Croydon, January 22nd, 2003 – Thrustmaster, well known for designing and developing the ultimate in flight simulation accessories, is thrilled to announce a three-year renewal of its close collaboration agreement with the U.S. Air Force.

Under the agreement, the U.S. Air Force provides Thrustmaster with support in the development of high-end flight controllers. Thrustmaster will thus keep offering the most realistic flight simulation devices, life like in design, life like in performance as the actual controllers found in the American USAF or US Navy. USAF and Thrustmaster join forces to transport gamers to the further reaches of FlightSim technology.

“Thrustmaster is very pleased to renew its partnership with the U.S. Air Force, whose expertise in flight technology and support have been an invaluable complement to our own extensive developments over the past years,” states Gilles RAULET, Thrustmaster’s General Manager – Development and Production. “This collaboration resulted in the design and release of the HOTAS™ Cougar joystick in 2002, considered as the reference in flight simulation controller by members of the PC trade press and gaming communities worldwide.”

HOTAS Cougar is the most realistic flight simulation controller ever created, a replica of the F-16 fighter aircraft controls used by the U.S. Air Force; the joystick is so realistic it is even used in pilot training. With its rugged die-cast metal construction, HOTAS Cougar incorporates complete keyboard and mouse emulation and features 28 buttons plus multiple hat switches, all of which are programmable. Future product developments will add to the high quality standards and minute attention to detail that have made HOTAS Cougar an international success.

The renewal of this collaboration agreement serves to reinforce Thrustmaster ’s commitment to creating the most exciting products in the industry over the years to come.


About Thrustmaster
Founded in 1992, Thrustmaster has earned a strong reputation for designing and developing the ultimate in flight and motor-sports simulation accessories. Thrustmaster’s technological and marketing expertise provides PC and console gamers with a complete range of perfectly-adapted, innovative accessories, including peripheral devices developed under official Xbox™ license. Licensing agreements with prestigious brands such as Ferrari®, NASCAR®, Top Gun™, 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™, Harry Potter ™ and close collaboration with the U.S. Air Force fortify Thrustmaster’s commitment to quality, excellence and industry-leading innovation; these qualities act as Thrustmaster’s guiding force in its quest to provide the very best to the
international gaming community. Thrustmaster has been a division of
Guillemot Corporation since 1999.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.thrustmaster.com.

Guillemot Corporation designs and manufactures a complete range of PC hardware products and PC and gaming console accessories under the Hercules and Thrustmaster brand names. With an active presence in 17 countries, the group currently distributes its products throughout 45 countries in total. The Group’s mission is to provide innovative, high-quality products which increase the sensations and pleasure gamers derive from their games. Guillemot Corporation is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Sicovam code 6672.


© Guillemot Corporation 2003. Thrustmaster® is a registered trademark of Guillemot Corporation S.A. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.