Product Overview
The Black Shark KA50 grip is a high-precision joystick controller designed specifically for flight simulation enthusiasts. While retaining the original KA50’s core functionality, it significantly increases the number of buttons and axes, improves multi-aircraft compatibility, and supports app-based calibration. It is suitable for fine control of various helicopters (e.g., DCS: Ka-50/Apache/Mi-8, etc., as well as various models in Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane) and various fixed-wing aircraft.
Main Features
Enhanced Axis Control (plus 5 axes from the force feedback base)
- Collective Axis X (main helicopter control)– used for helicopter lift adjustment.
- Dual Throttle Axes (newly added left-side dual axes)
Left-side axes Z and RZ: can be bound to helicopter throttles (e.g., independent left/right engine control for the Ka-50) or fixed-wing throttles (e.g., single throttle or twin-engine throttle for fighters).
- Stick RX/RY Axes– high-precision Hall sensors with automatic center dead zone, providing anti-drift precision for accurate flight control. RX and RY can also trigger virtual buttons for more use scenarios
Significantly Expanded Button Layout
- Front panel:
Two 3-position toggle switches (upgraded from the original 2-position)– can be bound to more complex functions such as weapon modes, radar scanning, flap control, throttle control, landing gear control, etc.
- Left side:
Two new axes– canbe configured for throttle or other axis controls.
- Bottom:
Seven new buttons– can be bound to more custom functions. When flying tandem-seat helicopters like the Apache, these can be used to bind George AI commands and other auxiliary functions.
- Total number of buttons: increased by more than 50% compared to the original version, meeting high-end simulation requirements
Multi-Aircraft Compatibility
Thanks to the dual throttle axes + 3-position toggles, perfectly compatible with：
- Helicopters (e.g., Ka-50, Mi-24, UH-1, Apache, etc.)
- Fixed-wing aircraft (e.g., F/A-18, F-16, various civil airliners)
- Ground vehicles (e.g., tank throttle control
Companion App Calibration
Supports individual calibration of all 5 axes; also allows adjustment of force feedback
parameters including gravity compensation, damping, and end-stop force.
User Guide
Installation & Connection
- Mount the grip onto the matching force feedback base (M36×2.0 thread interface). Connect the 5-pin cable to the corresponding port on the control box.
- Secure the force feedback base in a suitable position.
- Connect the 24V power supply to the force feedback base.
- Connect the control box to your PC via USB– plug-and-play, no driver required.
- Press the START button on the control box once.
- Download and install the official app. In the app, select the Collective Stick option, then set gravity compensation and other parameters.
- Select the corresponding grip model KA50 (distinct from VPC-KA50).
- Calibrate all 5 axes in sequence (push each axis to its min/max range– the app will
automatically record).
Precautions
- Avoid hot-plugging the 5-pin data cable. Always power off before swapping compatible grips.
- Avoid harsh operating environments. Prevent dust from affecting Hall sensor accuracy.
- If buttons are unresponsive or other abnormal conditions occur that cannot be resolved via the app, try powering off / disconnecting USB, then reconnecting power and USB, and restart following the START button sequence.
Compatible Games
- DCS World
- Microsoft Flight Simulator series
- X-Plane series
- IL-2, and the vast majority of commercially available PC flight simulation software for Windows.
