitted with the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines, which are the more powerful engines that replaced the original F404-GE-400 model. Its equipment includes the APG-73 Radar, APX-~~100~~ Combined Interrogator/Transponder, Advanced Targeting FLIR (ATFLIR), and Link 16 datalink networking capability through a Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminal.		The F/A-18C modeled in DCS represents an U.S. Navy Lot 20 aircraft, circa mid 2000s. It is fitted with the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines, which are the more powerful engines that replaced the original F404-GE-400 model. Its equipment includes the APG-73 Radar, APX-111 Combined Interrogator/Transponder (CIT), ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting FLIR (ATFLIR), and Link 16 datalink networking capability through a Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminal.

	The Hornet is designed to be equally capable in both the air-to-air (A/A) and air-to-ground (A/G) arenas. Its avionic system is optimized for efficient single-crew operation of its many subsystems. The F/A-18 carries a wide array of both precision and conventional "dumb" bombs, A/A and A/G missiles, A/G rockets, and is supplemented with an internal 20mm gun mounted in the nose for both A/A and A/G application. The F/A-18's modern avionic system is designed for highly efficient single-crew operation of these weapons and the aircraft subsystems. This includes a fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS), which largely reduces the pilot workload in actual flying.		The Hornet is designed to be equally capable in both the air-to-air (A/A) and air-to-ground (A/G) arenas. Its avionic system is optimized for efficient single-crew operation of its many subsystems. The F/A-18 carries a wide array of both precision and conventional "dumb" bombs, A/A and A/G missiles, A/G rockets, and is supplemented with an internal 20mm gun mounted in the nose for both A/A and A/G application. The F/A-18's modern avionic system is designed for highly efficient single-crew operation of these weapons and the aircraft subsystems. This includes a fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS), which largely reduces the pilot workload in actual flying.

Jak at 22:37, 23 June 2021

2021-06-23T22:37:47Z

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	\|guidelink=https://www.mudspike.com/chucks-guides-dcs-f-a-18c-hornet/		\|guidelink=https://www.mudspike.com/chucks-guides-dcs-f-a-18c-hornet/
	}}		}}
	The '''F/A-18C Hornet''' is a twin-engine, multi-role, carrier-capable fighter aircraft. Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Northrop in the 1970s, it is the only ~~jet~~ in the US inventory to carry both the fighter and attack designation (the "F/A" part of the name). The airframe is capable of ~~maintaining high~~ angles of attack, ~~turning~~ at 7.~~5 G's~~, and supersonic speeds, nearing around Mach 1.8 with afterburner in optimal flight conditions.		The '''F/A-18C Hornet''' is a twin-engine, multi-role, carrier-capable fighter aircraft. Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Northrop in the 1970s, it is the only aircraft in the US inventory to carry both the fighter and attack designation (the "F/A" part of the name). The airframe is capable of sharp angles of attack, high G turns (peaking at 7.5G), and supersonic speeds, nearing around Mach 1.8 with afterburner in optimal flight conditions.

	The F/A-18C modeled in DCS represents an U.S. Navy Lot 20 aircraft, circa mid 2000s. It is fitted with the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines, which are the more powerful engines that replaced the original F404-GE-400 model. Its equipment includes the APG-73 Radar, APX-100 Combined Interrogator/Transponder, Advanced Targeting FLIR (ATFLIR), and Link 16 datalink networking capability through a Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminal.		The F/A-18C modeled in DCS represents an U.S. Navy Lot 20 aircraft, circa mid 2000s. It is fitted with the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines, which are the more powerful engines that replaced the original F404-GE-400 model. Its equipment includes the APG-73 Radar, APX-100 Combined Interrogator/Transponder, Advanced Targeting FLIR (ATFLIR), and Link 16 datalink networking capability through a Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminal.

