Thrustmaster

Last updated
Thrustmaster
Company type Brand
IndustryComputer & game console peripherals
Founded1990;34 years ago (1990), Oregon, United States
HeadquartersHillsboro, Oregon, United States
ProductsSteering wheel, joysticks, gamepads
Parent Guillemot Corporation
Website www.thrustmaster.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Thrustmaster is an American designer, developer and manufacturer of joysticks, game controllers, and steering wheels for PCs and video gaming consoles. It has licensing agreements with third party brands as Airbus, Boeing, Ferrari, Gran Turismo and U.S. Air Force as well as licensing some products under Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox licenses.

Contents

History

A Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas-X from 2008 Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas-X.jpg
A Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas-X from 2008
A Thrustmaster T.16000M joystick (2009) Thrustmaster T16000M 7937.jpg
A Thrustmaster T.16000M joystick (2009)

Norm Winningstad helped found Thrustmaster in 1990 in Hillsboro, Oregon. [1] By early 1991 the company began advertising the Thrustmaster Weapons Control System in computer magazines. It worked mainly on developing flight control for simulation on IBM Compatible Computers. The company has utilized the HOTAS system for use in computer flight simulation and has modeled some controllers after flight controls of real aircraft. The company made its name in making expensive but high-quality HOTAS controllers in the mid-1990s. By 1995, its sales grew to $15 million, and then to $25 million by 1998. [2]

In July 1999, the gaming peripherals operations and brand name was acquired from Thrustmaster for $15 million by the Guillemot Corporation Group of France (which also bought Hercules Computer Technology that same year and merged the two companies in a company called Hercules Thrustmaster, with headquarters in Carentoir, France, while keeping the 2 brands separate). [2]

The new Thrustmaster company gradually extended the product portfolio beyond flight simulation to other simulation peripherals for PC, PlayStation and Xbox consoles:

In 2019, Thrustmaster turnover is €59 million (US$66 million). [3]

HOTAS Cougar

Formerly one of their most expensive joysticks is the HOTAS Cougar, a close but not exact reproduction of both the throttle and stick that is used in the real F-16 block 52 fighter aircraft. [4] The product features all-metal construction and numerous programming possibilities but is hampered by low-quality potentiometers, leading to a thriving replacement industry. Some of the devices have had reported quality problems, including play in the centering springs and the tendency of the speedbrake switch to break due to a manufacturing defect (this has been fixed on later serial numbers).

Many independent companies[ who? ] have produced replacement components for the Cougar to address these issues. These include redesigned gimbals that center more firmly, contactless potentiometers to replace worn originals, and even several force-controlled mods that make the stick sense pressure without moving (similar to an F-16 stick). Besides fixing complaints with the original product, these aftermarket parts have the potential to extend the life of the Cougar well past the time when Thrustmaster stops supporting it, but usually at double, even triple the price of the original purchase. However, the market for such mods tends to be limited, and many customers keep their Cougars as they came from the factory.

The HOTAS Cougar was replaced by the HOTAS Warthog in 2010, which replicates the flight controls used in the A-10 Thunderbolt II, using Hall effect sensors for the joystick and throttle axes instead of potentiometers.

Ferrari partnership

In 1999, [5] Thrustmaster made their first ever replica wheel of the Ferrari 360 Modena. This is then followed in 2002 when a wheel was inspired by seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher. After three years, Thrustmaster came out with the Enzo racing wheel.

The next wheel to come out was in May 2010 when the concept of the Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition racing wheel comes out. In July of that same year the Cockpit is named "Product of the Month" and crowned "#1 Racing Wheel" for July/August by Spanish magazine Playmania.

Then in August 2011, the 458 Italia wheel is released making the first time a wheel was licensed by Microsoft. After that at the 2011 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Italy, they unveil new products under the Ferrari License. The two products were the Ferrari F1 Wheel Integral T500 and the Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-on. Later in 2011 with Ferrari make two Thrustmaster Gamepads under the colors of the Ferrari 150th Italia. They were the F1 Wireless Gamepad Ferrari 150th Italia Alonso Edition and the F1 Dual Analog Gamepad Ferrari 150th Italia Exclusive Edition.

