Air Force Using Tribes 2

A spokesperson for the United State Air Force revealed today that the military branch would begin using Tribes 2 as part of their pilot training program. "It's a matter of economics," said the spokesperson. "PCs are much more affordable than multimillion-dollar flight simulators, and trainees are familiar with using them. This allows us to provide more simulated flight time to a larger number of trainees."

According to the USAF, there are additional advantages in using Tribes 2. Because of the online nature of the game, pilots can interact with each other, whether flying wingman type missions or conducting head-to-head dogfights. Also, the game's rich choice of landscapes, terrain types, day or night, and weather provide for a realistic variety of missions and locations.

"The vehicle choices also fit in with our training programs," said the spokesperson. "Fighter pilots use the Shrike, getting used to maneuverability and speed. Attack pilots use the Thundersword, learning to work in tandem with a gunnery officer. And transport pilots get used to their lumbering cargo aircraft by flying the Havoc."

Tribes 2 appeals to the USAF for a couple of other reasons. "You've got to admit, the names of the aircraft are pretty cool," said the spokesperson. "And besides, if the Army gets to train with Doom and Quake, we should get to train with a computer game too."