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Ultimate Realism ‘X-posed’ in 747-200 Classic

It's easy to fall in love with the 'Queen of the Skies' sim add-on for 'X-Plane 12'.

FLYING contributor Peter James says he has fallen in love with the Felis 747-200 classic add-on, available for purchase from the x-plane.org online store. [Courtesy: Peter James]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article contrasts Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020's (MSFS2020) visual realism and online dependency with X-Plane 12's (XP12) superior flight model, in-depth system simulation, and offline play capabilities.
  • XP12 is praised for its highly realistic flight dynamics, based on "blade element theory," offering a profound sense of momentum and control, especially with high-fidelity add-ons like the Felis 747-200.
  • X-Plane further distinguishes itself with exceptionally realistic and dynamic weather modeling, comprehensive system failure simulations (over 500 combinations), and continued graphical improvements, making it ideal for immersive and training-focused simulation.
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With exactly three years since the “new” Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was released, me, along with many thousands of die-hard flight simmers have been taken by storm, fallen in love, gotten angry, or experienced a multitude of emotions.

Competition is good, and before 2020, we all began to think Microsoft was out of the game, and X-Plane creator Austin Meyer would be the savior, keeping this hobby alive forever. Certainly not swayed by Microsoft’s offerings, Meyer and his team forged ahead, putting the finishing touches on X-Plane 11. X-Plane 12 was released earlier this year after a long beta period. Not forgotten here, or elsewhere, the X-Plane series is continuously updated and developed. In fact, Meyer’s team at Laminar Research is the largest it’s ever been—tiresomely working on X-Plane 12.

Peter James

Peter is an experienced Part 135 business jet pilot with a passion for simulators and how they blend with the real world. Learning to fly at age 12, he supplemented his passion and career goals with the early versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator. With the growing realism of all PC simulators today, he frequently uses them for extra proficiency, and loves to show other pilots how great they are.

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