X-Plane (simulator)

A flight simulator having global simulation capability. Special mission assignments can be used to test skills.

Released: 1993
Platforms: Android Linux Windows macOS
Genres: Flight simulation Simulation
Developers: Laminar Research
Publishers: Laminar Research
Series: X-Plane
Perspective: First person Bird view / Isometric Side view Virtual Reality
Themes: Science fiction Stealth Open world Warfare 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate)
Country: United States
Age ratings: ESRB E

About

X-Plane is a flight simulator developed by Laminar Research. The desktop versions are available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The simulator models the flight characteristics and operation of aircraft and includes features such as weather, navigation, scenery, and air traffic. It also supports user-created aircraft and custom scenery, as well as plug-ins and other add-ons. X-Plane can be used as part of FAA-approved flight-training systems when combined with appropriate hardware and controls.

›Story

Keywords

flight simulator
flight

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Development

X-Plane was developed by Austin Meyer and began in 1995 as a flight simulator called Archer-II IFR. Meyer initially developed the simulator to model the Piper Archer and later expanded it during his aerospace engineering studies to allow different aircraft to be simulated from their physical specifications. The program was subsequently renamed X-Plane.

The simulator has been developed through successive major versions, with Laminar Research continuing to revise its aircraft, scenery, flight model, weather, and other systems. X-Plane 10 was released for macOS, Windows, and Linux in 2011, while X-Plane 11 introduced a new user interface, updated aircraft, global scenery, lighting and weather effects, and changes to the rendering system.

Reception

In a review of version 5.11, Inside Mac Games praised the simulator's options but criticized its lack of polish. Reviewing the same version, Macworld stated that its features were close to those of FAA-approved simulators. PC Gamer called version 5.43 the "current standard-bearer for flight model realism in a commercial simulation", with physics incorporating blade element theory. Multiplayer.it noted that the professional version of version 12 is certified by the FAA, and that X-Plane is made for serious flight simulator enthusiasts.