Brand | THRUSTMASTER |
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Series | Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog (Windows) |
Item model number | 2960720 |
Hardware Platform | PC |
Operating System | Windows |
Item Weight | 13.23 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 181.1 x 98.43 x 125.98 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 181.1 x 98.43 x 125.98 inches |
Color | Black |
Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Voltage | 1 Volts |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Department | Electronics |
Manufacturer | Thrustmaster VG |
Language | English, French |
ASIN | B00371R8P4 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | October 11, 2010 |
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Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick, Throttle and Control Panel for Flight Simulation, Official Replica of the U.S Air Force A-10C Aircraft (Compatible with PC)
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
- Official replicas of the joystick, throttle and control panel of the U.S. Air Force's A-10C aircraft
- Detachable joystick handle crafted entirely of metal, with detachable metal plate for desk- or cockpit-style use
- 19 action buttons in total plus one 8-way “point of view” hat
- Dual throttle system with metal hand rest
- Control panel with weighted base. Super-stable, weighted base (over 3kg)
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Selling HOTAS because I am moving. No returns.
What's in the box
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Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick PC
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From the manufacturer
Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog Joystick
The HOTAS WARTHOG USB dual-throttle joystick is the result of an intense collaboration between Thrustmaster's development teams and members of the "simmer" community. Exchanges and studies were carried out constantly throughout the product's development phase, in order to create a joystick which meets the most specific and precise requirements of the experts. The result is the HOTAS WARTHOG: a replica set of the joystick, dual throttle system and dual throttle control panel of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog JoystickWeighing in at more than 14 lbs and using metal for the joystick, throttle handles, and bases, the HOTAS WARTHOG joystick is physically imposing. When you take into account the 55 fully programmable action buttons and 2 four-direction hat switches, each with a built-in push button (the first joystick in the world to incorporate such a feature), it becomes clear that the HOTAS WARTHOG is in a class of its own. |
The Most Precise and Feature-Filled Joystick You Can GetThe joystick features 19 action buttons, along with a "Point Of View" hat. It provides extreme precision, thanks to the H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRateTechnology magnetic sensor system it employs: 16-bit precision (65536 x 65536 values), with no gimbals (cardan joints). What's more, pressing on the joystick's buttons and triggers requires pressure identical to that required in an actual airplane – a true first in the world of joysticks. Particular attention has been paid to freedom of use for simmers, with the joystick's handle being detachable, and its base being detachable as well (allowing you to install the joystick in a cockpit). |
Pull and Push Throttle System with Disengageable AfterburnerThe throttle component has also been very carefully designed, with a dual throttle system allowing for independent control of 2 motors: a locking system lets the user either attaches the 2 throttles together, or else keeps them independent of one another. The magnetic sensor technology used for the throttles (14-bit resolution, with 16384 values on each throttle) provides unrivaled precision. Switching to the Idle and Afterburner detents is carried out via a Pull and Push system, for even greater realism. The Afterburner detent is disengageable, allowing users to perfectly adapt the throttle control to the type of airplane they are piloting. The throttles feature a total of 17 action buttons, a "Point Of View" hat and a "mouse hat / slew control". |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Control Panel with 5 Programmable LEDsThe product's final mechanical component, the control panel, provides an extensive number and variety of controls. It includes a friction wheel, allowing users to manually adjust the resistance of the throttles according to their own taste. It also features backlighting for functions, which users will certainly appreciate for night flights; the 5 programmable LEDs are also a plus for use in dark or low-light conditions. The base includes a "trim wheel" and 15 action buttons, including numerous push buttons with resistance identical to that on a real airplane and industrial metal switches (2 or 3 positions) with highly realistic pressure. |
Thrustmaster expert flying ecosystemThese products are part of a range of flight simulation peripherals that can be used in conjunction with one another: a complete ecosystem featuring the HotasWarthog, TFRP rudder pedals* and MFD* (Multi-Functional Display) cockpit panels. These elements are also compatible with the T.A.R.G.E.T advanced programming software**. * Sold separately. |
T.A.R.G.E.T advanced programming software** on PCThe HOTAS WARTHOG joystick's deadly weapon is known as T.A.R.G.E.T (Thrustmaster Advanced pRogramming Graphical EdiTor). T.A.R.G.E.T is a software suite allowing users to test, configure and program Thrustmaster controllers. In this way, T.A.R.G.E.T allows for total interaction between different Thrustmaster USB controllers, with simplified configurations in simulators, and the use of a single preset for all controllers, rather than having to use as many different presets as controllers. Finally, T.A.R.G.E.T includes built-in presets for well-known games (both recent and older titles), and lets users create new presets too. |
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Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
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Best Sellers Rank | #4,030 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #17 in PC Game Joysticks |
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Product Description
Product Description
The HOTAS WARTHOG USB dual-throttle joystick is the result of an intense collaboration between Thrustmaster's development teams and members of the "simmer" community. Exchanges and studies were carried out constantly throughout the product's development phase, in order to create a joystick which meets the most specific and precise requirements of the experts. The result is the HOTAS WARTHOG: A replica set of the joystick, dual throttle system and dual throttle control panel of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft.
