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Thrustmaster’s AVA is a premium, PC-only joystick base—not a complete flight stick. Priced at $299.99 in the U.S. official store when checked, it replaces the company’s comparatively fixed HOTAS Warthog-style magnetic base with interchangeable cams, springs, deflection masks and optional damping. A compatible grip is sold separately, so the practical entry cost is higher.
What is the Thrustmaster AVA base?
AVA stands for Advanced Versatile Aviation. It is a standalone, all-metal joystick base designed for military aviation, civilian aircraft, helicopters and space-flight simulation. Thrustmaster positions it as a configurable successor to its fixed-configuration magnetic base, particularly for enthusiasts who want different physical characteristics for different aircraft.
The base does not include a grip. Thrustmaster’s official AVA ecosystem lists supported grips including the F/A-18C Hornet and Viper HOTAS add-on grips. Buyers should verify each grip’s compatibility rather than assume that every third-party grip will work.
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In the U.S. official store, the AVA base was listed at $299.99 and shown as in stock when checked. Prices and availability vary by country, promotion and date.
#1 Best Overall
- CRAFT YOUR PERFECT PILOTING FEEL - Customize every aspect of your flight stick experience by adjusting axis curve, resistance, travel, and damping to match your exact preferences, whether you fly combat missions, civilian routes, or deep space exploration in your favorite flight simulator joystick setup, giving you a truly personalized hotas flight stick PC configuration.
- ADJUST ON THE FLY INSTANTLY - External access points let you modify your flight controller PC resistance without any disassembly, so you can fine tune your joystick for flight simulator sessions between sorties or even mid campaign, saving you valuable time and keeping you focused on the action instead of wrestling with tools.
- FUTURE PROOF MODULAR ECOSYSTEM - Expand your flight sim setup with upcoming accessories including additional grips, extensions, cams, springs, and dampers, ensuring your Thrustmaster AVA base grows alongside your evolving needs as a pilot and delivers lasting value as the foundation of your flight simulator controls PC cockpit.
- PINPOINT AXY SENSOR PRECISION - Experience exceptional center point accuracy and smooth progressive response powered by AXY (Accurate X&Y) technology, giving you the confident, drift free control you need for demanding space sim joystick maneuvers, precision landings, and intense combat flight stick dogfights where every subtle input matters.
- VERSATILE ACROSS ALL AVIATION TYPES - Whether you prefer military, civilian, space, or helicopter flying, this premium base adapts to every discipline so your flight sim controls feel authentic in every scenario, making it ideal as a joystick for Star Citizen, a flight stick for Elite Dangerous, or a joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Why AVA is different from the HOTAS Warthog base
The central difference is mechanical adjustability. The HOTAS Warthog’s magnetic base has a largely fixed configuration, while AVA lets users change how the stick moves and feels.
| Adjustment | Hardware | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Axis curve | Interchangeable cams | How movement progresses through the axis |
| Resistance | Interchangeable springs | How light or heavy the stick feels |
| Travel | Deflection masks | How far the stick can move |
| Damping | Optional damper accessory | Controlled resistance during movement |
The standard package includes Aero and Jet cam sets, Soft, Medium and Strong spring sets, and S, M and XL deflection masks. A damper is part of the wider accessory ecosystem rather than a standard box inclusion.
Thrustmaster also lists two AXY—“Accurate X&Y”—sensors, proprietary H.E.A.R.T. magnetic technology and external access points for some resistance adjustments. These are manufacturer descriptions, not independent measurements. The official material does not establish AVA’s latency, dead-zone size, axis linearity, durability or centering accuracy.
AVA should not be described as force feedback. Its adjustable feel comes from mechanical components; the available official information does not describe active force-feedback motors.
Rank #2
- Metal plate designed to accommodate Thrustmaster flight simulation joystick bases
- Recommended for use on a desk or table
- Size (9.1 x 10.6 inches / 23 x 27 cm) and weight (3.3 lb / 1.5 kg) optimized to ensure excellent stability during flight sessions
- Easy and sturdy mounting with the 4 included attachment screws for Thrustmaster joystick bases
- Compatible with AVA base and the Thrustmaster magnetic base on PC
What comes in the box?
