X-Plane 12
X-Plane 12.2 Major Update: New Default Aircraft and Improved ATC
By Jason Chan · · 2 min read
Laminar Research's 12.2 update brings two new default aircraft and a complete ATC rewrite, enhancing the out-of-the-box experience for X-Plane 12 users.
Laminar Research has rolled out X-Plane 12.2, a substantial update that adds two new default aircraft: the Cessna 172 with G1000 and the Airbus A330-300 with full FADEC and EFIS systems. The A330 is particularly noteworthy, as it includes a comprehensive FMS with VNAV/LNAV functionality and a detailed systems simulation that rivals payware offerings.
The update also features a complete overhaul of the default ATC system. The new ATC now supports SID/STAR procedures, more realistic phraseology, and better vectoring logic, making it a viable option for offline flying. Laminar has also improved the AI aircraft behavior, reducing the incidence of runway incursions.
Performance optimizations include a new Vulkan rendering path that reduces stuttering on lower-end systems. Existing users can download the update via the X-Plane Installer. This release marks a significant step forward for X-Plane's default experience, ensuring it remains a strong contender in the flight simulation market.
Tags: X-Plane 12, Laminar Research, A330-300, ATC