From the Manufacturer
The HOTAS WARTHOG USB dual-throttle joystick is the result of an intense collaboration between Thrustmaster's development teams and members of the "simmer" community. Exchanges and studies were carried out constantly throughout the product's development phase, in order to create a joystick which meets the most specific and precise requirements of the experts. The result is the HOTAS WARTHOG: a replica set of the joystick, dual throttle system and dual throttle control panel of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft.
Weighing in at more than 14 lbs and using metal for the joystick, throttle handles, and bases, the HOTAS WARTHOG joystick is physically imposing. When you take into account the 55 fully programmable action buttons and 2 four-direction hat switches, each with a built-in push button (the first joystick in the world to incorporate such a feature), it becomes clear that the HOTAS WARTHOG is in a class of its own.
Buttons and triggers require pressure identical to that of an actual airplane. View largerExtensive controls and programmable LEDs create the most realistic experience possible. View larger
The Most Precise and Feature-Filled Joystick You Can Get
The joystick features 19 action buttons, along with a "Point Of View" hat. It provides extreme precision, thanks to the H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology magnetic sensor system it employs: 16-bit precision (65536 x 65536 values), with no gimbals (cardan joints). What's more, pressing on the joystick's buttons and triggers requires pressure identical to that required in an actual airplane – a true first in the world of joysticks. Particular attention has been paid to freedom of use for simmers, with the joystick's handle being detachable (so that it can also be used on the base of the HOTAS Cougar joystick, if the user wishes), and its base being detachable as well (allowing you to install the joystick in a cockpit).
A carefully designed dual throttle system allows independent control of two engines. View largerA physically imposing joystick, the HOTAS WARTHOG is in a class all its own. View larger
Pull and Push Throttle System with Disengageable Afterburner
The throttle component has also been very carefully designed, with a dual throttle system allowing for independent control of 2 motors: a locking system lets the user either attach the 2 throttles together, or else keep them independent of one another. The magnetic sensor technology used for the throttles (14-bit resolution, with 16384 values on each throttle) provides unrivaled precision. Switching to the Idle and Afterburner detents is carried out via a Pull and Push system, for even greater realism. The Afterburner detent is disengageable, allowing users to perfectly adapt the throttle control to the type of airplane they are piloting. The throttles feature a total of 17 action buttons, a "Point Of View" hat and a "mouse hat / slew control".
Control Panel with 5 Programmable LEDs
The product's final mechanical component, the control panel, provides an extensive number and variety of controls. It includes a friction wheel, allowing users to manually adjust the resistance of the throttles according to their own taste. It also features backlighting for functions, which users will certainly appreciate for night flights; the 5 programmable LEDs are also a plus for use in dark or low-light conditions. The base includes a "trim wheel" and 15 action buttons, including numerous push buttons with resistance identical to that on a real airplane and industrial metal switches (2 or 3 positions) with highly realistic pressure.
Innovative, High-Performance T.A.R.G.E.T. Software
The HOTAS WARTHOG joystick's deadly weapon is known as T.A.R.G.E.T (Thrustmaster Advanced pRogramming Graphical EdiTor). T.A.R.G.E.T is a software suite allowing users to test, configure and program Thrustmaster controllers, chief among them being the all-new HOTAS WARTHOG, but also the MFD Cougar, the HOTAS Cougar and the T.16000M.
T.A.R.G.E.T lets users create programming configurations which are either more or less complex, depending on the user's taste, simply by using their mouse and the Drag and Drop principle. Three different programming levels are available: "Basic", to get started; "Advanced", to employ more advanced functions; and finally "Script", to harness the full power of the software. It should also be noted that in this software suite, the standard Script language has been totally rewritten to provide more flexibility, new functions and virtually unlimited possibilities.
