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The Thrustmaster AIRBUS Add-On Grip is compatible with the AVA joystick base, but the two are sold separately. Thrustmaster’s official product pages establish the setup’s design, controls and listed compatibility—not how comfortable, precise or reliable it feels in use. Here’s what the specifications confirm and what a buyer should check before choosing it.
Is the Airbus Add-On Grip compatible with the AVA base?
Yes. Thrustmaster lists the AIRBUS Add-On Grip as compatible with the AVA base, as well as the Sol-R base and Warthog MKII base. The grip and AVA base are separate products, so an AVA setup requires purchasing both. Check the exact base model and local product listing before ordering.
Thrustmaster also describes limited compatibility with the Warthog joystick base when used with a Warthog Converter. That is a specific, qualified compatibility claim; it should not be read as support for every Warthog configuration. See Thrustmaster’s AIRBUS Add-On Grip product information and its European store listing.
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Thrustmaster describes the grip as a full-size, 1:1 scale Airbus replica made in official partnership with Airbus and designed for the captain’s left hand. The manufacturer lists the box contents as the grip, an A400M module, a removable button cover and a warranty information flyer. The store listing specifies dimensions of 78 × 83 × 195 mm and a weight of 203 g; these are listed product specifications, not independent measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- Developed in official partnership with Airbus, this grip replicates at 1:1 scale the shape, ergonomics, and exact positioning of the sidestick as it equips real Airbus cockpits. Designed for the captain's left hand, the AIRBUS Add-On Grip offers an immediate grip and an authentic posture, true to that of professional airline pilots.
- The AIRBUS Add-On Grip stands out thanks to its meticulously designed modularity, ensuring maximum realism. By adding the extra module and its removable button cover, you can transform your A300 series airliner configuration into an A400M military cockpit in just a few simple steps. One grip, two identities.
- With its 5 buttons, 4 axes, and dual-mode trigger configurable as either a button or an axis, the AIRBUS Add-On Grip offers complete and precise control of your simulation. Its native Z-axis can be disabled via an integrated mechanical lock to adapt to your equipment and flying style. Every control is designed to meet the demands of even the most experienced virtual pilots.
- The AIRBUS Add-On Grip incorporates HEART (HallEffect AccuRate Technology), the result of 15 years of Thrustmaster expertise in Hall effect magnetic sensors. Deployed on the Z-axis and mini-stick, it guarantees drift-free precision and reliability over time, with 16-bit resolution to capture every micro-movement with absolute fidelity. This level of precision makes all the difference in the most demanding flight phases.
The removable cover and module let users change the grip’s presentation between an A300-series airliner configuration and an A400M military cockpit configuration. That describes the configurable physical layout, not a guarantee that any particular simulator automatically changes its control mappings.
Controls and sensing
The manufacturer specifies five buttons and four axes, including a dual-mode trigger that can be configured as either a button or an axis. An integrated mechanical lock can disable the Z-axis. Thrustmaster says its H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect sensing is used on the Z-axis and mini-stick and lists 16-bit resolution. These are manufacturer specifications and performance claims; they do not independently establish real-world precision, feel or resistance to drift.
Rank #2
- AUTHENTIC AIRBUS COCKPIT EXPERIENCE - Step into the captain's seat with officially licensed 1:1 scale ergonomic replicas of the Airbus A320 sidestick and flight throttle quadrant, designed to deliver the same look, feel, and functionality real pilots rely on, making every flight simulator session feel remarkably true to life from takeoff to touchdown.
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE JOYSTICK CONTROLS - Take command with 14 remappable tact switch buttons and 4 swappable joystick head button modules so you can tailor your flight stick PC setup to match your exact playstyle, whether you are navigating busy airways in a civil airliner or executing precision maneuvers in your favorite flight simulator controller scenario.
- BUILT IN THRUST REVERSER THROTTLE - Experience smoother landings with the enhanced throttle featuring a realistic built in thrust reverser mechanism, plus seamlessly control your rudder by rotating the sidestick handle with a convenient lock and unlock function, giving you complete flight controls authority without needing separate rudder pedals hardware.
- IMMERSIVE AIRBUS QUADRANT FUNCTIONS - Manage trim, landing gear, autobrake, rudder trim, and parking brake using iconic Airbus replica controls with 31 action buttons and 4 axes on the quadrant, providing a multitude of in flight possibilities that transform your desk into a fully equipped hotas flight stick command center for total immersion.
- SIMPLIFIED SINGLE CABLE CONNECTIVITY - Enjoy hassle free setup through the integrated Ecosystem Hub on the back of the quadrant, which lets you connect additional flight simulator accessories like the TCA Quadrant Add On and Thrustmaster rudder controls using only one USB cable to your PC or Xbox, keeping your cockpit clean and organized.
What the AVA base adds to the setup
Thrustmaster describes AVA as a modular joystick base for PC, with adjustable axis curve, resistance, travel and damping. Its listed package includes aero and jet cams, soft, medium and strong spring sets, three masks, Allen keys, a detachable USB-C cable and a warranty flyer/user manual. Package contents can vary by regional listing, so verify the current box inventory with the seller.
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Rank #3
- AUTHENTIC AIRBUS COCKPIT EXPERIENCE - Immerse yourself in every flight with this officially licensed, ergonomic 1:1 scale replica of the iconic Airbus A320 sidestick that puts realistic flight controls for PC right at your fingertips, making your flight simulator setup feel like the real thing from the moment you take the captain's seat.
