IL-2 Tank Crew Basics for Goons

Configuration

Third Party Software

Third party tools are not necessary for all players, but can be useful for HOTAS and VR users.

• JoyToKey
  • This tool allows you to map a joystick button or axis to mouse movement. At this time, IL2 does not allow turret rotation to be remapped, despite what the Direct Mode control bindings might indicate.
• VRNeckSafer
  • This tool allows VR users to have more exaggerated head movement, like TrackIR. Very useful for situational awareness in the Commander slot.
• OVGME/JSGME
  • A simple mod management tool. Useful for managing startup.cfg files which have different graphics settings (i.e. for VR Aircraft, VR Tanks, and 2D Tanks).
• VoiceAttack (PAYWARE)
  • May be useful for commanding your AI tank platoon in the campaigns or issuing orders to your crew. Have not experimented with this yet.

Controls

Default controls are Keyboard and Mouse. They work fairly well, but can become overwhelming in a close range firefight. I recommend using your HOTAS, especially if you are alone in your tank.

Recommended HOTAS Bindings

Category	IL-2 Keybinding Name	Controller	Controller Button
Turret	N/A	Stick	JoyToKey mouse emulation
Turret	Machinegun: take/leave control	Stick	Paddle switch
Gunsight	Nestle to the gunsight	Stick	Pinkie switch
Gunsight	Gunsight range adjustment	Stick	Trim Hat down +, up -
Gunsight	Gunsight horizontal adjustment	Stick	Trim Hat right +, left -
Gunsight	Gunsight reset	Stick	TMS right
Weapons	Primary fire (NOTE: Main Gun)	Stick	Trigger, second stage
Weapons	Secondary fire (NOTE: Coaxial Machinegun)	Stick	Weapon release
Weapons	Select ammunition	Stick	NWS/AR DISC/MSL STEP
Crew	Switch to default position (NOTE: Driver)	Stick	CMS Up
Crew	Switch to 1st firing point (NOTE: Gunner/Commander)	Stick	CMS Down
Crew	Switch to 2nd firing point (NOTE: Commander/Radio Operator)	Stick	CMS Left
Crew	Switch to 3rd firing point (NOTE: Radio Operator)	Stick	CMS Right
Crew	Hatch open/close	Throttle	Uncage
View	N/A	Stick	VRNeckSafer Left, Right (DMS Left, DMS Right)
Movement	Vehicle Acceleration/Brake	Throttle	Throttle axis
Movement	Vehicle Turn left/Turn right	Pedals	Yaw axis
Movement	Gear limiter switch up	Throttle	COMM up (UHF)
Movement	Gear limiter switch down	Throttle	COMM down (VHF)
Movement	Gear limiter switch up (NOTE: alternate)	Pedals	Right brake
Movement	Gear limiter switch down (NOTE: alternate)	Pedals	Left brake

@TODO add control visualizations

Graphics Settings

Reference hardware for this section: i7 6700k @ 4.4 GHz, 2080ti, 16GB RAM, NVME SSD, Reverb G2

2D: 1440p, 120-144 FPS | VR: ~45 FPS

Disable Head Shake in the Camera Controls Menu

Operating the Tank

Gunnery

Recommended Loadouts

Take lots of Armor Piercing High Explosive, some High Explosive, and some of the best armor piercing rounds you can get. In the T34 1943 this is 68 APHE, 16 APCR, 16 HE.

Gunsight Adjustment

Range is controlled with the “Gunsight range adjustment” control and windage is controlled with the “Gunsight horizontal adjustment” control.

Simple Sighting Procedure

Nation	Procedure Steps
USSR	Range Fire coaxial MG at target Adjust horizontal crosshair to match impact point Windage Fire main gun at range Adjust vertical crosshair to match impact point
Germany	Range Increase range until in coaxial MG range reticle Fire MG at target Adjust triangle tip to match impact point, note range approximation Decrease range until in the main gun reticle, match noted range approximation Windage - N/A
USA	Get Good (@TODO)