Left Sub-Panel

The left sub-panel contains the AVTR, Gun Camera, air-to-air indicators (1), the emergency landing gear handle (2), the emergency brake handle (3), the APX-80A control panel (4), the WSO oxygen regulator panel (5) and the slats and flaps indicators for the WSO (6).

Gun Camera Switch

The two position switch (1) activates recording of gun camera footage.

Air to Air Light

Illuminates (2) when CAGE mode activated; pressing the light reverts the radar to the original operating condition prior to CAGE entry.

Video Select Button

Push button (3) that alternates between WEAPON, such as AGM-65 Mavericks, and ASQ-153 (targeting pod) television video on the radar scope display when in TV mode.

AVTR Control

Controls the Airborne Video Tape recorder system which records the intercom sound, as well as the rear radar screen.

For further information about the Recorder system see 9.6 Recorder.

AVTR Switch

With the switch (6) in the RECORD position, footage is recorded on the cassette and the RCD light illuminates. The STANDBY position pauses recording, while the OFF position will additionally automatically unthread the tape back to the beginning after 10 seconds.

AVTR Tape Timer

The cassette can record up to 20 minutes of footage, indicated in the small display (5) labelled MINUTES.

EOT Light

Once the end of the tape has been reached, the EOT light (4 lower half) illuminates and the tape must be unthreaded before it can record again.

RCD Light

Lit (4 upper half) to indicate the AVTR system currently recording.

Emergency Landing Gear Handle

Deploys the landing gear using a pair of compressed air bottles; handle cannot retract gear, only deploy in an emergency.

Emergency Brake Handle

In an emergency, discharges a portion of the brake system hydraulic accumulator to provide emergency braking. Contains a limited number of applications.

APX-80 Control Panel

The AN/APX-80 combines the IFF Interrogator System APX-76 and the Combat-Tree system APX-81A. It is used to identify whether an aircraft is friendly or hostile.

See Interrogator Systems for details.

Code Buttons

The first digit of the code display (3) indicates the current IFF mode, which can be either of:

• Off (white square)
• Mode 1
• Mode 2
• Mode 3
• Mode 4/A
• Mode 4/B

💡 In DCS, only Mode 4 (either A or B) is effective and can be used for interrogation.

The other four digits are used to set the IFF code to interrogate for Modes 1 to 3.

The buttons below and above the display are used to decrement and increment the corresponding setting respectively.

Challenge Lamp

This dimmable push-to-test lamp (1) illuminates to indicate IFF active interrogation with the APX-76 system.

Test/Challenge Code

Switch (2) that, if set to OFF, turns off the APX-76 interrogation system. In the CHALLENGE position, it can be used to interrogate.

TEST is used to test the system. If the lamp above lights up, the test was successful.

Anti-Jam

This switch (7) could be used for anti jammer measurements on some systems, but was never installed and connected on this variant of the F-4E.

Test/Challenge Lamp

This dimmable push-to-test lamp (6) illuminates to indicate active interrogation with the APX-81A Combat-Tree system.

Test Button

The push button starts the built-in test of the APX-81A Combat-Tree system.

Mode 2

This switch (5) is used to set Combat-Tree Mode 2 either in ACTIVE, PASSIVE or OFF types.

Mode 3

This switch (5) is used to set Combat-Tree Mode 3 either in ACTIVE, PASSIVE or OFF types.

Mode 4

This switch (4) is used to set Combat-Tree Mode 4 into ALARM or OVERRIDE types.

This functionality was never installed and connected on this variant of the F-4E.

WSO Oxygen Regulator Panel

Supply Lever

Two position switch (1) (ON and OFF) activating flow of oxygen to the mask. For further information see 3.7 Utility chapter, Oxygen section.

Diluter Lever

A two position (2) diluter lever, in the center of the regulator panel, controls the mixture of air and oxygen.

For a proportional amount of air to oxygen, the NORMAL OXYGEN position should be selected.

For pure oxygen, the 100% OXYGEN position should be selected. This setting is preferable if fire, toxic smoke or fumes occur in the cockpit.

Emergency Flow Control Switch

Three position switch (3) which permits selection of NORMAL (standard supply), EMERGENCY pressure (100% oxygen with continuous positive pressure) or TEST MASK (positive pressure to test the face mask for leaks).

The Emergency Lever should remain in the center (NORMAL) position at all times, unless an unscheduled pressure increase is required.

Flow Indicator

Alternates (4) between black and white with each aircrew member breath to indicate oxygen flow (white indicates inhalation).

Oxygen Pressure Gauge

Indicates (5) oxygen supply pressure from 0 to 500 psi.

For further information see 3.7 Utility chapter, Oxygen section.

Landing Gear/Flap Indicator Panel

Displays current status of landing gear, flaps, and slat position.

Landing Gear

Status noted with the word UP (up), a barber pole illustration (in transition), or an icon of a wheel (down) relative to current position.

See the 3.1.3 Landing gear chapter for more information.

Slats

Status noted with the word IN and OUT.

Flaps

Status noted with the word UP (flaps up) or (DN) (down). When transitioning, may show a barber pole illustration. When transitioning back to the UP position, the indicator does not change until the flaps are fully retracted.

See the 3.1.2 FLight Controls & AFCS, Slats and Flaps section for more information.