2013 saw the release of the TX Racing Wheel 458 Italia Edition with Brushless motors and magnetic sensors.

2014 saw the release of the most affordable wheel to ever have an official Microsoft License at just under US$100, the Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel. 2015 had the release of the T150 Ferrari Wheel Force Feedback.

2018 saw the last Ferrari product with Thrustmaster for now with a Bundle of the T.Racing Scuderia Ferrari Edition headset and the 599xx Evo wheel.

In 2021, Thrustmaster unveiled a sim racing replica of the Ferrari SF1000 wheel.

Thrustmaster Civil Aviation

A Thrustmaster TCA Airbus Edition sidestick Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick 0376.jpg
A Thrustmaster TCA Airbus Edition sidestick

In 2020, Thrustmaster launched the Thrustmaster Civil Aviation (TCA) line with the TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition, a 1:1 replica of the sidestick on an Airbus A320, followed by the miniaturized TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition, which replicates the throttle, and finally the TCA Throttle Quadrant Add-On Airbus Edition, which replicated the flaps, speed brake, landing gear, and parking brake controls, among others. The sidestick and throttle quadrant were sold together as the TCA Officer Pack Airbus Edition, and with the add-on sold as the TCA Captains Pack Airbus Edition in 2021. [6]

In 2021, the Airbus products were followed by the TCA Yoke Pack Boeing Edition, which is a replica of the yoke on a Boeing 787 and a three-axis quadrant, which can be configured with flaps, throttle, and spoilers, which were eventually available separately. [7]

Hybrid racing wheels

The company is well known for its racing steering wheel controllers using hybrid gear and belt-driven mechanics. This type of controllers is a golden mean between the two competing technologies.

2015 saw the release of the T150 RS racing wheel with a 1080-degree angle of rotation and potentiometer sensors.

2021 saw the release of the T248 racing wheel with a 1080-degree angle of rotation and magnetic sensors; a 3-pedal T3PM pedal unit was included with the T248 wheel kit. The T3PM unit features an adjustable brake pedal.

2022 saw the release of the T128 racing wheel with a 900-degree angle of rotation and magnetic sensors; an entry-level 2-pedal T2PM pedal unit was included. This was created as the budget version of the T248 racing wheel. The T2PM unit is not adjustable, has a small size, but it also has two holes for hex bolts making the mounting possible.

2023 saw the release of the T818 direct-drive wheel base. This is just the base with no pedals or wheel.

Products

Flying

ProductPrice (USD)Device
TPR Rudder $599.99PC
TCA Yoke Pack (Boeing) $499.99PC & Xbox
TCA Captain Pack (Airbus) $299.99PC & Xbox

Driving

ProductPrice (USD)DeviceTorque (nM)
T80$109.99 - 129.99PC, Playstation & Xboxn/a
T128$199.99PC, Playstation & Xbox2
T150$189.99 - 206.99PC & Playstation2
TMX$189.99 - 206.99PC & Xbox2
T300 Wheelbase$229.99PC & Playstation3.9
TX Wheelbase$229.99PC & Xbox3.9
T248$399.99PC, Playstation & Xbox3.5
TS-PC Servo Base$399.99PC6
T300 RS GT Edition$449.99PC & Playstation3.9
TS-XW Servo Base$449.99PC & Xbox6
T598 Direct Axial Drive$499.99PC & Playstation5-10
T-GT II Servo Base$499.99PC & Playstation6
T818 Direct Drive Base$649.99PC10

Software support

Linux kernel support for various steering wheel models was added in March 2021. [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joystick</span> Control lever used in aircraft and video games

A joystick, sometimes called a flight stick, is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Also known as the control column, it is the principal control device in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a centre stick or side-stick. It has various switches to control functions of the aircraft controlled by the Pilot and First Officer of the flight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Game controller</span> Device used with games or entertainment systems

