A few months ago, the folks from FighterSystems.com sent us their H.O.T.A.S.S. (Hands On Throttle And Stick Support) system. Its ingenious design has set a benchmark for HOTAS tools.

FighterSystems has created an add-on for the H.O.T.A.S.S. called the RPI (Rudder Pedal Integrator), an attachment that bolts onto the bottom of the center console. The RPI functions in a manner similar to the other H.O.T.A.S.S. attachments: The controller assembly is held in place by attaching the supplied Velcro tabs to both the controller and H.O.T.A.S.S. surfaces.

Typically, one's rudder pedal assembly slides about during the heat of battle, and if one's floors are slippery like ours, this can become an annoyance. When you slam that left foot down to get a snapshot off at that head-on N1K1 that just broke hard right, your pedals move out of position. FighterSystems has solved this problem with the RPI. Not only does the RPI keep the rudder pedals from sliding around, it gives an added sense of being in a cockpit.

If you have a chair that tilts, you can now press against your pedals and lean back for some comfortable flying. One thing that must be pointed out is care should be taken when positioning the Velcro tabs. Be sure to line the tabs up according to your leg length before sticking them to the pedals and RPI.

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As its name states, this latest offering from FighterSystems integrates the rudder pedal assembly into the already rock-solid H.O.T.A.S.S. system. If you aren't one of the simulation gamers who have built their own custom cockpits, and want someplace other than your desk and the floor to attach your controllers, the H.O.T.A.S.S. with the RPI is something you definitely should check out.

The RPI is very inexpensive and it's available Here for $16.95 . If you already own a H.O.T.A.S.S. and use rudder pedals, you'll definitely want to get an RPI.

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