A digital cockpit screen used in modern aircraft to display a wide range of information, replacing or supplementing traditional analog gauges. MFDs can be configured to show different pages depending on mission phase, giving pilots quick access to critical data.
Key characteristics:
- Customizable pages: Navigation (map/waypoints), radar, targeting pod video, weapon status, engine systems, flight parameters.
- Tactical awareness: MFDs integrate sensor data, allowing pilots to monitor threats, targets, and friendly forces.
- Weapons employment: Used to program bombs and missiles, set laser codes, and confirm targeting solutions.
- Redundancy: Most aircraft carry multiple MFDs, so if one fails, others can assume its function.
- Evolution: In 4th and 5th generation fighters, MFDs are often paired with HUDs and HMDs, creating a fully integrated glass cockpit.
Application in DCS World
- Modern DCS aircraft (F-16C, F/A-18C, A-10C, JF-17, Mirage 2000C, etc.) feature fully functional MFDs, faithfully modeled to manage navigation, sensors, weapons, and systems. Many allow page swapping and HOTAS control.
- DCS MFDs do not simulate hardware failures, refresh-rate lag, or degraded visibility (glare, sunwash) that real pilots face. Some functions are simplified for gameplay.
Cadets should practice MFD page management, learning how to quickly access sensor feeds (radar, TGP), weapons pages, and situational awareness displays, while maintaining good scan discipline between HUD, MFDs, and outside references.