To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the F-4F Phantom, First Class Simulations is releasing an "Ultimate" edition of its F-4F add-on for Microsoft FSX and FS2004. Flight Sim fans will relish the chance to fly one of the most successful military aircraft of all time...

The F-4F Phantom is an advanced version of a multi role fighter aircraft that flew for the first time in 1958. It is still in service today and will continue to fly until 2012 when it is due to be replaced by the Eurofighter. During its long service life the Phantom has undergone numerous technical advancements to its avionic, radar and navigation systems as well as its armament. The most modern version of this famous aircraft has been used as the basis for this virtual version.

The exterior model is highly detailed and the virtual cockpit is completely animated and several variants are included for both FS2004 and FSX. There are a number of animated sections of the aircraft, which can be moved at the push of a button. These include loading hatch, entrance, retractable undercarriage with shock absorber animation as well as arrestor hook and engine animations with afterburners.

In total there are 17 repaints of the following German air force squadrons: German air force in Hopsten, Jagdgeschwader 73 Steinhoff, Neuburg Jg74 Mölders, Richthofen Jg7 and special liveries of the German air force technical defence team as well the British and Turkish air forces. You can also engage in formation flying with three F-4F Phantoms.

First Class Simulations also provides handy hints in the booklet on preparing for takeoff and then how to handle the aircraft properly during and after takeoff, as well as preparing for landing.

While I found this release to be interesting, it's not half as good a package as Flight Sim fans have come to expect. The plane also doesn't handle as well as other modern aircraft in the company's series of Flight Sim add-ons.

If you are a hardcore Flight Sim nut, then this is an essential purchase. However if, like me, you're more a fan of light aircraft and just want to dabble in the world of military planes, there are better packages out there from First Class Simulations.

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Nick Smithson