Control Display Unit (CDU)
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Right console, mid-upper section — positioned below the Electrical Power Control Panel and beside the Oxygen Regulator Panel.
Serves as the primary flight management and navigation interface for the A-10C. The CDU provides full control of the aircraft’s navigation computer, flight plan management, GPS/INS system, and mission data input. It allows the pilot to view, enter, and modify waypoints, routes, coordinates, and system status.
Alphanumeric Keypad (A–Z, 0–9) — Used to enter coordinates, waypoints, identifiers, and mission data.
Function Keys (SYS, NAV, WP, OSET, FPM, PREV, NEXT) — Navigate CDU pages and access system menus.
Data Keys (L1–L6, R1–R6) — Soft keys aligned to on-screen options; correspond to data on the left and right sides of the display.
Brightness Controls (DIM / BRT) — Adjust screen backlight intensity.
MK: Mark current aircraft position as a waypoint.
BCK / CLR: Delete or backspace entries.
SPC: Space input.
+/–: Toggle data values or scroll lists.
Monochrome green screen displaying alphanumeric mission and navigation data.
Data fields dynamically update from the Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) and Mission Computer.
Dimensions: approx. 3.5" active area.
Recommended hardware (simpit)
Display: 3.5–4.0" LCD screen (800×480) driven by Raspberry Pi or HDMI micro-display.
Buttons: 55 tactile switches or 3D-printed keycaps on a custom PCB.
Optional: Arduino Mega or dedicated input controller for matrix scanning.
Backlighting: Uniform green LED backlight or electroluminescent sheet for authenticity.
Top: 3 mm matte black acrylic, laser-engraved.
Mid: PCB or button carrier plate.
Bottom: Diffuser and light guide sheet.
Font: MIL-SPEC Futura Medium Condensed or Eurostile.
Display window: Clear acrylic with anti-glare film.
Notes (DCS-BIOS) The CDU is one of the most advanced interactive panels in DCS-BIOS:
Exposes data for every screen line and button.
Uses high-frequency communication (multi-word values).
DcsBios::Switch2Pos cduNavBtn("CDU_NAV_BTN", PIN); DcsBios::LCDDisplay cduLine1(0x1234, 16);
In-Sim Functionality The CDU works in tandem with the Up-Front Controller (UFC) and EGI (Embedded GPS/INS). It is essential for:
GPS/INS alignment
System tests (BIT)
Communication with onboard avionics and the Mission Computer