Connect with us

MSFS

Laminar Research Releases New Beta Update for X-Plane 12 with Visual and System Enhancements

Published

on

Laminar Research has released a new beta update for X-Plane 12, bringing a series of bug fixes and graphical improvements to the simulator. The update, released on May 9, 2025, remains in beta status, and the development team strongly advises users to disable or remove third-party mods before installing the update to ensure compatibility.

According to Laminar Research, certain existing mods — such as VisualXP, RXP Enhancer, various FlyWithLua scripts, and the X-Crafts E-Jet Family 2.0 — may interfere with new rendering parameters and cause issues with atmospheric values or reflections.

Key Fixes and Enhancements

Aircraft

  • Piper PA-18 Super Cub: Liveries now load correctly (XPD-16826).
  • Transponder knobs have been fixed and now function as intended (XPD-16825).

Air Traffic Control

  • Voice Packs have been updated to AIRAC cycle 2504, providing the latest navigation data.

VR and Camera Improvements

  • G-load camera effects have been disabled for external views in VR (XPD-16806).
  • Left and right eye views in VR are now properly aligned, resolving previous visual inconsistencies (XPD-16784).

Environmental Adjustments

  • Hot air balloons will no longer spawn in Class B airspace, addressing an immersion concern (XPD-16844).
  • The aviation flashlight functionality has been restored (XPD-16829).

Graphics Engine and Visual Improvements

  • Enhanced texture paging and memory management improve overall performance (XPD-16855).
  • Fixed an issue where magenta light appeared on the right side of the screen for ultrawide monitors (XPD-16796).
  • Improved cloud shadows and removed unnatural patterns on terrain (XPD-16787).
  • Cloud brightness has been increased, particularly under overcast conditions (XPD-16722).
  • Rendering when flying through clouds has been refined for better visual fidelity (XPD-16749).
  • At night in VR, nearby cloud rendering has been improved.
  • The sun, moon, and stars are now properly obscured by thick fog or cloud layers.
  • General improvements to the rendering of the sun, moon, and cloud interactions (XPD-16843, XPD-16295).
  • Radio towers no longer display incorrect blue tinting when viewed against clouds (XPD-16745).
  • Cloud compute shader performance has been optimized, reducing GPU load.

SDK

  • The XPLMDestroyAvionics function no longer causes the simulator to crash (XPD-16895), ensuring more stable development workflows for third-party creators.

Important User Advisory

Laminar Research recommends all users perform a default installation of the beta and remove or temporarily disable mods that may manipulate core simulator files, especially those affecting cubemaps or atmospheric parameters, to avoid unintended rendering issues during the beta period.

The update can be accessed via the X-Plane Installer for users opting into the public beta branch.

Michael currently serves as a Legacy Airline Captain in the United States, and founder of Approach Brief News.

Continue Reading

MSFS

TaiModels Releases Singapore Changi Airport (WSSS) for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Published

on

TaiModels has launched a detailed rendition of Singapore Changi Airport (WSSS) for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. Recognized as one of the world’s busiest and most awarded airports, Changi Airport serves as a major international hub in Southeast Asia.

Key Features:

  • Accurate Ground Markings: Handcrafted and detailed PBR ground markings and textures reflecting the current airport layout.
  • Terminal Interiors: Detailed modeling of terminal interiors, providing an immersive experience.
  • Realistic Structures: Custom-built terminals, cargo buildings, and airport structures using MSFS PBR materials.
  • Lighting and Aprons: Realistic airport lighting and accurately modeled taxiways and aprons.
  • Performance Optimization: Designed to perform efficiently across various system configurations.
  • Custom Jetways: Inclusion of custom jetways to enhance the boarding experience.

The scenery is available for purchase exclusively through the iniBuilds Store at £18.49 GBP (excluding VAT), and the package is compatible with both MSFS 2020 and 2024.

For more information or to purchase, visit the iniBuilds Store.

Continue Reading

MSFS

Orbx Unveils Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Published

on

Orbx has announced the development of a highly detailed rendition of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (KATL) for Microsoft Flight Simulator. This project aims to provide an accurate and immersive experience of the world’s busiest airport, reflecting its 2025 layout and features.

Key Features:

  • Accurate 2025 Layout: The scenery includes the latest expansions, such as the Concourse T extension, ensuring up-to-date airport representation.
  • Detailed Modeling: Every aspect of the airport, from doors and signage to air conditioning systems, is meticulously modeled based on real-world imagery and data.
  • Custom Textures and Lighting: High-quality, photorealistic textures with handcrafted corrections are used throughout, accompanied by custom 3D lighting and taxi signage.
  • Animated Elements: Features include animated Atlanta SkyTrain and Metro Train systems, as well as custom animated jetways with airline-specific branding.
  • Interior Modeling: Detailed interior modeling of terminals enhances the immersive experience.
  • Optimized Performance: The scenery is designed with performance in mind, avoiding unnecessary high-polygon models and ensuring efficient texture usage.

The development is led by Matteo Veneziani, known for previous Orbx projects such as Sacramento (KSMF), Burbank Hollywood (KBUR), and Olbia (LIEO) airports. The release date has not been announced, but the project is currently in development with more previews expected soon.

For more information and updates, visit the Orbx forums.

Continue Reading

MSFS

PMDG Releases Boeing 777F Freighter for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 & 2024

Published

on

Precision Manuals Development Group (PMDG) has launched the Boeing 777F freighter for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 and 2024. This release offers flight simulation enthusiasts a detailed and immersive experience of operating one of the world’s leading cargo aircraft.

Key Features:

  • High-Fidelity Modeling: The 777F has been meticulously recreated using Lidar scanning and photogrammetry, ensuring accurate representation of the aircraft’s structure and systems.
  • Advanced Avionics: The simulation includes comprehensive modeling of the aircraft’s avionics, system management operations, and the Master Caution and Warning System, providing users with an authentic cockpit experience.
  • PMDG Universal Flight Tablet: Integrated with simBrief and Navigraph (for subscribers), the tablet offers performance tools, weather support, and feature controls to enhance flight planning and execution.
  • Cargo Operations: The module features a fully simulated main deck cargo door, a usable crew supernumerary area, and GSX integration for ground operations, catering to users interested in cargo logistics.
  • Dynamic Systems: Users can experience realistic cabin conditioning systems, electronic checklists, and fully controllable lighting throughout the cockpit and cargo areas.

The PMDG 777F is available for purchase at $54.99 and includes versions compatible with both MSFS 2020 and 2024. For more information and to acquire the aircraft, visit the official PMDG product page.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending