Today, X-Plane 12 developer Laminar Research released the open beta of the next big update for the simulator, dubbed the “Weather Update.”
Formally numbered 12.3.0, the update was announced at FlightSimExpo, but now, following internal testing, everyone can give a good look at the new features.
The most relevant new feature is a weather radar with tilt control, but there is plenty more on the menu.
Below, you can check out a compilation of all the footage of the new features provided by Laminar itself.
We also get plenty of screenshots, which you can enjoy in the gallery.
The weather radar has been added to the Airbus A330, the Boeing 737, the X1000 avionics suite, and the Bendix RDR2000’s reproduction on the Beechcraft Baron 58.
The source code of the radar has been released under the MIT License on GitHub, so other developers can integrate it as well.
A terrain display integrated with  X-Plane’s global terrain database has also been added.
The default Airbus A330 received several improvements, including exterior weathering, vibrating engines with subtle differences at different thrust settings, an overhaul to the lighting of the flight deck, and the cabin.
The flight deck now has backlit instruments, realistic spill lighting, and improved annunciator effects. The cabin gets fully 3D dynamic lights, adjustable reading lights, and an auto-purse function that adjusts the lighting depending on the phase of flight and altitude.
The systems also got an overhaul as follows.
- Full support for a secondary flight plan (SEC F-PLN).
- Enhanced VNAV logic with smoother deceleration, path capture from above, and step climb support.
- Accurate roll rate and alpha protection under FBW.
- Improved autopilot disengagement handling, auto-trim reset, and deceleration logic post-touchdown.
- More precise climb, cruise, and descent predictions considering winds, fuel use, and constraints.
- Updated V-speed suggestions, fuel prediction logic, baro/STD handling, and ECAM messages.
On top of that, the Aircraft Operations Computer (AOC) and Air Traffic Services Unit (ATSU) now support ATIS, METAR, and PDC messages, including ACARS-style memo displays.
The X-1000 avionics also received support for Synthetic Vision Technology, which displays elements like terrain, runways, and obstacles on the PFD.
Another new feature is the ability for aircraft developers to load engines of different ages, with subtle but relevant effects on performance.
Dubai International Airport (OMDB) also received a fully custom version. Another new feature lets developers place vegetation on rooftops and other objects.
For those who enjoy building full cockpits, the update also improves synchronisation across multi-PC setups for the aircraft, vehicles, boats, jetway extensions, and static aircraft.
Avionics can also be assigned directly to additional hardware screens instead of having to rely on pop-up windows.
Historic weather has been implemented, letting you load METAR data from up to a year back in time.
Cockpit Lighting has been improved across aircraft, including a reduction of specular aliasing. Several aircraft have been further updated, and some examples include a modernized 737-800 cockpit, upgraded Citation X VNAV logic, and better flap handling on the Piper PA-18.
The G-loaded camera can now be controlled in its intensity or can be entirely removed.
New assets for scenery designers have been added, and 405 airports have been updated by users thanks to the scenery Gateway.
The rendering of night vision has been improved, and support has been added for a few hardware controllers: The MOZA MFY Yoke and FliteSim.com’s CLS-60 / CLS-120 Force Feedback Yoke and Rudder Pedals.
For further details, you can enjoy the full patch notes.
If you’d like to read more flight simulation news, you can find plenty in our latest roundup article from yesterday.
If you want to go further back, we have a handy overview video of the major flight simulation news in the past week. You can watch it below. As usual, leaving a like and a comment and subscribing to our growing YouTube channel is extremely helpful.
