The next update in Laminar Research’s X-Plane plan is bound to be a significant one. The company are calling it the “weather update” although in actuality it looks like it will be even more than that. Let’s have a look and see what’s coming in the next major X-Plane 12 update.

Weather and weather radar

X-Plane 12 is aiming to have fully simulated weather radar as part of their sim platform in the 12.3.0 update. The development blog references a few different implementations of this technology with the A330-300 and 737-800 airliners seeing bespoke implementations. The sim’s built in Garmin G1000 simulation, called an X1000 (for licensing reasons no doubt), is also now fully integrated for aircraft that posses a weather radar onboard. A third implementation is the Bendex RDR2000 which is currently found on the Beechcraft Baron 58.

Terrain Display support has also been added. It makes use of the X-Plane global terrain database to project terrain returns on the displays. Not bad!

The radar systems have attenuation, tilt, range and reflectivity settings programmed in. The code has been published under the MIT License on GitHub so third parties can take advantage of the system. Even better!

A330 gets an update

The included default A330-300 from Laminar Research is also getting overhauled in the latest update. Improved exterior visuals with better weathering effects, realistic vibration effects for the engines, cockpit texture and lighting overhaul, and a cabin update are all part of the effort.

Systems are also being updated. The MCDU will now support a secondary flight plan, better VNAV logic, better FBW simulation, autopilot handling, and more. It will even get ACARS-style memo displays.

New custom scenery and feature updates

Other updates inbound? X1000 finally gets a full synthetic vision implementation baked into the sim. Engine health parameters are being added which will add noticeable differences in spool-up times, fuel flow and overall efficiency which will add individuality to every aircraft.

The sim is adding other features too like historic weather that you can go back one full year in time. Lighting improvements, G-loaded camera improvements, new scenery assets, and a new night vision system are all mentioned.

The update is also set to bring a new bespoke airport scenery. OMDB Dubai International will be added to the sim with bespoke objects setup for the airport.

That’s an extensive update! When will it be available? Well its headed into beta shortly so you can try this all out during the beta or wait for the full official release.

Read the full status report here!