Take the Flight of Your Life at the London Air Show

London Air Show | DATE OF ISSUE: 7.01.05

Armchair pilots have the chance to fly everything from fast jet one-on-one combat missions to the Wright Brothers' "Flyer," that introduced the world to powered flight more than 100 years ago, with a visit to the London Air Show.

One of the show's highlights will be Sim City, the biggest, most sophisticated and realistic collection of flight simulators ever assembled under one roof in the UK. More than 30 sim pods will recreate every conceivable flying experience from ground-hugging supersonic fighters to sightseeing helicopter tours and even the awesome "Cobra" manoeuvre in a virtual Sukhoi SU-27.

Sponsored by Microsoft, Sim City will be open throughout the show - which runs from 8-10 April at London's Earls Court - and is bound to be a massive attraction for experienced and novice gamers as well as those who simply want to enjoy the thrill of flying while keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

Sim City's centrepiece will be the Breitling Fighter Challenge, which pits two combatants head-to-head in a dog-fight to the death. Each day, the two best pilots will be invited to battle against each other for the title of London Air Show Top Gun.

The Breitling Fighter Challenge uses the respected Ubisoft Lock-on Modern Air Combat software, which is capable of supporting a three-screen signal split using Matrox Parhelia 512 graphics cards.

The Saitek X52 control system provides for a split joystick/throttle set-up, enabling controls to be correctly positioned for a more realistic experience.

Each combat station will consist of a bucket-style seat with accessories to create the image of an ejector seat, a joystick with separate throttle and three plasma screens providing stunning 3D images that include 180,000 buildings, 50,000,000 trees, 21 cities, 1,700 towns and villages, 500 bridges, 18 airfields and eight naval bases.

Players have the choice of two US, five Russian and one German fast jets, including the F-15C Eagle, SU-27 and MiG-29.

Those with a love for historical aircraft can experience some of the most legendary aeroplanes ever to take to the skies on the Microsoft simulator "A Century of Flight."

Simulator pilots can fly everything from the 1903 Wright Flyer to the Ryan NYP "Spirit of St Louis," in which Charles Lindbergh became the first person to fly non-stop across the Atlantic ocean. The world's first commercial jet airliner, the DH 88 Comet and the Douglas DC-3 Dakota are also part of the historical choice.

Modern aircraft also feature on the simulator, including the Extra 300S aerobatic special, the luxurious Learjet 45 and the Cessna 182S Skylane.

Would-be helicopter pilots can try their hand on the Challenger simulator from Magic Aviation Ltd of Newbury, Berkshire. The Challenger, the only simulator of its kind in the UK, was originally built as a professional pilot training aid and accurately replicates the handling characteristics of a Bell JetRanger.

The simulator consists of a real helicopter cockpit with real controls, computer generated visual displays and a powerful sound system that feeds live air traffic control radio conversations into the pilot's headset.

A variety of flight scenarios is available, including a crime-busting mission for the more adventurous, as well as aircraft carrier and ship-borne operations, a romantic night flight over Las Vegas or a sightseeing tour down the River Thames.

Big jet jockeys are not forgotten with British Airways bringing along very latest procedural trainers for their Boeing 747 and 737 aircraft.

London Air Show manager Matt Perriss said: "The speed of modern computers and the startling quality of 3D graphics means that flying on a simulator is the next best thing to flying the genuine article. Show visitors will find that we have put together an astonishing collection of the very latest simulator equipment to give them an amazing experience."

-ENDS-

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The London Air Show takes place between 8-10 April 2005

Venue: Earls Court Exhibition Centre

Website: www.londonairshow.co.uk

Ticket Booking Line: 0870 143 2206

Ticket Prices: Preview Day (Friday) £20 on the door, £18 in advance.

Standard Adult (Sat and Sun) £14 on the door, £11 in advance. Child £9 on the door, £8 in advance. Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children, Sat and Sun only) £38 on the door, £32 in advance.

For further information please contact Michael Cooper, Linda Kelly or Andy Leatham at Mason Williams PR:

7-11 Lexington Street, London, WIF 9AF

T: 020 7534 6080

F: 0207 7534 9081

Tanzaro House, Ardwick Green, Manchester, M12 6FZ

T: 0161 273 5923

F: 0161 273 7127

E: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]