Ubisoft has unveiled its latest offering in the Tom Clancy franchise, the aerial combat game HAWX.

HAWX is an acronym for High Altitude Warfare (presumably the X is just stuck on the end to make the name sound cooler, and less like a posh person laughing). The game's set in the near future of 2012, when the world is at war and private mercenary forces hold the balance of power.

Some fifty aircraft are simulated, and HAWX is novice pilot-friendly as there'll be an assistance mode provided. This will aid the player with features like incoming missile detection, damage control and even an anti-crash system.

Multiplayer dog-fighting and a tasty-sounding co-operative mode are also planned, so you'll be able to tackle the campaign with up to three buddies.

Tom Clancy's HAWX is scheduled for release in the Autumn on X360, PS3 and PC formats.