Flight simulators make up for a very small gaming niche. So small that there are only a handful of noteworthy flight sims available at any one time, and of the pack, I can only name one (Microsoft’s Flight Simulator franchise) off the top of my head right now. Flight sims are just no fun to play with mouse and keyboard– as opposed to first-person shooters or racing games that can be enjoyed without a wheel. But if you’re a flight sim enthusiast, a set of dedicated flight controllers really make or break the experience.
Logitech has officially introduced their first flight sim kit that with force feedback technology (FF is the technology that allows you to feel the action via vibrations and resistance), giving the gamer a more immersive and realistic game experience.
First unveiled during the E3 show last June, the Flight System G940 is a three-piece kit that includes a force feedback joystick, a programmable dual throttle, and rudder pedals to keep both hands and feet involved in the game. It’s a pretty flexible system that features more than 250 programmable button options integrated into a full-featured HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-and-Stick) design, plus the software to map game functions to the controls. All the components feature mounting solutions to keep them secure, and the kit is designed to be compatible with the most popular flight sims available (read: the ones worthy of your gaming dollars).
The joystick is the kit’s highlight (and will be the most-used component), featuring force feedback technology that reacts to simulated twists, turns, and G-forces. The stick sports a two-stage trigger, 6 programmable buttons, a mini-stick, an 8-way hat, and 3 analog trim controls.
The dual-throttle is designed to control multi-engine aircraft (a button links the split throttle into one for flying single-engine aircraft). The base includes 8 buttons that illuminate red, green, amber or off to indicate systems status– simply put, “red” would most likely mean that it’s time to either strap on your virtual ‘chute or hit the “load game” hotkey. Logitech also adds 80 pre-designed legend inserts (like “GPS”, “autopilot”, and “landing gear” to place under any of the base’s buttons to add to the realism. The throttle also includes two eight-way hat switches, 4 programmable grip buttons, and two rotary analog controls.
The pedals feature a four-bar mechanism used—and we can only assume that this is true—on current jet fighters and helicopters to act as rudder controls and toe-brakes. The pedal set also sports a force-knob to adjust resistance for realism and feel, and is built with carpet grips and heel rests to keep it stable in case your posh helicopter or jet fighter comes with a carpet.
It’s a pretty extensive set of controls (so you’d be forgiven if your passengers see you checking the manual during your first few trips out), but it’s definitely something we’ll have to try out soon. The Logitech Flight System G940 is set to sell in September in the US and Europe for US$299.99. The current list of supported games include Microsoft Flight Simulator X, IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946, Falcon: Allied Force, Lock On: Modern Air Combat X-Plane 9, Enemy Engaged 2, and DCS: Black Shark.
Tags: Gaming Gear, Logitech
