DK-2 KATANA
The
Katana is a sky slicing evolution of desktop based flight simulation. While likely odd looking to some, the Katana blends both form follows function design artistry with a fully featured “Desk Koncept” for advanced flight simulation.
The DK-2, much like it’s smaller sibling the DK-1, offers total immersion and incredible realism without taking up a lot of floor space. The core differences are the extended height of the DK-2 allows for an additional storage shelf that can house large 12″ books or binders and the DK-2 offers two internal width variations of 38″ and the standard 48″ width. The optional smaller width gives a more “form fitting” experience for fighter jet emulation while the standard width, which matches the DK-1 Kotori, allows for the same style of panel mounted avionics. The DK-1, DK-2, and DK-X panels are in fact all cross-compatible.
And just like it’s shorter sibling, the DK-2 allows for monitors of 22″ up to 32″ for the main desktop panel display. Other features carried over as shown include the same deck mounted variations for yoke, mouse, keyboard, and side mounted “HOTAS” styled throttle / joystick deck combinations for flying fighter jets. Therefore the DK-2 is packed with a ton of features and flexibility.
In designing the DK-2 Katana we wanted a system that could do everything. With using any desk based “single seat simulator” you are already somewhat emulating the basic size, style, and general layout of a military fighter jet and so we wanted to accent that but we also wanted the DK-2 to able to fly any other aircraft as well. Because of this we decided to offer the two widths, a standard 48″ width, and a reduced 38″ width. Using the larger standard width with a main display of up to 32″ still allows for any common panel mounted equipment from any number of retailers as well the inclusion of an iPad dock for use as your modern EFB (Electronic Flight Bag). The reduced width can also allow for a 32″ display but would require that avionics be mounted flat on side decks located on each side of the pilots arms, just like how they exist in any fighter jet.
Regardless, using a 22″ up to a 32″ display for primary flight instrumentation will allow for all 2D virtual panel gauges to be displayed in true 1:1 scale, or in some cases can display the entire panel in 1:1 scale as would be for a small general aviation Cessna or a big fighter jet such as an F-14. Any large display such as 32″ can also allow for any airliner “captains side” panel and center EICAS console to render in a near true 1:1 scale. As was purposefully designed, the DK-2 brings near true to life realism for any aircraft be that of general aviation, airliners, or even fighter jets!
Another big factor in re-designing the DK series was a desire to allow you to still enjoy any of the numerous 3D “virtual cockpit” sets that are today’s norm from well respected sim aircraft designers. The use of larger LCD screens as shown will also greatly help you to see all the gauges in any virtual “3D cockpit” in much greater detail just as it will with any 2D panel experience. As you can see in the images, using a large 27″ (on Saitek model) or 32″ display (on Goflight model) will easily provide a “best of both worlds” experience for those simmers who equally love 2D panel sets as much as 3D virtual cockpits. A new exterior view can also be created to span across the upper three displays. All of these configuring options and how to do so are greatly detailed in the SimSamurai UGTAFS.
By including these new options for larger displays, SimSamurai has purposefully future-proofed our desk based solutions for the latest in UHD (Ultra HD) display technology. Whether using a 27″, 32″ or 40″ UHD monitor for the instrument panel, as well any 24″ up to 32″ for the upper shelf exterior view displays, the DK-1 / DK-2 series is ready for ultra-high definition!
Lastly, the upper deck and two enlarged side wall “window” cutouts now allow for 32” displays (previously 27″) and allow for installation of two optional platform extensions which will allow for up to five 32″ displays in total for full 180 degree visual immersion. These same platform extensions can also be integrated into the smaller DK-1 design as well.
While some people have found the DK series to be a little odd looking, their modern and efficient forms serve the one key goal of providing you with an
incredibly immersive sim environment and each one does so with a small footprint and low cost to build or purchase. No other flight sim cockpit manufacturer has ever offered this type of flexibility nor as many configuration options and if they ever have, it’s always at twice the cost.
Other core features includes a height adjustable main deck with three settings to accommodate 40″ displays (lowest setting) up to 22″ displays (highest setting). Also included in the DIY designs or quick build kits are the newly adjustable Yoke Support Armature (YSA) and the two ergonomic height adjustable Side Control Decks (SCDs) for fighter jet styled “HOTAS” (Hands on Throttle and Stick) controls. Also included is an optional Keyboard and Mouse Support Deck assembly for those who wish to use the side decks for fighter jet controls. This deck can also be placed on top of a centrally mounted Saitek yoke if desired.
Last but not least, the new DK-2 Katana DIY package includes several added configuring options; #1 – if desired, the upper half of the sim with the storage shelving can be fully eliminated or; #2 we included design options for reinforcement bracing which would allow for full removal of the two front thin “window stanchions” which aid in supporting the upper half of the DK-2. This is an added option for those who DO want to retain the upper storage shelving features but DO NOT like the slight visual interference of the two support stanchions. And while we greatly prefer them, as we feel they do a great job of simulating the feel of aircraft window stanchions and add to the feeling of depth perception, we still provide optional details of their removal.
As you can see, the DK-2 Katana has an extensive list of amazing features that any flight simmer is sure to love. If you are looking to save space but want to enjoy absolutely everything that flight simulation has to offer, the DK-2 is a perfect choice for slicing up the sky!
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
- Designed
to fit in any room, and well suited for home, dorm, school, or office.
- Well
suited for classroom settings where several units can be networked together.
- Ergonomic
design based on real aircraft cockpit panel dimensions including fighters, trainers, and airliners.
- Has
ability to use up to 6 displays (1 large LCD for flight instruments and up to 5 for panoramic exterior views).
- External
view is designed for 3 to 5 displays (22″ up to 32″ via Matrox, Eyefinity, or Nvidia multi-view systems).
- Two upper
storage shelves can house all software, manuals, large binders or can allow for installing an overhead LCD panel or any realistic airliner overhead control panel equipment.
- Can
house instrument panels / equipment from any other retailers.
- Available panel designs for GoFlight and Saitek avionics.
- Can house up to a 40″ UHD main display (27″-32″ recommended)
- Form
follows function design which maximizes materials use.
- Can be built using standard home construction tools.
- Easy
to relocate anywhere in any home or office.
- Can be easily assembled / disassembled.
- Can be fully built in just two weekends.
- Costs $170 or less in building materials.
- includes bracing for added shelf support.
- Key bracket locations for securing to a wall.
- Adjustable
height features of main desk deck.
- Adjustable / Removable central flight yoke deck.
- Adjustable
/ Removable Keyboard tray assembly.
- Adjustable / Removable HOTAS flight control decks.
- Completely
modular and ergonomic design features.
- Completely immersive
flight sim training environment.
- Requires floor space of ~40″ depth x 80″ width (if using 32″ displays for exterior visuals)
PURCHASE COSTS:
DK-2 DIY
Plans Set $26.00 USD
DK-2 Bare Bones
Kit $780.00 USD
DK-2 Completed RTA Kit $1,440.00 USD