I have been working on creating DXF CAD files of all the cockpit panels for the F/A-18C. As I get them finished I will post them for everyone to download and use.

I have them converted to DXF from the PDF found in the NATOPS manual but the sizing is incorrect until I can find better references to the real deal.

There is a great deal to "clean up" in these files. The text needs to be updated, etc.

You are free to have the raw files and do some work yourself or wait until I have more finished.

With these you can have them cut out on a CNC router (as I am planning on doing in my shop) or have them cut for you from a local source.

I am releasing them open source with no expectation of compensation.

Ask me about other versions of the F-18 and if I can I will convert those to DXF (raw) for you as well.

They can be downloaded from Hornetpits.org here:

http://hornetpits.org/index.php?topic=20.0

Awesome!

A good rule of thumb for side console panels in fighters - 5.25" for the inboard row, 4.75" for the outboard row. I'm not sure if that applies universally though. (it applies to the F-15 and AFAIK, the F-16) Also, the panel height will be a multiple of 3/8" - that's the hole spacing in a dzus rail.

The plastic part of the panel is typically about 1/32" smaller in all dimensions than the metal mounting plate it's on.

g.

You Might want to double check the 5,25 measurement it might be 5.75 especially for the inboard Control heads on the F-16 IE the EWMU AN/ARC 164, and ECM panels are 5.75 wide.

I have not yet finalized any measurements yet. But thanks for the input, I will check it out.

My continually-scattered memory may have gotten the better of me. I'll check the panels to make sure of the widths.

g.

After finding some dimensions on the internet (so I have no idea if they are accurate) I worked up the DDI panels. I will post them on Hornetpits.org in both DXF and Solidworks files.