VKB-Sim has revealed some early renders of their new throttle system and it looks like it might be something special. Here’s what I know right now!

TECS is modular and focused on modern aircraft

VKB-Sim appears intent on further adding on to their array of grips, bases and controllers by offering up a modular throttle system experience as well. The concepts show off what are a couple of different options including a “basic” HOTAS plus two additional modules adding on additional controls.

Full featured with all of the modular options

The ‘basic’ throttle

The basic might be enough for some flight simmers while the more fully featured option looks idea for those who build their own ‘simpits’ or are intending to play with VR. Indeed it does seem to be VR friendly according to the release:

…we focused on making the design and ergonomics of the TECS “VR ready”. Every element can be easily found and identified by feel.

For the ultimate enthusiast the TECS system can be linked via VKB’s ‘BlackBox’ system and then into the PC that its meant to be used for. Apparently each piece can also be linked in via USB and I fully expect VKB to continue to do what they have done before which is to control most of the hardware via on-board ARM processors. This is what made my VKB Gladiator the easiest hardware to setup – ever.

Indeed they foresee the complete collection to consist of a number of VKB’s flight sim oriented products:

A complete complex made of Gunfighter base, MCG grip, TECS, T-Rudder Pedals (or Twist), and Extension Panels is the best possible cockpit set that offers the user exceptional control over the plane, unparalleled immersion, and allows to take pilotage to a much higher level.

More generally the system has a good number of switches, knobs, sticks and a twin-engine oriented throttle system with 110mm of travel. It also has configurable detents to add resistance at specific points in the throttle’s travel – ideal for configuring the system so that you don’t accidentally engage the afterburner or on a WWII aircraft, go into WEP unnecessarily.

These are early renders from their engineering team. The final configuration and English labels will come later on.

Find out more about VKB Sim’s new TECS throttle system here and there is plenty of info about their MCG (Modern Combat Grip) and Gunfighter products here.

In other VKB-Sim News

A render has been shown for what appears to be another throttle system. This one is oriented towards WWII warbirds instead of more modern aircraft.

The concept is titled VECS and it appears to be official, however, I have only a single source from r/HOTAS and I’m trying to confirm some more information for you. In the render we see a variety of switches and buttons for key items such as for pitch control, trim, locks for tailwheel and dive brakes and a throttle with mixture, supercharger and prop pitch controls as well.

More details as I can find them!

UPDATED (Jan 3, 2018 at 5:38pm ET): Comments continue to pour in about the vintage VECS throttle rendering. It may only be an artist concept right now and not something planned out the way that the TECS system above has been. The TECS is also a render but is likely based on engineering tests and using data from CAD files. More info to come!

UPDATED (Jan 4, 2018 at 7:54am ET): We have official confirmation that the VECS or vintage throttle is just a concept without the hard engineering done. This is as I had suspected but it’s now nice to have a more definitive statement. It doesn’t mean we won’t see this sometime in the future. Read more here.

Separately, it’s been confirmed that VKB will be offering up a twist addition for the Gunfighter base which is a nice option if pedals are too expensive or just aren’t available for you.