PRESS RELEASE
E3, Los Angeles, June 14, 2016 (South Hall, booth #2705) — Thrustmaster is thrilled to announce that it has entered into a co-marketing agreement with Frontier Developments plc to develop synergies between Thrustmaster joysticks and the popular space simulation game ‘Elite Dangerous’, developed by Frontier Developments. This is a tremendous opportunity for Thrustmaster to unveil its new T.16000M FCS HOTAS, which will enrich its flight simulation ecosystem. In conjunction with the TFRP rudder, released in May, these devices together provide a complete space sim solution that has been mapped directly into the game for the ultimate space adventure experience.
HOTAS (Hands On Throttle and Stick) giving you full control of the cockpit
Thrustmaster has devoted its 25 years of expertise in flight sim controllers to meet the growing demand of the flight sim - and space sim – communities who have requested a mid-range HOTAS joystick. “Working with Frontier who are at the forefront of the Space Sim revival with Elite Dangerous, comes naturally for us, as Thrustmaster is a pioneer in the flight sim controller industry,” explains Gilles Raulet, Thrustmaster’s Development Director. “The T.16000M FCS HOTAS has been designed for advanced fliers looking for comprehensive, realistic controls as an alternative to using a mouse and keyboard.”
“Elite Dangerous players have been looking for a HOTAS joystick with an accessible interface at an affordable price. I believe Thrustmaster’s new T.16000M FCS HOTAS fits the bill perfectly,” stated Jo Cooke, Frontier’s Director of Marketing. “Elite Dangerous is a sophisticated flight simulation and our players want precision control. The T.16000M’s magnetic sensors, numerous buttons and axes provide the precision our pilots need to hit their targets, carry out complex maneuvers in crowded asteroid fields, change elevation or strafe to avoid incoming fire, and have fast access to the game’s advanced controls in their cockpit.”
The T.16000M FCS HOTAS is composed of the T.16000M FCS (Flight Control System) flight stick and the TWCS (Thrustmaster Weapon Control System) throttle. The T.16000M FCS HOTAS is compatible with PC via USB in Windows 10, 8, 7 and Vista (32-bit and 64-bit).
T.16000M FCS flight stick
In order to guarantee exclusive high-precision performance, pitch and roll on the T.16000M FCS flight stick employ H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™ (US patent US08471815) for 16-bit resolution (i.e. 16000 x 16000 values) – the same pinpoint accuracy delivered by the extremely high-end HOTAS Warthog joystick, allowing gamers to target their enemies with surgical precision.
The joystick’s unique ambidextrous design can be easily switched between right-handed and left-handed use. Its twisting handle controls the rudder by default, but can also be locked in place.
The T.16000M FCS features 4 axes, 16 action buttons with “braille”-style physical button identification, one 8-way point of view (POV) hat switch and an ergonomic trigger. Its striking orange accents and backlighting bring gamers’ immersion in the thrilling Elite: Dangerous atmosphere to a whole new level.
TWCS throttle
In yet another innovation, Thrustmaster is proud to unveil the first throttle weapon control system featuring S.M.A.R.T™ (Sliding Motion Advanced Rail Tracks) technology: a unique system of slide rails for perfectly smooth throttle sliding motion and precision. The TWCS throttle’s lower positioning compared to quadrant-based systems provides unrivalled comfort along its entire 3.2 inch/80 mm range of travel, for smooth and accurate control. The tightening screw allows users to adjust the throttle’s friction level to suit their own personal taste.
The TWCS throttle features 5 axes and a rear RJ12 connector offering 3 additional axes via the external optional TFRP rudder* from Thrustmaster’s flight product ecosystem: the throttle’s main axes provide 16-bit resolution (65635 values), with 10-bit resolution (1024 values) on all of its other axes – including the 2-axis mini-stick for elevation and strafing or slew control, the toggle rudder and rotary antenna.
To give simmers complete control, the TWCS throttle includes 14 buttons and one 8-way-POV hat switch that are added to those of the joystick. In total, this provides gamers with 9 axes, 30 buttons and two 8-way POVs – plus 3 extra axes via the optional TFRP rudder.
Both the throttle and flight stick feature non-slip rubber foot pads for perfect stability on a desk or cockpit. With cockpit owners in mind, both are also equipped with 2 M6 screw threads each, compatible with standard 1 inch/25 mm M6 screws.
Ecosystem synergies and ready for VR
Users can download the Thrustmaster Advanced pRogramming Graphical EdiTor (T.A.R.G.E.T) software in order to combine the T.16000M FCS HOTAS with other Thrustmaster devices (so that they are recognized as a single USB device), and load or create specific mapping profiles for each game.
T.A.R.G.E.T allows simmers to combine the T.16000M FCS HOTAS, TFRP rudder* and MFD Cougar cockpit panels* for a total of 12 axes and 86 buttons, extending far beyond Microsoft’s control panel display limit.
What’s more, the T.16000M FCS HOTAS is the perfect companion in virtual reality games as well: the most natural and intuitive way to sit in a cockpit is with one’s hands on the throttle and stick.
The T.16000M FCS HOTAS will be available in September, at a suggested retail price of $129.99 / €129.99 / £99.99 (taxes included).
* Sold separately.
Check out all of our products at www.thrustmaster.com.
Thrustmaster
Guillemot Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of interactive entertainment hardware and accessories. The Group offers a diversified range of products under the Hercules and Thrustmaster brand names. Active in this market since 1984, the Guillemot Corporation Group is currently present in 25 countries (including France, Germany, the UK, the United States, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Spain, Romania and Italy) and distributes its products in more than 85 countries worldwide. The Group’s mission is to offer high-performance, ergonomic products which maximize the enjoyment of digital interactive entertainment end users. www.guillemot.com
