DCS F-18 - Automatic Throttle Control (ATC)

[VBF-12 Gosling]

AUTOMATIC THROTTLE CONTROL

The ATC has 2 modes:

• Cruise Mode - Flaps at AUTO
• Approach Mode - Flaps at HALF or FULL

These modes both drive the throttles between IDLE and MIL to the right place to maintain the desired parameter. However, as the modes are mutually exclusive there is no automatic transition between them or reengagement.
When engaged "ATC" is displayed in the HUD. If the mode does not engage or disengages unintentionally the "ATC" will flash for 10 seconds before disappearing.

Limitations

• Twin engine
• Throttles between IDLE and MIL

Engagement
The ATC is engaged by:

• Pressing the ATC button on the front of the left throttle

Disengagement
The ATC is engaged by:

• Intentionally - By pressing the ATC button a second time
• Forcefully - By altering the throttle significantly (in the real aircraft this takes a significant force)
• Flap Selection - If the Flaps are changed between AUTO and HALF the current mode is disengaged.
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• Failure - A lot of flight control surface affect the ATC and failure of any of these may cause disengagement

[VBF-12 Gosling]

ATC - CRUISE MODE

This mode is designed to maintain the current IAS and is available when the Flaps are at AUTO.

Engagement
pressing the ATC button on the left throttle will engage the ATC.

Disengagement
The mode can be disengaged by pressing the ATC button a second time.

Automatic Disengagement will occur if any of the following conditions:

• Selection of Flaps to HALF or FULL
• ATC Button Failure
• FCES Channel 2 or 4
• FCS Reversion to MECH or DEL in any axis
• Throttles differ by 10% for > 1 sec
• ADC True Airspeed Failure
• ADC Degrade
• Other miscellaneous system failure

Abbreviations
ADC = Air Data Computer
DEL = Direct Electrical Link
FCES = Forces Caution
FCS = Flight Control System
IAS = Indicated Air Speed
MECH = Mechanical Flight Surfaces Control

[VBF-12 Gosling]

ATC - APPROACH MODE

This mode is designed to maintain the current AoA and is available when the Flaps are at HALF or FULL (and the TEF are at >= 27°).

Engagement
Pressing the ATC button on the left throttle will engage the ATC.

Disengagement
The mode can be disengaged by pressing the ATC button a second time.

Automatic Disengagement will occur if any of the following conditions:

• Flap to AUTO
• AOA sensor failure
• Two or more failures of either TEF
• TEF deflection < 27°
• ATC button failure
• FCES channel 2 or 4 fails
• FCS reversion to MECH or to DEL in any axis
• WOW
• Throttle angles differ by > 10° for > 1 sec
• AoB < 70°
• Any internal system failure
• Selection of Hydraulic GAIN ORIDE

Abbreviations
AoA = Angle of Attack
AoB = Angle of Bank
TEF = Training Edge Flaps
WoW = Weight on Wheels

[VBF-12 Gosling]

ATC USE - CRUISE MODE

[VBF-12 Gosling]

ATC USE - APPROACH MODE