1C Game Studios announces early access is underway for Ilya Muromets, a new combat flight simulation the IL-2 Sturmovik creators are developing with the assistance of the Russian Military Historical Society. The game is set over the eastern front of World War I and features the Sikorsky Ilya Muromets, the world's first heavy bomber, only one of which was shot down by enemy action in over 400 sorties. Choosing today to launch early access is no coincidence, as it comes on the 100th anniversary of Germany's declaration of war with Russia (well, one of them), and those interested can buy the beta through the ILYA Muromets website, with a full release expected in October. The website also has more details and a gameplay trailer. Here's a bit:

ILYA MUROMETS covers the events of the air war on the Eastern Front during World War I and features the gigantic and legendary four-engine bomber of the Imperial Russian Air Force. This plane became the first large bomber in the history of aerial warfare and is the forefather of the multi-engine long-range strategic aviation of later conflicts.

ILYA MUROMETS will feature several additional fighter planes and attack planes from Russia, Germany and Austro-Hungary. A map covering a portion of the Eastern Front (territory of modern day Ukraine) will be included in the game. This was an active theatre for the Ilya Muromets during the war where several famous missions took place. The game will include a set of challenging single-player mission scenarios along with a quick mission builder and multiplayer capability.