Honeycomb Aeronautical, well known to simmers for its high-end flight simulation equipment (yokes, quadrants, etc.), has just announced an unexpected product: the Echo Aviation ControllerA gamepad designed entirely for flight simulation. Release date: [Date to be inserted] mid-December 2025, at the price of €149,99.
The objective is clear: to offer an all-in-one controllercompact and accessible, allowing piloting Microsoft Flight Simulator (and other Sims) without needing a complete setup Yoke + pedals + throttle. A bold proposition, especially for a market dominated by large, often bulky peripherals.
A cockpit compressed into a joystick
Honeycomb isn't talking about a simple "gamepad" here. The Echo includes all the essential aspects of management :
- Pitch / Roll via a high-precision analog stick
- Yaw (Rudder) : through two opposing rear paddlesmimicking the movement of pedals
- Throttle : four independent leverscompatible with single or multi-motor systems
- Trim Wheel : a real physical dial
- Essential systems : physical controls for landing gear, flaps, parking brake
In other words : a complete set of aircraft controlsbut compressed into a portable controller format. For Honeycomb, this is a way to offer a believable experience. on a train, on a plane, on the sofa, or on a minimalist setup.
Who is this controller designed for?
This product is primarily targeted at:
- the simmers who don't have the space to install a large setup (yoke/pedals/throttle)
- players who want to steal from a laptopat home or on the go
- beginners wishing an accessible entrance in the world of flight sims
- fans of Flight Simulator wanting a controller plug-and-play without complex configuration
Honeycomb admits it: the Echo is designed as an entrance door, a way to reduce technical and financial barriers before investing in larger equipment.
The main features
✔️ Complete control in a single device
Pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim and essential avionics systems.
✔️ Analog stick dedicated to flying
A precise axis for smoother control than on a classic controller.
✔️ 4 Independent Throttles
Allows the Echo to be used with a Cessna as well as with a twin-engine or quad-engine aircraft.
✔️ Integrated Trim Wheel
A real plus: trim control is often lacking on traditional controllers.
✔️ Integrated pedal system
The opposing rear paddles mimic the behavior of real steering pedals.
✔️ Physical controls for systems
No longer needing to map half your keyboard for the landing gear or flaps.
✔️ Compact size
Designed for small offices, lightweight setups, or simulation on the go.
Honeycomb's vision
Marc Küpper, CTO of Honeycomb, sums up the strategy well:
“We want to lower the barrier to entry for simulation. You no longer need a complete rig to get started. The Echo Aviation Controller is designed as a simple and accessible entry point, which can support the brand's growth in 2026 and beyond.”
Honeycomb knows that not everyone has a dedicated office or €500+ to invest all at once.
The Echo thus appears as a compromise between immersion and accessibility.
Price and availability
- Price: €149,99 / $149,99 / £129,99
- Release date: mid-December 2025
- Platform: PC (Windows)
- Compatible Microsoft Flight Simulator + other simulators
Should we keep an eye on it?
For demanding simmers already equipped with Honeycomb Alpha/Bravo or equivalent equipment, the Echo will probably not be intended to replace a complete setup.
On the other hand :
- for beginners,
- for Nomadic players,
- for those who want a plug-and-fly controller,
- or users who do not have neither the space nor the budget for an entire cockpit,
… the Echo Aviation Controller could become a very attractive solution.
Honeycomb promises a true aviation experience – not just a redesigned gamepad. Of course, we'll have to wait for the first tests to verify the stick's precision, the throttle feel, and the accuracy of the rudder system.
