Using an Arcade Stick for Rear Gunner Controls

[WWGeezer]

Going to experiment with this tonight, but I got all the mapping done.   Basically going to be flying rear gunner in VR with all the controls in my lap while I sit on a padded low stool and spin with my feet to change my position.

The joystick controls the turret position and I basically follow it with my feet.  I'm in VR so I can look in any direction.

I mapped buttons for the following

• Taking control of the turret
• Nestling into the turret ( don't plan on using this, locks your view just inside the gunsite)
• Firing
• Reloading
• Pulling up the Map ( so I can assist the pilot in navigation)
• PTT ( so I can talk to my pilot....in Discord you can have multiple keys mapped to PTT so allowed this second location)

Hoping someone flies in a two seater tonight so I can give it a try

[WWPlague]

Thats the ol' team spirit,, no eject button necessary!

[WWGeezer]

So last night's mission did not have a lot of action for a rear gunner, but the proof of concept was pretty good. 

The ability to spin 360 degrees in the chair and having push to talk easy to access gave me much more situational awareness and an ability to stay in constant contact with the pilot.   

My marksmanship was not great, but rotating the guns seemed natural enough.  There is a lag with the rotation of the guns that causes problems.  You push to long in one direction and the guns keep rotating after you stop.  Using a joystick that clicks incrementally so trying to learn to do small taps to get in alignment instead of big movements.

Other thing I learned is if you grab the turret your ability to move is limited to the rotation the turret can make.  If I let go of the turret in VR I can stand up ( especially effective in ww1) and look all around.  Excellent for spotting for the bomber

Would definitely like to give it a go on one of our WW2 nights as well.