Chocks away! The iconic Wellington Bomber takes to the air for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and FSX. Crafted with an eye to detail, by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, this simulation of the Wellington places you in the Captain’s seat of this classic war bird...

Wellington is the latest add-on for Flight Sim fans to be released by First Class Simulations. Featuring the four most popular variants of the Vickers Wellington, the MK IC, the B. MkIII, the B. Mk X and B. Mk XIV, military aircraft fans will delight in getting airborne in support of Bomber and Coastal Commands in the aircraft that was always guaranteed to be in the thick of the action.

The Wellington is an iconic bomber aircraft of World War II. Designed by Vickers, the aircraft was widely used as a night-time bomber during the early years of the conflict. The Wellington conducted the first bombing attack by British forces of the war. On 4 September 1939 Wellingtons of 9 and 149 squadrons carried out a daring attack on German shipping at Brunsbuttel. Two Wellingtons were shot down in the same raid to become the first Wellingtons lost in combat.

As the war progressed the scope of the Wellington was widened to include an anti-submarine role and special forces transport aircraft. Regardless of the role in which it was employed the "Wimpy" became one of the great success stories of aviation.

Not only does this plane look fantastic, but it also sounds incredible too. I challenge anyone (well, serious Flight Sim nuts anyway) to not lose bladder control for at least a millisecond as they sit in the cockpit and rev the engine for the first time. With an authentic cockpit layout, and precision handling amid the roar of the mighty engines, aviation history bursts into dramatic life.

Also included is additional scenery for RAF Driffield, circa 1941, which was home to the finest Wellington Squadrons. And for FSX owners there are two challenging missions that will test both pilot and aircraft to the limit. There are also a number of additional missions that can be downloaded for free from www.firstclass-simulations.com.

But what really got me excited (as sad as I am) is the fact that inside the manual, there is an advertisement for a 2009 release for the Lancaster bomber. Now, that I'm looking forward to. If the same dedications and love goes into that project, then it will be a release that everyone should own.

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Pete Boomer