X-Plane realism addon XPRealisitc Pro's version 2 is soon to become a reality, with the developer sharing to Threshold that beta testing for the update will begin in the coming months.

Having amassed over 15,000 active users over the three years since its initial release, Roy Kronenfeld - who typically goes by the name "rkApps" - is comfortable in saying that the plugin could be considered one of the "must have" addons for X-Plane.

That's not to say Kronenfeld is resting on his successes in version 1, though, as he has confirmed that the secretive version 2 update will enter beta testing in July 2020.

The developer describes the addon as "a plugin that focuses on enhancing X-Plane camera and sound effects. It includes dozens of effects that results in an immersive and realistic flight experience. The plugin was written by a real-world pilot and a long time flight-simmer that detected what is missing in that aspect and added it by creating XPRealistic."

Version 2 will be overhauled from the ground up, with the addon shedding its reliance on FlyWithLua as it transitions to C++. Optimisation as a result of this shift has increased to a point where the effects no longer affect framerate, according to the developer.

The new platform also allows for a more streamlined process in adjusting existing effects and adding new ones, with headroom for more than a single camera or sound movement allowing for more complex effects to exist on version 2.

"The majority" of effects users became attached to from version 1 have been carried across to v2, with their own array of improvements added during the development span (sound being a large part of this, with improvements and new clips being added), though the main drawcard lies in the user interface, which has seen a complete rework.

The new system uses X-Plane 11's trademark GUI style in order to make the system as "simple and easy as possible", with sliders and sound selection making all of the default effects totally customisable. Kronenfield has provided Threshold with the very first public screenshots of version 2's UI, which display two default effects - Stalling and Flap Drag.

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Another requested feature takes form in the shape of "Profiles", allowing a user to easily share their effects set with friends.

All of these features will be ready for testing come July, following the opening of beta applications last week. rkApps invites Threshold readers to apply too, though warns that only 25 testers will make the cut.

Once beta testing wraps up, yet more features are slated for the addon - 3D sound, with real time adjustments based on the pilot's head movements being one of top priority during this time. Better effects for helicopters, seaplanes and fighter jets are also on the cards.

Lastly, support for Linux platforms and virtual reality is also planned, with the latter being in a proof of concept stage at the current time, though with a note that it may be hard to implement in time for V2.

Want to join the XPRealisitic Pro V2 beta team? See the applications thread on the X-Plane.org Forum here.

Threshold would like to thank rkApps for the opportunity to share this information with the community. Keep an eye out for Roy going forward too, as he's soon to appear on the Inflight podcast!