Presented by Nicki Repenning, the founder of Honeycomb Aeronautical, who was also involved in management issues at that company in the past, Meridian GMT aims to be a new company with solid values, bringing a new approach to flight simulation hardware.
Multi-Purpose & Modularity
Nicki Repenning starts the presentation by mentioning the way products work in the flight simulation industry. One gets a product, and once the flight simmer starts evolving and learning more, he or she acquires a more advanced product, which replaces the previous one. However, according to Nicki, Meridian GMT’s focus is quality since the start. Since products are “expandable,” you will be able to add more features to the previous ones, without having to discard older ones.
Additionally, the advantage of modularity, as Nicki Repenning explains, is that everything is replaceable, meaning that if something breaks, you can easily find a replacement part without having to get an entire new product. The company has 35 products in the roadmap so far.
The Sierra Plus Flight Controls
Being the “flagship product” of the company, Nicki gives an example on how the products will be set up. For example, a standard (Sierra Flight Controls) category, a premium (Sierra Plus Flight Controls) category, and an expert one (Sierra Pro Flight Controls). However, this is not confirmed at all, as he explained, “Now I’m not saying that we’re coming with three yokes at some point, but maybe we will, who knows.”
The Sierra Plus Flight Controls is the evolution of yokes from the past, with new designs and features, according to Nicki. The yoke comes with a magnet in the centerpiece, which can be used as an iPad or clipboard holder in the center of the yoke, as shown below.
Additionally, the yoke features two powerful vibration motors. Although they are not force feedback, they will be able to shake the yoke in different contexts, such as touchdown. Furthermore, 50% more pitch was added, which is an increase of 45 millimeters.
Moreover, a “quick release” function was added, meaning that you can take the whole yoke off the panel. Nicki wanted to add this as he found that his older products were mainly focused on general aviation. This feature will allow the user to switch between different yokes, depending on the plane that is going to be flown.
Continuing along with the multi-purpose and modularity of the new products, the Sierra Plus Flight Controls will have different configurations, which have slight differences on the panel, as shown below. Additionally, Integrated Mounting Points will also be available. Made of aluminum, the frame will not only provide support to the panel, but it will also allow it to be quickly taken on and off the table.
Although there seem to be a lot of new features, Nick highlights its accessibility in terms of price, as they will be priced at €299.99.
The Tango Plus Throttle Quadrant
The Tango Plus Throttle Quadrant is focused on being more than just for general aviation. Nicki once again highlights how the product is completely modifiable, meaning that it will feature different configurations depending on which plane is going to be flown, as shown below.
The quadrant will not only have single and multi engine general aviation configurations, but it will also feature commercial aircraft ones, such as the B737 and A320, both with their respective autopilot panels.
The X-Ray Flight Controller
Featuring different configurations, such as general and commercial aviation, the controller was the result of the feedback the company has received from different communities. Although Nicki did not share much information about how it works, the images show the different functionalities it will feature, as shown below.
Closing Notes
Meridian GMT, focused on delivering better flight sim hardware for enthusiasts worldwide, has shown enthusiasm and excitement for this new project, which aims to revolutionize the flight simulation hardware industry. The full presentation can be watched here. If you would like to read more about Honeycomb Aeronautical, Nicki’s past project, do not hesitate to check out our articles.
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