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VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 3:10
by rrohde
Introducing the VKB-Sim Gunfighter Series of Flight-Control Sticks

(Shenzhen, China / Norman, OK USA) - December 29, 2016 – VKB Industries and VKB-Sim North America are proud to announce the new and innovative Gunfighter series of flight-control sticks.

The Gunfighter series continues VKB-Sim’s commitment to creating a highly modular control device; here are a few highlights:

A new quick release locking mechanism with improved electric contacts allows the user to quickly customize and configure the Gunfighter’s grip configuration; this includes the possibility to swap out adapted grips, or install the grip at an ergonomic angle based on the placement of the stick (e.g., a zero angle grip rotation might be a good choice for a side stick, while a fifteen degree twist to the left might be best for a center-mounted stick, while putting less strain on the wrist).

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Newly developed adapters allow the Gunfighter to work with non-VKB grips, such as those of the ‘Thrustmaster ® Warthog ™’, or the ‘Defender Cobra M5’ sticks.

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In addition to the already familiar high-quality components of the all-metal gimbal of the ‘Mamba MkIII’ or ‘Gladiator Pro,’ VKB engineers are proud to announce a new, innovative feature of the Gunfighter’s gimbal: force-adjustable dry clutches.

These ‘clutches’ allow the user to change the friction of the stick’s movement along its way of travel. This lets the user overcome a spring-loaded stick’s tendency to return back to center - which might be especially useful during helicopter flight (or wherever else desired). With the right amount of friction configured, the stick will stay put where the user wants it to stay – even off-center!
With this innovative new feature, the Gunfighter series of controllers will enhance the realistic overall feeling of VKB sticks even further – the Gunfighter’s stick movement feels “heavier”, and the added friction prevents oscillations when letting go of the stick.

VKB engineers managed to keep these dry clutches small without the need to enlarge the base of the stick, so the new Gunfighter remains a compact controller for desktop usage.

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During the design phase of these stick, the VKB-Sim engineers implemented user feedback and drew from their vast experience to create a most reliable, professional controller with excellent performance and customization options at a reasonable price – the all-new Gunfighter series.

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The base and the centering mechanism of the stick are made entirely of metal. The use of high-quality and high-performance metals results in an accurate and robust construction with a minimum number of components; this will have a positive effect on the reliability and longevity of the product.

Update on the production status of the VKB-Sim Gunfighter series:

VKB-Sim is currently underway to start the production of the Gunfighter series of flight simulation controllers. Pre-ordering for all Gunfighter variants will commence at the final stage of the initial production run.
Stay tuned for further VKB-Sim announcements as the Gunfighter release gets closer!

Standard Gunfighter equipment:

- Gunfighter base, including VKB-Sim’s next-gen, all metal gimbal with ‘dry clutches’
- Gimbal supports up to two springs per axis
- Swappable KG-12 grip (plastic)
- USB-Controller ‘BlackBox’
- Set of exchangeable cams and springs
- Set of cables
- Protective “Remove before flight” Dust Cover

PRICE: MSRP $299 USD (plus shipping)

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Gunfighter Pro
In addition to the Gunfighter’s equipment, the Gunfighter Pro includes:

- A stick extension (20cm / 8”)
- A smaller base-plate with pre-drilled holes (useful for center-mounting inside a simulation cockpit)

PRICE: MSRP $359 USD (plus shipping)

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Gunfighter ECP (Enhanced Control Panel)
To expand the development of the Gunfighter lineup, the Gunfighter ECP is also underway.

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The ‘ECP’ version is designed for virtual pilots who need a large enough set of controls in the form of buttons, toggle switches, and encoders in addition to what the standard grip offers.
In essence, the Gunfighter ECP offers an enhanced control panel that an be attached to the Gunfighter’s base, with many additional ways to interact with the simulation of choice. This removable panel adds a lot of versatility to the standard Gunfighter, while still remaining compact enough for desktop use. Stay tuned for more details on the Gunfighter ECP coming up soon.


For more information, please contact:
Rainer Rohde
NorthAmerica@VKB-Sim.pro
http://www.VKBcontrollers.com

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Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 9:26
by petrvs
Yay!

When is this going to be available in EU?
What is the ETA on the adapters for Cobra and Warthog?

