Instruments

Targetware models the cockpits of its aircraft as realistically and completely as possible. Reading all of the instruments, especially in the heat of combat, can be a difficult task. The wise pilot will familiarize himself with the instruments of his aircraft.

The instruments for each aircraft are in different arrangements, and often in different languages. Check the Help section in the In Game menu for your selected aircraft for an instrument panel key.

Viewing Instruments

The default view controls use the decimal key on the keypad (pad_dot) for an instrument view. This is a cycle of views that focuses on the different controls around the cockpit.

Different Languages

Because we reproduce the cockpits as faithfully as we can, each instrument will have the language and units of measurement that are historically correct to the best of our ability. For example, Japanese planes will have Japanese labels on the instruments and use metric units. This includes using "knots" (or nautical miles per hour) for many US Navy instruments and "miles per hour" for many USAAF aircraft.

Sample Instruments

Below are some of the most important instruments from American and Japanese cockpits from the P-40N (top) and the A6M3-22 (bottom).

Compass
Vertical Speed Indicator
Air Speed Indicator

Tachometer (RPMs)

Manifold Pressure
Slip and Turn Indicator

Engine Temperature
Altimeter
Artificial Horizon

 

Sample instrument panel: The P-40N

Legend:

  1. Compass (in degrees)
  2. Vertical Speed Indicator (thousands of feet per minute)
  3. Slip and Turn Indicator
  4. Air Speed Speed Indicator (in miles per hour)
  5. Tachometer (in hundreds of revolutions per minute)
  6. Manifold Pressure Gauge (in inches of mercury)
  7. Engine Temperature (in Celsius)
  8. Gear and Flaps Indicator
  9. Altimeter (in tens of thousands, thousands, and hundreds of feet displayed with smallest, small and big hand respectively)
  10. Multi-Function Gauge (only temperature gauge currently functional - top needle)
  11. Artificial Horizon

A6M3-22 Instrument Panel

Legend:

  1. Artificial Horizon
  2. Slip and Turn Indicator
  3. Exhaust Temperature Gauge
  4. Air Speed Indicator (in knots)
  5. Radio Direction Finder
  6. Altimeter (in thousands and hundreds of meters - hundreds on the back wheel)
  7. Compass
  8. Climb Rate Indicator
  9. Tachometer (in hundreds of revolutions per minute)
  10. Engine Temperature (in Celsius)
  11. Oil Temperature Gauge
  12. Manifold Pressure Gauge (in atmospheres)