X-Plane 12
X-Plane 12.1.3 Beta Adds Vulkan Improvements and New G1000 NXi Features
By Jason Chan · · 2 min read
Laminar Research's latest beta for X-Plane 12 introduces significant Vulkan rendering optimizations and an enhanced G1000 NXi avionics suite with new IFR capability, including support for RNP AR approaches.
Laminar Research has pushed X-Plane 12.1.3 into public beta, delivering a host of improvements that cater to serious simmers. The most notable change is a further optimized Vulkan rendering pipeline, which promises up to a 20% frame rate increase on systems with AMD GPUs. Additionally, the update introduces a new 'Experimental' flight model toggle, now exposed in the UI, allowing users to test the latest aerodynamic refinements that affect aircraft like the ToLiss A320 and FlightFactor 767.
Avionics enthusiasts will appreciate the expanded G1000 NXi features. The glass cockpit now supports RNP AR approaches with RF legs, and the VNAV has been refined for smoother descent profiles. Laminar has also added support for custom hold patterns and improved the integration with Navigraph charts via the new plug-in API. For those flying in VR, the update reduces stutters during scenery loading, a long-standing issue.
The beta is available via the X-Plane 12 installer's public beta channel. Users are encouraged to report bugs on the official forums. Developers like ToLiss have already confirmed compatibility, with their A320neo benefiting from the new flight model. As always with Laminar, the beta is a work in progress, but early reports from testers are encouraging. For a full changelog, visit the X-Plane developer blog.
Tags: X-Plane 12, Laminar Research, Vulkan, G1000 NXi, RNP AR