The flight sim hardware market continues to be an interesting area of competition and innovation these days and we’re seeing some pushes towards more affordable hardware without making tremendous sacrifices in feature set. The latest entry in that competition is from VIRPIL with the launch of their Cadet Series. The CDT-AEROMAX flight stick is the first to launch and pre-orders have begun.

Aeromax launches into pre-order

VIRPIL’s stated goal with the CDT-AEROMAX is to offer an all-in-one unit with high end features but priced in the mid-market. Some of their touted features include metal, dual-cam gimbal with adjustable clutch dampers, a compact base that fits well on small cramped desktops, a new grip design and optional throttle module.

The setup includes quite a collection of triggers, hat switches, an analogue ministick and a brake lever axis.

Not included in the announcement but confirmed via social media is word that a left hand version will be available sometime post launch.

VIRPIL has confirmed launch pricing of €189.95 for EU/Worldwide, $219.95 for US customers, and £189.95 for VIRPIL UK. The optional CDT Throttle Module is going to be sold for an additional €14.95/$19.95/£14.95.

Pre-orders are on now and shipping is expected to occur in June 2025. Learn more about the product on the announcement here and then check out their product page on the VIRPIL website after that (note if you place an order, make sure you select the correct store).


7 responses to “VIRPIL launches Cadet Series pre-order”

  1. Looks like it’s somewhat based on a Ka-50 cyclic 🙂

    Even with my TM Warthog, I’m kinda looking at all those extra hat switches – hmmm….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      VIRPIL have iterated and iterated on their design so I’m sure its half inspired by modern combat aircraft and then the other half by their own design work. Either way, it looks fantastic… I’m going to be trying it out really soon!

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  2. Dudley Henriques Avatar
    Dudley Henriques

    As an ex- MVP with Microsoft for Flight Simulator and an active contributing member of the sim community I am extremely interested in this new entry into the mid-range price range demographic. There exists I believe a need for a controller in this market.
    I will be purchasing the unit as soon as it becomes available for testing .
    Best of luck with your newest entry into the marketplace.
    Dudley Henriques. (dudleyhenriques@gmail.com)
    President Emeritus
    International Fighter Pilots Fellowship

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  3. In the video it looks like there is a slider on the side of the base you could use for things like flaps or throttle. But then on the site and in pictures the base does not have this. Anybody know if it’s a plug in add on or something?

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    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      Yes indeed! Mentioned in my article as the optional CDT Throttle Module. It’s sold for an additional €14.95/$19.95/£14.95.

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      1. You can install one on each side. They will probably come out with more modules, too.

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  4. Looks like they are going after the mid-range market where the Gladiator currently has relatively little competition. With a proper metal cam-based gimbal, this looks extremely attractive. Great to see this feature becoming an option at lower pricing.

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