Jak at 07:35, 2 June 2021

2021-06-02T07:35:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:35, 2 June 2021
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	The '''F/A-18C Hornet''' is a twin-engine, multi-role, carrier-capable fighter aircraft. Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Northrop in the 1970s, it is the only jet in the US inventory to carry both the fighter and attack designation (the "F/A" part of the name). The airframe is capable of maintaining high angles of attack, turning at 7.5 G's, and supersonic speeds, nearing around Mach 1.8 with afterburner in optimal flight conditions.		The '''F/A-18C Hornet''' is a twin-engine, multi-role, carrier-capable fighter aircraft. Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Northrop in the 1970s, it is the only jet in the US inventory to carry both the fighter and attack designation (the "F/A" part of the name). The airframe is capable of maintaining high angles of attack, turning at 7.5 G's, and supersonic speeds, nearing around Mach 1.8 with afterburner in optimal flight conditions.

	The F/A-18C modeled in DCS represents an U.S. Navy Lot 20 aircraft, circa mid 2000s. It is fitted with the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines, which are the more powerful engines that replaced the original F404-GE-400 model. ~~The F/A~~-~~18C/D Hornet served as the baseline for the Boeing F/A~~-~~18E~~/~~F Super Hornet~~ and ~~the EA-18G Growler~~.		The F/A-18C modeled in DCS represents an U.S. Navy Lot 20 aircraft, circa mid 2000s. It is fitted with the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines, which are the more powerful engines that replaced the original F404-GE-400 model. Its equipment includes the APG-73 Radar, APX-100 Combined Interrogator/Transponder, Advanced Targeting FLIR (ATFLIR), and Link 16 datalink networking capability through a Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminal.

	The Hornet is designed to be equally capable in both the air-to-air (A/A) and air-to-ground (A/G) arenas. Its avionic system is optimized for efficient single-crew operation of its many subsystems. The F/A-18 carries a wide array of both precision and conventional "dumb" bombs, A/A and A/G missiles, A/G rockets, and is supplemented with an internal 20mm gun mounted in the nose for both A/A and A/G application. The F/A-18's modern avionic system is designed for highly efficient single-crew operation of these weapons and the aircraft subsystems. This includes a fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS), which largely reduces the pilot workload in actual flying.		The Hornet is designed to be equally capable in both the air-to-air (A/A) and air-to-ground (A/G) arenas. Its avionic system is optimized for efficient single-crew operation of its many subsystems. The F/A-18 carries a wide array of both precision and conventional "dumb" bombs, A/A and A/G missiles, A/G rockets, and is supplemented with an internal 20mm gun mounted in the nose for both A/A and A/G application. The F/A-18's modern avionic system is designed for highly efficient single-crew operation of these weapons and the aircraft subsystems. This includes a fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS), which largely reduces the pilot workload in actual flying.

	The Hornet entered service in 1978. It first saw combat in 1986 over the skies of Libya with numerous Hornets performing suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) strikes and conventional A/G attack missions. It again saw action during the Gulf War of 1991, as there were 106 in theater with the U.S. Navy (USN) along with a further 84 U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) aircraft that were shore-based. It was during the Gulf War when the Hornet was credited with its first A/A kills: two Iraqi MiG-21s, shot down by AIM-9 and AIM-7 missiles. Notably, the two F/A-18s credited with the kills went on to resume their strike mission and dropped their four Mk-84s (2,000lbs unguided bombs), living up to their multi-role moniker. The Hornet took its first combat losses in the Gulf War as well; in total, 10 received battle damage, which included 3 losses (two to ground fire and one very likely to an Iraqi MiG-25). All told, Hornets flew a total of 4,551 sorties in the Gulf War.		The Hornet entered service in 1978, replacing the A-4, A-7, and F-4 aircraft. It first saw combat in 1986 over the skies of Libya with numerous Hornets performing suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) strikes and conventional A/G attack missions. It again saw action during the Gulf War of 1991, as there were 106 in theater with the U.S. Navy (USN) along with a further 84 U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) aircraft that were shore-based. It was during the Gulf War when the Hornet was credited with its first A/A kills: two Iraqi MiG-21s, shot down by AIM-9 and AIM-7 missiles. Notably, the two F/A-18s credited with the kills went on to resume their strike mission and dropped their four Mk-84s (2,000lbs unguided bombs), living up to their multi-role moniker. The Hornet took its first combat losses in the Gulf War as well; in total, 10 received battle damage, which included 3 losses (two to ground fire and one very likely to an Iraqi MiG-25). All told, Hornets flew a total of 4,551 sorties in the Gulf War.

