MOZA FMP18 Panel Bundle Review: authentic F/A-18 Hornet cockpit controls for flight sims

TweakTown Rating: 95%

Our Verdict

For a truly immersive combat jet experience, the MOZA FMP18 is hard to beat.

Pros

• Immersive experience
• Screen clarity
• Tactile controls
• Modular system

Cons

• Beta control configuration issues
• Four USB ports required

Should you buy it?

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Introduction, Specifications, and Pricing

Hot on the contrails of my MOZA MGX1000 and MA3F EFCM reviews, I am back with yet another new flight sim-themed release from MOZA, and it's the one I have been the most excited about. In years gone by, I have sat with a pack of Thrustmaster MFD Cougar button modules, attached to a second monitor to display MFD information from my favorite combat sim, DCS World, and made do with my improvised fighter jet panel. Technology and times have moved on, though, with MOZA now giving the fighter pilots out there something I have wanted to check out since it was first announced: the MOZA FMP18 Panel Bundle.

MOZA has faithfully replicated the F/A-18 Hornet cockpit controls in this product, and it is packed with features. It is a highly authentic front-cockpit panel system that combines accurate physical proportions, immersive controls, and modular architecture to deliver a true-to-aircraft cockpit experience for serious carrier aviation enthusiasts.

Key features of the FMP18 Panel Bundle include independently adjustable backlighting and screen brightness, ensuring everything stays crystal clear in daylight and doesn't cause glare during night time sorties. The MOZA FMP18 also includes a flexible mounting desk clamp that is angle-adjustable and fits a range of cockpits, profiles, and desks.

Depending on the aircraft you want to fly, the panels are also fully modular, so you can keep the default full-panel layout or use individual module mounting. Here, for example, with A-10 pilots, you can remove the bottom display to replicate the Warthog's more traditional layout. Being modular doesn't stop there, though, as the same A-10-style layout can also be used for civilian flights. Drag and drop the displays for the A320 in MSFS, and all of a sudden you are dropping off passengers, not bombs. Whatever layout you want to go for, and whatever custom configuration you choose, the VESA mounting option on each panel has you covered.

MOZA is offering a couple of options for purchasing the FMP18: first, a bundle with everything we are covering today for $849, and the AMPCD display panel available separately for $199. If you want to go all in, then you can, or if you just want to add a little touch of immersion to your sim, then the AMPCD standalone unit might be better suited to you. MOZA wants to set the standard for immersive simulation panel products; both the MOZA MA3F EFCM and MGX1000 have impressed me for civil aviation and private flights, so let's see if they can do it again in a combat-focused role.

Packaging

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The packaging for the MOZA FMP18 Panel Bundle is surprisingly small. MOZA uses the same full-color theme as on pretty much all their other products. The front shows off the FMP18 in all its glory, to give you an idea of what it has in store for you on the runway.

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As with the MOZA MA3F EFCM and MOZA MGX1000, the FMP18 Panel Bundle suggests a preferred setup on the back for use within the wider MOZA ecosystem.

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Again, MOZA lists some key features of this product on one side; the highlights are predominantly focused on the screens, with mounting and modular options also mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

TweakBot answers common questions about this review using TweakTown's own coverage from this page and related content from our archive. Tap a question to reveal the answer, or type your own below.

Question #1

How do you remap or fix DDI button modules that both control the right-hand side in DCS World?

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Question #2

What USB cabling and ports are required to connect all three displays and button frames to a single PC?

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Question #3

Can the FMP18 modules be mounted individually on separate VESA arms or rigs, and what hardware is included for that?

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Question #4

Are there known firmware or MOZA Cockpit software updates required to resolve the panel mapping and module configuration issues?

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Unboxing the MOZA FMP18 Panel Bundle 1

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With the box open, I was greeted by a rather thin user manual, given the complexity of the FMP18, and a sheet of open-cell foam protecting the contents. The manual here lists the basics, and as the product releases, I am hoping this will be enhanced with an online, more detailed guide; more on that later.

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First, on top, is the FPP panel, or UFC as it is known, nestled within its own layer of open-cell foam, with an insert protecting the panel's switches and knobs.

