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| eFalcon 1.09 | -preview of future versions... |
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 Changes in the UFC in 1.09 |
ICP/DED in 1.09
A few weeks ago, Pogo sent me some great info about changes he made to the UFC (Up Front Controls), mainly he ICP and the DED. Due to
lack of time (it's getting old, I know...) I haven't posted it yet, but here it goes.
Background
The ICP in F-16 is used as the primary pilot interface to the jet's systems. Many of the
aircraft's systems may be accessed from this panel. The Date Entry Display (DED) tracks
system status, the Flight Control Computer (FCC) settings, and facilitates data entry. The
side-consoles are back up systems in the event the ICP fails. This forward data entry and
display system minimizes the time a pilot must be "in cockpit" and is sacrificing situational
awareness.
The BACKUP switch found on the AUX COMM panel is used to divert control from the ICP to
controls like the AUX COMM panel in the event of a primary system failure. When switched to
BACKUP, the TACAN channels and other systems are accessed thru the AUX COMM panel. If you
then switch back to the UFC position again, the settings from your ICP will override any
entries made using the AUX COMM panel.
What will we get in eFalcon 1.09?
All of it, is a good summary. After having read the draft manual for it, I must say I'm impressed. While I'm not allowed to post the
manual in it's current state, I will give you a few of the highlights, and provide the pictures of all available DED-pages.
The ICP and the DED will be fully functional. They will work as they do in the real (unclassified) jet. There are new keystrokes for the
available buttons, and the cockpits made for 1.09 will also have all buttons clickable in the cockpit.
I will post parts of the draft manual here. There are also pictures to the right showing *all* of the DED pages.
Definitions and Terminology
Master Modes
The MASTER modes are used to simultaneously set several functions and configure the cockpit, and its display devices, for a particular
mission activity. There are two types of MASTER modes. The first type is weapons delivery. These modes are accessed from two
different control devices in the F-16.
The weapons delivery Master Modes for the F-16 are:
1. Air-to-Air (A-A)
2. Air-to-Ground (A-G)
3. Dogfight (DGFT)
4. Missile Override (MSL OVRD)
The A-A and A-G MASTER modes are selected using the appropriately labeled buttons on the ICP. The DFTG and MSL OVRDD Master modes are
selected from switches on the throttle grip.
The other Master Modes (non weapons delivery master modes) are:
5. Emergency Jettison (E-J)
6. Selective Jettison (S-J)
7. Navigation (NAV)
NAV is the default mode and is automatically selected when no other MASTER mode is
selected. Either of the Jettison modes may be accessed from either MFD using the Stores
Management System (SMS) page.
Override Modes
COMM1, COMM2, IFF, LIST and F-ACK buttons are OVERRIDE modes. Pressing any of
these buttons usually provides immediate access to the functions of the corresponding
button. Return to the previous mode by pressing the same OVERRIDE button again.
The RESET button is a special OVERRIDE mode that brings up the CNI page (see below) from any mode or
display combination.
ICP Functions and Usage
The numbered keypad (numbers 1-9 plus 0) are the SECONDARY buttons. They are labeled with
a four letter abbreviation if they directly access a subpage. They are used as a normal
numeric keypad for data entry on subpages with data entry options.
Scratchpad
The SCRATCHPAD is surrounded by two asterisks. Where ever you see two asterisk, you're allow to make manual input
using the secondary buttons (there are a few exceptions, however).
To change a value, for example a steerpoint or TACAN channel, access the T-ILS page and type in your new channel.
You'll notice that the text between the asterisk will get drawn inverted with your first input. After you pushed ENTER,
the input get's check for validity. If your input is valid, the system will use your new settings and "clear" the
SCRATCHPAD, or, in case of wrong input, it will flash. Your input is not set until ENTR is pressed.
Data Command Switch
The DCS is the four way switch below the ICP. Its four directions and labeled functions are:
| Label | Direction | Function |
| RTN | left | Reset |
| UP | up | Cycle thru the editable options forward |
| SEQ | right | Cycle thru subpages and options |
| DOWN | down | Cycle thru the editable options backwards |
Clear button
Push this button to clear your last two entries. If you push it more then twice, your whole input will be cleared.
CNI Page
The default page upon entering the cockpit is the main CNI (Communication, Navigation,
Instrument) page. The CNI page displays information about your COMM channel, steerpoint,
IFF, and TACAN channel settings.
The active comm channel is written on the 1st row of the DED. If you want to change from UHF to VHF, push the comm2 button, return to
the CNI page and VHF will be displayed on the first line.
Observe that there is a small up/down arrow symbol besides your steerpoint. This indicates the steerpoint can be changed
using the Prev and Next buttons on the ICP. If you've selected AUTO steerpoint (see below), you'll also see a "A" besides
your steerpoint-number.
Using the UP/DOWN function of the DCS, you can move that symbol to the comm
channels. Again, use the Prev/Next button to change your channel.
Where ever you see that small up/down arrow symbol, you can change the data using your Prev/Next buttons.
Pushing the DCS into the SEQ position will show wind information.
If your HACK Clock (see below) is running, this info is displayed on the CNI page as well.
Pushing the THREE Button while at the CNI page will bring you to the DLINK page. You can also access this page thru the LIST page.
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And the manual goes on and on. It takes you through all the available pages and their submodes. ILS, ALOW, STPT, CRUS, TIME,
MARK, F-ACK, IFF, LIST, DEST and more.
Almost all of them with new stuff in them. Trust me. This is something to look forward to...
If you have any specific questions about the UFC, send them to me and I'll make sure there forwarded to Pogo.
Expect more soon...
/BrownSnake
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Copyright © 2001
eFalcon Team |
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