T.A.R.G.E.T is more than an interface: it's also a powerful software application capable of simulating virtual devices such as a keyboard, joystick, mouse, and so on, in order to simulate all of the actions required for these devices' use. These actions are measured on the axes and buttons of the physical controllers, but sent to software applications via a virtual controller.
In this way, T.A.R.G.E.T allows for total interaction between different Thrustmaster USB controllers, with simplified configurations in simulators, and the use of a single preset for all controllers, rather than having to use as many different presets as controllers. Finally, T.A.R.G.E.T includes built-in presets for well-known games (both recent and older titles), and lets users create new presets too.
Super-stable, weighted base (over 3kg)Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, smoothness, and weight of the video game accessories. For example, they mention it's built like a tank, has incredibly smooth movement, and is extremely responsive to slight movements. That said, opinions are mixed on ease of use, value, buttons, and performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the video game accessories. They mention that it's built well, the stick feels rock solid, and it'll provide them with flexibility and durability. They also appreciate the consistent resistance on the full range of axis, and the quality and precision of the controls. Overall, most are happy with the quality, precision, and durability of the product.
"...It provides consistent resistance on the full range of axis. Some reviewers are mentioning sticktion in some of the early units...." Read more
"...The meticulously designed switches are solid, and provide enough tactile feedback to resonate through gloves (as the real stick was designed)...." Read more
"...It's heavy and you can tell they use good quality materials to build this. Nothing plasticky about it. None of my friends can steal it from me...." Read more
"...taken my enjoyment flight simulation to new heights, and shows no sign of 'going bad' or wearing out. In fact, it will most likely outlive its owner." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the video game controller. They mention that it looks and feels very impressive, and is awesome to behold. Some say that it's neat to look down and see the switches in sync. Overall, most are happy with the quality and layout of the product.
"...The buttons are slightly stiff, but real looking. They are not overly stiff, but they are just right...." Read more
"...The meticulously designed switches are solid, and provide enough tactile feedback to resonate through gloves (as the real stick was designed)...." Read more
"...Just like the stick, every control, switch, button, etc. is accurate, crisp and smooth...." Read more
"...The Warthog -It's sleek, and boy does it look good. And that's the wow factor that made me even consider this throttle to begin with...." Read more
Customers like the weight of the video game controller. They mention that it's very heavy but sturdy, and the mostly metal construction has a weight and feel which is satisfying for sims. They also appreciate the weighted bases and the fact that the throttle and joystick stay fairly well located.
"...The throttle base is weighted, and feels extremely solid. I've used real military equipment that wasn't half as sturdy as this...." Read more
"...It's heavy and you can tell they use good quality materials to build this. Nothing plasticky about it. None of my friends can steal it from me...." Read more
"...I mean, this thing is REALLY heavy, but when you open the box and take it out, you immediately understand why...." Read more
"Yes, it is arguably the best HOTAS available. Built like a tank, heavy, stable - milspec level switches and on most buttons...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the smoothness of the video game accessories. They mention that the throttle has incredibly smooth movement, everything moves smoothly, and the motion of the stick is also very smooth. They say that it's extremely responsive to slight movements and perfect for precise maneuvering. Customers also appreciate the smooth and predictable mechanisms.
"...The "feel" of the movement of the stick is amazing. It provides consistent resistance on the full range of axis...." Read more
"...not only does the stick center flawlessly, but it is extremely responsive to slight movements, while being stiff enough to resist accidental input...." Read more
"...Response is fast and accurate so far, and it helps that they use a very strong spring in the joystick...." Read more
"...The throttle was pristine and worked beautifully. The software from the antiquated website recognized it and all was right with the world...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the video game controller. Some mention it's well worth the money, the quality is worth the price, and the precision alone is worth it. However, others say it'll take your enjoyment flight simulation to new heights.
"...Its quality is worth the price, it has taken my enjoyment flight simulation to new heights, and shows no sign of 'going bad' or wearing out...." Read more
"...other options including Virpil, VKB and Winwing, the Warthog is the cheapest, most available and easy-to-acquire joystick to get in the upper..." Read more
"...Yes it is pricey, but it is absolutely pure quality. So is Amazon. Great product, great customer service. I am recommending this." Read more
"...Worth every penny. Minimize keyboard usage from the humungous library of commands.It looks great, feels great, works precisely well...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the buttons. Some mention that it has an incredible array of buttons and switches all over, making it a pleasure to use. However, others say that the buttons are slightly stiff and the joystick is very stiff.
