Hi Builders, I have designed an improved version of the AHCP, Armament, and HUD Control Panel housing. This new version is custom-made for the standard toggles. (BOM available for members.) It also includes a recess on the front face to allow the installation of the backlight LEDs. Next for the AHCP is the enhanced version of the faceplate with labels and backlighting. Stay tuned.
The entire front console was designed as a modular system, guided by a calibrated cockpit canvas inside Fusion 360. To establish scale, I started with the real-world dimensions of one panel and applied that to the canvas as a reference. From there, all other panels were proportioned and aligned against it, which allowed the full console to be built at a very accurate scale relative to the real A-10 cockpit. One important design constraint was the LCD screen that will sit behind the panels and provide instrument data through Helios. Because of that, none of the panel structures could extend beyond that plane. This forced me to move slightly away from the exact real-world proportions and add a bit more depth to the console. In the end, I think this worked well, as it gave the assembly a bulkier and more convincing look. At the same time, I also want this cockpit to support future upgrades, including mechanical servo-driven gauges. So even at this stage, the design has to remain forward-compatible and allow those additions later with minimal refactoring. To make electronics assembly easier, I broke the design into four layers. The first layer is the structural frame. This is the foundation that attaches both to the main console structure and to the rear panel assemblies, where the controls and electronics are housed. The rear panels were designed to snugly fit the standard toggle switches selected for this build. After a fair amount of trial and error, I finally arrived at the tolerances that give a precise and reliable fit for the switches. The next layer is the faceplate, which will carry the panel labels and the backlighting system. This layered approach should make the console easier to assemble, easier to maintain, and much easier to upgrade as the project evolves.
The Armament and Control Panel governs the A-10C’s weapon system arming, targeting, and avionics control logic. It enables or disables subsystems like the GUN/PAC, TGP (Targeting Pod), and IFFCC (Integrated Flight & Fire Control Computer). It also sets HUD display modes and altitude source configuration.
This panel is essential for switching between training, safe, and combat states and coordinating the aircraft’s fire-control systems.
Control Elements and Functions MASTER ARM Switch
Positions: TRAIN / SAFE / ARM
TRAIN: Enables weapon system simulation only (no actual weapon release).
SAFE: Disables all weapon firing.
ARM: Enables live weapon release.
Type: 3-position fixed toggle (ON–OFF–ON).
GUN/PAC Switch
Positions: SAFE / GUNARM
SAFE: Disables gun and PAC (Precision Attitude Control).
GUNARM: Activates gun firing and PAC stabilization mode.
Type: 2-position fixed toggle (ON–ON).
LASER Switch
Positions: TRAIN / SAFE
Function: Controls the laser firing circuit for the TGP (Targeting Pod).
TRAIN: Simulated laser firing (no emission).
SAFE: Laser disabled.
Type: 2-position fixed toggle (ON–ON).
TGP Switch
Positions: OFF / ON
Function: Powers the Targeting Pod for laser and targeting functions.
Type: 2-position fixed toggle (ON–ON).
ALT SCE Switch
Positions: BARO / DELTA / RADAR
BARO: Uses barometric altitude.
DELTA: Uses offset reference.
RADAR: Uses radar altimeter data.
Type: 3-position fixed toggle (ON–OFF–ON).
HUD MODE Switch
Positions: DAY / NIGHT / STBY
DAY: Bright display for daylight operation.
NIGHT: Dimmed HUD for night missions.
STBY: Turns off the HUD.
Type: 3-position fixed toggle (ON–OFF–ON).
CICU Switch
Positions: OFF / ON
Function: Powers the Central Interface Control Unit, managing data flow between avionics and weapons systems.
Type: 2-position fixed toggle (ON–ON).
JTRS Switch
Positions: OFF / ON
Function: Controls Joint Tactical Radio System power.
Type: 2-position fixed toggle (ON–ON).
IFFCC Switch
Positions: OFF / TEST / ON
OFF: Disables the fire control computer.
TEST: Enters diagnostic mode.
ON: Normal operation.
Type: 3-position fixed toggle (ON–OFF–ON).