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The middle layer contains all three screens and button surrounds, all again well protected within the packaging.

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The final, bottom layer includes all required mounting hardware, an angle-adjustable desk clamp, mounting brackets, and USB cables.

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Starting with the accessories layer, MOZA includes four USB-A to USB-A cables, a single USB-A to USB-C cable, and a USB-A to three-way USB-C cable that isn't listed in the manual. Two VESA-style mounting plates are used to attach the side DDI screens to the FPP, while the lower AMPCD uses a slightly different bracket. Finally, the angle-adjusting mechanism and desk clamp are provided in two parts, so you can use these as needed. We will take a look at the mounting soon.

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The FPP, or UFC, looks amazing out of the box, and I cannot wait to get the whole bundle bolted together. When MOZA says they are aiming this product at flight simulation enthusiasts, cockpit builders, and users seeking maximum realism, they certainly weren't kidding.

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All the key components of the real UFC are included, from the scratchpad window to numeric keys, function buttons, and communication controls. Lower, again everything looks fantastic: HUD symbology brightness control, the altitude selector, and so on are all present and correct. Dedicated knobs and switches are included to easily switch between COMM 1 and COMM 2 radios, with a pull-and-twist function. You can adjust volume and enter beacon or TACAN channels. The glare shield does have some artistic license, given this won't be at 30,000 feet with the sun beaming down on the screens and button labels, but how MOZA has executed it so far is impressive.

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The whole panel bundle is constructed from high-strength composite materials that help reduce overall weight while maintaining excellent rigidity and structural durability. So far, the FPP looks lightweight but doesn't feel cheap. Metal toggle switches feel robust, snappy, and positive, while all the buttons have a crisp, rubberized feel and a decisive click when pressed. Each and every display segment has that green, authentic tint that I can't wait to see in action.

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The rear of the FPP includes threaded inserts for mounting the DDI modules, four holes to either side. Centrally, there is a 75mm x 75mm VESA layout, with a small recess at the top for the single USB-C connection back to your PC. For attaching the lower AMPCD, only two threaded inserts are provided for the mounting bracket. Looking at this module from the side, you get an idea of its contours and the angles at which the buttons and knobs will sit when attached to a cockpit or desk.

Unboxing the MOZA FMP18 Panel Bundle 2

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Next up are the three DDI screens and button frame modules. The DDI and AMPCD modules feature true 7.1" square active display areas with an 800x800 resolution, closely matching the proportions and viewing experience of the real aircraft. This provides a vastly superior sense of realism compared to conventional cropped or rectangular display solutions. All three displays are identical, so it doesn't matter what you attach where; it is the button frame modules that tell MOZA Cockpit what is where, picking up a signal via the contact pads on the edge of the unit that align with pogo pins on the button frame modules.

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The back of all screens includes a brightness adjuster and, again, threaded inserts for mounting, either as the panel bundle or individually in different locations, thanks to the 75mm x 75mm VESA arrangement in the center.

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On the bottom edge are the USB ports; both a USB-A and a USB-C are present. The USB-C ports are not referenced in the manual.

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The button frame modules have the same feel and authenticity to them as everything else covered so far. Ridges separate the twenty buttons around the frames, with some variation in controls depending on the type of module being used: DDI or AMPCD.

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Each DDI module includes a raised section for OFF, NIGHT, and DAY mode selection at the top, while BRT and CONT dials in the bottom corners are also well recreated. Button clicks, as with the FPP, are positive and feel robust, and the dials for switching modes feel smooth. All buttons and labels are backlit too, just like the real aircraft.

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The AMPCD button frame module provides more of the same accurate implementation, with rocker buttons replacing dials for the outer functions.

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The back of all three button frame modules is identical, and includes a USB-C port on the top edge, again not noted in the manual. A magnetic mounting system and integrated pogo pin connectivity allow connection to the displays, with locating pins on the button frames and holes on the display casing to ensure alignment when snapping them into place. Being magnetic, you can hot-swap AMPCD and DDI locations, depending on which aircraft you want to fly and which configuration suits you better, increasing flexibility while lowering the cost of multi-aircraft cockpit builds. The magnets are strong, so you won't be knocking these off easily, but they are weak enough for you to be able to reposition them easily.

