I dont know if any MOD change this, but in "vanila" il-2'46 after hit TAB you
need use keys # for sub menus and messages, what dont make practical keys
shortcuts for all options/combinations possible.
But you can do this with external key mapper*, e.g. button Y = TAB, 1, 1 (Wingman cover me).
* Or with Voice command program, like Shout.
Sokol1