Force Feedback for All
High-torque force feedback that transforms simulation from visual to physical: stall buffet, trim forces, and aerodynamic loading you feel through your hand.
Modern Force Feedback for Serious Sim Pilots
The VPforce Rhino delivers up to 9 Nm of torque with smooth, precise, zero-slop control and force feedback far beyond legacy consumer sticks. Based on refined open-source design, the Rhino transforms simulation from visual exercise to physical experience. Stall onset, trim motion, buffeting, and subtle aerodynamic cues come through sharply and consistently.
Windows recognizes the Rhino as a native FFB device. In simulators with built-in support like Condor and FFB-enabled aircraft in DCS, it works immediately. For simulators lacking native FFB, VPforce TelemFFB adds telemetry-driven effects for MSFS, X-Plane, IL-2, and Falcon BMS, producing trim feel, airframe loading, rotor dynamics, weapon recoil, and many other forces derived from real-time flight data.
VPforce Configurator writes settings directly to firmware: centering force, damping, friction, motor limits, travel adjustment, and multiple onboard profiles per aircraft. These adjustments run entirely on hardware with no background applications required.
Complete Plug-and-Play Base or DIY Motor Kits
The Rhino FFB base is a complete plug-and-play joystick solution: connect power, USB, and your grip—no assembly, wiring, or technical configuration required. Compatible with VKB, Virpil, WinWing, and Thrustmaster-style grips. Long throw (up to 44°) configurable in firmware for fighter-style handling. Over 5 kg base weight with integrated cooling and 180W power supply for sustained force loads. Designed for chair, rig, or floor mounting only (not suitable for desktop use).
For DIY builders, VPforce motor kits provide the motor control electronics and drive systems to realize any FFB control: custom pedal systems, yokes, collective levers, or modified existing hardware like MFG Crosswind, Thrustmaster TPR, Virpil pedals, and more. The hard electrical engineering is solved; focus on mechanical design while the motor control, anti-cogging algorithms, and firmware foundation are handled.
Technical Specifications
Force & Physical
- Torque: Up to 9 Nm per axis
- Weight: >5 kg base
- Travel: Up to 44°
- Cooling: Dual-fan active
Grip Support
- Thrustmaster-style (direct)
- Virpil (direct): MongoosT-50, WarBRD, Alpha, Alpha Prime, VFX, AH-64, UH-60, FLNKR
- FC Technologies
- Custom Grips (via shift-register)
- VKB (via adapter)
- WinWing (via adapter)
Simulators
- DCS World
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- X-Plane
- IL-2 Great Battles
- Falcon BMS
- Condor Soaring
Power & Mounting
- PSU: 180W (included)
- Mounting: Cockpit/rig required
- Not for desktop use
New to Force Feedback? Start Here
What's Included?
Rhino Base includes:
- Complete FFB joystick base
- 180W power supply with cable
- USB cable
- Emergency stop button (built-in)
- Rotary encoder for force adjustment
Available separately from VPforce:
- Grip adapters (VKB, WinWing)
- MonsterTech-compatible steel mounting plate (includes M5 mounting bolts, works with MonsterTech aluminum frames or can be modified for custom mounting)
- Throw limiter plates (reduce travel range)
Not included (order separately):
- Joystick grip (Thrustmaster/Virpil/VKB/WinWing from grip manufacturers)
- Extension (from grip manufacturer, optional)
- Mounting bolts (self-source M5 bolts, or included with optional MonsterTech mounting plate)
What Do I Need to Get Started?
From VPforce (required):
- Rhino FFB base (includes power supply, USB cable)
- Grip adapter if using VKB or WinWing grips (Thrustmaster/Virpil mount directly)
From grip manufacturer (required separately):
- Joystick grip: Thrustmaster (Warthog/Cougar), Virpil, VKB, or WinWing
- Extension (optional): Purchase from your grip manufacturer (Virpil, VKB, Thrustmaster, etc.) for taller mounting if desired
- VKB users: Also need VKB black box controller for grip operation
Other requirements:
- Rigid mounting solution: Cockpit rig, chair mount, or floor mount (not desktop compatible)
- Windows PC: USB port and standard power outlet
- Simulator software: DCS, MSFS, X-Plane, IL-2, Falcon BMS, or Condor
Shipping & Delivery
Processing time: 1-7 business days before shipment
VPforce shipping times (from Europe):
- USA: Typically under 7 days door-to-door (UPS, FedEx)
- Europe: 3-7 business days
- Canada/Australia/Asia: 7-14 business days
All orders include tracking. Customs duties/VAT may apply for non-EU destinations (buyer responsibility).
Important: These are VPforce processing and shipping times for the Rhino base and accessories only. If ordering grips or extensions from Virpil, VKB, Thrustmaster, or WinWing, check those manufacturers' separate shipping timelines.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use it on a desktop?
No. The Rhino requires rigid mounting to a cockpit, rig, or floor mount due to its weight (>5 kg) and high torque output.
Q: Does it work with my grip?
Thrustmaster and Virpil grips mount directly. VKB and WinWing require adapters (sold separately).
Q: Do I need special software?
No. The Rhino works as a native Windows FFB device. VPforce Configurator (free) adjusts settings. TelemFFB (free) adds effects for sims without native FFB.
Q: Is it difficult to set up?
Basic setup takes 15-30 minutes: mount base, attach grip, connect cables, calibrate axes. Fine-tuning force feedback settings is optional and done through software.
Order Rhino Base
Order the complete Rhino FFB joystick base system
Order FFB Kits & Accessories
DIY motor kits, upgrade components, and replacement parts
Firmware & Software
WebUSB firmware updates, configurator, and official manuals
Documentation
User manual, DIY community projects, third-party products, and troubleshooting guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Rhino damage my grip or other hardware?
The Rhino is designed for standard flight sim grips and poses no risk to properly installed equipment. The emergency stop button provides immediate motor cutoff if needed. Follow installation instructions carefully, particularly when mounting grips with extensions.
How loud is the Rhino during operation?
Motor noise is minimal during normal operation. Cooling fans activate when motors reach 50°C and produce moderate noise comparable to a laptop fan. Most users report the Rhino is quieter than expected for a high-torque FFB system.
Do I need to buy a grip and extension separately?
Yes. The Rhino base does not include a joystick grip. You must purchase a compatible grip separately from manufacturers like Virpil, VKB, Thrustmaster, or WinWing. Extensions (for taller stick mounting) are also purchased separately from the same grip manufacturers, not from VPforce. VPforce provides the base and adapters; grip manufacturers provide grips and extensions.
Can I share or download force feedback profiles?
Profile sharing is uncommon in the Rhino community due to hardware diversity (DIY builds, different grips, extension lengths, mounting styles). A profile optimized for one setup often doesn't transfer well to another. We recommend building your own baseline configuration using the Configurator software, starting with damping, inertia, and spring force before adding telemetry effects.
What maintenance does the Rhino require?
Minimal routine maintenance: occasional belt tension checks, bearing inspection, and cleaning dust from cooling vents. Belts may need replacement after extended heavy use (typically years). Detailed maintenance procedures are in the documentation.
Does the Rhino work with game controllers or console systems?
No. The Rhino is designed exclusively for Windows PCs and requires DirectX Force Feedback API support. It does not work with Xbox, PlayStation, or generic game controller interfaces.
Can I upgrade or modify my Rhino later?
Yes. Firmware updates are delivered via WebUSB. Mechanical modifications include adding throw limiters, extensions, or different grips. The VPforce community has extensive DIY documentation for custom modifications and builds using VPforce motor kits.
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