Side-stick Grips
MADE IN THE USA
Side-Stick Flight Control Grips for Military & Aerospace Platforms
Take command with rugged, precision-engineered side-stick grips trusted by leading defense contractors, rotorcraft OEMs, and UAV programs worldwide. Our catalog ranges from legacy fighter-style sticks to fully modular HOTAS-ready handles, each built to meet stringent MIL-STD-810/461 environmental and EMI specs. Ergonomic housings, sealed multi-stage triggers, and customizable switch layouts integrate seamlessly with modern fly-by-wire flight-control computers—delivering crisp, reliable inputs in high-G, high-vibration environments across fighter, tilt-rotor, helicopter, and unmanned platforms.
OUR WORK
G500 Gulfstream active side-stick controller
The B-7 Grip represents the basic aircraft control grip style. The single-piece molded design gives the B-7 control grip exceptional strength, while allowing simplified switch replacement over the life of the grip. This proven grip places up to two switches, as well as a single or two-stage trigger in an ergonomic position for the right hand. This compact grip has been in many aircraft, from the Vought Corsair through current production of helicopters / kit-planes in Europe and the United States.
The B‑7 started life in the WWII era as the control grip used on aircraft like the Vought F4U Corsair—simple, rugged, and serviceable in the field. Its one-piece molded body and easy switch/trigger swaps made it a go‑to standard that manufacturers kept reusing and refining for decades. Today, that same proven architecture shows up in modern helicopters and kit planes, proving the B‑7’s design still hits the sweet spot of durability and ergonomics.
Physical
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Height |
5.37 in (136.4mm) |
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Width |
2.47 in (62.7mm) |
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Handedness |
Right-hand design |
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Construction |
Single piece molded CAB |
Compliance
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Complies with all appropriate MIL-Spec tests |
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Qualified by similarity or laboratory testing |
Electrical / Wiring
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Flying lead wire ~ 60in (1524mm) or connector mounting available |
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Switch voltage ratings noted below |
Switch Capacity
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Up to two auxiliary switches plus a single- or two-stage trigger |
Optional Switches
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S-1: 4-Way Trim Switch – Rated 28 VDC (aerospace applications) |
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S-2: Pushbutton Switch – Available in red, black, or grey; aerospace or commercial grade; low-current (<15 mA) options |
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T-1: Trigger Switch – Single- or two-stage actuation; red or black trigger; optional guard; Rated 10 A @ 28VDC |
F16 Flight Control grip
Designed originally for the F-16 Falcon, this right-hand side-stick grip has become the upgrade of choice for modern retrofit and new-build cockpits. A large 4-way trim hat, multiple push- or mini-4-way switches, a two-stage trigger, and an autopilot-override lever bring true HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) control within fingertip reach. Manufacturers value the grip’s rugged cast-aluminum body, MIL-Spec compliance, and straightforward 37-pin wiring that simplify both first-install and field replacement.
The grip’s story begins in the mid-1970s, when engineers sought a purpose-built replacement for the B-8 control used in earlier fighters. General Dynamics adopted the new design for the F-16 Falcon, pairing it with the jet’s innovative side-arm control concept to reduce pilot fatigue and shave precious milliseconds off every switch transition. Its ergonomics and switch density quickly caught the eye of other fast-jet and trainer programs, and within a decade the grip was showing up in retrofit kits and experimental UAV flight decks. Successive production blocks have kept the original form factor while adding modern mini five-way switches, castle-cap ECM selectors, and improved shielding that tames EMI/RFI emissions. Today the design remains one of the very few grips engineered specifically for right-hand, side-stick operation—a legacy that continues to drive its adoption in next-generation cockpits.
Physical
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Construction |
Cast aluminum AMS-4218-T6, two-piece serviceable shell |
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Ergonomics |
Right-hand grip with sculpted palm swell |
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Access |
Removable top cap for rapid switch maintenance |
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Finish |
Engraving or laser marking available on all surfaces |
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Mounting |
37-pin connector base or 60 in (typical) flying-lead harness |
Compliance
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Meets all applicable MIL-Spec environmental, vibration, and electromagnetic standards |
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Lightweight, shielded housing significantly reduces EMI/RFI emissions |
Electrical / Wiring
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Standard 37-pin MIL-DTL-38999-style circular connector |
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Individually wired leads; spare pins reserved for future expansion |
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Optional flying-lead pigtail for custom termination |
Optional Switches
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S‑1: Pushbutton – weapon release |
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S‑2: Large 4-way trim hat |
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S‑3: Mini 4-way switch |
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S-5: Mini 4-way with castle cap – chaff/flare/ECM |
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S-6: Spare pushbutton |
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S-7: Mini 5-way – display management |
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T-1: Two-stage trigger – camera/gun |
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T-2: Lever-actuated pushbutton – autopilot disengage |
KC-390 Embraer active side-stick
The KC-390’s active side-stick delivers advanced fly-by-wire control with tactile feedback and full dual-pilot integration, enabling precise handling and reduced workload in demanding tactical transport and tanker missions. Engineered for responsiveness across the full flight envelope—including low-altitude airdrops and aerial refuelling—the system features electronically interconnected sticks that mirror each other’s inputs, ensuring enhanced crew coordination and situational awareness. Housed within the KC-390’s modern cockpit architecture, this side-stick solution supports pilot-initiated mission modes with intuitive ergonomics and reliability in operations from austere fields to combat zones.
ch53k lhm/sikorsky active side-stick
The CH-53K King Stallion active side-stick integrates seamlessly with its fly-by-wire controls to deliver direct, intuitive piloting feedback during demanding missions. Featuring electronically inter-coupled sticks, the system ensures that inputs from one pilot are mirrored and felt by the other, enhancing coordination and safety. With programmable tactile cues and “soft-stop” feedback built in, the side-stick alerts the flight crew to flight envelope or structural limits in real time — enabling precision handling in high-stress hover, external lift, and ship-borne operations. Engineered for reliability and ergonomic efficiency, this active inceptor system elevates the CH-53K’s pilot interface to match its groundbreaking lift, speed, and tactical capability.
Let’s Build the Future of Flight – Together
If you’re designing the next generation of aerospace systems — whether it’s a fixed-wing UAV, a supersonic commercial jet, or a cutting-edge defense platform — we’re your partner for mission-critical control solutions.
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