Vendor : Virpil
Product Type : Collective Grip
Sku : VPC-011
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VIRPIL Helicopter Collective — Ka-50 Black Shark
Inspired by the collective controls of the legendary Ka-50 "Black Shark" helicopter: a metal handle with rubberised grip, 2× 8-way hats, 3× 3-way toggles and push buttons. VIRPIL's first collective grip, built to put an authentic, tactile Ka-50 collective experience in your hands for DCS World and beyond. Mounts on your VIRPIL collective or flightstick base.
Official Australian and New Zealand VIRPIL Distributor
Why SharKa-50 Collective Grip
Ka-50 Black Shark inspired design
Inspired by the collective controls of the venerable Ka-50 "Black Shark" helicopter. VIRPIL's first collective grip, purpose-built to put the feel of a real Ka-50 in your hands for DCS World and beyond.
2× 8-way hat switches
Two 8-way hats with push for sensor and systems management, plus a 2-way switch with push, covering the key directional inputs of the real Ka-50 collective without lifting your hand.
Metal handle with rubberised grip
Enhanced PU plastic construction with a metal handle and rubberised grip surface. The moment you hold it you can feel the quality: firm, tactile and purpose-built for long sim sessions.
3× 3-way toggles
Three independent 3-way ON-OFF-ON toggle switches for systems management: weapon modes, autopilot functions, engine systems and more. Directly inspired by the real Ka-50 collective control layout.
Wide base compatibility
Compatible with the VPC Rotor TCS, TCS Plus, WarBRD and MongoosT-50 bases, plus Thrustmaster Warthog and Cougar bases with limited functionality. The most versatile mounting options of any collective grip.
Plug-and-play, no drivers needed
Connects via your base as a standard USB HID device, no drivers needed. Works out of the box with DCS World, MSFS 2024, X-Plane 12 and any USB-compatible sim. Advanced config via the free VPC Configuration Suite.
Base compatibility
The SharKa-50 is a grip-only product compatible with a wide range of VIRPIL bases, both collective and flightstick, as well as Thrustmaster bases with limited functionality.
VPC Rotor TCS Base
✓ Compatible
VIRPIL's dedicated helicopter collective base. All-metal adjustable axis mechanism, pre-installed counter-balance kit, adjustable clutch, and 3-position travel range limiter. The ideal entry point for a realistic helicopter collective setup.
View Rotor TCS →VPC Rotor TCS Plus Base
✓ Compatible — Recommended base
VIRPIL's premium helicopter collective base. Everything in the TCS, plus a twist throttle correction axis with engine idle button and switch restrictors, for the most immersive and realistic helicopter collective experience available.
View Rotor TCS Plus →Technical specifications
* Thrustmaster base compatibility has limited functionality. Refer to VIRPIL documentation.
What's included
Common questions
Does the SharKa-50 Collective Grip include a base?
No, it's a grip only. You need a compatible base such as the VPC Rotor TCS Collective, VPC Rotor TCS Plus Collective, VPC WarBRD, or VPC MongoosT-50 to use it. Call us on 0488 385 870 and we can help you choose the right base for your helicopter sim setup.
Which base should I use with the SharKa-50?
The VPC Rotor TCS or TCS Plus Collective bases give the most authentic helicopter experience. The SharKa-50 also works with WarBRD and MongoosT-50 flightstick bases if you want to use it as an alternative grip in a HOTAS setup.
What sims is the SharKa-50 best suited for?
The SharKa-50 is designed with the DCS World Ka-50 Black Shark module in mind, but works great with all DCS helicopter modules, MSFS 2024 helicopter flying, and X-Plane 12. It works as a standard USB HID device with any sim.
Can the 8-way hats be configured as 4-way hats?
Yes, the 8-way hat switches can be configured as 4-way hats using the free VPC Configuration Suite. Useful for sims where 8-way inputs may cause binding conflicts.
Does it work with Thrustmaster bases?
Yes, with limitations. The SharKa-50 is compatible with Thrustmaster Warthog and Cougar bases, but some functionality may be missing or limited. For full functionality, a native VIRPIL base is recommended.
Do I need special software to use this grip?
No, it works out of the box as a standard USB HID device without any software. For advanced configuration such as 8-way to 4-way hat conversion, button mapping and shift states, the free VPC Configuration Suite is available from the VIRPIL support portal.
What warranty and returns cover the SharKa-50 Collective Grip?
It's backed by a 2-year VIRPIL manufacturer warranty, handled locally by Player1 Sim Gear as the official Australian distributor, so there are no international returns for warranty work. You also get a 14-day change-of-mind return: item in original, unused condition, refund less return shipping and a 5% handling fee. Full Australian Consumer Law protection applies. Call 0488 385 870 with any questions.
Do you ship to all of Australia? How long does delivery take?
Yes, we ship Australia-wide from our Queensland warehouse. We aim to dispatch same day or within 1–2 business days. Delivery typically takes 2–8 business days depending on location. All orders are fully trackable and insured. Call 0488 385 870 for current stock and express options.
Why buy from Player1 Sim Gear rather than directly from VIRPIL overseas?
Player1 Sim Gear is the official VIRPIL distributor for Australia and New Zealand. Buying locally means full Australian Consumer Law protection, a valid Australian GST tax invoice, warranty handled locally (no international shipping for repairs), Australian stock, and a team you can call on 0488 385 870 who actually flies sims like DCS and MSFS on this gear.
What support do you offer after purchase?
