RIGHT CONSOLE PANEL

What's on the right console

The right console handles sensors, weapons, and electronic warfare — everything you reach for once the fight starts. In VR, this is where bidirectional sync matters most. You can confirm Master Arm state and weapon selection from the physical panel without looking away from the sim.

Sensor management

Radar mode selector, FLIR/TPOD select, sensor priority switch. DCS-BIOS sync: radar mode changes in DCS — whether commanded from the panel or via the DDI — update the physical indicator on the panel.

EW / ECM

Jammer power switch, EW mode select, expendables programmer controls. ECM status (jamming active/standby) feeds back from DCS to the panel's status indicators.

Weapons management

SMS controls, weapon type select, Master Arm switch and ARM indicator. DCS-BIOS sync: Master Arm is fully bidirectional — arm up on the panel, DCS confirms, the ARM indicator illuminates. Change weapon selection from the DDI and the panel's weapon select indicator follows.

Communications

COM1/COM2 radio select, guard, IFF controls. Correct toggle and selector types per the Hornet manual.

Cockpit lighting

Instrument brightness, flood, and formation light controls. Dimmer encoder works without DCS running.

DCS-BIOS sync — what gets synchronized

• MASTER ARM / ARM indicator — bidirectional state confirmation
• Weapon selection state — current weapon type from DCS updates panel indicator
• ECM / jammer status — active jamming state from DCS
• Radar mode indicator — mode changes in DCS confirm on panel
• EW expendables state — chaff/flare program active status
• IFF mode active indicator — current IFF operating mode from DCS
• Cockpit lighting state — DCS-controlled brightness levels

Why this panel matters most in VR

In a VR headset, looking away from the sim means breaking immersion or removing the headset. The right console is where most in-flight actions happen — sensor modes, weapon select, ECM. With DCS-BIOS sync you confirm Master Arm state by feeling the switch and seeing the ARM indicator, not by checking the DDI. Eyes stay in the HUD.

Switch specifications and mounting

• Panel face: CNC-machined aluminum alloy, laser-engraved F/A-18C labeling
• Toggle switches: correct type per position — latching, momentary, guarded
• Master Arm: functional guard
• SMS rotary: correct detent positions per Hornet layout
• Dzus rail: standard Dzus frame compatible
• Desktop bracket included
• Panel face dimensions: [Confirm with David]