- AVA joystick base
- Two Aero cam sets and two Jet cam sets
- Soft, Medium and Strong spring sets
- S, M and XL deflection masks
- Two Allen keys
- Detachable USB-C cable
- User manual and warranty flyer
Not included: a joystick grip, throttle, pedals or the separate AVA Plate mounting accessory.
Compatibility: PC first
The AVA is listed for Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. Thrustmaster’s official pages identify compatibility with:
- DCS
- X-Plane 11 and 12
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
- Star Citizen
- Elite Dangerous
Thrustmaster’s support site also provides a control-mapping article for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PC. That is distinct from the product page’s explicit MSFS 2020 listing, so buyers should consult the current support documentation for their simulator version.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The available official pages do not establish Xbox or PlayStation support. Treat the AVA as a PC product unless Thrustmaster explicitly confirms otherwise.
Rank #3
- Includes the AVA premium modular base, a 1:1-scale replica of the F/A-18C Hornet flight stick, Offset Adapter and metal plate
- Customization of a multitude of settings of the internal components: axis curve, resistance, travel and damping
- Quick and easy modification of the base, with adjustment of the stick's resistance without disassembly, thanks to external access points
- Precision and control of the center point movements, the progressiveness and the resistance, via AXY (Accurate X&Y) technology
- F/A-18C Hornet flight stick, officially licensed by Boeing, with 19 action buttons including a 2-step trigger and one 8-direction hat switch
Grip and ecosystem compatibility
AVA is intended to work with supported Thrustmaster grips, including the F/A-18C Hornet and Viper add-on grips. Thrustmaster also describes a broader, scalable ecosystem involving future grips, extensions, cams, springs, dampers and a cyclical-brake accessory.
“Scalable” does not mean every accessory is included or necessarily available in every market. Nor does it mean the base is a universal mount for grips from VKB, VIRPIL, MOZA or other manufacturers. Treat third-party grip, extension and base combinations as unsupported unless both manufacturers explicitly confirm compatibility.
Setup, firmware and T.A.R.G.E.T.
- Install the current Thrustmaster driver package for Windows 10 or 11.
- Connect the base using the detachable USB-C cable.
- Open the Thrustmaster Flight Control Panel and check the firmware.
- Update the base if required.
- Update T.A.R.G.E.T. after updating the base.
- Recreate or verify simulator bindings.
- Calibrate and test every axis in the simulator.
Thrustmaster’s AVA support page listed firmware 2.07 and T.A.R.G.E.T. v3.0.25.603 when checked. These versions can change, so use the official support page rather than treating those numbers as permanent.
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Before updating, export or photograph existing simulator bindings. Thrustmaster warns that firmware updates may require users to create new mappings in most games. It also states that AVA firmware 2.x requires a sufficiently recent T.A.R.G.E.T. release.
Rank #4
- Offset adapter allowing you to adjust the position of the grip to 15° or 30° in the joystick's central position
- Optimizes the realism and comfort of your piloting sessions
- Easy, sturdy assembly without dismantling the AVA base, thanks to a ring similar to the ring on Thrustmaster joystick grips
- 2-inch / 5-cm metal extension, designed to accommodate existing and future Thrustmaster joystick grips
- Compatible with the AVA base on PC
T.A.R.G.E.T. is Thrustmaster’s PC software for testing, programming and creating profiles. Basic joystick use may work through a simulator’s own controls menu, but T.A.R.G.E.T. becomes more useful when combining several Thrustmaster controllers or building advanced profiles.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.True cost of an AVA setup
The $299.99 base price is not the price of a ready-to-fly joystick. An officially listed $249.99 grip would bring the base-and-grip total to approximately $549.98 before tax or shipping.
| Configuration | Observed U.S. price |
|---|---|
| AVA base only | $299.99 |
| AVA base plus a $249.99 grip | Approximately $549.98 |
| Base, grip, mounting plate and optional accessories | Higher; depends on the selected parts |
Optional ecosystem items listed by Thrustmaster include the AVA Offset Adapter at $44.99, AVA Dual Pitch Cam at $24.99 and AVA Damper Plus at $39.99. The AVA Plate is a separate metal desk/table support accessory; its price was not established in the supplied store information.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Offset Adapter is relevant to center-stick, side-stick and cockpit layouts because it changes the stick’s position without requiring the base to be dismantled.
