X-Plane for Windows/Mac/Linux Demo

A demo version of the latest X-Plane version 12 (XP12) released in September 2022.  Functional and easy to use with compatibility for Windows, Mac, and Linux.  Experience (and get a taste) for the latest and greatest X-Plane version that has a brand-new graphics engine and many stunning new features bringing it up to the next-gen level of PC flight simulators.

This package includes all installer versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

DEMO IS NOW VERSION 12 (X-Plane 12). Read our full review of XP11 here.

While enthusiasts of all experience levels use X-Plane, it is best suited to experienced pilots that want the most accurate flight dynamic possible. X-Plane’s exclusive flight dynamics model, called “blade element theory,” evaluates the forces on multiple sections of the aircraft’s surface, providing a constant and reliable prediction of how it will react to those forces. This provides a realistic flying experience and makes aircraft development simpler and faster.

In contrast, Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane’s biggest rival, uses lookup tables to determine flight drag and lift. This works well for existing aircraft where the table data is already known. It is less effective for creating new aircraft or predicting the reaction of an airplane in experimental situations.

Lufthansa A330 taking off from the runway in X-Plane 12.

While X-Plane is a paid product, the free demo version of X-Plane 12 has the same aircraft, flight model, and technology.

X-Plane’s powerful flight dynamics model allowed the developers to create a wide variety of aircraft. Users can choose from single and multi-engine planes like the McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender, Boeing 747-400, and Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor; the Space Shuttle; helicopters such as the Bell 47 and Sikorsky S-61; VTOLS such as the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey and much more. Users have developed over 1400 additional aircraft which can be downloaded from our own file library here or X-Plane.org and other sites. Enthusiasts can even design, build, and contribute their own aircraft.

Features

X-Plane’s accurate flying characteristics make it perfect for scientists and engineers to study the reactions of both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Pilots can keep their skills sharp by using different airplanes and helicopters, and aviation hobbyists can experiment with flight dynamics.

Pilots can explore almost every inch of the globe, from 74 degrees north to 60 degrees south latitude. Adventure awaits- users can touch down at any one of 33,000 airports, land on an aircraft carrier, try to settle softly on a frigate bobbing in roiling surf, or land on a helipad on a skyscraper overlooking a vast city. With X-Plane, pilots can take an X-15 to outer space; take the Space Shuttle for a spin, battle raging forest fires, and more.

Weather

Every great pilot knows how to handle tough weather. X-Plane will test them to the limit with wild rainstorms, wind shear, crackling lightning and thunder, snow blindness, fog, sleet, and hail. The system can be programmed to follow actual weather from the user’s location, adding another layer of realism and excitement.

The challenges don’t stop there. X-Plane offers extensive failure modeling. Engines, controls, cables, landing gear, and communications can be set to fail on command or at random. Fellow users or instructors can shut off systems without the user’s knowledge, helping to develop their coping skills and adaptability.

The cockpit of an Airbus A330-330 shot in the default install of the latest X-Plane 12.

Power and Flexibility

X-Plane’s unparalleled flight dynamics model, gorgeous graphics, wide geographic coverage, depth of aircraft selection, versatile weather and systems handling, extensibility in the form of add-on aircraft and scenery, and realistic flying experience make it the “go-to” flight simulator for a legion of experienced pilots and new flyers.

X-Plane has a passionate user base. One user recently described a routine flight delivering supplies in Alaska. Suddenly he was hit with an engine fire! Within seconds, he had to land on the only flat spot within miles: a patch of snow about 800 yards square located one mile from his location.

Smoke trailing from the engine, he struggled to land. He describes the scene:

“Last second: Of course I'm gusting. Yoke jammed forward as I start to balloon just a few feet above ice. Stall horn mixing with pounding blood sounds in my ears. Down. Rolling. Light brakes. Full elevator deflection. Stopped. Lean back in my seat. Let out all the air that had been backing up in my lungs. Whew!”

That’s the kind of action loyalists have to come to expect from X-Plane!

Multi-Platform

Created by Laminar Research, X-Plane was originally developed for Mac OS X and is available on Windows and Linux. Keeping up with the increasing use of mobile devices, players can now get X-Plane for Android, WebOS, and iOS including iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

PLEASE NOTE

The screenshots that are shown below and in the featured section at the top of this page have been captured while third-party add-ons were used with X-Plane 12. They are not shot using the default X-Plane Demo features. They essentially show you what's possible within the sim once you own the full version.