"...The throttle is also very solid, with enough variety of switches, knobs and buttons to satisfy most people...." Read more
"...This makes it possible to program the hats and switches to do true hands-on-the-stick (and almost completely off the mouse) flying...." Read more
"...The buttons are slightly stiff, but real looking. They are not overly stiff, but they are just right...." Read more
"...The hat is smooth and extremely responsive. The pinky switch is a welcome feature that I had never run across, all making for a great solid 6+ pound..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the video game controller. Some mention it works extremely well with the DCS A-10C and F-16C, as well as FS2020. However, others say that it stopped working, the throttle light stopped working like a normal throttle, and the joystick has begun to malfunction.
"...The throttle was pristine and worked beautifully. The software from the antiquated website recognized it and all was right with the world...." Read more
"...It looks great, feels great, works precisely well...." Read more
"...The computer wouldn't acknowledge it. So I went to another friend's house and then to another friend's house and then to another friend's house...." Read more
"Works extremely well with the DCS A-10C and F-16C, as well as FS2020...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use. Some mention the program is awesome, easy, and intuitive. They say it's a plug and play swap that works well. However, others say that it requires some getting used to, has a fairly steep learning curve, and is time consuming.
"...The Thrustmaster Warthog is built in a way, that it is easily disassembled if you should ever want to...." Read more
"...As for using it, it definitely requires some getting used to. I've probably had this for about a month now and still haven't fully mastered it yet...." Read more
"...The new switch was easy to install (soldering and hot-glue required) and all is fine again!..." Read more
"...It's not hard to set up (it's plug and play) but because of its size and weight you're going to get an extra workout for your arms every time you..." Read more
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A little history:
The A-10A Warthog used a different stick back in the 70's thru 90's. In the late 90's and early 2000's, The USAF upgraded a bunch of their A-10 Planes with a new cockpit, computer system, guidance system, and stick system. They added the F-16's stick, because pilots preferred it due to it's easy to reach controls. After everything was upgraded, the A-10A, was changed to the A-10C. This allowed them to drop GPS guidance bombs, and calculate projectile logistics while the aircraft was accelerating or moving. I learned a lot of this stuff from DCS World's, A-10C Simulator. This is a officially license designed from the USAF, which means for every stick sold, Thrustmaster has to pay the USAF a royalty fee. Feel good about supporting our military when you buy this stick.
This Thrustmaster Replica stick, is so good, it has been used in tons of movies as a official prop. The newest movie to use this stick, is "The Martian"
About the Stick:
Quality: a lot of reviewers are mentioning the stick grip itself, is made of plastic. But you can't tell. When you grip this stick, you will think it's metal. It is cold to the touch. It does not move, or creak when you grip it. The "feel" of the movement of the stick is amazing. It provides consistent resistance on the full range of axis. Some reviewers are mentioning sticktion in some of the early units. I have revision 3, and have not noticed any sticktion at all. I believe thrustmaster has changed the grease, and upgraded the ball joint. The buttons are slightly stiff, but real looking. They are not overly stiff, but they are just right.
The Throttle is a amazing piece of engineering and is a testimate to thrustmaster's design team. All of the flip switches are superb in quality, even beating audio equipment switches. The LED lights on the throttle are a nice touch, but i wish they were interactive. There are more buttons than you could ever use, however it does lack a rotary dial. Some space sim fans will want a rotary dial, or a full analog joystick. This throttle does not have that. It has a little mouse nub (similar to IBM thinkpad laptops), that you use with your ring finger, but its no where near the function of a analog stick or rotary dial.
The throttle is amazing, but i'm more into space simulators like Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous, No-Man's Sky etc..
My Dream Setup would be the Warthog stick, with a Saitek Throttle which has a trackball. The new star citizen saitek sticks coming out later this year, will have a track ball on them. But there is no way Saitek's actual stick, will be even close in feel and quality to this warthog stick.
You can play Space Simulator games fine with the full Warthog setup, but the way Star Citizen works, is you have free floating gimbled weapons, which do not "auto-lock" like they do in Elite Dangerous. So aiming is a bit of a challenge because your effectively trying to hit a 2mm square pip (target), on a 24" monitor. Sticks are not the best a precision aiming, thats why mouse and keyboard users will have more precision. But with a stick, you will be able to out-maneuver them every time. You can pull off the most complex maneuvers, that a keyboard and mouse simply cannot.
