This bundle pairs Thrustmaster's AVA base with the F/A-18C Hornet™ HOTAS Add-On Grip, a 1:1-scale replica of the F/A-18C Hornet™ flight stick developed under official Boeing license. The grip has a metal structure and 19 action buttons, including a 2-step trigger and an 8-direction hat switch, on 2 axes.
The AVA base is built to be tuned. Thrustmaster lets you change four functional elements (axis curve, resistance, travel and damping) through interchangeable cams, springs, deflection masks and dampers. It runs on PC (Windows 10/11) and is Plug & Play in DCS, X-Plane 11/12 and MFS 2020.
In ProSimHQ's opinion, the AVA F/A-18 bundle makes most sense for pilots who want to shape how the stick behaves: a firmer or softer centre, more or less resistance, longer or shorter throw, and more or less damping on the return to centre. The included offset adapter also lets you angle the grip at 15° or 30° and extend it by 2 in / 5 cm.
The tradeoff is setup time. Thrustmaster states that after changing any AVA base setting you must recalibrate the base and grip, and that the base firmware must be updated for it to work properly with games. Expect to spend time dialling it in rather than plugging it in once and forgetting it.
The grip is Thrustmaster's 1:1-scale replica of the F/A-18C Hornet™ flight stick, developed under official Boeing license, with a metal structure.
Thrustmaster lists 19 action buttons on the grip.
A 2-step trigger is part of the 19-button layout.
One 8-direction hat switch on the grip.
The AVA base uses an all-metal mechanism with interchangeable parts. Each element changes one aspect of how the stick feels.
Two cam types, Aero and Jet (Jet fitted by default). The manual describes the default cam as a hard centre with strong recentring and a non-linear feel toward the extremities, and the alternative as a soft centre with a linear feel.
Springs can be swapped, and a different spring or tension can be used per axis. Tension is fine-tuned with a 2.5 mm Allen wrench.
Three masks: S (30°), M (36°) and XL (43°, default). Masks change without opening the base.
Dampers control the recentring. The manual describes running zero, one or two, with fewer giving a springier movement.
The grip can be installed on the AVA base with or without the included offset adapter.
Grip mounted straight on the base.
Position the grip at 15° or 30° for comfort.
The adapter also extends the grip for comfort.
Thrustmaster combines two AXY (Accurate X&Y) sensors with its proprietary H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology. The AXY sensors allow independent adjustment of the centre point, progressiveness and resistance.
The AVA base has eight mounting holes for different types of support. A base plate is included in the box.
The manual specifies M4 screws, with no more than 8 mm of screw inside the base.
The manual lists the AVA Desktop Plate, or the Hotas Warthog plate (sold separately).
Use a solid desk such as MDF or wood, without hollow or glass elements.
DCS, X-Plane 11/12 and MFS 2020 recognise the product automatically.
DCS, X-Plane 11 & 12, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous and War Thunder (PC).
Free PC programming software for per-game profiles.
Fly with a Boeing-licensed F/A-18C Hornet™ replica grip.
Change curve, resistance, travel and damping to suit your aircraft.
Combine it with supported Thrustmaster devices in T.A.R.G.E.T.
| Brand | Thrustmaster |
|---|---|
| Official Product Name | AVA F/A-18 Super Hornet Flightstick |
| Manufacturer reference | 2960863 |
| Platform | PC (Windows 10/11) |
| Plug & Play | DCS, X-Plane 11/12, MFS 2020 |
| Grip | F/A-18C Hornet™ HOTAS Add-On Grip; 1:1-scale replica licensed by Boeing; metal structure |
| Controls | 19 action buttons, including a 2-step trigger and an 8-direction hat switch |
| Axes | 2 |
| Sensors | Two AXY (Accurate X&Y) sensors plus H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology |
| Base Mechanism | All-metal; interchangeable cams, springs, deflection masks and dampers |
| Deflection Masks | S 30°, M 36°, XL 43° (default) |
| Offset Adapter | 0°, 15° or 30°; extends the grip by 2 in / 5 cm |
| Dimensions | Width: 5.0” / 12.8 cm; Depth: 6.7” / 17.0 cm; Height: 13.4” / 34.1 cm base (+ offset adapter + grip), as worded by Thrustmaster |
| Weight | 7.6 lb / 3,459 g |
| Mounting | Eight mounting holes; M4 screws, maximum 8 mm inside the base |
| Connection | Detachable USB-C cable |
| Latest Firmware Listed | 2.07 (Thrustmaster support page) |
| Warranty | Refer to Thrustmaster's warranty terms for coverage details. |
Yes. Both are on Thrustmaster's box list for this bundle, alongside the cams, deflection masks, hex keys and USB-C cable.
Thrustmaster's sources disagree. The product page lists Soft, Medium and Hard sets (Hard default); the user manual lists very strong (default), strong, medium and weak. Contact us to confirm before ordering if this matters to you.
Partly. Masks change without opening the base, and Thrustmaster says resistance can be adjusted without disassembly. Spring tension is fine-tuned with a 2.5 mm Allen wrench, and the base and grip must be recalibrated after any change.
Thrustmaster lists DCS, X-Plane 11/12 and MFS 2020 as Plug & Play. Its product page also lists Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous and War Thunder as compatible games on PC.
Use a solid desk (MDF or wood, no hollow or glass elements), or the base's eight mounting holes with M4 screws no deeper than 8 mm inside the base. For a cockpit, Thrustmaster asks you to confirm compatibility with the cockpit maker or its support team.
Thrustmaster describes an ecosystem of current and future AVA accessories, including additional grips, and advises keeping the base firmware updated for new add-ons. Ask us to confirm a specific grip before buying it.
| Specification name | Specification Value |
|---|---|
| Color pattern | Black |
| Connection type | USB |
| Connectivity technology | Wired |
| Power source | USB |
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