	Since the Gulf War, the Hornet has been a vital piece of the USN/USMC inventory and has seen action in every conflict or operation since then. While it is still in active service with the ~~USMC (and will remain~~ until the early 2030s), in 2018 the ~~USN~~ retired the F/A-18C/D from combat roles and in 2021 ended its use as the Blue Angels demonstration squadron aircraft.		Since the Gulf War, the Hornet has been a vital piece of the USN/USMC inventory and has seen action in every conflict or operation since then. While it is still in active service with the Marine Corps until the early 2030s, in 2018 the Navy retired the F/A-18C/D from combat roles and in 2021 ended its use as the Blue Angels demonstration squadron aircraft. The F/A-18C/D Hornet served as the baseline for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the E/A-18G Growler.

	__TOC__		__TOC__

Pops at 12:58, 7 May 2021

2021-05-07T12:58:08Z

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	----		----
	==Manuals & Documents==		==Manuals & Documents==
	* [https://info.publicintelligence.net/F18-ABCD-000.pdf NATOPS Flight Manual]
	* [https://i.imgur.com/mLq8d2e.png Startup Checklist]		* [https://i.imgur.com/mLq8d2e.png Startup Checklist]
	* [https://www.reddit.com/r/hoggit/comments/8kvmhs/my_fa18c_primer_or_i_read_the_manual_so_you_dont/ I Read the Manual So You Don't Have To ] By MustardCosaNostra		* [https://www.reddit.com/r/hoggit/comments/8kvmhs/my_fa18c_primer_or_i_read_the_manual_so_you_dont/ I Read the Manual So You Don't Have To ] By MustardCosaNostra

Jak: /* Navigation Systems */

2021-05-07T05:41:35Z

Navigation Systems

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	----		----
	The F/A-18C has an inertial navigation system (INS), assisted by the Global Positioning System (GPS), capable of storing arbitrary digital, GPS-coordinate based series of waypoints, navigating to both ground- and air-based tactical air navigation (TACAN) stations and non-directional beacons (NDB), using the instrument carrier landing system (ICLS), and the automatic carrier landing system (ACLS) (not yet implemented). Navigation is primarily done with the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) format and the HUD.		The F/A-18C has an inertial navigation system (INS), assisted by the Global Positioning System (GPS), capable of storing arbitrary digital, GPS-coordinate based series of waypoints, navigating to both ground- and air-based tactical air navigation (TACAN) stations and non-directional beacons (NDB), using the instrument carrier landing system (ICLS), and the automatic carrier landing system (ACLS) (not yet implemented). Navigation is primarily done with the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) format and the HUD.

