Warthog for a Hornet?

[shu77]

So I'm seriously considering retiring my X-52 and dropping the money on a TM Warthog. I am trying to figure though *if* the next DCS module happens to be the Hornet (Or if I get time to mess around with FSX whether the Throttle is similar enough that it would be noticable. I guess Im also interested if anyone's heard any gossip about what might be next for Thrustmaster?

 

I found an article from 2002 the other day suggesting they would be selling an F-18 grip for the cougar within 3 months which I don't recall ever happening, but if there is a chance they will be doing something else that would be a factor I think.

 

Looking at this image

it seems the Hornet has an extra button on the front of its throttle, but Im thinking the stick etc is fairly close. Does anyone have any thoughts on this without getting into a big discussion about what the next DCS module will be?

[WynnTTr]

Seeing as all modern HOTAS are programmable then it doesn't really matter what shape they come in.

 

But if TM do release a Hornet specific HOTAS that's the same build quality as the WH I'll buy that too. $500 every 2+ years on a hobby is cheap.

[Succellus]

From my brief flight rememberance on a prototype F18 e/F mil sim throttle are similar to the A10 but more elongated, very diferent feeling. The Stick was very similar to a F15.

I can t comment on function the guys wasn t willing to spend time teaching anyone throttles and stick functions. He was more inclined to show the no hand off throttle automated landing system, the one screen only 20 or 22 touch screen MFCD functions and reduced system load in cockpit.

I wouldn t hold my breath on TM realeasing anything. Especially because Throttle isn t interchangeable.

But maybe we can dream of something with next ED release ?

Edited July 29, 2011 by Succellus

[aaron886]

Why would you make a 400 dollar bet on what the next ED module is? If the stick is what you want, buy it. If you want a Hornet stick, the HOTAS WH is not even remotely close to it.

[LawnDart]

I wouldn t hold my breath on TM realeasing anything. Especially because Throttle isn t interchangeable.

 

If the HW sales numbers are strong, it would make sense for Thrustmaster to release other HOTASs down the road. Even if parts can be interchangeable I would suspect that's not something we'll see on the shelves though.

[Weasel]

When I see how long the gap was between the Hotas Cougar and the Hotas Warthog, I don't think that TM is going to produce a new HOTAS-System soon.

[Succellus]

If the HW sales numbers are strong, it would make sense for Thrustmaster to release other HOTASs down the road. Even if parts can be interchangeable I would suspect that's not something we'll see on the shelves though.

 

Why weren t them strong enought with the Cougar ?

 

Come on we re already near the 8000 units on SN on this site only. The only botch they have its the bricking which is their own fault.

 

Cougar still sell nowadays...

 

But your right we might see in some years, a new pair of controller. Not the way i would have thought business on this era, but thats not my problem.

Modular throttle as the stick would have been a quick way to maintain sells over the years with other planes sticks.

[LawnDart]

If they were to go modular (which AFAIK was discussed and turned down before the HW was even released), it would make most sense to either produce a F-16C TQS or F-15E FLCS given that the Hog shares the same grip as the Viper and the same throttle as the Strike Eagle.

[Succellus]

I dont doubt it has been discussed, and i can imagine some reasons why it hasn t been done.

Sincerely an interchangeable throttle only without changing the switches on the base would have been enought,(Switching only the "head" of the throttle.) and not having to rebuilt stuff from the ground would help a lot cost wise, and certainly would maintain or even push the sells over the years.

It would have allowed TM to follow FCS evolution, and even work with some civie.

 

IMO the f16 wouldn t made any sense since it would automatically dump all remaining Cougar in the dish.

The f15 would have been a good idea, as stick is shared by the f18 and others.

 

But i think the real lack is in the Russian side, a SU27/33/35 throttle/sick would sell like fresh bread.

 

Now they ll have to wait for 3 to 5 years to think about release anything, and if someone rise in this in between time, with hall sensors and modularity, they ll be pants down and butt up.

Edited July 29, 2011 by Succellus

[LawnDart]

Highly speculative of course.

[SUBS17]

A new upgraded Cougar would sell especially if it had Hall Sensors and that extra button thats missing which is on the real one.

[LawnDart]

A new upgraded Cougar would sell especially if it had Hall Sensors and that extra button thats missing which is on the real one.

 

Hence my argument for why a new F-16 sim would sell, too! :thumbup:

[hassata]

A new upgraded Cougar would sell especially if it had Hall Sensors and that extra button thats missing which is on the real one.

 

Honestly, I doubt TM will ever make something to rival Ian's Uber Nxt and the Cubpilot's Hall Sensor mod. If it weren't for my homepit and the cockpit mounting of the WH (as well as the P and P functionality I guess), I would still be using the Cougar stick, even without the Jammer button.

[LawnDart]

Honestly, I doubt TM will ever make something to rival Ian's Uber Nxt and the Cubpilot's Hall Sensor mod.

 

They already did! ;)

 

If TM would make a new TQS and package it with the same handle as the HW and its Halls, a rebirth of the Cougar wouldn't be far fetched. I'd love to have a new (higher-end) TQS with Hall technology out of the box.

[Succellus]

I think thats even farther than the ability to switch throttle, until the Cougar is very low in their stock.

Anyway i don t see much people shelling more bucks to buy a new Cougar especially now.

Problem of having independent HOTAS system is:

1) why, can you really justify it ? (i know i can t, even to myself, because the A10 throttle system is already so complete)

2) Switch between one another;

3) Where to keep the unused system (at one time you will probably use 1 system only (more complete or more confortable) and what do you do of the other ?)

4) and when they launch another... throttle and stick (3ºone) with 75% of similarities or more will you buy it ?

 

Anyway whatever the next DCS sim is, i really doubt will have a TM HOTAS for it, which could have been the case if throttle would have been intercheangable, not 100% of course but...

 

All very speculative obviously, but still making sense, imho.

[dimebug]

don't forget that when you buy an HOTAS, it's also for the number of buttons, the F/A-18 grip is frustrating on this point.

People complain about the lack of rotarys on the warthog Throttle (easy to compensate with some programming trick)... so imagine

 

Warthog grip is 19 buttonsn, throttle handles, 18 buttons = 37 buttons

 

F/A-18 grip is 14 buttons throttle is 14 buttons = 28 buttons

 

But like others, i would love to see a Su-27 grip and F/A-18 one.

[LawnDart]

I think thats even farther than the ability to switch throttle, until the Cougar is very low in their stock.

 

The Cougar has been discontinued for a while now (fact). It's only a matter of time before the remaining *new* units are gone from retail for good.