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.

• 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.

Step 1: Set your Tank Turret Control to Joystick

1. From the main menu, click "Settings"
2. Click "Input Devices"
3. Open the "Tank Turret Control" dropdown
4. Select "Joystick"
5. Click "Accept"

Step 2: Configure your bindings

Recommended HOTAS Bindings

Category	IL-2 Keybinding Name	Controller	Controller Button
Turret	Turret Control: horizontal (direct mode)	Stick	Roll axis (right +, left -)
Turret	Turret Control: vertical (direct mode)	Stick	Pitch axis (forward +, rearward -)
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 (SteamVR 100%)

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

Disable Head Shake in the Camera Controls Menu

Operating the Tank

Driving - How hard could it be???

Unsurprisingly for a simulator, you can break your vehicle by doing it wrong. Tanks can be damaged in many exciting ways, each of which take minutes to repair if they can be repaired at all. Managing engine RPM and keeping appropriate speed for the terrain is crucial. You can break your tracks on stumps if you race through the forest or injure your crew by running into things. You can also make yourself want to vomit in VR if you try to go max speed off road.

The transmission model in IL-2 is like an automatic gearbox where you set the maximum gear the driver can shift into using the “Gear limiter switch” control. You can also control how and when gears are selected via engine RPM. It takes a bit to get used to but with HOTAS controls quickly becomes natural.

Driving can be accomplished from any seat, but the driver’s seat shows the most HUD information for gearing and engine RPM. I find myself driving from the Commander position outside the hatch when not in combat, especially on roads or when navigating through forests.

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 (this will get you pretty close)

Nation	Procedure Steps
USSR	Range Fire coaxial MG at target Adjust horizontal crosshair to match impact point Repeat until accurately firing at the position with MG 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 Repeat until accurately firing at the position with MG Decrease range until in the main gun reticle, match noted range approximation Windage - N/A
USA	Get Good (@TODO)