Seeking to build the first multi-entertainment platform experience of its kind, Microsoft and ATG have created a unique collaboration. Virtual pilots from around the world will have the opportunity to compete (using Flight Simulator X) to win a spot on a TV reality show code-named “American Topgun Challenge.”

Emmy Award-winning New Screen Concepts (producers of ABC’s highly successful “Extreme Makeover”series) and ATG recently announced that a deal has been reached between the two production companies to work together to produce the show.

The concept

Young real-world commercial pilots and highly-skilled flight simmers compete in a series of challenges that ultimately lead to real dog fights in real fighter aircraft. Imagine a simulated crash landing in the Florida Everglades that lets contestants compete to see who can extract themselves to safety first while avoiding detection by the “bad guys.”

This is no ordinary reality show for couch potatoes though. The goal of the concept is for flight simmers at home to have the opportunity to appear as contestants. Current plans are for every episode of the show to close with a Flight Simulator gaming segment. Top virtual pilots from around the world would compete for cash prizes, rides in vintage and modern fighter aircraft, and a spot on the TV show!

ATG and the Flight Simulator team are collaborating on the design of the virtual and home-based components of the show. ATG founder (and F-14 Tomcat legend) Dale “Snort” Snodgrass explains that the virtual competitions will very likely follow in the footsteps of real Topgun training. “It will be very interesting to see who wins between the cyber-athletes and the commercial pilots," he says. "I think that virtual pilots will have many advantages in their favor. I’m curious to see how those skills translate into a quickly changing dynamic environment where the physiological challenges of g forces come into play.”

What do you think?

The Flight Simulator community is in for a real treat. Do you have what it takes to be a Topgun? Would you like a real-world chance to compete in the “American Topgun Challenge” and fly a modern fighter jet under the leadership of F-14 Tomcat legend Dale “Snort” Snodgrass? Would you want to watch others try?

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