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Mounting everything took around 15 minutes: screwing each bracket to the FPP and attaching each screen. I like how MOZA has implemented the mounting options, as they give you free rein over how to position everything. You don't have to stick with the traditional F/A-18 layout; you could simply mount everything side by side using VESA mounts on a profile rig. Of course, pretty much everyone wants the authentic layout and look, but it's a good option to have available if needed or if space is short in some areas.

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Once all the modules have been attached, the final part to add was the angle-adjustable desk clamp. The mounting clamps and all brackets are made of metal; 73mm of depth is available on the desk clamp, which includes rubber pads on both sides to protect your desk or rig. If you need a couple of mm more depth, you can remove the sticky back pads from the threaded part of the clamp mechanism.

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I did spend a good amount of time just looking at the MOZA FMP18 Panel Bundle once it was all built, showing all 95 buttons, 16 rotaries, and 7 toggle switches, so there is enough to play with. If you're not using this for DCS World, then you have plenty of controls that you can map to the panel. It truly is a great-looking piece of kit, and I know a few of my friends will be eager to try this out over the coming weeks and months. It will look better once all the backlighting is on, and the screens are lit up, so let's go and try it out.

Installation & Software

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I've mounted the MOZA FMP18 to my Trak Racer TR120S V2 in the same way as the other MOZA panels I have tested. The adjustable clamp mounts to the Universal Wheel Plate, and if I were keeping this in place for a while, I would make further adjustments to my cockpit. Time to jump into MOZA Cockpit and check for any updates. Connecting all the screens before I got into MOZA Cockpit meant I had to go in and adjust my screen layout, as everything got thrown out of sync. MOZA is using DisplayLink DL4120 for the FMP18, with Windows recognizing the additional three screens as soon as they are connected and displaying them as additional desktop space.

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MOZA has updated the FMP18 a few times while I have been checking it out, so for my review I am using V1.1.4.11 of MOZA Cockpit with the latest firmware applied.

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Each module has its own setting page in MOZA Cockpit, showing the device on the right with the layout of each button and switch, and indicating the position of each axis.

The left portion is largely the same across all modules, showing the signal interval and lighting adjustment levels. Lighting can be set manually, via device, or telemetry for additional visual feedback.

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Each module also includes a second tab that opens the universal screen settings. Adjustments on the left-hand side can be made for the game area and for what is to be included in the render, and additional controls below can be used to implement the DDI and AMPCD screens correctly.

The central section allows you to change the screen location and configuration, with the screen ID numbers below in a drop-down to be allocated correctly. MOZA also includes default template options to make configuration easier for the end user.

Finally, on the right, a schematic of the cockpit layout shows where the screens are positioned, providing a visual indication of what is placed where. Change the aircraft, and the diagram also changes to ensure you have the correct layout.

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The final thing to check is the configuration in DCS World settings, ensuring the monitor settings include the MOZA Flight Panel setting. I will admit, it took me a couple of attempts to get this set up correctly. With MOZA including the additional USB-C splitter cable and the fairly basic manual, it took me a little time to figure out exactly what should be connected and where. In the end, just the four USB cables shown in the manual are needed, and once all the modules had been activated, I was good to go. Being a little confused, I reached out to MOZA, who explained things a little better;

"The USB Type-A port on the screen is used for both data and power, while the adjacent Type-C port is for an additional power supply to the screen. If the power is insufficient, you can use the provided 1-to-3 cable to connect it to the screen. The USB Type-C on the magnetic bezel can be directly connected to the PC; it does not require additional connection and is mainly for special use cases."

There you have it then; you have the option to use the button frames and screens independently, so if you want to come up with your own unique layout, maybe add in some custom extras, you can. It's also worth noting that a good, powered USB hub would be an ideal investment if you are running out of ports on your motherboard, given you need four to get this up and running.

