Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Review

With most war games you're going to be getting in a fighter jet or helicopter at some point during the game, and while a keyboard is good enough for the basics, a true gamer needs the right tools for the job. Those tools have arrived in the form of the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog joystick/flightstick and throttle controllers. Let's take a closer look...

Thrustmaster have made the HOTAS Warthog the successor to the equally impressive, but decade-old, F-16 replica HOTAS Cougar. The Warthog improves on a range of different features including 3D magnetic sensors to allow surgical precision as well as many more improvements to make sure you receive the best possible experience.

Specification

1 Replica JOYSTICK

• Innovative new H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology(*):
  • 3D magnetic sensors (Hall Effect) on the stick: enjoy surgical precision that stays razor-sharp over time
  • 16-bit resolution (65536 x 65536 values)
  • 5 coil spring system: firm, linear and fluid tension, with no dead zones (*)
• USB connection with upgradeable firmware
• Super-stable, weighted base (over 3kg)
• New detachable handle, crafted entirely of metal:
  • also compatible with HOTAS COUGAR™ handle (and vice-versa)
  • new replica shape
  • detachable metal plate for desk- or cockpit-style use
  • new, realistic pressure on buttons and trigger
  • 19 action buttons in total + one 8-way “point of view” hat:
    • 1 x 8-way “point of view” hat
    • 2 x 8-way hats
    • 1 x 4-way hat with push button
    • 1 x metal dual trigger
    • 2 x push buttons
    • 2 x pinkie push buttons

Dual Replica THROTTLES

• Innovative new H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology(*):
  • 3D magnetic sensors (Hall Effect) on the 2 throttles: enjoy surgical precision that stays razor-sharp over time
  • 14-bit resolution (16384 values) on each throttle
• USB connection with upgradeable firmware
• Dual throttles, featuring:
  • metal hand rest
  • locking system
  • adjustable friction system: firm, linear and fluid tension, with no dead zones
  • realistic IDLE detent with “Pull & Push”(*) system
  • realistic and disengageable AFTERBURNER detent with “Pull & Push”(*) system
  • realistic pressure on buttons and switches
  • 17 action buttons in total + 1 mouse hat with push button + one 8-way “point of view” hat:
    • 1 x mouse hat with push button and 3D magnetic sensor (Hall Effect)
    • 1 x 8-way hat
    • 1 x 4-way hat with push button
    • 1 x push button
    • 1 x 3-position switch (2 momentary + 1 permanent)
    • 2 x 3-position switches (3 permanent)
    • 1 x 3-position switch (1 momentary + 2 permanent)

1 Software suite: T.A.R.G.E.T (Thrustmaster Advanced pRogramming Graphical EdiTor)

• To test, configure and program Thrustmaster® controllers: HOTAS WARTHOG™, MFD Cougar, HOTAS Cougar™ and T.16000M.
• Uses the "Drag and Drop" principle.
• Multiple programming levels: Basic, Advanced and Script.

1 Replica CONTROL PANEL

• Weighted base (over 3kg) incorporated underneath the throttles
• Backlit functions
• 5 programmable LEDs
• Realistic pressure on buttons and switches
• 15 action buttons in total + 1 TRIM wheel:
  • 1 x TRIM wheel
  • 2 x push buttons
  • 5 x 2-position switches (2 permanent)
  • 2 x 3-position switches (1 momentary + 2 permanent)
  • 2 x 3-position switches (3 permanent)