Best Value
- SURGICAL PRECISION THAT LASTS FOREVER - The H.E.A.R.T Hall Effect magnetic sensor system delivers ultra accurate 3D input recognition that never degrades or drifts over time, so every pitch, roll, and yaw command you make translates flawlessly into your flight sim setup for consistent performance session after session, flight after flight.
- ROCK SOLID DESK OR COCKPIT MOUNT - This detachable metal plate serves as a premium flight stick mount for desk or cockpit style configurations, giving you a stable hotas mounting kit foundation that eliminates wobble and keeps your joystick holder locked firmly in place during the most intense dogfights and space simulation maneuvers.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PERFECT FLIGHT SIM SETUP - Pair this magnetic base with Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar, HOTAS Warthog, F 16C Viper, or F/A 18C Hornet flight stick grips (sold separately) so you can mix and match to build the exact hotas controller mount configuration that suits your flying style and simulation preferences.
- WORKS WITH EVERY FLIGHT SIMULATION GAME - Whether you fly combat missions, commercial routes, or explore the cosmos, this flight simulator accessory delivers seamless compatibility across all flight sim titles on the market, ensuring your joystick stand performs flawlessly no matter which virtual skies you choose to conquer.
- COLLECTOR WORTHY ANNIVERSARY EDITION DESIGN - Featuring a special 10th anniversary logo celebrating a decade of the legendary Warthog flight stick, this hotas stand doubles as a proudly displayed centerpiece of your flight sim cockpit mount that looks as impressive on your desk as it performs in the air.
Mounting and dimensions
The separate AVA Plate is listed at approximately 23 × 27 cm and about 1.5 kg. Desk users should budget for its footprint, mounting screws and the space needed for the selected grip. Cockpit builders should confirm hole patterns and clearances from the current manual instead of assuming compatibility.
Thrustmaster’s official pages currently contain a dimensional discrepancy: the main product page lists approximately 108 mm wide × 170 mm deep × 72 mm high, while the U.S. store lists 108 mm wide × 70 mm deep × 72 mm high. Both pages list a weight of roughly 1.07–1.1 kg. Because the 70 mm versus 170 mm depth affects desk placement and cockpit clearance, confirm the measurement with Thrustmaster before designing a mount.
Who should buy AVA?
It makes the most sense for:
- Existing Warthog owners who want adjustable resistance, travel and axis feel.
- Enthusiasts who fly several aircraft types and want different mechanical configurations.
- PC users who already own, or plan to buy, compatible Thrustmaster grips.
- Cockpit builders who value a configurable and serviceable base.
- Users comfortable with firmware tools and remapping simulator controls.
It is a weaker fit for:
- Beginners who need a complete joystick at a modest price.
- Console users.
- Buyers specifically seeking force feedback.
- Users committed to another grip ecosystem.
- Players who will never change cams, springs, masks or damping.
Alternatives and upgrade paths
Keeping an existing HOTAS Warthog base is the cheapest and simplest option if its fixed feel is acceptable. A complete lower-cost HOTAS or joystick package is more sensible for newcomers who also need a grip, throttle and other controls.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Specialist modular and force-feedback ecosystems from companies such as VKB, VIRPIL and MOZA are also relevant comparison categories, but their current prices, connector standards and software behavior should be checked independently. AVA’s modularity alone does not prove that it is objectively superior to those systems.
The verdict
Thrustmaster AVA is a meaningful mechanical upgrade for committed PC flight-sim users who want to tune their joystick rather than accept one fixed configuration. Its strongest advantage over the Warthog-style base is flexibility: cams, springs, travel limits and optional damping can be matched to different aircraft and preferences.
It is not an inexpensive complete joystick, not a console accessory and not a force-feedback system. Once a grip and possible mounting hardware are included, the investment is substantial. Buy it for the configurable mechanism and Thrustmaster ecosystem—not merely for the promise of better precision, which still requires independent testing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
