Since its first launch in 1995 by Austin Meyer, X-Plane has evolved through twelve major versions. Unlike many simulators that rely on pre-recorded performance data, X-Plane uses to calculate aerodynamic forces in real-time. This means it mathematically "flies" the aircraft based on its physical shape, allowing it to predict how a brand-new aircraft design might behave in the real world.
While NASA's X-planes (like the sound-barrier-breaking X-1) focus on physical research, the by Laminar Research has become a staple for both aviation enthusiasts and professional pilots due to its unique "Blade Element Theory" physics model. The Evolution of X-Plane Flight Simulator x plane