Air combat USA: Where Simulation Meets Reality!

Here at Super Fun Days Out we keep our eyes and ears open for the most extreme experiences available, not just in the U.K but around the world. You may have caught a recent video from BBC''s click which explored the most realistic flying simulations available, which revealed to us a rather unique combat experience, which we thought we would investigate further (If you are interested in seeing the click presenters try this activity you will need to skip the video to around about 5:40)

The line between video games and reality is certainly blurring, but if microsoft flight simulator and the Ace Combat Series, just don't quite seem real enough for you, then maybe you should get yourself over to the U.S.A for an experience that will trump anything Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo have to offer!

What is involved?

Based in sunny California, Air Combat USA has been running since 1988 and offers individuals and groups the chance to take part in simulated dogfights across the skies. The unusual thing about this simulation, is that you actually fly real planes, under the guidance of trained experienced pilots, with only the combat itself actually being simulated. Offered to individuals and groups (corporate / stags)  alike, a variety of different combat experiences are available ranging from a length of around 2 hours to a full day's combat flying.  We have to say this is one of the most expensive stag or corporate activity ideas we have ever come across, with prices starting at a cool $1,395 per wannabe fighter pilot!

Flying in Italian Marchetti planes, the aim is to land a hit on your opponent, who will also be a amateur like yourself. Whilst flying the plane and trying to avoid the attentions of your opponent, you have to get the targeted centred over their plane, at which point, fire! The planes use oboard cameras and a state of the art tracking system to really make you feel like you are involved in a real battle, the use of smoke machines attached to the tails of each plane, also adds to the feeling of immersion.  With each pilot getting a minimum of 5-6 dogfights you have plenty of time to perfect your technique and ensure you come out on top.

If you want to get a better idea of what is involved, you can see a video of someone undertaking the experience below.

video from kelvinc34:

If you want to find out more about this amazing experience, please take a look at the Air Combat USA Website. Alternatively, if you want to try your hand at flying a plane, why not take a look at our map to see where you can try flying in the U.K.