X-Ray Handheld FlightDeck™
Introducing the X-Ray Handheld FlightDeck™
Let’s be honest, no controller is going to replace a proper flight stick, and we’re not pretending this will. But instead of awkwardly bolting on a bunch of tiny sliders to try to include every lever found on a throttle, we went the other way: providing a pure flying experience and embracing what a flight sim controller should be, a compact, immersive, and tactile flying experience. The X-Ray isn’t trying to hide its controller roots. It proudly delivers the feel of flying, not by overcomplication, but by nailing the sensations that actually matter in the cockpit.
You’ll feel it the moment you flip the 2-position gear lever and the gear indicator lights click on. Or when you slide the spring-loaded flap lever through its detents, that with the ModulAir™ inserts, can be perfectly tuned for Boeing, Airbus, and GA aircraft. That same lever, with a quick swap of inserts, becomes your rescue hoist or fire-retardant drop lever in helicopter and air tanker Opps, for all the new missions in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Power management is handled through 3 ModulAir™ modules. A helicopter collective plus two interchangeable throttles: A traditional single-axis throttle and an Airbus-style detent throttle, so you can match the power controls to your aircraft, whether you’re lining up on Runway 27 or managing the TOGA detent mid-climb.
And speaking of the helicopter collective, the scrolling trim wheel is perfectly positioned to double as your collective twist throttle in helicopter configuration. (Rotorheads, rejoice.)
Buttons? Plenty. But staying true to a familiar controller layout and never overwhelming. Every standard button, as well as the D-pad, is clearly labeled using ModulAir™ magnetic faceplates that swap between aircraft and helicopter layouts, labeling all functions so you don’t have to memorize what each button does. With the modifier button held, each button has a second layer of functions, unlocking full autopilot and radio stack controls right at your fingertips. This isn’t just a controller; it’s a portable flight deck, neatly configured to support both Barnstorming, buzzing the tower, or executing real-time IFR and ATC procedures.
And just because you’re flying compact doesn’t mean you sacrifice control fidelity. The Quantum Leap 16-bit TMR sensors on the main stick and throttle use quantum mechanics to deliver precise, contactless position reporting that not only eliminates stick drift but also holds calibration forever, smooth as butter, solid as a rivet.
To complete the flying experience, we added a second set of analog triggers, mounted inside the grip, giving you independent rudder control and differential braking (or, in military aircraft, rudder + weapons fire). Turns out, that dogfight in a Hornet just got a lot more interesting.
The 3.5 mm ATC headset port has a trick up its sleeve, but you’ll have to wait till you pull out the “Remove Before Flight” tag plugged into the port on the launch edition to discover what it is.
30 hours of battery, USB-C charging, and the previously mentioned built-in headset port round out the checklist.
It’s ready to fly on Console, PC, Mac, and smart TVs with Game Pass compatibility (LG, Samsung, etc.) as soon as ATC in the licensing tower has cleared us for takeoff.
There’s no doubt that the X-Ray Handheld FlightDeck™ is the closest thing to bringing a cockpit into your living room. Get ready to have the whole world at your fingertips.
Thank you for your patience, and welcome aboard.
Nicki Repenning
Founder, Meridian GMT, et al
