Acronym for Hands On Throttle-And-Stick which refers to the design of the cockpit controls in a variable fighter. The HOTAS concept allows the pilot to keep his "hands on the throttle-and-stick" by placing all or most of the variable fighter controls upon the stick and throttle. This cockpit control design eliminates the need for the pilot to take his hands off the controls to access various functions, significantly improving situational awareness and reaction time. During high-g maneuvers, combat, turbulence and other stressful circumstances, easy access to the controls can grant the pilot many advantages.
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