1. Is there a manual that explains VR usage in Heli-X?

Yes. Heli-X includes built-in support for Virtual Reality, and this is explained in the official Heli-X User’s Manual.

  • The manual contains a dedicated section titled “Virtual Reality”.
  • VR support is available on Windows only.
  • Heli-X uses SteamVR as its VR interface.
  • A separate program shortcut called HELI-X_VR is used to start the simulator in VR mode.

You can download the current Heli-X User’s Manual here

Please refer to the Virtual Reality chapter for setup details and limitations.

2. How does VR work in Heli-X?

Heli-X does not run VR directly on standalone headsets. Instead:

  • Heli-X runs on a Windows PC.
  • Steam and SteamVR must be installed.
  • The headset connects to the PC and acts as a display device.
  • Helicopter control is done using a RC transmitter, mouse, and keyboard.
  • VR hand controllers are generally not used in Heli-X.

This approach is similar to many flight simulators that rely on SteamVR for headset compatibility.

3. Which VR headsets work with Heli-X?

Any headset that is compatible with SteamVR on Windows should work with Heli-X.

Confirmed and commonly used headsets include:

  • Meta Quest 3 (connected to the PC via USB cable or wireless PC streaming)
  • Valve Index
  • HP Reverb G2 (Rev.2)
  • Pico 4 / Pico 4 Ultra
  • HTC Vive Pro 2
  • HTC Vive XR Elite
  • Meta Quest Pro

Standalone VR headsets do not run Heli-X by themselves. Devices such as Meta Quest or Pico must be connected to a Windows PC using a cable or wireless streaming solution that supports SteamVR.

4. Does Meta Quest 3 work with Heli-X?

Yes. The Meta Quest 3 works well with Heli-X when used as a PC VR headset:

  • Connect it to a Windows PC using Meta Quest Link (USB cable) or a wireless PC streaming solution.
  • SteamVR must be running on the PC.
  • Heli-X is started using the HELI-X_VR launcher.

Multiple users have successfully used the Quest 3 with Heli-X.

5. What are the best VR headsets to consider?

If cost is not a primary concern and image quality is important, the following headsets are good options:

  • Valve Index – native SteamVR support and very good tracking.
  • HP Reverb G2 – high resolution, well suited for simulators.
  • HTC Vive Pro 2 – high-end headset with excellent visuals.
  • Meta Quest 3 – very good balance of quality, flexibility, and price.

All of these headsets work with SteamVR and are suitable for Heli-X.

6. Additional notes before buying a headset

  • A reasonably powerful PC is required, especially for high-resolution headsets.
  • VR performance depends heavily on GPU capability.
  • Since Heli-X uses transmitter input rather than VR controllers, headset comfort and visual clarity are more important than controller features.
  • Trying a headset before buying is recommended if possible.