Asobo's ceaseless expansion of the wonderful Microsoft Flight Simulator continues onward, with tonight's Xbox Showcase revealing some of the new additions arriving before the end of the year - including a significant 40th anniversary update scheduled for November, and, rather unexpectedly, Halo Infinite's Pelican, which launches as a free update today.

Microsoft hasn't revealed how the Pelican will fit into the overall Flight Simulator experience just yet, but you can get a glimpse of the ship in the trailer below. It's a different story for the free 40th Anniversary Edition update, however, which has been detailed in significantly more detail.

Described as a "comprehensive celebration of the franchise", it promises to pay tribute to the series' past as well as introduce new aircraft types. The latter additions include the long-awaited arrival of helicopters and gliders, brought to life with a new Fluid Dynamics Simulation.

Microsoft Flight Simulator - 40th Anniversary Announce - 4K - Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022 Microsoft Flight Simulator - 40th Anniversary Edition Trailer.Watch on YouTube

Here's everything confirmed for the 40th Anniversary Edition, which arrives as a free update for owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator, and for those playing via Game Pass, this November:

Historical Aircraft

  • Wright Flyer
  • Ryan NYP (“Spirit of St. Louis”)
  • Douglas DC-3
  • De Havilland Canada DHC-2-Beaver

Helicopters

  • Bell-407
  • Guimbal Cabri G2

Gliders

  • DG Flugzeugbau LG8-18
  • DG Flugzeugbau DG1001E neo

True-to-Life Airliner

  • Airbus A310