F/A-18 Autopilot, set-up a Warthog Profile?

[Jyge]

I was thinking about programming a keysequence that will engage autopilot using the Warthog HOTAS. As far as I can see the autopilot is controlled by UTC, so I was wondering if there was a way to define a keypress sequence that goes for ALT, ALT/HDG or PATH.

 

not sure how changing the modes works, if I am let's say in ALT and switch to ALT/HDG, it would probably disengage the ALT option in autopilot panel?

So I probably need to start each sequence with disengage AP, AP Button on UTC and then select the options?

 

Did anybody do this so far?

 

I am not convinced that HSEL replicates the real Hornet, not that I have so many hours on the real Hornet, but it feels counter intuitive that I need to set a heading before engaging HSEL. I would really expect it to use current course, unless set to something else, who would want to fly north as a default?

It is almost as if I have Altitude Hold and AP will set the target altitude to 0 unless I set it before engaging...

 

Also seems that I can not use UTC to tip in the values (unless I first use the the HDG switch with a longer press - there I get a HSEL option which I can tip in), for altitude there does not seem to be any option to tip in anything, it seems contrary to the whole purpose of using UTC for the autopilot in the first place...is it certain that this is the way it is in real Hornet? It would really turn me off from buying one and I would consider a M2000C instead.

[Hulkbust44]

As far as I can see the autopilot is controlled by UFC, so I was wondering if there was a way to define a keypress sequence that goes for ALT, ALT/HDG or PATH.

I would have a button for A/P button, then the pilot select buttons on the UFC.

not sure how changing the modes works, if I am let's say in ALT and switch to ALT/HDG, it would probably disengage the ALT option in autopilot panel?


No, once selected altitude is always referenced until RALT or BALT is deselected or A/P is disengaged.


So I probably need to start each sequence with disengage AP, AP Button on UFC and then select the options?

No need, press A/P then select what you want. Could also be a deselection.


I am not convinced that HSEL replicates the real Hornet... it feels counter intuitive that I need to set a heading before engaging HSEL. I would really expect it to use current course, unless set to something else, who would want to fly north as a default?
It is almost as if I have Altitude Hold and AP will set the target altitude to 0 unless I set it before engaging...


It is very much common practice in all aircraft to set the heading bug all the time. You must input a heading, otherwise heading select has nothing to do. When BALT or RALT is used there is an automatic heading hold function, no need for HSEL to keep course.
 

Also seems that I can not use UFC to tip in the values (unless I first use the the HDG switch with a longer press - there I get a HSEL option which I can tip in), for altitude there does not seem to be any option to tip in anything, it seems contrary to the whole purpose of using UFC for the autopilot in the first place...is it certain that this is the way it is in real Hornet? It would really turn me off from buying one and I would consider a M2000C instead.


Very few combat aircraft can command autopilot to adjust altitude. Only one that comes to mind is the M2K.

There's also a whole coupled autopilot system where the aircraft will fly to a navigation source, and even do radial intercepts.

The only way to completely disengage A/P is via the paddle switch. Otherwise the jet remains in CSS (A/P ADV-)

CSS is control stick steering. CSS is engaged in every autopilot mode. This allows you to use the trim hat to fly pitch and roll adjustments. This can be entered independently of a hold via A/P then ON/OFF.

Mobius708


Edit: aw, how do I do multi quotes?

[ShaunX]

I set up key combinations in DCS for the UFC A/P function selector

 

 

and then one for UFC option push button 1 and one for UFC option pushbutton 3 (1 is for attitude hold, 3 for barometric hold)

 

 

I then use a Voice Attack keyboard macro for each combination, which firstly presses the A/P selector for .3 seconds, then the option button to engage it. I've assigned Attitude hold to China hat forward and baro hold to back.

 

Autopilot release is already mapped to your nosewheel steering disengage button.

 

Note that If you engage baro hold while flying close to level flight the A/P will level you out perfectly and hold that level attitude, even if you're asymetric. Not sure if that's true to life but it sure is useful