Front Section

The front area contains controls for weapon delivery and the INS.

Laser Coder Control

laser_coder_control

The WSO can set the laser code used by the targeting pod by using the four small push-buttons on this panel.

Code Buttons

Each press (1) will advance the corresponding digit by one.

Codes directly relate to laser frequencies, resulting in them having to be between 1111 and 1788 and not use digits 0 or 9 in order to be valid.

💡 Weapon laser codes can be adjusted in the Mission Editor or during rearming, the default code used is 1688.

Enter Button

Once a code has been set, it can be transferred to the Pave Spike by pressing the ENTER button (2) to the right.

When power is applied to the system, it automatically initiates a transfer of the currently set code.

No Go Light

Validation of an entered code takes about 5 seconds. If the NO-GO light is lit, the code is invalid.

wso_ins_control_panel

The Inertial Navigation Control Panel provides the rear pilot mode selection and system alignment command selection.

See 3.3.2 INS Navigation for further information.

The HDG MEM-GYRO COMP switch (1), located under a cover, primarily stays in the GYRO COMP position for Gyro Compass type of alignment. Switching it to HDG MEM, before turning on the INS, allows, if previously stored, heading memory alignment.

💡 Heading can be stored in the mission editor.

Power Control Knob

Knob positions (2) are:

Name	Description
OFF	System off.
STBY	Power is applied to the heaters and temperature control system, and initiates Coarse alignment (if GYRO COMP is selected on the toggle).
ALIGN	Performs fine platform and gyro leveling and BATH (or HDG MEM) alignment. Then, if available, performs Gyro-compassing (Fine) Alignment.
NAV	Activates the INS for navigation function, performance of which is based on the alignment quality.

HEAT Light

The HEAT Light (4) starts illuminating when the system is placed into STBY mode. For Stored Heading Memory type alignment, the light remains illuminated until the gyros have reached operating temperature. For Gyro Compass type alignment, the light remains illuminated until the gyros have reached operating temperature and then continues to be lit for an additional 110 seconds. Note: The indication is available only in STBY and ALIGN modes, and that the system will not allow Gyro-compassing alignment if switched out of STBY before this light has shut off.

ALIGN Light

The ALIGN Light (3) provides the current status of the INS alignment by illuminating steady when BATH alignment is complete, or flashing at the completion of GYRO COMP or HDG MEM alignments.

Antenna Hand Control

Joystick which integrates with the radar to perform range (fore and aft) and azimuth (left and right) positional control of the acquisition symbol on the radar display in the air-to-air modes, as well as seeker/EO sensor direction with AGM-65 Maverick and Pave Spike.

Antenna Elevation Control

A thumbwheel (2) on the left side of the stick controls the elevation angle of the radar antenna, displayed via the EL strobe on the DSCG display.

Challenge Button

If controlling the radar the button (1) initiates an IFF interrogation.

For the Pave Spike targeting pod, it instead toggles the field of view between WIDE and NARROW.

Action Switch (Trigger)

A 2-stage trigger (3) to lock targets. Exact behavior depends on whether currently controlling the radar, weapons or the targeting pod.

Boresight Adjustment

The boresight position of the antenna stick can be adjusted at its base using a screwdriver. Once set, the new values can be loaded by pressing the button below.

This is only accessible to ground crew personnel.

Weapon Delivery Panel

wso_weapon_delivery_panel

ACTIVATE Switch

The two position switch (1) is only available after the Target Insert button is pressed, placing the switch to ON provides power to the weapon release computer's circuits for a LABS release using the WRCS release range data.

TGT FIND Switch

The two position switch (2) is Used to combine the delivery functionality of the ARBCS/LABS system with the WRCS TGT FIND mode. NORM is selected for the standard function of the WRCS without LABS delivery capability. Selecting HOLD and an ARBCS setting from the pilot's Delivery Mode Knob provides WRCS Target Offset search capability, and the attack is completed using the normal ARBCS procedures from the IP.

Heatblur F-4E Phantom II