Auxiliary Flight Instruments Cluster
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This section of the A-10C main instrument panel houses a group of four essential analog and digital instruments providing backup and reference data for flight attitude, communications, and flight performance. It allows the pilot to maintain key situational awareness parameters in the event of primary display failure or during routine flight checks.
Standby Attitude Indicator (SAI)
Function: Displays aircraft pitch and roll relative to the horizon, independent of the main flight computer.
Type: Gyroscopic instrument.
• Pull-to-cage knob (momentary, mechanical).
• Adjustment knob (rotary potentiometer).
UHF Frequency Display (UHF Control Repeater)
Function: Displays the currently selected frequency of the UHF radio system.
Type: Digital display, receives input from UHF radio control panel.
Controls: None on this panel (read-only repeater).
Digital Clock / Elapsed Time Counter (ETC)
Function: Provides UTC time, local time, and stopwatch functionality.
• SEL (Select) button – momentary pushbutton.
• CTRL (Control) button – momentary pushbutton.
Type: Digital display with two tactile switches.
Angle of Attack (AOA) Indicator
Function: Indicates the current angle of attack (α) — the angle between the wing chord line and relative airflow, crucial for stall prevention and precise approach control.
Type: Analog gauge (servo-driven in the real aircraft).
Controls: None.
Standby Attitude Indicator: simulated via LCD or servo-driven artificial horizon module (e.g. 2-axis servo gimbal).
UHF Display: 7-segment LED module or small OLED for frequency repeater.
Clock (ETC): small digital display module with two tactile pushbuttons.
AOA Indicator: analog servo or stepper gauge (SG90 micro servo or X27.168 automotive stepper).
Buttons: 2x momentary pushbuttons (SEL and CTRL).
Backlight color: green or warm white for analog gauges; dimmable LED for digital modules.
Engrave legends “SEL” and “CTRL” on the lower digital clock panel.
Ensure uniform diffusion for the digital modules using a thin (0.5–1mm) frosted acrylic overlay.
• 3mm black-painted clear acrylic front (laser engraved labels).
• 5mm mid-layer for component seating and LEDs.