			==Navigation HUD (General)==

	==HSI Format==		==HSI Format==

Jak: /* Head-up Display */

2021-05-07T05:40:01Z

Head-up Display

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	==Head-up Display==		==Head-up Display==
	[[File:HUD NAV Master Mode Labels 3.png\|500px\|thumb]]		[[File:HUD NAV Master Mode Labels 3.png\|500px\|thumb]]
	The ~~head~~-up ~~display~~ (HUD) is a projected ~~display~~ at the front of the cockpit ~~that~~ serves as the primary flight instrument. This section will only cover the primary flight instruments that are on the HUD in NAV master mode. The HUD also provides various navigation, sensor, and weapon cues that are detailed in the relevant sections.		<!--The Head-up Display (HUD) is a display projected onto a glass at the front of the cockpit. It serves as the primary flight instrument and is also a key part of weapon and sensor employment. For general flight instrumentation and navigation cuing, refer to [[#Navigation HUD\|Navigation HUD]].-->This section will only cover the primary flight instruments that are on the HUD in NAV master mode. The HUD also provides various navigation, sensor, and weapon cues that are detailed in the relevant sections.
	#'''Altitude''' - This is the aircraft altitude displayed in feet either above sea level (MSL) or above ground level (AGL) dependent on the altitude source switch position (below the UFC) and the Radar altimeter receiving a valid readout. The Radar altimeter will always be considered invalid above 5,000 ft. Below the altitude indication, whenever the barometric pressure is changed via the knob on the standby altimeter or the aircraft is below 10,000 feet, at an airspeed less than 300 knots, and was previously above both values, the currently set barometric pressure (in inHg) is flashed for five seconds.		#'''Altitude''' - This is the aircraft altitude displayed in feet either above sea level (MSL) or above ground level (AGL) dependent on the altitude source switch position (below the UFC) and the Radar altimeter receiving a valid readout. The Radar altimeter will always be considered invalid above 5,000 ft. Below the altitude indication, whenever the barometric pressure is changed via the knob on the standby altimeter or the aircraft is below 10,000 feet, at an airspeed less than 300 knots, and was previously above both values, the currently set barometric pressure (in inHg) is flashed for five seconds.
	##Altitude source set to barometric - barometric altitude is displayed		##Altitude source set to barometric - barometric altitude is displayed

Jak: /* A/A Master Mode */

2021-05-07T05:17:25Z

A/A Master Mode

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	===A/A Master Mode===		===A/A Master Mode===
	The A/A master mode is tailored toward A/A combat. In A/A master mode, an A/A weapon is always selected and appropriate cuing is displayed on the HUD and Radar/Attack format. A/A master mode makes the Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) modes available as well as the Azimuth/Elevation (Az/El) format. The A/G Radar modes are not available in A/A. The FLIR operates in A/A mode. A/G designation is not available.		The A/A master mode is tailored toward A/A combat. In A/A master mode, an A/A weapon is always selected and appropriate cuing is displayed on the HUD and Radar/Attack format. A/A master mode makes the Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) modes available as well as the Azimuth/Elevation (Az/El) format. The A/G Radar modes are not available in A/A. The FLIR operates in A/A mode. A/G designation is not available. A/G weapons cannot be selected/programmed in A/A.

	A/A master mode can be selected with the A/A button on the Master Arm Panel on which the "A/A" light is illuminated. The A/A master mode can also be selected using the Weapon Select switch on the stick. Upon entering A/A master mode the Stores and Radar/Attack formats are automatically displayed on the left and right DDIs.		A/A master mode can be selected with the A/A button on the Master Arm Panel on which the "A/A" light is illuminated. The A/A master mode can also be selected using the Weapon Select switch on the stick. Upon entering A/A master mode the Stores and Radar/Attack formats are automatically displayed on the left and right DDIs. This mechanization makes it easy to rapidly configure for an A/A engagement via the HOTAS.

	==UFC==		==UFC==

Jak: /* NAV Master Mode */

2021-05-07T05:15:12Z

NAV Master Mode

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	===NAV Master Mode===		===NAV Master Mode===
	In NAV master mode, the HUD is tailored to navigation. No weapon cuing is displayed, the bank angle scale is displayed, and the velocity vector can be toggled between caged and uncaged operation. The FLIR operates in A/G mode while in NAV ~~and~~ A/G weapon selection and programming is available, but ~~weapons~~ release is not permitted. Note that A/A weapons are exclusive to A/A master mode. All A/G and A/A Radar modes are available, with the exception of the A/A Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) modes. Additionally, the Azimuth/Elevation (Az/El) format is not available.		In NAV master mode, the HUD is tailored to navigation. No weapon cuing is displayed, the bank angle scale is displayed, and the velocity vector can be toggled between caged and uncaged operation. The FLIR operates in A/G mode while in NAV. A/G weapon selection and programming is available, but weapon release is not permitted. Note that the A/A weapons are exclusive to A/A master mode. All A/G and A/A Radar modes are available, with the exception of the A/A Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) modes. Additionally, the Azimuth/Elevation (Az/El) format is not available.

