TGP on the left MFD
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Not really.
In AA mode, the pilot is better off with the radar MFD on the left, so that he can press the OSBs more easily with his left hand.
I’m curious, what controls on the FCR are used that they would need to get at them quickly, but aren’t set to the stick?
Maybe it’s just my config, but everything I need to quickly access for the FCR is on my stick and my throttle.
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I’m curious, what controls on the FCR are used that they would need to get at them quickly, but aren’t set to the stick?
Maybe it’s just my config, but everything I need to quickly access for the FCR is on my stick and my throttle.
You and I are fortunate…some may be using a HOTAS with limited buttons. I myself use a tablet for most FCR functions…one or two buttons on my HOTAS for other FCR functions.
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On the F-16 HOTAS, you can change range (with cursors), antenna elev, switch RWS/TWS, and aperture (by holding TMS up or moving your cursors to the side)
If you want to :
- change bar scan ;
- quickly change range,
- change gain (not implemented in F4, but can be useful RL)
- change mode to ULS, for ex
- sort contacts via datalink
then you need the OSBs.
You and I are fortunate…some may be using a HOTAS with limited buttons. I myself use a tablet for most FCR functions…one or two buttons on my HOTAS for others.
Question is about why the FCR is often on the left page for RL pilots. So in this case, the only HOTAS that matters is the real one
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Pilots are free to do whatever they want, manuals thought explain in detail the mfd’s configuration per missions and loaded weapons. Some rl brains worked on these to analyse all options and conclude to the best options as a standard default. As I heard from an old viper pilot FCR is selected to display on the left mfd in order to more easily press any buttons as and to align (in mind) with the mouse cursor on the throttle.
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On the F-16 HOTAS, you can change range (with cursors), antenna elev, switch RWS/TWS, and aperture (by holding TMS up or moving your cursors to the side)
If you want to :
- change bar scan ;
- quickly change range,
- change gain (not implemented in F4, but can be useful RL)
- change mode to ULS, for ex
- sort contacts via datalink
then you need the OSBs.
Question is about why the FCR is often on the left page for RL pilots. So in this case, the only HOTAS that matters is the real one
Was answering ASharpe question…not yours.
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There is a MFD SWAP button. Maybe one side of the pit has less sun glare than the other. Or if one MFD fails.
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As I heard from an old viper pilot FCR is selected to display on the left mfd in order to more easily press any buttons as and to align (in mind) with the mouse cursor on the throttle.
Can we say that for the same reason a “young” pilot (now that the FCR plays a much little role in the A-G operations) would prefer the TGP page on the left?
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Usually TGP is on the left mfd too, just next of the fcr mode. Logic behind this is that you approach the target area with fcr left and hsd right on AG mode, then step left to TGP to find the target and right to SMS for a last check of the delivery data, or weapon if you have mavericks.
Bottom line, everything is standardization of all crews habits and actions. It is much more important for everybody to follow exactly the same procedures (as manuals state), than to have a so small “habit” of altering modes and configurations.
It is in my knowledge that following an accident investigation, even a different mfd’s config than standards will be noted down on the further analysis. Might not related to a crash, but will differently provide a negative criticism if for no reason.
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I’ve heard that there’s is a sense of disorientation that is unpleasant with using the MFD on the other side of the airplane than the TGP is mounted. It was for the A-10 which mounts the TGP much closer to the wing tips so maybe it’s not a big deal on the F-16.
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Pilots are free to do whatever they want, manuals thought explain in detail the mfd’s configuration per missions and loaded weapons. Some rl brains worked on these to analyse all options and conclude to the best options as a standard default. As I heard from an old viper pilot FCR is selected to display on the left mfd in order to more easily press any buttons as and to align (in mind) with the mouse cursor on the throttle.
Yup
The primary logic in setting up the MFDs is to keep MFD pages in the same position as much as possible. The setup should optimize standard setup and allow hands-on operation during time-critical periods.In addition, this allows the brightness and contrast of MFD pages to be optimized for each specific sensor.