Acentre stick (spelledcenter stick in American English), or simplycontrol stick, is an aircraftcockpit arrangement where the control column (orjoystick) is located in the center of the cockpit either between thepilot's legs or between the pilots' positions. Since the throttle controls are typically located to the left of the pilot, the right hand is used for the stick, although left-hand or both-hands operation is possible if required.[1]
The centre stick is a part of an aircraft'sflight control system and is typically linked to itsailerons andelevators, or alternatively to itselevons, by control rods or control cables on basic aircraft. On heavier, faster, more advanced aircraft the centre stick may also control power-assist modules. Modern aircraft centre sticks are also usually equipped with a number of electrical control switches within easy finger reach, in order to reduce the pilot's workload.
The centre stick originated at the turn of the twentieth century. In 1900,Wilhelm Kress ofAustria developed a control stick for aircraft, but did not apply for a patent. Instead, a patent was awarded to theFrench aviator,Robert Esnault-Pelterie who applied for it in 1907.[2]
A two-handed variation of the centre stick has existed as a split stick, with a similar arrangement to a yoke as it is bifurcated for the pilot to operate with both hands. This is not only used to operate the aircraft but for the pilot to also use radar controls. TheF-8 Crusader is an example of an aircraft that used a split stick.[citation needed]
The centre stick is used in many military fighter jets such as theEurofighter Typhoon and theMirage III, but also inlight aircraft such asPiper Cubs and theDiamond Aircraft line of products such as theDA20,DA40 andDA42.
This arrangement contrasts with the more recently developed "side-stick", which is used in such military fighter jets as theF-16, theF-35 Lightning II andRafale and also on civil aircraft such as theAirbus A320.
