MOZA MTP and MTLP Review: A Closer Look at This Throttle and Expansion Panel Combo

Introduction

Virtual aviation has a steep learning curve, and the hardware you choose can make or break the experience. The MOZA MTP throttle and MTLP expansion panel have been on the market for a little while, and they promise to bring a more complete cockpit experience to your desk. The question is whether they deliver enough to justify the investment, especially when compared to established competitors.

This review focuses on how these two devices perform together in DCS World, with a particular focus on the F/A-18 Hornet. We will cover pricing, build quality, software, and real-world usability to help you decide if this pair belongs in your setup.

Pricing and What’s in the Box

For US customers, the MOZA MTP throttles start at around $329. Adding the MTLP expansion panel costs a further $149, bringing the total to $478. Australian buyers face a different price structure, with the throttles at $599 and the expansion panel adding $299, for a combined total of $898. At the time of testing, there was no combo pricing available for buying both together, so the only saving comes from shared shipping.

Inside the box, you get some light reading material, a tool bag with Allen keys and bolts, and the necessary cables. The bolts are used to strap the two devices together, while the Allen keys help with that assembly as well as adjusting throttle tension and the detent system. You also get a USB Type-B to Type-A cable and an RJ11 data cable for each device.

Design and Build Quality

The MOZA MTP and MTLP use a composite plastic frame and shell, which is consistent with what you would expect in this price range. A decorative plaque on the left side sports the MOZA logo and does a good job of breaking up the otherwise dark appearance. The top surface of the throttles features powder-coated aluminum that feels cold to the touch, adding a premium touch.

The layout across the top of the throttles is well organized, with sub-panels finished in piano black backlit panels. All the writing is easy to read in both lit and unlit conditions, and the switches and knobs are grouped by their function. This thoughtful arrangement makes it easy to find what you need without hunting around.

The throttle handles themselves feature plastic finger lift paddles that activate when you move up and over the gate. Springs in the center of the stalks engage when the throttles are pulled all the way back, and they contract when you click over the gate. If you plan to store the unit for a long time, it is worth clicking the throttles back out of the gate to save the springs some wear.

The MTLP Expansion Panel

The MTLP expansion panel is the smaller companion piece, and it uses the same composite plastic construction as the throttles. It features a hook extension and retraction handle, a station select and ejection system, and an all-metal parking brake that can be pulled out, locked, pushed back in, and twisted. The spring-loaded return to center position is a nice touch.

You also get a three-position flap switch, an anti-skid switch with a pull-out activation, launch bar and landing light controls, and a gear extension handle that operates similarly to the hook handle. The metal stalks on all the handles are a welcome reinforcement, especially for VR users who might grab them with more force than intended.

One of the standout features is the variety of knob shapes across the panel. Having four different knob types makes it much easier to identify switches by feel, which is a significant advantage in VR where you cannot look down at the controls.

Software and Configuration

The MOZA software will feel familiar to anyone who has used their sim racing products. The application provides a clear overview of connected devices, firmware status, and game-specific configurations. For DCS, you can set the game installation path and user data path, and the software handles the telemetry script export automatically.

The preset system allows you to load community-made presets or export your own, which is a great feature for sharing configurations. However, there is no cloud sharing built into the application, so you will need to rely on forums and Discord to find and share presets. The MOZA Discord is active, with community members doing impressive work configuring these devices.

The device overview page is busy but well laid out. You can adjust force feedback effects, which use built-in vibration motors to replicate aircraft sensations like stall, gear motion, flaps, and engine vibration. Panel lighting can be controlled via telemetry, manual adjustment, or the physical knobs on the throttle face. The throttle detent settings allow you to map buttons based on throttle position, and you can calibrate idle and afterburner positions to match your aircraft.

In the Cockpit: DCS Testing

Testing took place in DCS World with the F/A-18 Hornet on the Super Carrier. The battery switch, APU switch, and engine crank all worked as expected, with the APU ready light illuminating correctly. Note that the MOZA software needs to be running in the background for the telemetry features to work.

The throttle motion felt smooth through its full range, both when locked together and when split for independent operation. The detent system provides a satisfying click when moving from shutdown into run, and the afterburner detent is clearly defined. Removing the center detent for Hornet flying was straightforward, requiring only the included Allen key and a few minutes of work.

The lighting control via telemetry worked well, with the console knob adjusting the main throttle brightness and the instrument knob controlling the MTLP panel. The gear handle lighting up during transit is a nice touch that adds to the immersion.

Comparison with the Competition

When compared to the WinWing Orion 2 throttle in a similar configuration, the MOZA pair holds its own but with some notable differences. The WinWing setup costs around $539 for US customers, while Australian buyers pay about $832 for the combined package.

The WinWing throttle offers a wider range of combat controls, including launch bar, hook, wing folding, landing gear, parking brake, flap switch, air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, a master weapons switch, and autopilot controls. The MOZA covers the basics well but lacks some of these combat-focused functions. The INS knob on the MOZA feels like a questionable use of premium panel space, and the five light control switches could arguably be replaced with more useful combat controls.

However, the WinWing is not without its own issues. The panel is very busy in VR, with lots of accidental button presses, and the knobs across the top are all the same type, making them difficult to distinguish without looking. The tall sliders on the WinWing also tend to get knocked accidentally.

Strengths and Considerations

The MOZA MTP and MTLP pair has several clear strengths. The design is attractive, especially with the backlighting, and the angled connection between the throttles and expansion panel angles the controls toward the pilot. The materials feel solid, and the reinforced handle stems provide confidence for motion rig users.

The ability to control lighting three ways, through the physical knob, in-sim telemetry, or the software, is a thoughtful feature. Starting the aircraft without touching the mouse is a satisfying experience, and the adjustable detents add flexibility.

On the other hand, the vibration feedback did not add much to the experience. Engine vibration felt more like a rough-running engine than useful feedback, and there was no noticeable vibration when firing the cannon or missiles. The lack of combat controls, such as weapon mode buttons, master arm switch, or wing fold switch, is a notable omission for a combat-inspired throttle.

There were also some stability concerns. Sideways pressure on the throttle caused the left side to kick up, and reaching for the gear handle could pivot the unit. The anti-slip mats do not extend fully across the device, which may contribute to this rocking.

Buying Advice

If you are in the market for a throttle, the MOZA MTP by itself faces tough competition. Some rivals offer more versatile features for controlling gear, flaps, hooks, and weapon combat modes, all of which the MOZA lacks. The MTLP expansion panel fills some of these gaps, but it is an additional cost.

For Hornet pilots who want a complete cockpit experience, the MOZA MTP and MTLP together do a pretty good job. The combination covers the essential functions and provides a satisfying level of immersion. However, if you can only afford the throttles alone, you may want to consider alternatives that offer more built-in functionality.

Conclusion

The MOZA MTP and MTLP are best treated as a pair. Together, they provide a solid foundation for virtual aviation, particularly for Hornet pilots. The design, build quality, and software integration are all commendable, and the adjustable detents and lighting control add genuine value.

The lack of combat controls and the stability issues are worth considering, but they do not overshadow the overall experience. If MOZA introduces combo pricing in the future, this pair becomes an even more attractive option. For now, the MOZA MTP and MTLP are a capable duo that will please most Hornet pilots willing to invest in both pieces.