ASO/FE
Airborne Sensor Operator/Flight Engineer
The ASO and front panel that I imagine features a larger radar disc with around 3 times the diameter of the helms radar. Instead of squares, the ASO radar displays ship types and headings along with firing arcs.
With a targeting reticle, the ASO can mark vessels/containers which can get displayed on the helms HUD (where's a canopy left)
An experienced helms operator might wish to permanently deactivate this feature - yet it should be very handy for beginners and still helpful for moderately good pilots.
Reason for the role:
I would wager the guess that the typical multicrew-able vessel does not make optimal use of its Power Distributor - giving full juice to the thrusters for turns, boosting shields when under heavy fire - these are some of the fine points that turn a decent ship into an excelling one. The radar would give the player something that is as neat to look at as it is useful along with a role on board that can be vital in combat situations to improve ship performance and situational awareness.
Winged concept picture (larger)
https://imgur.com/a/bg4c0
Airborne Sensor Operator/Flight Engineer
- manages Power Distributor Pips
- manages modules
- enhanced situational awareness
- can send visual cues to the helm (can be opted out of)
The ASO and front panel that I imagine features a larger radar disc with around 3 times the diameter of the helms radar. Instead of squares, the ASO radar displays ship types and headings along with firing arcs.
With a targeting reticle, the ASO can mark vessels/containers which can get displayed on the helms HUD (where's a canopy left)
An experienced helms operator might wish to permanently deactivate this feature - yet it should be very handy for beginners and still helpful for moderately good pilots.
Reason for the role:
I would wager the guess that the typical multicrew-able vessel does not make optimal use of its Power Distributor - giving full juice to the thrusters for turns, boosting shields when under heavy fire - these are some of the fine points that turn a decent ship into an excelling one. The radar would give the player something that is as neat to look at as it is useful along with a role on board that can be vital in combat situations to improve ship performance and situational awareness.

Winged concept picture (larger)
https://imgur.com/a/bg4c0