The folks at VKB-Sim are iterating on their STECS throttle system with a new and somewhat unique new Space Throttle Grip with the usual array of VKB features and a couple of unique tricks. Let’s have a look!

New grip

This may not have much use for flight sim pilots but I always like to point out interesting new hardware when it arrives and here’s something interesting from VKB. The Space Throttle Grip (STG) is obviously an iteration on the STECS throttle system that the company has released (read part two of my review on the throttle here and look for a long term review coming very soon too!). This new throttle does have a few innovative features.

Sliding ships in multiple axis in space combat sims has been done with a few different control schemes and VKB has their own take with a titling throttle system that moves forward and back as a conventional throttle and then tilts like a joystick on a top axis as well. VKB is approaching this from an ergonomics perspective.

Forward and back, you rock the lever, using your shoulder muscles, as they’re stronger at the cost of being less precise; but when it comes to strafing, here comes the precision only attainable by hand muscles.

The promo video shows a couple of different configurations with the ATEM and STEM setup, familiar to us already, as well as a left and right handed configuration for people who want the option.

The Space Throttle Grip will reportedly have the following controls:

• 2 x 5-way hat
• 2 x 3-way hat
• 2 x button
• 1 x speed limit
• 1 x trigger
• 1 x laser power
• 1x space brake

Features include a removable throttle limiter, friction control, VKB bus device compatibility, and the aforementioned left and right handed options for left and right handed pilots.

No pricing has been revealed yet though I imagine we’ll learn more about this very soon. Check out the video above and the announcement here.