	NAV master mode is indicated by neither the "A/A" nor "A/G" lights being illuminated on the Master Arm Panel. It is selected by deselecting either the A/G or A/A master mode. NAV is also the only master mode available when the gear is down with no weight on wheels; i.e. in the air with the gear down. NAV is automatically selected on the ground when the throttle levers are advanced past 27°. This is to force NAV master mode on takeoff.		NAV master mode is indicated by neither the "A/A" nor "A/G" lights being illuminated on the Master Arm Panel. It is selected by deselecting either the A/G or A/A master mode. NAV is also the only master mode available when the gear is down with no weight on wheels; i.e. in the air with the gear down. NAV is automatically selected on the ground when the throttle levers are advanced past 27°. This is to force NAV master mode on takeoff.

Jak: /* Master Modes */

2021-05-07T05:12:31Z

Master Modes

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	==Master Modes==		==Master Modes==
	~~Controlled via two buttons on the master arm panel, the~~ avionics ~~always operates in one of~~ three master modes: Navigation (NAV), Air-to-Ground (A/G), or Air-to-Air (A/A). ~~These~~ master modes ~~configure the avionics for one of these purposes~~.		The avionics has three mutually exclusive master modes: Navigation (NAV), Air-to-Ground (A/G), and Air-to-Air (A/A). Each master mode is tailored to that purpose with some functionality overlap. A general overview of the master modes is provided in this section.

	~~The~~ master mode ~~buttons have a green "~~A/A" and "A/G~~" light respectively. NAV~~ is ~~thus indicated by both lights being off~~. A/A master mode ~~is entered by pressing the~~ A/~~A button or by selecting an~~ A/A ~~weapon~~ with the ~~[[#Control Stick\|Weapon Select switch]] on~~ the ~~stick~~. A/G is ~~entered~~ by ~~pressing~~ the A/G ~~button~~. ~~NAV~~ is ~~entered~~ by ~~de-selecting~~ the A/A or A/~~G button~~. NAV is also ~~entered~~ when the gear is ~~lowered~~.		===NAV Master Mode===
	*'''Navigation (NAV~~)''' - NAV does not allow for any weapon-related symbology~~ on the ~~HUD, but does allow for selection and programming of air-to-~~ground ~~weapons~~. ~~In NAV, weapon release~~ is ~~unavailable.~~ NAV ~~is the only~~ master mode ~~that shows the vertical velocity and bank angle indications~~ on ~~the HUD. It also allows the pilot to select whether the velocity vector is caged or uncaged~~.		In NAV master mode, the HUD is tailored to navigation. No weapon cuing is displayed, the bank angle scale is displayed, and the velocity vector can be toggled between caged and uncaged operation. The FLIR operates in A/G mode while in NAV and A/G weapon selection and programming is available, but weapons release is not permitted. Note that A/A weapons are exclusive to A/A master mode. All A/G and A/A Radar modes are available, with the exception of the A/A Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) modes. Additionally, the Azimuth/Elevation (Az/El) format is not available.
	*'''Air-to-Ground (A/G~~)''' -~~ A/G allows for the release of ~~air-~~to~~-ground weaponry~~. ~~It shows the appropriate symbology~~ for the ~~selected air-~~to~~-ground weapon on the HUD~~. A/G ~~also makes available dedicated~~ A/G weapon ~~formats on the [TAC] menu~~. ~~The velocity vector~~ is ~~always uncaged~~ in A/G~~. Entering~~ A/G ~~initializes the Stores format~~ on the ~~LDDI~~ and the A/G Radar ~~format~~ on the ~~RDDI~~.
	*'''Air-to-Air (A/A~~)''' -~~ A/A ~~allows for the selection~~ and ~~release of air-to-air weapons and shows~~ the ~~relevant~~ HUD ~~symbology for the current air-to-air weapon~~. ~~The ability to assign the TDC to~~ the ~~HUD with Sensor Control switch forward is replaced with entering Radar~~ Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) ~~mode~~. The ~~velocity vector is always caged~~ in A/A. ~~Entering~~ A/A ~~initializes~~ the ~~Stores format~~ on the ~~LDDI and~~ the A/A Radar/Attack ~~format~~ on the ~~RDDI~~.		NAV master mode is indicated by neither the "A/A" nor "A/G" lights being illuminated on the Master Arm Panel. It is selected by deselecting either the A/G or A/A master mode. NAV is also the only master mode available when the gear is down with no weight on wheels; i.e. in the air with the gear down. NAV is automatically selected on the ground when the throttle levers are advanced past 27°. This is to force NAV master mode on takeoff.

