X-Plane 12
Laminar Research Rolls Out X-Plane 12.3.0 Beta with Major ATC Overhaul and New Default Aircraft
By James Whitfield · · 2 min read
Laminar Research has released the first beta of X-Plane 12.3.0, featuring a completely rewritten ATC system, improved flight model for turboprops, and a new default aircraft: the Cirrus SR22. The update aims to enhance realism for both VFR and IFR operations.
Laminar Research has announced the immediate availability of the X-Plane 12.3.0 beta, a significant update that overhauls the simulator's default ATC system and introduces a new default aircraft. The rewritten ATC now supports full SID/STAR assignments, holds, and more natural voice phrasing, bringing it closer to the experience offered by third-party solutions like Pilot2ATC. Early testers report that the ATC correctly issues descent clearances via VNAV and handles complex approach procedures with greater accuracy.
The flight model has also received attention, particularly for turboprop aircraft. Laminar has refined the propeller and engine dynamics, resulting in more realistic torque effects and beta range behavior. This change will be immediately noticeable in aircraft like the default King Air 350 and third-party add-ons such as the Hot Start TBM 900. Additionally, the ground handling model has been tweaked to reduce the excessive weathervaning that some users reported in crosswind conditions.
A new default aircraft, the Cirrus SR22, joins the fleet, featuring a detailed G1000 avionics suite and accurate flight dynamics. The SR22 is known for its CAPS parachute system, which is modeled and functional. Laminar also hinted at future updates to the default G1000 to include more advanced features like synthetic vision and weather radar.
The beta is available now via the X-Plane installer for those who have opted into beta updates. Laminar encourages users to report bugs on the official developer blog. A stable release is expected in late November, following the typical beta cycle.
Tags: Laminar Research, X-Plane 12, ATC, SR22, Beta