VKB teases their long awaited STECS HOTAS system

2–3 minutes

Remember VKB’s TECS? There’s been considerable interest in VKB’s high-end HOTAS offering but the wait for it has been a long one. Fortunately it appears that we’re on the cusp of more concrete details coming later this week. In the meantime, let’s look at the trailer and see what hardware they are set to reveal.

STECS, not TECS

It appears that VKB’s new throttle system has a slightly different name than before. Short for Single/Twin Engine Control System (STECS), VKB have released a teaser trailer for the upcoming full reveal of their new HOTAS system. The trailer shows off four different configurations of the STECS systems along with some flashy graphics. Check it out below!

Analysis

Like VIRPIL, WingWing and Thrustmaster, VKB look to be tackling the higher end part of the flight sim hardware market and are showing off not only the throttle but also suggesting an ultimate system paired with their Gunfighter III base and grip as well as accessory panel.

It looks like VKB will be offering up four different configurations that includes one with a simplified base, two with what they are calling the Auxiliary Throttle Extension Module and one more with what they are calling the Standard Throttle Extension Module. It looks like the standard option comes with the most bells and whistles while the auxiliary system has a few less controls – but we’ll have to wait and see exactly what is on offer.

The trailer also gives us some good looks at the front and side profiles. The HOTAS with the grey grip has a different hat switch control from the one with the red. The side profiles are slightly different too with a different radio control.

All of these configurations seem well optimized for a variety of modern combat aircraft including the A-10, F/A-18, F-16 and F-15 making this well suited to DCS and Falcon BMS fans. Of course, nothing is likely to stop you from using such a system with Microsoft Flight Simulator, IL-2 or others but you can tell that this is optimized for a modern jet system with slew controls, multi-way hat switches, etc.

VKB report that we’ll learn more about the system later in the week. I’m looking forward to it!

9 responses to “VKB teases their long awaited STECS HOTAS system”

  1. ddrake1984 Avatar
    ddrake1984

    I am interested to see if they offer latched toggles like weapon select on F15E or latched spring loaded switch like the speedbreak f86/f16/f18 and more.

    Curious about the dual ant elevation knobs if they are pots or encoders and what they feel like

    Curious how the front paddels are used and if they are axis or buttons

    Wondering about the palm lock and if they activate off to idle as buttons registered or not and if they will include a physical detent for off>idle

    A few other things, guess will have to wait and see

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      Absolutely! I have many similar questions. It sounds like we’ll know quite a bit more by the end of the week.

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  2. Firdimigdi Avatar
    Firdimigdi

    > also suggesting an ultimate system paired with their Gunfighter III

    Actually it says Gunfighter Mk IV in the trailer – so maybe that’s also a new thing to be announced?

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  3. tugais Avatar
    tugais

    The details have been shared.

    VKB posted yesterday on reddit a lengthy explanation on their new lineup. That’s quite a read. Here’s the link to the message : https://www.reddit.com/r/hotas/comments/153uu8o/vkb_hotas_phase_one/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      Interesting stuff all around. I’ll be doing some follow-up reporting on it soon!

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  4. beggyg Avatar
    beggyg

    Looks gorgeous. I’m afraid I’ll be sticking to my T16000 for the foreseeable, however. I need to upgrade the PC before I can get a beautiful HOTAS like this one, and even then, it’s likely to create some raised eyebrows within the family unit. I can justify the PC upgrade as work related. Anyone know any excuses for getting a nice HOTAS that doesn’t look like I’m eating into the retirement pension? 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Sean Avatar
      Sean

      If you work in anykind of graphical/3d design, its the perfect 3d mouse with lots of hotkeys. If the fam asks why you use it for being stupid in space/atmosphere, just say that you chose one that would be appropriate for work and play rather than shelling out the money for both and having to store both. I use that excuse all the time with the gf over sim/3d printer gear. The excuse worked great for the tobii eye tracker. It will help clients see what I’m looking at on screen. Meanwhile I have never used the tobii outside of SC and AC Valhalla. The excuse didnt work out as well for the additional SEM, another ultrawide monitor and new gaming mouse.

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  5. Oesau Avatar
    Oesau

    Its amazing to see how we have gone from a situation where there weren’t many flight simHOTAS offerings out there in the market to what we have now – VKB, Virpil, Thrustmaster, WinWing (who just yesterday released their new F-15E Strike Eagle/F-15EX Eagle II throttle grip

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      It’s so true!

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