If you are just hearing about it, you are not alone. For years Lockheed Martin has quietly worked on Prepar3D, a new flight simulator designed for training and instruction. Prepar3D (pronounced “prepared”) allows companies and governmental units to create training simulations for air, land and sea.
Image shows boats and submarines in Prepar3D, demonstrating the sea aspect to the simulation.
In 2009, Lockheed Martin purchased the rights to Microsoft ESP, the commercial twin of the popular Microsoft Flight Simulator series. They hired several of the Microsoft developers to help create Prepar3D and develop it for commercial training markets.
For example, military units use Prepar3D to build their operational skills by training in various aircraft and vehicles before entering into real-life combat situations. Airlines and aviation related companies can train pilots and air traffic control staff under a wide variety of flight conditions. Emergency and rescue teams are able to simulate various crisis situations to develop disaster-preparedness skills.
Backwards Compatible
One of the big benefits for Microsoft Flight Simulator users is that all their addons are fully compatible in Prepar3D. Flight simulator fans often have a lot of time and money invested in their favorite program. Lockheed was smart to make sure MFS users can employ their addons in Prepar3D.
A few commenters have suggested that Prepar3D is also a good opportunity for Lockheed to clean up what some refer to as Microsoft Flight Simulator’s “questionable physics,” meaning that they don’t believe that the Microsoft program always delivered an accurate flying experience. For the time being, Prepar3D is often called “smoother” with “better graphics” than FSX by many flight sim forum participants, although an equal number feel the programs are about level in performance.
Constant Evolution
The Prepar3D team has continually added features over time. Recent evolutions include a drag and drop Windows 7 interface, the ability to save multiple monitor settings, millions of kilometers of scenery, better hardware controls including enhancements for fighter pilots, more realistic weather graphics (limitation for textures can now be pegged at up to 4096 x 4096), night vision, internet-based multi-player functionality, and underwater adventures using submersibles and U.S. government coastal bathymetry.
A fighter jet with high resolution ground textures.
Prepar3D currently features almost 25,000 airports worldwide. Unlike most flight simulators, the program offers a number of land and sea vehicles users can utilize. The list of available aircraft includes:
- P-38 Lightning
- Beechcraft King Air 350
- Maule Orion
- Piper J3 Cub
- Robinson R22
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning
- Beechcraft Baron 58
- Lockheed Constellation
- Mooney Bravo
Need to go underwater like James Bond? No problem. Jump in a Neptune Submersible and explore the ocean depths. The real Neptune can go down 750 feet, probably enough for you to escape any “Dr. No” types chasing you.
There are three licenses available for Prepar3D:
- Professional- Corporations, military divisions and private pilots are examples of organizations and individuals that will benefit from a Professional license.
- Academic- Universities, aviation schools, and private instructors utilize the Academic license to communicate lessons in avionics, math, science and related disciplines.
- Developer Network- a monthly option created in order to help build a community of developers contributing add-ons and related applications. The Network is open to experienced developers as well as those just learning the ropes. Registrants get special software kits, additional vehicles and applications, and access to labs and special opportunities.
User Reaction
Many people were genuinely surprised and excited to learn Lockheed had effectively taken over the Flight Simulator code, even though Lockheed has sent press releases with each upgrade since 2009. There seems to be a lingering dissatisfaction with Flight Simulator despite its overwhelming market dominance. Perhaps some are counting on Prepar3D to rectify perceived shortcomings of the past.
The buzz for Prepar3D is generally positive. Sauron writes in the SimHQ forums, “Well, I got it installed today. And here’s my review: If you care about realism, get it right NOW!”
Michael Martucci, an educator with Oak Ridge High School in Orlando saw the program at a trade show centered around the defense industry. Since then he has been using Prepar3D to help get kids involved in technology. He told the Orlando Sentinel the program, “…has been like a wildfire for getting kids interested in science and math.”
Additional Products
In addition to the core product, users can invest in several additional programs:
- GeoSketch is a plugin to the popular Google Sketchup 3D modeler. Developers can quickly create 3D models for simulations and textures. These can easily be exported to Prepar3D for final testing.
- Model Converter converts OpenFlight models from other simulators to the format used by the program.
- Model Placer lets developers place many buildings, trees and other structures into Prepar3D very quickly. It is designed to work seamlessly with Model Converter.
System Requirements
Lockheed Martin puts a minimum requirement for operating Prepar3D as a Windows XP, Vista or 7 (32-bit) system with a 2.0 GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 20GB HDD, a Vertex/Pixel Shader Model 3.0 or newer, DirectX9 or newer compatibility, and 1024x768 minimum screen resolution.
Demonstration of buildings and 3D objects in Prepar3D.
