What’s New in our Favorite Flight Simulator?
What are the new features in X-Plane 12? What are the differences between X plane 11 and X plane 12? X-Plane is a popular flight simulator used by aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and flight schools around the world. With the recently announcement of X-Plane 12, many are curious about the new features and differences between X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12.
In this post, I will explore some of the key differences and new features that will be available in X-Plane 12.
- New Archatecture
- Realistic Weather Engine
- New Physics Engine
- VR Optimization
- AI Traffic Updates
- Improved Scenery Creation
- Multi Player Support
- Dynamic Lighting Engine.
- Realistic ATC
Core Achertecture XP 12
One of the most significant changes in X-Plane 12 is the introduction of Vulkan/Metal graphics. X-Plane 11 uses OpenGL graphics technology, which has been the standard for many years. However, OpenGL is not efficient as Vulkan/Metal, which means that X-Plane 12 will run smoother and faster on most computers. This change also means that X-Plane 12 will be more optimized for multi-core CPUs and modern graphics cards.
The Flight simulator like all will demand everything you can offer to get a great experience. I personally am getting around 50 FPS with it maxed out which is better than the 25 I got in XP11. In Vr Im getting a pretty smooth 30 FPS with the same settings with an Graphics Cards” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>AMD 5600X with Nvidia RTX 3070 supported by Graphics Cards” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>32 GB DDR4 3200 RAM. The best investment I have made was an aftermarket cooler as the stock one could not cope hitting 95degrees. With the new aftermarket cooler its a smooth 75 to 85 at max! Better performance has meant smoother FPS with less stuttering issues now nearly non existent!
New Realistic Weather
Another significant improvement in X-Plane 12 is the weather system. X-Plane 12 will introduce a new weather engine that promises to be more accurate and realistic than the weather engine in X-Plane 11.
This new weather system will use real-world data to create weather patterns and conditions in the simulator. This means that pilots can expect more realistic weather conditions, such as fog, rain, and snow.
New Physics Engine
X-Plane 12 will also introduce a new physics engine that promises to be more accurate and realistic than the physics engine in X-Plane 11.
This new physics engine will simulate airflow around aircraft in more detail, which means that aircraft will behave more realistically in different flight conditions. This new physics engine will also make it easier for developers to create more realistic aircraft for X-Plane 12.
X 56 HOTAS SYSTEM
Thrustmaster T1600 Full System.
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Virtual Reality Optimization.
One of the most requested features in X-Plane 11 was better support for virtual reality (VR). X-Plane 12 will have improved VR support, which means that pilots will be able to use VR headsets to experience flight in a more immersive way.
This improved VR support will also make it easier for developers to create VR-ready aircraft and environments for X-Plane 12.
Personal AI Traffic Delivery.
X-Plane 12 will also have improved AI traffic. The AI traffic in X-Plane 11 was often criticized for being unrealistic and not very dynamic.
X-Plane 12 will have improved AI traffic that will be more realistic and dynamic. This means that pilots will encounter more realistic traffic patterns and behavior in X-Plane 12.
Video GamesScenery Creation is a Breeze.
Another new feature in X-Plane 12 is the ability to create and share custom scenery more easily.
X-Plane 12 will have a new scenery editor that will make it easier for users to create custom scenery. This new scenery editor will also make it easier for users to share their custom scenery with other users.
Multi Player Support Improved.
X-Plane 12 will also have improved support for multiplayer. Multiplayer in X-Plane 11 was often criticized for being clunky and difficult to use. X-Plane 12 will have improved multiplayer support that will make it easier for pilots to connect and fly with other pilots in real-time.
Dynamic Lighting Engine
Another new feature in X-Plane 12 is the introduction of dynamic lighting. X-Plane 11 had limited support for dynamic lighting, but X-Plane 12 will introduce more advanced dynamic lighting.
This means that airports and aircraft will have more realistic lighting, which will improve the overall visual experience in X-Plane 12.
Realistic ATC in your Accent!
Finally, X-Plane 12 will have improved ATC (air traffic control). ATC in X-Plane 11 was often criticized for being unrealistic and not very dynamic.
X-Plane 12 will have improved ATC that will be more realistic and dynamic. This means that pilots will encounter more realistic ATC behavior in X-Plane 12. In conclusion, X-Plane 12 promises to be a significant improvement over X-Plane 11 in nearly every area so it’s going to be an incredible ride.
X-Plane vs MSFS 2020
X-Plane 12 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 are both flight simulators, but they use different graphics engines and technologies to render their respective graphics. While both games strive to provide a realistic flying experience, the way they render the world and objects around the player can differ significantly.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 uses a new graphics engine called “Asobo Engine,” which incorporates cutting-edge photogrammetry and satellite imagery technology to create highly detailed and realistic scenery. This means that the world in MSFS 2020 looks much more detailed and realistic compared to X-Plane 12.
Additionally, MSFS 2020 has a built-in weather engine that can simulate real-world weather conditions in real-time, further enhancing the immersive experience.
On the other hand, X-Plane 12 uses a different graphics engine called “Vulkan,” which emphasizes on providing a high frame rate and smooth performance.
The simulator also features a physically based rendering (PBR) system that simulates the way light behaves in the real world, but it does not have the same level of photorealism as MSFS 2020.
It’s important to note that both simulators have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which one to use often depends on individual preferences and the specific features or functionalities that one might be looking for in a flight simulator.
New Features in X-Plane 12 – Conclusion
In conclusion X-Plane 12 promises to be a significant improvement over X-Plane 11 in nearly,every area so,it’s going to be an incredible ride. It never promised to compete with MSFS 2020 graphically but present a top quality,flight,simulator real world pilots could use in preparation for real world flying. Humbly I’d say this is not the case with MSFS 2020 AS YET.
Author:
Brendon McAliece, (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
Brendon has been involved in flight simulation since the mid 1980s right through to todays modern ground breaking flight simulators such as DCS World, Falcon BMS, X Plane 12 & MSFS 2020 to name a few.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on www.LetsFlyVFR.com and www.DreamingGuitar.com his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog.
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