The Thrustmaster Warthog is built in a way, that it is easily disassembled if you should ever want to. Some users replace the grease with a thicker variety. Being able to repair, and mod this stick, justifies the asking price. There are a ton of mods, exensions and how-to video's on modifying this stick. It is a very popular stick, my particular unit is number 32,678, so that means they have sold over 32,000 of these sticks. And that's saying a lot because it's so expensive. Bottom Line: This stick will last you your whole life, because your able to repair and get parts for it.
I am not going to go over the software much, because other reviewers have touched on it quite a bit. Some people don't use the software at all, but i think that's a mistake. Thrustmaster's software is the most powerful control software to ever be written. You can do anything with this stick, it has it's own full programming language similar to C#. This puts competitors software to shame.
I'll end this long review with a glowing recommendation and i will also mention that Thrustmaster support is A+ should you ever need it. I really wish Cloud Imperium Games (Makers of Star Citizen) would have worked with Thrustmaster instead of Saitek, because there sticks are so much better. Really, almost everything thrustmaster makes, is the best money can buy, in that price bracket.
Stop reading and throw your money at the screen.
Thanks for reading.
((Update 2: I contacted Thrustmaster about my issue. I initially just wanted to know the specifications for the switch so I could replace it, but they offered to send me one for free! It took a bit of back and forth (TM is a French company I guess?) and even though my warantee had ended during our back and forth, they decided to honor it, which is great. The new switch was easy to install (soldering and hot-glue required) and all is fine again! Their customer service is a bit rough around the edges, but they did the right thing in my case, so this product maintains its five start status.))
Just about everything has already been covered, but I wanted to add another glowing review just in case you're still on the fence about this stick.
Construction:
This thing is made of metal and very high grade plastics, and it is metal where it counts. The joystick casing, locking ring and sensor base are all metal, while the buttons are plastic as they would be on the real deal. The meticulously designed switches are solid, and provide enough tactile feedback to resonate through gloves (as the real stick was designed). The throttle base is weighted, and feels extremely solid. I've used real military equipment that wasn't half as sturdy as this.
Accuracy and sensors:
This stick uses a proper hall sensor, not the low quality kind you'll find in an X-52 (which must be modified in order to be useful). I find that not only does the stick center flawlessly, but it is extremely responsive to slight movements, while being stiff enough to resist accidental input. The only issue I've had so far is with the slider, which I will go into below.
Switches and extras:
This HOTAS includes a replica of the A-10C's throttle quadrant, complete with APU switch, engine flow switches, and even your Autopilot mini-quadrent. Most importantly, the throttle has all the hats and switches you need to use a HOTAS as intended, with your hands on the throttle and stick. It is a short reach from the throttle to the accurately modeled flaps switch. I have mapped gear up and down to the L/G WRN silence (normally used to silence the caution alarm that plays while your gear is in transition) allowing me to take off and land without ever taking my hands off the HOTAS.
Use in DCS A-10:
While you don't NEED to have this stick to play DCS A-10C, it makes the game many times better. Once you learn what each hat is named, you can easily follow the tutorial or another pilots instructions to do just about anything. It really does make learning the game easier, and playing it a lot more fun.
Use with other sims:
The A-10s upgrade to C included updating the joystick with one nearly straight out of the F-16. This means you have a somewhat standardized stick arrangement that will work with other jets. Any twin engine aircraft can be flown easily, and you can link the throttles if you're flying a single engine. The included software will allow you to map the switches to whatever controls you want, even if your sim doesn't recognize them natively. The one thing to be aware of is that some games do not recognize more than one joystick at a time, and the throttle and joystick of this HOTAS are each their own 'joystick' according to windows. This means you'll need to use special software to tie them both into one emulated joystick.
The Slider:
My biggest complaint is relatively small. There is a linear slider on the throttle. I have it assigned as zoom view. Because it is analogue, or due to a lack of filtering, this slider sends a signal that varies ever so slightly. When it is assigned to zoom your view, this means that anything other than fully zoomed out, fully zoomed in or 50% has a slight in and out shake to it. I had this same issue with my X52 and I was hoping this HOTAS wouldn't do it too.
Pros:
-Incredible build quality
-Shockingly accurate
-Very accurate to its namesake
-Compatible with previous Thrustmaster systems
Cons:
-Slider sends shaky signal, making it useless for zoom view
-Throttle and Joystick are on their own USB port and read as two input devices
I do not consider the price to be a con, as you will see that the build quality accounts for what you pay. You're not paying for the name, you're paying for the engineering. I highly recommend this HOTAS.