Laminar Research Announces X-Plane 12

Laminar Research has formally announced X-Plane 12 at FlightSimExpo 2021 in San Diego, with the team highlighting various aspects of the simulator that have been overhauled and improved.

Weather

The weather system in X-Plane 12 is completely overhauled, with the new version switching to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) GRIB (GRIded Binary) model to forecast weather. The GRIB model splits earth into a grid containing weather information and provides accurate weather forecasts based on complex algorithms.

X-Plane 11 uses METAR data to match real-world conditions. Although it provides accurate weather at airports, the disadvantage of using this method is it only covers the immediate area around airports and can cause large shifts in X-Plane weather in rapidly changing conditions.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below