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Cockpit for amateur pilots
Photo: Matthias Kremp / DER SPIEGEL
When I was able to do the first traffic laps with Microsoft's new flight simulator a few weeks ago, I still had to control my virtual airplane with a keyboard and mouse.
That was idle, annoying and imprecise, caused some crashes and mostly let me hand over control of my machine to the digital co-pilot.
You can always look out of the window, but it's not really fun.
So I made my need a virtue and tried out how it could be better, what different options there are to take control in the Flight Simulator yourself.
I tried eight different control units, some of them generalists, others specialists, from fairly inexpensive to quite expensive.
The result is this report.
T.Flight Stick X
The appearance of the T-Flight Stick X most closely resembles what I myself used as a joystick years ago: a lot of plastic and a little bit of rubber.
However, this one has a lot more buttons than my last one.
I count a total of twelve plus the throttle.
One of them is itself a mini joystick, which is also called a POV - Point of View - because of its common use.
In the flight simulator, it is well suited to look in different directions.
However, its switches are a bit tricky, so you have to push it very precisely in the direction you want to look.
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Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X, joystick with rudder control, reprogrammable buttons and axes, rotary handle, integrated thrust lever, rapid fire trigger, PC / USB compatible
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The control stick itself is also somewhat very sensitive. It is
therefore advisable to readjust a little
in the
controls
settings of the flight simulator so that not every nudge of nudging leads to the aircraft overturning.
Since the stick also has a twist function, i.e. it can be rotated around the vertical axis, it is also a good substitute for rowing pedals.
Conclusion
:
Sure, it's not high-end, but it's definitely a good start for the casual gamer who doesn't want to spend hundreds of euros straight away.
Especially when you consider the low price of less than 40 euros.
TWCS throttle
A good simulator cockpit always includes thrust control.
This is important because the engine power always influences how an aircraft climbs or descends.
With the TWCS Throttle you could think that it is a simpler model of this type and in terms of the basic function this is also true, as there is only one controller.
The little power control could also be done on the joystick.
What sets this gadget apart are the nine additional buttons, switches and mini-joysticks.
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Thrustmaster TWCS - Thrustmaster Weapon Control System - comfortable and precise sliding movement of the throttle control for PC
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The TWCS Throttle has one of the best, because stepless POV joysticks, with the help of which you can look around your virtual environment almost as if you were moving your head.
The many other joysticks and buttons can be used to control functions from the landing flaps to the lighting.
Conclusion
:
At almost 80 euros, it is twice as expensive as the T-Flight Stick X that goes well with it, but thanks to the many options for controlling functions directly instead of using the PC keyboard, this is a great thing.
The fine camera control of the POV stick alone would be worth the money.
TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition
This joystick is supposed to replicate the famous sidestick of the Airbus jets, which got its name from the fact that it is not attached in the middle, as usual, but on the side.
In a real aircraft, the pilot therefore controls the machine with his left hand from his seat on the left in the cockpit.
This joystick is designed in exactly the same way, which initially made it difficult to operate for me as a trained right-hander and inexperienced left-hander.
Fortunately, the designers anticipated this and provided the option of converting the stick into a co-pilot mode so that it can be operated right-handed.
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Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition: Ergonomic replica of the world-famous Airbus control stick for PC
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After I had done that, it was time for a test flight, of course with the Airbus A320 Neo.
Compared to the T.Flight Stock X, this one looks more robust and seems to steer a touch more precisely.
However, it is so sensitive that it is worth reducing its sensitivity in the settings here as well.
Once that's done, the sidestick is a great joystick, especially if you like to be out and about with the big machines, because its integrated thrust regulator has a reverse thrust function.
They know that from the roar of the engines, which are used to brake after landing by diverting their thrust forward.
Conclusion
:
A great joystick for hobby pilots who like to control the big buzzers, because it is robust, looks good and converts every movement into precise control signals.
Unfortunately, it won't go on sale until September 18th.
Flight Throttle Quadrant
Full throttle is rarely the right measure when flying.
Much more often it is important to find the right amount of propulsion for the respective situation, depending on whether you are about to take off, land or just want to fly straight ahead.
The Flight Throttle Quadrant is made for that and makes fine adjustments much easier than the little throttle controls that are built into some joysticks.
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Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant, Simulation Axis Shifter for Flight Simulators, LCD Display, 3x Two-Way Toggle Switch, USB Port, Adjustable Bracket, PC - Black
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You have the choice whether you use the three slides on a propeller plane to regulate power, fuel mixture and propeller angle, or on an Airbus just use the left one as a throttle control for the two engines.
Three built-in toggle switches can also be used for actions such as extending the landing flaps or the landing gear.
