X-Plane 12
X-Plane 12.2.0 Beta Released: New ATC Voice Recognition and Enhanced Weather Radar
By Matt Henderson · · 2 min read
Laminar Research has released X-Plane 12.2.0 beta, introducing voice recognition for ATC, a revamped weather radar API, and improved photometric lighting. The update also includes performance optimizations for Vulkan and updated default aircraft.
Laminar Research has pushed X-Plane 12.2.0 into public beta, marking a significant update to the platform. The headline feature is the long-promised voice recognition for the default ATC system, allowing pilots to communicate with controllers using natural speech via a headset. The system supports standard phraseology and can handle clearance delivery, ground, tower, and enroute frequencies. Early testers report impressive accuracy, though accents and non-standard phraseology can still cause hiccups.
In addition to ATC improvements, 12.2.0 introduces a new weather radar API that third-party developers can use to render accurate precipitation returns based on the simulator's weather engine. This will allow aircraft like the ToLiss A320neo and FlightFactor 757 to display volumetric radar imagery. The update also brings enhanced photometric lighting, with improved bloom and light scattering effects, particularly noticeable during dawn and dusk. Performance optimizations for Vulkan have yielded frame rate improvements of up to 15% in dense scenery areas.
Default aircraft have also seen updates: the Cessna Citation X now features a more accurate FMS with RNAV approach support, and the Robinson R22 helicopter benefits from revised rotor dynamics. Laminar has cautioned that the beta may contain bugs and recommends users back up their preferences before updating. The stable release is expected in late October. As always, third-party developers will need to update their products for full compatibility.
Tags: Laminar Research, X-Plane 12, ATC, Beta, Weather Radar