			===A/G Master Mode===
			A/G master mode allows for the release of A/G munitions and for HUD cuing to be shown for A/G weapons. A/G master mode also allows for the weapon formats to be displayed for Maverick missile. A/G master mode is otherwise similar to NAV master mode since NAV still allows for A/G weapon programming, A/G FLIR operation, and A/G Radar operation. In A/G, however, A/A Radar operation is more limited in that MSI trackfiles are not processed. As such TWS mode and STT mode are not available, and RWS does not process any trackfiles.

			A/G master mode is selected with the A/G button on the Master Arm Panel and is indicated by the "A/G" light. Upon selection the Stores and Radar formats are displayed on the left and right DDIs.

			===A/A Master Mode===
			The A/A master mode is tailored toward A/A combat. In A/A master mode, an A/A weapon is always selected and appropriate cuing is displayed on the HUD and Radar/Attack format. A/A master mode makes the Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) modes available as well as the Azimuth/Elevation (Az/El) format. The A/G Radar modes are not available in A/A. The FLIR operates in A/A mode. A/G designation is not available.

			A/A master mode can be selected with the A/A button on the Master Arm Panel on which the "A/A" light is illuminated. The A/A master mode can also be selected using the Weapon Select switch on the stick. Upon entering A/A master mode the Stores and Radar/Attack formats are automatically displayed on the left and right DDIs.