A game controller, gaming controller, or simply controller, is an input device or input/output device used with video games or entertainment systems to provide input to a video game. Input devices that have been classified as game controllers include keyboards, mice, gamepads, and joysticks, as well as special purpose devices, such as steering wheels for driving games and light guns for shooting games. Controllers designs have evolved to include directional pads, multiple buttons, analog sticks, joysticks, motion detection, touch screens and a plethora of other features.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microsoft SideWinder</span> Digital video game controllers

Microsoft SideWinder is a former brand name for a family of video gaming peripherals developed by Microsoft for PCs. It was initially marketed from 1995 to 2003 consisting of game controllers, then again from 2007 until the early 2010s with gaming mice and keyboards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sim racing</span> Video game genre

Simulated racing or racing simulation, commonly known as simply sim racing, are the collective terms for racing game software that attempts to accurately simulate auto racing, complete with real-world variables such as fuel usage, damage, tire wear and grip, and suspension settings. To be competitive in sim racing, a driver must understand all aspects of car handling that make real-world racing so difficult, such as threshold braking, how to maintain control of a car as the tires lose traction, and how properly to enter and exit a turn without sacrificing speed. It is this level of difficulty that distinguishes sim racing from arcade racing-style driving games where real-world variables are taken out of the equation and the principal objective is to create a sense of speed as opposed to a sense of realism like the Need for Speed series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simulation cockpit</span> Cockpit used for training pilots with a flight simulator

A simulation cockpit, simpit or sim rig is an environment designed to replicate a vehicle cockpit. Although many pits commonly designed around an aircraft cockpit, the term is equally valid for train, spacecraft or car projects.

A semi-automatic transmission is a multiple-speed transmission where part of its operation is automated, but the driver's input is still required to launch the vehicle from a standstill and to manually change gears. Semi-automatic transmissions were almost exclusively used in motorcycles and are based on conventional manual transmissions or sequential manual transmissions, but use an automatic clutch system. But some semi-automatic transmissions have also been based on standard hydraulic automatic transmissions with torque converters and planetary gearsets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferrari F430</span> V8 sports car manufactured by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari as a successor to the 360

The Ferrari F430 is a sports car produced by the Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari from 2004 until 2009 as a successor to the Ferrari 360. The car is an update to the 360 with exterior and performance changes. It was unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. The F430 was succeeded by the 458 which was unveiled on 28 July 2009. An estimated 16,750 F430s were produced between 2005 and 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HOTAS</span> Man-machine interface concept for cockpit design

HOTAS, an acronym of hands on throttle-and-stick, is the concept of placing buttons and switches on the throttle lever and flight control stick in an aircraft cockpit. By adopting such an arrangement, pilots are capable of performing all vital functions as well as flying the aircraft without having to remove their hands from the controls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yoke (aeronautics)</span> Aircraft controls

A yoke, alternatively known as a control wheel or a control column, is a device used for piloting some fixed-wing aircraft.

Saitek is a designer and manufacturer of consumer electronics founded in 1979 by Swiss technologist Eric Winkler. They are best known for their PC gaming controllers, mice, keyboards, and their numerous analogue flight controllers such as joysticks, throttles, and rudder pedals.

A transmission control unit (TCU), also known as a transmission control module (TCM), or a gearbox control unit (GCU), is a type of automotive ECU that is used to control electronic automatic transmissions. Similar systems are used in conjunction with various semi-automatic transmissions, purely for clutch automation and actuation. A TCU in a modern automatic transmission generally uses sensors from the vehicle, as well as data provided by the engine control unit (ECU), to calculate how and when to change gears in the vehicle for optimum performance, fuel economy and shift quality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hercules Computer Technology</span> Former computer peripheral company

Hercules Computer Technology, Inc. was a manufacturer of computer peripherals for PCs and Macs founded in 1982.

