F-35 Hand on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS)

The United States Air Force Test Center/Directorate of Contracting (AFTC/PZZG) intends to issue a sole source contract to Stirling Dynamics Limited for the F-35 Hand on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) 80Hz. The contract will include the provision of simulated sticks and throttles, grips, and rig calibration and maintenance. The reason for the sole source contract is that Stirling Dynamics Limited is the only vendor capable of meeting the critical 80Hz active force feedback requirement. • The contract will be for the F-35 flight simulator, which requires high-fidelity active force feedback to accurately replicate flight conditions. • The simulator will be used for critical Pilot and Flight Qualification (P&FQ) missions. • The Stirling Dynamics HOTAS meets all the required features and aircraft placement. • The Government has previously awarded sole-source contracts to Stirling Dynamics for the Hand On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) systems.