- DRIFT FREE MAGNETIC PRECISION - Enjoy flawless accuracy on every maneuver thanks to contactless magnetic sensor technology that eliminates potentiometer wear, giving this flight joystick an unlimited lifespan so your inputs stay perfectly calibrated whether you are a casual pilot or logging thousands of hours in your favorite flight simulator.
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE BUTTON LAYOUT - Command every function effortlessly with 17 action buttons featuring braille style identification, 4 swappable joystick head modules, and 12 remappable buttons that let you tailor this flight stick PC controller to any scenario from commercial aviation to intense combat flight stick engagements on the ground or in the air.
- BUILT IN THROTTLE AND RUDDER CONTROL - Eliminate the need for extra peripherals with an integrated throttle axis featuring a unique thrust reverser mechanism plus intuitive rudder control via the rotating handle with a lockable and unlockable twist, giving you a complete flight throttle and joystick solution in one compact, space saving PC flight controller.
- SEAMLESS SETUP FOR EVERY PILOT - Get airborne in minutes with plug and play connectivity that makes this joystick for flight simulator enthusiasts incredibly easy to configure, whether you are exploring Microsoft Flight Simulator or building the ultimate hotas flight stick PC system with additional Thrustmaster accessories.
Is the AVA base compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Thrustmaster’s US AVA product page lists Windows 10/11 and plug-and-play support for DCS, X-Plane 11 and 12, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Its general AVA page also lists Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous. These are manufacturer compatibility listings; they do not show that every grip-and-base configuration maps identically in each game or that individual controls need no adjustment.
Confirm support for the simulator version and operating system you use, then check the game’s control settings after connecting the hardware. The listings cited here name Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020; they do not establish compatibility details for later editions. Refer to the AVA product page and US AVA store listing for the manufacturer’s current details.
Rank #4
- AUTHENTIC COCKPIT EXPERIENCE - Feel the thrill of piloting a real F/A-18C Hornet with this officially licensed 1:1 scale replica flight stick grip that puts every detail of the original fighter jet controls at your fingertips, transforming your flight simulator setup into a true combat pilot experience.
- BUILT TO LAST FOR YEARS - Industrial grade metal construction and durable materials deliver an authentic weight and feel that withstands thousands of hours of intense flight sim sessions, so you never have to worry about worn out controls ruining your immersion or forcing an early replacement.
- NINETEEN BUTTONS FOR TOTAL CONTROL - Command every aspect of your aircraft with 19 action buttons, including a realistic two stage trigger and an 8 direction point of view hat switch, giving you instant access to critical flight simulator controls without ever reaching for your keyboard.
- SEAMLESS GAME INTEGRATION READY - Enjoy the F/A-18C module and full compatibility with all major flight simulation titles including MSFS 2024, so you can jump between your favorite flight experiences without complicated configuration or software headaches.
- PAIRS WITH HOTAS JOYSTICK BASES - Attach this flight joystick grip directly to your Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog or HOTAS Cougar joystick base (sold separately) for a complete hotas flight stick pc setup that rivals professional flight sim hardware used by real military training programs.
Optional AVA extensions and adapters
The AVA Extension and AVA Offset Adapter are optional accessories, not required to mount the AIRBUS Add-On Grip on the AVA base.
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| Accessory | Manufacturer-listed configuration | When it may matter |
|---|---|---|
| AVA Extension | 12 cm straight extension, two extra-hard springs, and a grip rotation adjustment range of 0° to 30° | If you specifically want the extension or spring options. |
| AVA Offset Adapter | 5 cm metal extension positioning grips at 15° or 30° | If you want an offset grip position. |
These specifications come from Thrustmaster’s AVA Extension and AVA Offset Adapter pages. They do not establish that either accessory is necessary for this grip-and-base combination.
Best Value
- Ergonomic 1:1 scale replicas: sidestick and throttle quadrant inspired by the flight controls found on iconic Airbus airliners, officially licensed by Airbus
- Joystick featuring 4 swappable head button modules, 12 Remappable buttons, built-in throttle, plus rudder control by rotating the handle (lockable/unlockable)
- Throttle quadrant featuring 2 navigational axes, with 16 buttons and controls (detents, switches and even a thrust reverser mechanism) for a multitude of possibilities during takeoff, in flight, upon landing and when on the ground
- Compatible with PC
- Compatible with the Thrustmaster T.Flight Rudder Pedals (TFRP) and Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder (TPR) rudder systems, as well as with the TM Flying Clamp (all sold separately)
What does the grip-and-base setup cost?
The listed prices available for these products are from different regional storefronts and should not be added together as a bundle price. Thrustmaster’s European store listed the grip at €99.99, while its US e-shop listed the AVA base at $299.99. Those are region-specific, time-sensitive listings, not a statement of current or universal pricing. Check the local store for current prices and availability before buying.
What this review can—and cannot—conclude
The manufacturer information supports a clear compatibility answer and a detailed account of the grip’s configuration, controls and AVA’s adjustability. It does not provide independent testing, comparative measurements, named-user testimony or quantified reliability results. Without hands-on evidence, it would be misleading to call the setup first-class based on comfort, precision, durability, ease of setup or value. Buyers can assess whether the listed features match their intended layout and simulator, but the pages alone cannot establish how the hardware performs in practice.
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.