We offer pre-sale advice on base and grip combinations, setup support after delivery including VPC Configuration Suite help, and local warranty handling. Our team flies DCS World helicopter modules regularly. Call 0488 385 870 or visit our support page.
Build the full experience
The SharKa-50 Collective Grip is the perfect start. Pair it with a Rotor TCS collective base, flight controls, and a cockpit for the complete helicopter simpit experience.
Not sure which VIRPIL setup is right for you?
Our team flies DCS World helicopter modules with VIRPIL Controls gear. We can help you build the right Ka-50 or helicopter sim setup for your cockpit and budget.
We ship all over Australia and want you to get your new gear as fast as possible, so we always aim to ship on the same day we receive your order, using the fastest and most reliable couriers in Australia. Of course, it may not always be possible to process your order on the same day, so please allow 1-2 business days for processing. If we encounter any delays we will let you know via email.
To maximise efficiency, Player1 Sim Gear ships all products in their original packaging straight from our warehouses or directly from our suppliers and manufacturers. Orders may be shipped in part or in full, and different courier companies may be used for different parts of your order. Please allow 2-8 business days for delivery. Please advise your phone number at checkout so we can get in touch with you if there is any problem. If you should receive a product that has been damaged while in transit please contact us immediately.
Please make sure someone will be available to receive your order, otherwise, your package may be diverted to your local post office or to your local shipping depot. We recommend all deliveries are sent to a business address to avoid any re-delivery charges. Note: Player1 Sim Gear will only ship to confirmed addresses, we cannot ship to PO Boxes sorry.
There may be times when the product you have ordered turns out to be out-of-stock with us or our suppliers. We will contact you to arrange a refund or alternate product if an item you have ordered is out-of-stock or unavailable for immediate shipment. You may cancel your order at any time prior to shipping.
International Orders: Apologies at the moment we don't ship internationally as standard. However if you outside Australia and there is something you'd like to purchase please do message us at sales@p1simgear.com.au, we will be happy to see what we can do.
Note re Larger cockpits and remote locations: We do our very best to ensure accurate shipping rates, however for larger cockpits and heavier items, rarely our shipping pricing may not be correct. In the event that the actual shipping costs for a large item should be exceed those quoted in your order, we will call you to discuss before we dispatch. You will have the option then to amend or cancel your order at no cost.
We hope we can provide as much information and guidance as possible about each item so that you will love whatever you buy. We do understand though that the unforeseen happens. So in the unlikely event you wish to raise a return, please contact us and we shall discuss options and how we will proceed with the return request.
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. You may return your item(s) for an exchange/refund, so long as it is in the same condition that you received it, unopened, with tags and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To request a return, you must first send an email to support@p1simgear.com.au with your Order number as the email subject and Reason for Return in the email body/message. We will reply to your email with your relevant return information. We will not accept any returned items if we have not had an email from you requesting a return, so you must request a return first, before sending anything back.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
You, the buyer, are are fully responsible for paying all charges necessary to return the item to us. A restocking fee of up to 20% of the returned product's value may apply.
Items must be returned sealed and unused in their original packaging and in a fully resalable condition. All items are supplied to you, the customer, in brand new condition unless explicitly stated otherwise in the product title. For such items supplied in Brand New condition, if any seals have been broken, the item cannot subsequently be sold as new after the return, therefore the return will be declined or a restocking fee will be levied and partial refund given.
If the item is deemed DOA or faulty once opened, we shall troubleshoot and assess the nature of the fault and repair the item or replace like-for-like, should the fault be deemed a legitimate fault.
Items returned that are not in their original condition may not be accepted, and the refund request declined.
Returned items must be complete with all packaging in good condition, ready for immediate resale. All components and items within packaging (e.g. polystyrene/bubble wrap) must be returned also. We reserve the right to levy a charge to replace product packaging which is damaged / defaced / missing.
We cannot accept responsibility for returned parcels which are undelivered back to us (e.g. lost by the courier, delivered to incorrect address) or damaged in transit back to us. We strongly advise you send returned items using an insured & tracked service. Furthermore, we also strongly advise you to obtain and retain your proof of postage, as you may require it should you decide to make a claim against your carrier should they damage or lose your item whilst returning it to us.
For items which require assembly, we are not responsible for any charges (labour or otherwise) incurred during fitment/removal of allegedly faulty (or incorrectly supplied) parts.
Returns made outside of the 30-day return window, or with no valid reason, will be declined.
Pre-Order CancellationsVIRPIL manufacturer warranty backed by Australian-local support
Warranty Coverage
VIRPIL manufacturer warranty
Returns Policy
Change of mind & unwanted items
Your Rights Under Australian Consumer Law
ACL protections apply to all purchases from our store
How to Make a Warranty Claim
As our customer, all warranty and return enquiries are handled by us directly here in Australia — no need to contact VIRPIL overseas. Simply submit a support ticket through our help portal or browse our knowledge base, and our local team will take care of everything.
Official product documentation & setup guides for all VPC hardware
Grips
9 manuals
Bases
12 manuals
Control Panels
4 manuals
Throttles
4 manuals
Rudder Pedals
7 manuals
Accessories
21 manuals
Software Manuals
3 manuals
Software, firmware, 3D files & configurator layouts for all VPC hardware
VPC Software — Latest Release
2 downloads
VPC Software — Previous Releases
35 downloads
VPC Cadet — Previous Versions
7 downloads
3D Files
1 download
Configurator 2.0 Control Layouts
13 downloads
