HOTAS is an abbreviation for Hands On Throttle And Stick, a means of allowing high-performance fighter aircraft crew to minimize their movements to control systems needed in combat, concentrating on situational awareness. The stick and throttle joysticks have a large number of buttons and switches within fingertip reach, although the learning curve is significant.
It is used in most combat aircraft of the fourth generation and beyond. Other human factors enhancements include heads-up displays (HUD)s and helmet-mounted sights.