The Tests   

The reason for using a HOTAS is not only to replicate real fighter jet setups but so you also don’t have to take your eyes off the screen to look for a keyboard button, especially in the middle of a dogfight.  In effect, the Cougar’s twenty-eight programmable buttons, hats, triggers and switches can substitute for keyboard keys. The stick contains four hats, four switches and a unique two-stage trigger that I programmed for primary and secondary weapons. 

The dual-stage trigger was particularly helpful when I went online.  I found it easier to regulate primary and secondary ammo usage, which was helpful depending on enemy aircraft construction.  Maybe it was psychological, but with the Cougar I felt more confident and for a while kicked major boo-tay.  Eventually I had to give the “eject” button a healthy workout. The detents in the throttle lever were especially welcome.  I found it easier to regulate speed and afterburners with the Cougar throttle than with the same controller on less expensive HOTAS systems which lack detent feedback in the throttle.

Altogether the throttle contains ten buttons, two of which default to antenna and range knobs. Out of the box, the Cougar worked smoothly with my Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals.  Match pedals and a TrackIR device with the HOTAS Cougar and you’ll experience one heck of an exciting virtual air combat challenge regardless of the sim you choose.   The sim-lite Wings Over Europe: Cold War Gone Hot was just as much fun with the Cougar as Lock On: Modern Air Combat. With Falcon 4.0: Allied Force, I felt the realism was kicked up a notch because the Cougar was designed as a replica of the equipment in the F-16.  Purists, fear not.  The Cougar was designed for the future. 

The stick handle is removable in anticipation of the potential development of handles that would be accurate for an F/A-18, F-15 or other popular sim aircraft. You’ve heard the expression “not your father’s Oldsmobile?”  Well, the Cougar isn’t your son’s flight controller.  In my opinion the HOTAS Cougar was designed to make people with large hands comfortable.  Use the Cougar for hours at a time and you’ll get a workout.  Both the stick and throttle tend to be stiff, although there is a tension adjustment wheel on the throttle base.   This is equipment for big men with big strong hands and big…well, you get the picture.  And therein lies at least part of the explanation for its cult appeal: the HOTAS Cougar is not for everybody.  It’s not a ubiquitous gamepad that even a child could use.  On the contrary, the Cougar pumps you up.  With cold black metal warming in the palms of my hands, I felt like I could unleash hell on my enemy.  Come get some!