The Tactical rocker switch on the WCS has been set up for three modes. These are not unlike those used in the default Hornet set, but these work a little better for my personal combat style.
Center mode is used for radar silence. In the default setting, this includes Gear and Flaps. Those two functions are only needed once per mission, and it was possible to accidentally hit the Gear button while trying to release Chaff (forgetting that the aircraft was in radar silence mode). So I made Chaff & Flares universal. It also includes navigational functions. The FCS Thumb High button is used for enemy view when in radar silence. Note that Autopilot, TACAN and Waypoint buttons are all grouped logically on the WCS. The ILS is on the joystick, since it pertains more to a HUD function similar to selecting weapons in the Up and Down modes. This seemed more natural than the original Autopilot setting, and won’t cause a problem if you accidentally push it while your TACAN is on (which I did often with the original set).
Up is used for Air-to-Air mode and Down sets you up for Ground targets. The functions on both these modes are identical, except for the specific types of radar and weapons.
The Hat Switch forward position is used for a 90-degree Straight Up view. I felt that is more important than a 45-degree upward view, especially in the heat of battle. I miss a 45-degree view, but still feel that given the choice of 45 or 90, the 90 view is far more likely to save me from an untimely end. That’s about it. Check six!
