[David603]

I suspect that the controls will be simplified by cutting out less essential functions like landing lights, or by making them automatic. An Xbox 360 controller has 8 buttons, plus 2 analogue sticks and a D-Pad, and the PS3 controller has the same number. I know from previews that pitch and roll are mapped to the left analogue stick, while throttle and yaw are mapped to the right. This isn't as good as a flight stick, but these are available for both consoles and it is better than a keyboard/mouse.

That leaves 8 buttons. For the 360 I would map the fire button for the MGs/Cannon to the right trigger, and any ordinance carried to the left trigger. Trim would be the left bumper, and the right bumper would be the undercarriage. X and Y would toggle on/off for the supercharger and boost, while A is the target lock button, tapping it cycles targets and B would turn it off. Since simulation and realistic difficulties don't have target lock, I would map the prop pitch and radiator settings to A and B for these modes. Clicking the left analogue stick would lower or retract the flaps, and their position would depend on whether you had the undercarriage down and in the air or on the ground. Clicking the right analogue stick would open or close the canopy.

The D-Pad is for wingmen orders, Start is for the Esc menu and Back would toggle the map.

So, you can do most of the important things you could do with a keyboard/mouse using just the buttons on a game pad.