Kris' Sim Racing Test System Specifications

Final Thoughts

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While some initial connection queries delayed me getting into the cockpit, once I did, what an experience it was. With both the MOZA MGX1000 and MA3F EFCM, I said that physical hardware integration makes you feel more involved, more immersed, and more like a real pilot. Here, it's the same, but in a slightly different way, and that's because this is combat-oriented, and not a commercial or leisure sort of experience.

MOZA states that the lightweight design minimizes mounting stress, significantly reducing the structural demands on cockpit rigs and mounting hardware. The FMP18 isn't too heavy, and the table clamp will be sufficient for most people. Clamped to my rig, there is a little movement, but nothing substantial; the upside is that I can easily remove the whole panel when not in use. I would have liked to see MOZA use right-angled USB cables, just to finish things off a little better and keep the cables from the screens hidden a little more, but it's no hardship to order a few and swap out the originals.

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Sat on the runway in my F/A-18, I started setting up a few controls, only to find that the FPP was the only device functioning. So then do we have an issue? No, it was me, and I went back to MOZA Cockpit to figure out why. The explanation was simple; I hadn't configured all the modules. With DCS World selected, I could then assign all the correct functions to the panel. This is something that, if you don't know where to look, could catch you out to begin with, given all the excitement, but once you know where to look, you will be up and running in no time. Heading back to DCS, I still had a little issue, as the button configuration doubled up both DDI button modules to control the right-hand side. To fix this, I went into the DCS settings and remapped the keys. It's a minor configuration issue that I am sure MOZA will fix with another update. Bear in mind we are in beta for testing, so I don't have any concerns that it won't be rectified.

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I have been through the A10-C and F/A-18 cold-start procedures in DCS quite a few times, and it's the same empty interaction with a mouse: clicking at onscreen buttons and dials. The same goes when setting up for dropping a payload; here, though, not only is it a more immersive experience, but it is actually quicker than fumbling around with a mouse, so when you are running out of time to set something up in flight, the physical controls really do help you be more efficient with your time.

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While I have flown many hours in DCS World in the past, it's something you really have to stick with to remember how everything works, how to select a SPI, how to manage the autopilot system, arm the weapons systems, and so on. I genuinely feel the FMP18 Panel Bundle will make you a better fighter pilot; not only is it a lovely-looking, functional piece of kit, but it also makes you want to do more, explore more, and learn more. The on-screen cockpit is fine for some, but unless you really take a look around, you'll miss things, whereas here, having the most important elements right at your fingertips forces you to take note of what every button, dial, and toggle does.

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Having both DDI modules and the AMPCD there, right in front of you, transforms a flight sim into a more realistic and more complete experience. From pulling up radar modes to a quick glance to see if you're going in the right direction, it feels right and removes the disengagement you get when you have to grab your mouse to free-look, then click on something. Here, you get immersive interaction and better information transfer while cutting out the middle man. The displays are crisp; during day and night testing, they looked great, and as I get older and my eyes get worse, it saves zooming in to your monitor to see if you are on track to your next target or waypoint.

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Having fully laid out preset controls is great, and I know I had an issue here: programming something like the FMP18 could get a little tedious. For aircraft not supported, where you have to do this manually, while initially painful, at least it can be achieved if needed. While I would keep the FMP18 in its default configuration, I tried swapping over a couple of the modules, and it works as intended. Some people will make great use of this, while others will prefer to keep things more original; it's a function I would sooner have included than not, even though I might not use it all of the time.

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The big question then is: would this be something I would buy? That depends. As a casual DCS player, it probably isn't worth the investment, because DCS demands your time and attention, given how detailed it can be. For those who do nothing else but fly jets, then it is certainly worth great consideration. MOZA, in the reviewer's guide, shows the FMP18 listed in comparison with the WINCTRL TOP GUN MIP Bundle. Here, I will let you draw your own conclusions, since I haven't had my hands on the unit to check it out, so I won't be offering my thoughts on what suits you better. What I will say is that, for the price, MOZA has executed this extremely well, and while I had a few small queries during installation and with the control binding, overall it has been an immersive and fun experience. With some tweaks to the manual for clarity, and a few bug fixes within MOZA Cockpit, the FMP18 is something to consider if you are serious about your combat flight sims.