The might of the world's most sophisticated military is now in the hands of Flight Sim pilots in Fighter Pilot 2. If it's air superiority you are looking for then take a look at some of these features: multiple liveries from several different nations; accurate flight characteristics; highly detailed exterior and interiors; fully-animated models; 3-D panel with a wide range of animation; and user-friendly heads-up displays...

Fighter Pilot 2 is the latest add-on release for Microsoft FSX and FS2004. Aircraft included in this release include: The EA-18G Growler; F-14D Tomcat; F-15C Eagle; F-16C Falcon; and F-22A Raptor.

The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack version of the F/A-18F Hornet set to replace the EA-6B Prowler. The EA-18G is scheduled to finish testing in 2008 and enter full operation in 2009. The United States Navy is set to buy 90 aircraft for use in 10 squadrons.

The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable wing aircraft. It was the United States Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defence interceptor and tactical reconnaissance platform from 1974 to 2006. The F-14 was developed after the collapse of the F111B project, and was the first of the American teen-series fighters that were designed incorporating the experience of air combat in Vietnam against MiGs. It entered service in 1972 with the U.S. Navy, replacing the F-4 Phantom II. It was retired from the active U.S. Navy fleet in September 2006, having been replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather tactical fighter designed to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It was developed for the U.S. Air Force, and first flew in July 1972. The F-15E Strike Eagle derivative is an all-weather strike fighter that entered service in 1989. The U.S. Air Force plans to keep the F-15 in service until 2025.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multi role jet fighter aircraft. It is the largest Western fighter program with over 4,000 aircraft built since production started in 1976. The Fighting Falcon is a dog fighter with innovations including a frameless, bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while under high g-forces, and reclined seat to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot. It was also the first fighter aircraft deliberately built to sustain 9-g turns.

The F-22 Raptor is a fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It is primarily an air superiority fighter, but has multiple capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. The United States Air Force considers the F-22 a critical component of the U.S. strike force. The F-22 is claimed by multiple sources to be the world's most effective air superiority fighter. The U.S. Air Force claims that any known or projected fighter aircraft cannot match the F-22.

Each plane comes with the option of different liveries as well as additional aircraft animation. This animation includes main exit open; secondary exit open; folding wings (F-18 Growler only); and extendable tail-hook (only available for the F-14, F-15 and F-18).

System Requirements: Microsoft Flight Simulator X or FS2004; Pentium III (or equal) or higher; 128MB RAM; Microsoft Windows 98/SE/Me/2000/XP and Vista; and 400MB free hard drive space.

As fans have come to expect, First Class Simulations has provided Flight Sim fans with yet another first class product that shows all of the attention to detail that we've come to expect. If fighter planes are your thing, then this is an essential purchase.

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Nick Smithson