	==UFC==		==UFC==

Jak: /* Control Stick */

2021-05-07T02:53:28Z

Control Stick

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	===Control Stick===		===Control Stick===
	#'''Sensor Control Switch''' - The Sensor Control switch on the flight control stick, commonly termed the "Castle switch" due to its shape resembling a castle, is used for various functions. Primarily, the purpose of the Sensor Control switch is to assign the Throttle Designator Controller (TDC) switch to formats to define what is manipulated by the TDC. Once the TDC is assigned to a format, however, the Sensor Control switch can perform further functions with subsequent actuations toward that format. For example, with the TDC already assigned to the A/A Attack format, a subsequent bump toward the Attack format usually commands the Radar into track on the target under the cursor. Functions like this are detailed in the appropriate sections.<br /><br />The left, right, and aft switch positions assign the TDC to the LDDI, RDDI, and MPCD in all master modes. When the format on a given display cannot accept TDC assignment (e.g. Tactical Menu format or FPAS format) and the Sensor Control switch is pressed toward it, it automatically invokes a format on that display. On the LDDI, in A/A master mode only, the Sensor Control switch invokes the Az/El format. On the RDDI, the Sensor Control switch invokes the Radar/Attack format in the last A/A or A/G Radar mode selected. On the MPCD, it invokes the HSI format. With the TDC assigned to the HSI format or the SA format, on any display, the Sensor Control switch cycles the two formats.<br /><br />The forward position function is dependent on master mode:<br /><br />In NAV and A/G master mode, it assigns the TDC to the HUD/HMD. The actual TDC assignment between the HUD versus the HMD occurs automatically at all times and does not require subsequent Sensor Control switch activations. Refer to [[#Throttle\|Throttle]] for details.<br /><br />In A/A master mode, the forward position of the Sensor Control switch enters the Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) condition, from which the close-range, visual Radar acquisition modes can be selected. Upon first Castling forward, the Radar enters Helmet Acquisition mode. It can then be used to select the other ACM modes: Long Range Helmet Acq, Wide Acq, and Vertical Acq. Refer to [[#Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) Modes\|Air Combat Maneuvering Modes]]. The Undesignate button will exit the ACM condition and return to normal "top level" Sensor Control switch functionality. Note that a special scenario occurs when the A/A Gun is selected, where the Radar is always in the ACM condition (i.e. it cannot be exited). As such, the Sensor Control switch is always configured for ACM functionality when the Gun is selected.<br /><br />The ~~Sensor Control switch also has a~~ depress ~~function which~~ is used as a modifier. ~~When depressed~~ and then ~~pressed~~ right~~, it~~ commands an IFF interrogation on the target under the cursor.		#'''Sensor Control Switch''' - The Sensor Control switch on the flight control stick, commonly termed the "Castle switch" due to its shape resembling a castle, is used for various functions. Primarily, the purpose of the Sensor Control switch is to assign the Throttle Designator Controller (TDC) switch to formats to define what is manipulated by the TDC. Once the TDC is assigned to a format, however, the Sensor Control switch can perform further functions with subsequent actuations toward that format. For example, with the TDC already assigned to the A/A Attack format, a subsequent bump toward the Attack format usually commands the Radar into track on the target under the cursor. Functions like this are detailed in the appropriate sections.<br /><br />The left, right, and aft switch positions assign the TDC to the LDDI, RDDI, and MPCD in all master modes. When the format on a given display cannot accept TDC assignment (e.g. Tactical Menu format or FPAS format) and the Sensor Control switch is pressed toward it, it automatically invokes a format on that display. On the LDDI, in A/A master mode only, the Sensor Control switch invokes the Az/El format. On the RDDI, the Sensor Control switch invokes the Radar/Attack format in the last A/A or A/G Radar mode selected. On the MPCD, it invokes the HSI format. With the TDC assigned to the HSI format or the SA format, on any display, the Sensor Control switch cycles the two formats.<br /><br />The forward position function is dependent on master mode:<br /><br />In NAV and A/G master mode, it assigns the TDC to the HUD/HMD. The actual TDC assignment between the HUD versus the HMD occurs automatically at all times and does not require subsequent Sensor Control switch activations. Refer to [[#Throttle\|Throttle]] for details.<br /><br />In A/A master mode, the forward position of the Sensor Control switch enters the Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) condition, from which the close-range, visual Radar acquisition modes can be selected. Upon first Castling forward, the Radar enters Helmet Acquisition mode. It can then be used to select the other ACM modes: Long Range Helmet Acq, Wide Acq, and Vertical Acq. Refer to [[#Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) Modes\|Air Combat Maneuvering Modes]]. The Undesignate button will exit the ACM condition and return to normal "top level" Sensor Control switch functionality. Note that a special scenario occurs when the A/A Gun is selected, where the Radar is always in the ACM condition (i.e. it cannot be exited). As such, the Sensor Control switch is always configured for ACM functionality when the Gun is selected.<br /><br />The depress position is used as a modifier. Depressing the Castle switch and then pressing right commands an IFF interrogation on the target under the cursor.
	#'''A/A Weapon Select Switch''' - The Weapon Select Switch is used to select the A/A missiles and the A/A Gun. Selecting any A/A weapon with the switch also automatically enters A/A master mode, initializes the A/A Radar/Attack format on the RDDI, and the Stores format on the LDDI. If the Gun is selected, it also enters the Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) condition and commands the Radar into Gun Acquisition mode. Subsequent actuations in the same direction after a weapon is selected will step through the different stations of that weapon that are loaded.		#'''A/A Weapon Select Switch''' - The Weapon Select Switch is used to select the A/A missiles and the A/A Gun. Selecting any A/A weapon with the switch also automatically enters A/A master mode, initializes the A/A Radar/Attack format on the RDDI, and the Stores format on the LDDI. If the Gun is selected, it also enters the Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) condition and commands the Radar into Gun Acquisition mode. Subsequent actuations in the same direction after a weapon is selected will step through the different stations of that weapon that are loaded.
	#'''Trim Switch''' - The Trim Switch commands pitch and roll trim to the Flight Control System (FCS).		#'''Trim Switch''' - The Trim Switch commands pitch and roll trim to the Flight Control System (FCS).