<i>Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli</i> 2008 racing video game

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a racing game developed by Eutechnyx and published by System 3, based on the Ferrari Challenge, a single-marque motorsport championship. The game features 14 playable tracks and Ferrari's own Fiorano test track, a vinyl editor and online play for all versions except the PS2. The Nintendo DS version, developed by Firebrand Games, features wireless multiplayer and the Wii version utilizes Wii Remote steering and support for the Wii Wheel. The game primarily features the driving and racing of the Ferrari F430 Challenge, along with a series of Ferrari road and racing cars that can be unlocked.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel</span>

The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel was developed by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 and was introduced at E3 2006. Released in November 2006, the force feedback steering wheel controller includes the standard gamepad buttons along with floor-mounted accelerator and brake pedals. Although the wheel is capable of running truly wirelessly from a standard Xbox 360 battery pack, use of the force feedback and active resistance features requires an external AC adapter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Side-stick</span> Aircraft control

A side-stick or sidestick controller is an aircraft control stick that is located on the side console of the pilot, usually on the righthand side, or outboard on a two-seat flightdeck. Typically this is found in aircraft that are equipped with fly-by-wire control systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sim racing wheel</span> Video game controller

A sim racing wheel is a control device for use in racing games, racing simulators, and driving simulators. They are usually packaged with a large paddle styled as a steering wheel, along with a set of pedals for the accelerator, brake, and clutch, as well as transmission controls. An analog wheel and pedal set such as this allows the user to accurately manipulate steering angle and pedal control that is required to properly manage a simulated car, as opposed to digital control such as a keyboard. The relatively large range of motion further allows the user to more accurately apply the controls. Racing wheels have been developed for use with arcade games, game consoles, personal computers, and also for professional driving simulators for race drivers.

Cruden B.V. is a Dutch motion-based racing simulator designing and manufacturing company based in Amsterdam. Founders of Cruden have been developing professional motion simulators since the 1990s. Their experience in designing simulators for aerospace industry led them to use this knowledge to branch out into the marine, automotive and motorsport industries. Cruden is also branded as Hexatech.

Pointman is a seated user interface for controlling one's avatar in a 3D virtual environment. It combines head tracking, a gamepad, and sliding foot pedals to provide positional control over many aspects of the avatar's posture. Pointman was developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to support the use of dismounted infantry simulation for USMC training and mission rehearsal. NRL's goal in developing Pointman was to extend the range and precision of actions supported by virtual simulators, to better represent what infantrymen can do.

A direct-drive simulator steering wheel is a simulator steering wheel with a direct-drive mechanism between the drive and output, i.e. without gearing, and is used similarly as with other simulator steering wheels for providing torque feedback so that the driver, through movement in the steering wheel, gets an interface for sensing what is happening to the car in the simulator. It is an example of human–computer interaction in driving simulators, racing simulators, and racing video games, and is an example of haptic technology

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simulator pedal</span>

A simulator pedal, sim pedal or gaming pedal is a pedal used in a simulator for entertainment or training. Common examples are throttle and brake pedals for driving simulators, and rudder pedals for flight simulators. For minimum latency, they are often connected to a computer or gaming console via cabling, for example with USB-C.

References

  1. "Norm Winningstad, high-tech pioneer and philanthropist in Oregon, dies at 85". The Oregonian . November 24, 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  2. 1 2 "Guillemot Corporation -- Company History". www.company-histories.com. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  3. "Guillemot Corporation -- Turnover 2019" (PDF). www.guillemot.com. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  4. "Falcon 4.0: Allied Force". CBS News.
  5. "History | Thrustmaster".
  6. "Airbus".
  7. "THRUSTMASTER TEAMS UP WITH BOEING TO INNOVATE AND CREATE NEW TCA PERIPHERALS: A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, WHERE DREAMS MEET REALITY".
  8. "Better Support For Thrustmaster Steering Wheels Is Driving To The Linux Kernel - Phoronix". Phoronix . Retrieved 2021-03-31.