Modular
Builders may omit some major end items and assemblies as required for their specific build requirements. Major end items can be attached or detached rather quickly from the cockpit.
System overview
Feature-complete where the cockpit needs to feel real.
OpenHornet combines structure, panels, HOTAS, electronics, wiring, displays, and build documentation into a coherent simulator platform.
Simulator structure
A physical cockpit designed for fabrication.
The simulator structure is primarily MDF, with PETG printed console surfaces, threaded inserts, printed alignment brackets, and release drawings that guide repeatable manufacturing.
- Upper instrument panel
- Lower instrument panel
- Left console
- Right console
- Center tub
- Seat
General features
Built around real-world builder constraints.
OpenHornet is meant to be fabricated, moved, configured, and maintained by individual builders.
Manufacturable
OpenHornet is designed to be built by you. It only requires moderate tooling such as a small hobby CNC router, FDM and resin 3D printers, an SMD rework or soldering station, and common hand tools.
Human Factors
Over 90% of the adult human male population has been accommodated, with a weight limit of 250 pounds / 113 kg.
Maintainable
The simulator is designed to provide easy access to all components for maintenance and troubleshooting.
Portable
All major end items can be detached from each other and fit through a standard residential interior door.
Minimal Footprint
The OpenHornet simulator is designed with as small a footprint as possible.
71.25 in L x 40.5 in W x 45.69 in H
181 cm L x 103 cm W x 116.1 cm H
Panels
Visually accurate and backlit
Panels typically combine clear acrylic backplates, acrylic light plates, and white-on-black legend plates to support cockpit readability and night lighting.
HOTAS
Hands on throttle and stick
The stick uses a Thrustmaster grip while reproducing core geometry, travel, force gradients, breakout, and damping. The throttle is a replica assembly with detent work still under active development.
Electronics
ABSIS interface system
OpenHornet electronics are built around the Arduino Based Simulator Interface System, USB connections, master/slave RS-485 buses, and 12V, 5V, and 3.3V power buses.
Displays
Mounted per assembly drawings
DDI, AMPCD, IFEI, SARI, RWR, and other display choices should be taken from the build package drawings and relevant assembly documentation.
Software
Separate repository
Software work lives in the OpenHornet-Software repository. The project currently points builders to the DCS-Skunkworks branch of DCS-BIOS.
Planned work
Known roadmap themes before a 1.0 release.
These are carried forward as project direction, not promises for a specific release date.
Software coverage
Embedded software for system microcontrollers and continued DCS integration.
Controls
Autothrottle enhancement, rudder pedals, canopy jettison, and additional cockpit mechanisms.
Lighting and indicators
Canopy bow details, cockpit lighting, HUD/AoA indicator work, and type B panels.
Builder caution
Always validate against the release package.
Raw models and working branches may be useful for reference, but stable release files are the baseline for manufacturing decisions. Material substitutions and unsupported part swaps are at the builder's risk.