# Recommended Hardware Configuration

{% hint style="warning" %}
**A minimum 2% Deadzone in Cyclic (In some cases up to 5% on old or inaccurate hardware) is required for AFCS to function correctly.** Not enough deadzone will result in the input controllers and the system inputs conflicting with each other, leading to erratic or unexpected behavior.
{% endhint %}

## Primary Flight Controls Configuration

If you are not familiar with helicopters, this guide should help you understand the basic controls that make them fly, and help you configure the controls correctly.

* **The Cyclic:** This stick sits between your legs. Moving it forward or back controls the helicopter's pitch (nose up or down). Moving it side-to-side controls the helicopter's roll (leaning left or right).
  * Pitch Binding: `ELEVATOR AXIS` or `CYCLIC LONGITUDINAL AXIS`
  * Roll Binding: `AILERONS AXIS` or `CYCLIC LATERAL AXIS`
  * Both Pitch and Roll can be trimmed, making flight more comfortable for the user:
    * Cyclic Pitch Trim Binding: `INCREASE ROTOR LONGITUDINAL TRIM` and `DECREASE ROTOR LONGITUDINAL TRIM`
    * Cyclic Roll Trim Binding: `INCREASE ROTOR LATERAL TRIM` and `DECREASE ROTOR LATERAL TRIM`
* **The Collective:** This lever is on your left side. Raising the collective increases the pitch of all rotor blades at once, generating more lift and making the helicopter rise. Lowering it causes the helicopter to descend.
  * Collective Binding: `THROTTLE AXIS` or `COLLECTIVE AXIS`
  * **Is there Throttle?:** The CH47 does NOT have manual throttle control. Instead, the governor (device that automatically maintains a constant rotor speed (RPM) in a helicopter) will adjust the throttle as required. <mark style="color:red;">**DO NOT USE**</mark> `HELICOPTER THROTTLE AXIS`
* **Directional Pedals:** These are on the floor at your feet. Pushing the pedals lets you turn the helicopter nose left or right.
  * Directional Pedals Binding: `RUDDER AXIS` or `TAIL ROTOR AXIS`&#x20;
  * Ground Steering Control Bindings: `RUDDER AXIS` or `TAIL ROTOR AXIS`, however, you must have Power Steering Control set to SWIVEL for ground steering to function. More details here: [center-console](https://docs.miltechsimulations.com/miltech-simulations-ch47d/aircraft-and-systems/overview-cockpit/center-console "mention")

<figure><img src="https://1335574643-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FU34X0omCjZJSDMQclhSX%2Fuploads%2F9crERFEJlYd8nXqAS34v%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0cd0a669-3fdc-49e0-8b9d-6e733261f845" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Primary Helicopter Controls</p></figcaption></figure>

## Control Sensitivity Configuration

The design of the CH47D makes it an inherently stable aircraft. No pedal input is required to keep the aircraft under control. For this reason, Control Sensibility is a personal preference of the user and we don't have any particular recommendations to make.

Xbox Controller users may benefit from dampened sensibility in the cyclic axis for more precise control in hover.&#x20;

## Keybinds, LVARs and HEvents

A growing number of functions will be supported for Keybinding and Hardware Interaction over the upcoming updates. The Keybind Guide is frequently updated, and available here: [keybinds-guide](https://docs.miltechsimulations.com/miltech-simulations-ch47d/product-information/recommended-hardware-configuration/keybinds-guide "mention")