It was quite challenging to develop an intuitive ThrustMaster strokes set for P-51, for two reasons.
First, because the simulator uses multiple keys to perform functions such as raising or lowering the landing gear, instead of merely toggling that function with a single key. The second reason was concern that including a “Bail Out” command on the TM hardware would lead to accidental bailings. It’s dangerous to include an “Eject” or “Bail Out” command on the buttons because of the risk that you might accidentally hit that button in the heat of battle. However, it is frustrating to leave that function to the keyboard alone, because I used to forget which keystroke was required, and found myself madly banging different keys trying to get out of the spiralling aircraft.
After experimenting with a number of arrangements, I found that it was quite intuitive to use the tactical rocker switch on the WCS to determine the hydraulics “Mode” and to establish a special mode for bailing out. With this system, the rocker switch is moved to the Up position to raise hydraulic components such as flaps, landing gear, or aircraft trim. The switch is moved to the Down position to lower them. The center position is not used at all, except for the emergency function of bailing out. No other commands are assigned to the center position. This acts as a cue to the pilot. If guns aren’t firing, or flaps aren’t working, it’s easy to figure out you must have the switch set at the center position.
