I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to simulation games I lean more towards racing than flight. But I can certainly appreciate some impressive hardware for fans of virtual flying.
Hardware such as the new Trak Racer Airbus TR550 cockpit that I saw at the recent Sim Racing Expo in Charlotte. It's hard to miss in its striking white and blue color scheme.
It's an officially licensed product taking design cues from Airbus. This new cockpit is small enough so that you don't need an entire room to set it up while still having the capability to house your dedicated flight sticks and any additional accessories you like to use with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Trak Racer is keen to point out this isn't just a chair with a joystick attached, which is comforting when it costs over €1,000.
"The TR550 is a dedicated flight simulation rig engineered to replicate the seating position, sidestick geometry, and immersive environment of a modern Airbus flightdeck. Not a gaming chair with a joystick. The real thing — as close as you can get without walking the tarmac."
I can't say I've ever been in the cockpit of an Airbus jet, but looking for photos online, it looks like Trak Racer did a good job of recreating the layout and flying position. All while ensuring that if you're a yoke user, rather than a stick, you still benefit from the same quality and comfort.
All the mounts are fully adjustable, including the pedals, so virtual pilots have complete freedom to build a setup that works exactly how they want it to.
Even as a non-flyer, it's an impressive piece of kit. It feels exceptionally well made, and the seat is so comfortable that I could easily have had a snooze in it after a long day on the show floor.
I love that products like this exist for flight sim fans and that they're not in a position of having to repurpose a cockpit that was designed for sim racing first. The seating position feels great, and I love how easy it is to get in and out. Some sim racing rigs require being an expert gymnast to contort your body. Extra points for the armrests, too. They're fantastic.
It isn't cheap, though, but it feels worth the outlay if you're looking to take your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience up a notch or five.
It's priced at €1,028 and $1,198 in the U.S., but you'll have to wait a while to get your hands on one. Pre-orders are open, but shipping isn't currently expected until October.
Nevertheless, this looks like a simple way to add realism to your experience. Fitted up with the best flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, it'll be a pretty nifty setup all round.
Importantly, it's also not particularly massive or over the top. It may not fold away, but the seat can be detached if you need a little extra space when you're not using it.
I really like it, even if I'm not the target audience. I think anyone who is would be very happy with it.
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