X-Plane 12
X-Plane 12.2.0 Update Brings Improved ATC and New Weather Radar
By David Park · · 2 min read
Laminar Research's latest beta introduces a revamped ATC system with SID/STAR clearance and a fully functional weather radar. Performance optimizations also target VR and multi-monitor setups.
Laminar Research has released X-Plane 12.2.0 as a public beta, delivering significant upgrades to the simulator's default ATC and weather systems. The new ATC engine now issues realistic clearances, including SID/STAR assignments, altitude restrictions, and vectors for approach. It also supports pilot readback and handles complex airspace transitions more gracefully.
The update adds a functional weather radar to default aircraft, capable of displaying precipitation intensity and turbulence. This ties into the improved weather engine, which now features more accurate cloud layers and real-world METAR integration. Additionally, Laminar has optimized rendering for VR and multi-monitor configurations, claiming up to 20% higher frame rates in dense scenery areas.
Other changes include updated navigation data (AIRAC 2610), revised ground handling physics, and fixes for autopilot oscillations in gusty conditions. The beta is available now via the X-Plane installer, with a stable release expected in November. Third-party developers like ToLiss and FlightFactor are already updating their aircraft to leverage the new ATC and radar APIs.
Tags: X-Plane 12, Laminar Research, ATC, Weather Radar, Beta