If you’re an Airbus enthusiast, a flight sim hobbyist, or someone already building your own cockpit, then you’ve definitely faced the same headache:
“What exactly do these panels do in a real Airbus?”
“In what order should I build my cockpit?”
Don’t worry! Today you’ll quickly understand four of the most popular Rowsfire modules among sim pilots: A11, A112, A113, A109
What do they do on a real Airbus, and what role do they play inside a home cockpit? This article explains everything in one go!
Ⅰ. Rowsfire A111: RMP + ACP--The “Communication Core” of an Airbus
If you’ve ever sat in the Captain’s seat of an A320—even in a simulator—you’ve seen pilots tuning frequencies and talking to ATC.
The systems behind all of this are: RMP (Radio Management Panel) and ACP (Audio Control Panel). The A111 integrates both, allowing full communication functionality inside your simulator. What can it do? Mainly three things:
① Input and tune VHF/HF frequencies
② Select and adjust audio sources (e.g., VHF1, VHF2, NAV)
③ Control mic selection and audio volume
Why do cockpit builders need it? Because it’s the “gateway” to talking with ATC! If you fly on VATSIM, IVAO, or offline ATC, this panel is absolutely essential.
Ⅱ. Rowsfire A112: CKPT LT + WXR Radar
“Can I see weather radar returns?” This panel is the answer. This module actually combines two unrelated systems:
① CKPT LT: Cockpit lighting controls
② WXR: Weather radar controller
It handles brightness adjustment for main instruments, panels, and background lighting; powers the weather radar on/off; and switches WXR display modes (gain, tilt, etc.). Simply put, the A112 is like a lighting switch plus weather scanner, letting you brighten the cockpit while “seeing through” storms ahead.
To create realistic night lighting, operate real weather radar in MSFS/X-Plane, or make your cockpit layout closer to the real thing, this module is indispensable.
Ⅲ. Rowsfire A113: Lighting + Black Box + ATC Transponder--The “Identification Center” essential for simulated ATC
The A113 is a highly integrated unit featuring three systems:
① CKPT LT (lighting)
② DFDR / Black Box (flight recorder related controls)
③ ATC Transponder
Sim users usually care most about the transponder. Everyone knows the black box—crucial for accident investigation. But what else does this module handle? Squawk code input, transponder mode selection (Auto, Standby, Alt RPT), and flight recording related switches all depend on the A113.
If you fly on VATSIM/IVAO, your aircraft cannot be “seen” without a functioning transponder. The A113 is the key that tells ATC “where you are.”
Ⅳ. Rowsfire A109: ATT / ADIRS / EIS---The “Navigation + Attitude + System Display Core” of Airbus
This is the most technically critical module of the four. It covers the brain of the Airbus:
① ATT: Attitude reference
② ADIRS: Inertial navigation and data reference
③ EIS: Engine and System display control
It sets attitude references, selects navigation data sources, and manages system and engine display information. In simple terms, it helps the aircraft “know where it is and how to fly,” while presenting all major status data clearly.
If you want to operate an Airbus from full cold and dark to shutdown, a module of this level—handling core system logic—is absolutely necessary.
Ⅴ. Final Comparison Table + Cockpit Placement Guide
| Module | Real-World Role | Use in Sim Cockpit | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| A111 | RMP + ACP, radio & audio core | Frequency tuning, audio, ATC comms | Communication |
| A112 | Cockpit lighting + weather radar | Night lighting / weather depiction | Lighting + Radar |
| A113 | Lighting + black box + ATC | Squawk setup, VATSIM-required | Transponder System |
| A109 | Attitude, inertial nav, system display | Cold-and-dark, navigation, system mgmt | Core Aircraft Systems |
Ⅵ. Why Are These Four Panels Perfect for Flight Sim Enthusiasts?
Because together they cover nearly all the key functions required for an entry to advanced Airbus home cockpit:
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Ability to communicate with ATC (A111)
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Weather radar plus realistic night lighting (A112)
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Transponder identification for online ATC (A113)
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Realistic navigation and system logic (A109)
In other words, if you add these four modules step by step, you can build an Airbus cockpit with about 70% real world fidelity, allowing any aviation fan to truly sit inside “their own cockpit.” For aviation lovers, curious kids, or a father still carrying his sky flying dream, these panels aren’t just equipment—they’re a tangible piece of passion, and the most gentle, romantic way to support someone’s love for flight.
Learn more about these panels and bring your cockpit dreams to life here.
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