At Gen Con, Games Workshop revealed plans to launch Aeronautica Imperialis, a new aerial combat game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, later this year.

Aeronautica Imperialis simulates high-speed dogfights fought between Warhammer 40,000 aircraft such as the Ork Dakkajet and the Imperium’s Thunderbolt.  Players command wings of fighters and other aircraft, resolving battles on a hex-grid game board using small-scale miniatures.  The game is designed to support small games that can be played in an hour or less up to grand airborne campaigns fought over longer periods.

The stand-alone game features all-new mechanics designed by the team behind the re-launch of Adeptus Titanicus (see “The Titans of ‘Warhammer 40,000’ Return”).  The first set for the new game system, Wings of Vengeance, features Ork and Imperial aircraft miniatures, game rules, board, and the other components needed to play.  Games Workshop plans to support it with future expansions and additional miniatures, not yet revealed.

Click on Gallery below to see the miniatures included in the set.

In addition to Adeptus Titanicus, Games Workshop also released its demo derby spinoff game Speed Freeks last year (see “‘Speed Freeks’ Offers Orkish Demo Derbies”).

Last month, the company announced a deal with Big Light Productions to produce Eisenhorn, a live-action television series based on the Warhammer 40,000 game (see “‘Warhammer 40,000’ Is Coming to the Small Screen”).