Is it possible to have the PRO plate with normal Gunfighter? / is the extension optional if I get a PRO?

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 10:32
by OzWookiee
When will this be available for Australia?

I also want the small base plate of the pro but not the extension.

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 14:11
by HaArLiNsH
2 questions : Will you have an "infinite" disponibility or do we have to play again the pre list subscription to have a chance to get one?

What about Europe ??

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 15:30
by petrvs
From the Russian thread

Eduard VKB FSC wrote:Hello petrvs,
petrvs wrote:Will application open also for EU on 31st?

For EU customers we recommend to subscribe to the site newsletters. As soon as the order is open, a news will be published on the website and you will receive the email notification. Then you could just click the link for ordering. In such way you will not miss the opportunity to buy the product.
We plan to start ordering in about 3-4 weeks before having Gunfighter joysticks in stock. At that time we will know all costs involved (production cost, shipment from the factory and EUR/USD rate) and will set the right price for EU customers.

petrvs wrote:Is it possible to have smaller plate also for Gunfighter non PRO?

Yes, it will be an option when you place the order. You could order either one or both.

petrvs wrote:Is the extension optional on Gunfighter PRO?

No, the extension is part of Pro package.

Best regards,
Eduard

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 16:04
by Sokol1
rrhode

You will put VKB products in Amazon.com?

I think that for the "rest of the world", e.g Australia, NZ, Latin America...etc, will be the ideal option for buy.

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 16:59
by Fiftysixk
Any word on the bases a la carte? Meaning will we be able to just buy the bases to use with our own grips or future released grips to save a few bucks?

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 17:42
by ChinNoobonic
Will these be available as a gimbal upgrade for the Mambas?

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 18:27
by petrvs
Fiftysixk wrote:Any word on the bases a la carte? Meaning will we be able to just buy the bases to use with our own grips or future released grips to save a few bucks?


See

UIV wrote:Is possible to order Gunfighter without a standard pen, but with an adapter for the cobra handle, and later when you will be available kosmodzhoy, to purchase only handle kosmodzhoya and use it?
Yes

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 21:26
by Tibsun
rrohde wrote:Gunfighter Pro
In addition to the Gunfighter’s equipment, the Gunfighter Pro includes:

- A stick extension (20cm / 8”)
- A smaller base-plate with pre-drilled holes (useful for center-mounting inside a simulation cockpit)


Does it mean, we get with the Gunfighter Pro a standard Gunfighter base-plate + the smaller base plate?


Gunfighter ECP (Enhanced Control Panel)

The ‘ECP’ version is designed for virtual pilots who need a large enough set of controls in the form of buttons, toggle switches, and encoders in addition to what the standard grip offers.
In essence, the Gunfighter ECP offers an enhanced control panel that an be attached to the Gunfighter’s base, with many additional ways to interact with the simulation of choice. This removable panel adds a lot of versatility to the standard Gunfighter, while still remaining compact enough for desktop use. Stay tuned for more details on the Gunfighter ECP coming up soon.


Is it one thing with the stick?
If not, are we able to get the controls seperated with the grip?

My thoughts on seperated stuff like Gunfighter Pro + ECP Controls + Throttle? (Maybe ECP and throttle as one thing)

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 21:53
by rrohde
@Tibsun: If the delivery options of the Gunfighter are similar to my Mamba, I received the extension with the smaller base plate, but also received the Mamba with its default tabletop plate. I am sure we'll find out more once the release date gets closer. Right now, the Gunfighters are being produced, and maybe once we have some production photos we know more. :)

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 21:53
by rrohde
ChinNoobonic wrote:Will these be available as a gimbal upgrade for the Mambas?


Negative, already asked VKB HQ and they said that the new gimbal is somewhat larger to go into our Mambas... oh well. Progress... :)

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 21:54
by rrohde
Sokol1 wrote:rrhode

You will put VKB products in Amazon.com?

I think that for the "rest of the world", e.g Australia, NZ, Latin America...etc, will be the ideal option for buy.


That's totally up to VKB HQ. I will ask them and see what they think.

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2016 0:30
by roan
Good progress, VKB !

My mastercard is on standby.

Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Announcement

Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2017 1:03
by Andy L
My bank card is ready. Is there any information on whether the just announced Mongoose T50 from VirPil will work with the Gunfighter?