Conclusion
:
A dedicated throttle should not be missing in the ambitious hobby cockpit and this one does its job well.
It's just a shame that it doesn't look particularly valuable with its simple plastic housing.
Probably because of the low price of just under 70 euros, it is still difficult to get at the moment.
Titanwolf Vulture
The Vulture is kind of an odd mix.
The base plate is made of heavy metal, underlaid with non-slip rubber plates that smell of bicycle tires.
A massive housing made of thick plastic is emblazoned on it, on which the very light-looking joystick sits enthroned.
After all: the thing is bombproof on the table.
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Titanwolf - PC joystick - flight stick - four-way joystick - HOTAS function - stepless throttle control - hat switch eight-way stick - 4 buttons D-pad - 3 modes - throttle - rudder - 9 buttons-23 functions
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In the Flight Simulator, however, you immediately notice that the Vulture is apparently more at home in other games, because there is no preset configuration.
So you have to assign all keys yourself.
It's a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it.
Mainly because you can learn by heart which switch has which function, because all of them can be assigned three times.
This means that five buttons, two mini joysticks in three versions and a throttle are available.
When flying, the Vulture shows itself to be very sensitive, converting every movement directly into an action.
You don't need a lot of strength.
As a bass player, I would say: a joystick for guitarists.
Conclusion
:
Even if it takes a bit of effort to assign functions to it: The Titanwolf Vulture is worth it.
It enables very sensitive control and has enough switches that it can also be used as a stand-alone control stick without additional control devices.
Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls
While most simulator pilots use joysticks as a control stick, most real pilots control their aircraft with a control horn, called a yoke in English.
This one is characterized by its robust construction and the realistic feel - and by 30 function keys, which usually make reaching for the keyboard superfluous.
Personally, I also find the adjustable red lighting a little bit superfluous, but you can turn it off.
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Honeycomb Alpha Flight Control
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The only disadvantage I see with the Alpha Flight Control for me is that you can either attach it to the table with the two mini screw clamps provided or with an extremely clinging suction cup.
Since the suction cup tends to pull the paint off my table and my table is also my home office, I first have to laboriously set up the yoke before every flight.
After all: The long loading times of Microsoft Flight Simulator can be used sensibly.
Conclusion
:
It doesn't get any better - at least in this price range - at the moment.
That I am not alone with this opinion is also shown by the fact that this joystick is sold out by October despite a price of almost 250 euros
.
Hotas Warthog
You could say that you have something in your hand.
This set of joysticks and throttle does not need clamps to be stable on the table.
At 3.7 kilos for the joystick and 4.6 kilos for the thrust unit, gravity ensures a secure footing. Both devices are housed in sturdy steel housings, giving the impression that they could be installed directly in a combat aircraft.
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Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog - Joystick replica set with double throttle control and double throttle control console of the US Air Force offensive aircraft A-10C
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This is probably intentional, because this couple is actually aimed at hobby fighter pilots, as it is modeled on the control unit of an A-10 ground fighter jet.
In the civil flight simulator, however, they can shine without simulated weapons.
I especially like the extremely precise and calm joystick.
With him I achieved my personal best in the tricky landing competition on the French mountain airfield Courchevel.
The thrust unit is hardly inferior.
Not so much because of the throttle, but because of the many switches and buttons that also glow green as soon as they are connected to the USB port.
In combination with the joystick, you have quick access to more than 50 functions.
Goodbye keyboard.
Conclusion
:
I can hardly imagine a better joystick.
But not a more expensive one either.
As a bundle, the two devices cost just under 500 euros; the Hotas Flighstick is individually listed in the price list for 250 euros.
It's only worth it if you are serious about the Flusi.
But then it's really worth it.
Pendular Rudder
Basically you can operate the rudder of a simulator airplane with a joystick like the two mentioned above, also by turning the stick.
But if you really want to get into the simulation, you can't get past a pair of rudder pedals.
The selection is not large, but you can get usable devices from just under 100 euros.
The TPR Pendular Rudder, on the other hand, is already the premier class - and also presents itself that way.
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Thrustmaster TPR -Pendular Rudder - expert control rudder system for flight simulations on the PC
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The huge case with its elaborate mechanics prevents any attempt to stretch out my feet, at least under my desk.
The elaborately processed construction offers various options for adjusting tensile forces and angles as you like.
And once that's done, you can't do without these pedals because they give the realism the final kick.
Conclusion
:
There is actually only one thing about these pedals that can and must be criticized: the list price of just under 500 euros.
This may seem crazy to outsiders, but if you want to deal seriously and long-term with flight simulations, it is money well spent.
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