Asobo Studio has announced Sim Update 12 for Microsoft Flight Simulator is now available, adding a host of fixes and new features.
Highlights include WASM support for Xbox, optimised boot times and improved download speed for the installation manager. A new assistance option has also been added to control the intensity of turbulence based on altitude and weather conditions.
Several issues have been fixed, including in-game freezes during boot and improvements to the legacy flight model. Additionally, the weather engine now features more realistic thermal modelling, including more accurate updrafts under the clouds base, improved thermal turbulence around mountains and clouds popping up when updating Live Weather data.
Other details include adjustments to the Garmin G3000/G5000, such as automatic tuning for the primary approach frequencies when loading or activating approaches. VNAV no longer captures descent altitude constraints during the climb phase and aural alerts for TCAS traffic advisories have been added.
Many of the default aircraft have been improved. Helicopters feature improved throttle control logic and better tail rotor modelling. The Bell 407 engine performance now matches real-world behaviour more closely and the Cabri G2 features improved start-up behaviour, better synchronisation between engine and rotor RPM and the throttle handle animation is now working correctly.
Moreover, the iniBuilds Airbus A310-300 has received significant sound improvements, the lighting model has been adjusted for a more realistic experience and the system logic has been tweaked. The general aviation fleet has also seen numerous bug fixes such as improved animations, better ground handling in crosswinds, fixes to the lighting, avionics and autopilot along with updated electrical and hydraulics systems.
The DG-1001E glider has seen revisions to adverse yaw, handling characteristics and the spoiler drag. The flight model also has more realistic stall characteristics and the winch launch now requires the correct technique as described in the DG-1001E flight manual.
The Douglas DC-3 has seen various fixes to the lighting, fuel system and tweaks to the cockpit model. Minor improvements have also been added to Grumman G-21 Goose, such as the engine audio and EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) functionality. Historic aircraft such as the H-4 Hercules Spruce Goose, LS8, Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis and the Wright Flyer have also been updated.
The scenery has been extensively updated. The Statue of Liberty is no longer standing in water and the World Updates have received various fixes to the handcrafted airports, POIs and elevation data. This also includes airports in the 40th Anniversary Edition: Meigs Field, Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport, Princess Juliana and various helipads.
Finally, support for new peripherals has been added, including the Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick, T.Flight Hotas One, Saitek Pro Flight X-56 Rhino, X52 and the T.Flight Stick X. For a full list of features in Sim Update 12, head over to the Microsoft Flight Simulator website.
