About This Project

Our team is working with Lockheed Martin to design a low-cost hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS). For this project we are creating a modular variant to support pilot training through Lockheed Martin. We have created our product for interchangeable throttles and sticks, adapting to air and ground fighter crafts. A (HOTAS) mimics the controls of various military aircraft and tanks which controls their direction, speed, and other roles. Our product has four main parts, one modular stick base, a second modular base for the throttle and a separate stick and throttle. Each main part has mechanical and electronic parts, allowing the different sets to work with one another. This product provides the user force resistance based on their training needs. Features like this allow any (HOTAS) set to better resemble the real controls for the user. Based on a pilot’s training needs, they can connect the (HOTAS) set they need to a matching base. For example, the F-16, F-22, and F-35 jets all have different shapes for their throttles and sticks. We are creating one (HOTAS) set using Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II as our model for testing. Doing this allows us to use our budget to get the best result. Our (HOTAS) works with Lockheed Martin’s training software on desktop computers or laptops. With modular connections in mind our (HOTAS) can plug and play, So the user can change the set quickly, then change a preset profile in the software to work well for them. Most throttle and stick sets have many switches and buttons that need to talk with a computer’s software. Creating our (HOTAS) to understand these various signals is key in our success in working with other sets. Developing this modular (HOTAS) will lessen the cost and time spent making new (HOTAS) sets in the future.