Realistically, a flight simulator of this quality demands more power. The company’s recommended set-up is more robust: Windows 7 (64-bit), Quad Core 2.0 GHz (Per Core) +, 4GB+ RAM, 20GB Hard Drive with 2GB for the Software Development Kit, GDDR5 Graphics Card or better with 1.0GB onboard RAM, a Vertex/Pixel Shader Model 3.0 or newer, DirectX9 or newer compatibility, and 1024x768 minimum screen resolution.
Support
Lockheed has an active user forum with almost 8000 members. They can get the latest product news as well as hardware and software support. Developers can showcase their work and get answers to questions on the software development kit and simulation, scenery and mission development.
Prepar3D.com also features a Community Downloads area. This is where they access the Software Development Kit. Members can get additional aircraft like the Lockheed L-749 Constellation and both passenger and cargo versions of the Lockheed L-188 Electra. Scenery choices include airports in China and bathymetry for Lake Ontario. Users can also find repaints like a Nemeth Design Mi-2 and a C-17A Globemaster III.
Flight Simulator DNA
Prepar3D is designed for training, but its DNA comes from a game created for entertainment and fun, Microsoft Flight Simulator. And Lockheed Martin is, of course, a defense contractor. As demand for their products has ebbed, they are seeking new ways to create revenue. A company spokesperson explained it this way to the Orlando Sentinel, "It shows we're thinking in different ways, which we have to do these days. We're not only thinking about it, but we are backing that up by taking action."
Can Prepar3D help them crack the consumer market? Only time will tell. If early reaction is any indication of the future, Lockheed has a hit on its hand.
Promotional Video released by Lockheed Martin
Pricing
A few comments suggest that I should have mentioned the pricing structure.
Lockheed Martin have two tiers, they are priced as follows:
- Standard Prepar3D License - $199
- Academic Prepar3D License - $49.95
There is also a developer license at $9.95/month which also gives you access to the SDK - more information on this special licence here.
You can grab your copy now over at the Prepar3D store.
Once you've completed the checkout, you can download the software directly from the web - I don't think they offer a CD/shipping service.
Let's see your comments below and don't forget to share!
24 comments... read them below or add one
Will it be available for sale on disc? And how much?
It looks great! Where can I purchase it and how much does it cost? Can it be downloaded as an add-on?
Thanks for the comments guys, I have updated the article above with pricing information and where to get it.
I am amazed! Thank God for Lockheed; saving the FS code (and some of the staff).
I've been an avid flight simmer for more than a decade, I fly for more than 10 VAs. This is good news for the future of flight sim.
... but not everything is gold, just because it shines. Try to select a new aircraft on the Prepar3d menu, and compare it with FSX... In this case someone clearly lowered usability and quality on the Prepare3d team.
The only problem you have here is stating "Can Prepar3D help them crack the consumer market? Only time will tell. If early reaction is any indication of the future, Lockheed has a hit on its hand." simply put that cannot currently happen, Lockheed do not have the rights to offer a consumer application, indeed Microsoft specifically prohibited it so unless Lockheed are able to renegotiate their contract it will never become the next mass market flightsim.
I think it would be nice if they had a 30 day trial, I am an avid flight simulator person with all copies that Microsoft made. I can't see spending $200.00 for a program that doesn't have all the things built into it that Flight Simulator X has in it.
I hope it will be compatible with ATC on line, ie Vatsim, FSMP, Pilot Edge.net and any other online ATC website. I am hoping that this will be the mega Flight sim of all time, with all the realism they can muster. J.Levine Comm Pilot, A&P Mech
The license agreement prohibits use for individual entertainment. Is this scheduled to change anytime soon?
I didn't see anything about a release date or a product link to Lockheed's web presence...do you have any of that info?
Can't we utilize the Acedemic license as we are not going to utilize this for business purposes (not for profit)?
I think we can use the Educational Licesnse if not for profit. It actually states for use at "home." If you have a student in the home you certainly would qualify... or if you offered its use to a student...
The Educational License States:
Uses • Classroom • Home • Educational programs, such as summer camps and after school programs
The pricing plans are fairly relaxed - meaning you can try out Prepar3d using the $10 a month plan to evaluate whether you like it, but even the academic plan has a money back guarantee if it doesn't work they way you want. The plans they share indicate some 1.x versions that will continue to refine the platform, with V2 moving to DirectX 11. Backward compatibility might become an issue, but it seems the Lockheed Martin guys are focussed on developing a simulator that gives developers an engine to create some excellent add-ons. I recently purchased the Academic version and have been most impressed? Still needs a bit of tweaking, but smooth frame-rates and better shaders already means all my FSX add-ons have got a new life. Coupled with the fact they're continuing development means I have to echo the comments that they have a hit on their hands.
Jim - head over to the Avsim forums where the Prepare3d forum lives. There is a clear explanation about how the "entertainment clause" does not apply to private flight sim enthusiats, and it comes directly from Lockheed Martin.
Fred - sign up for the monthly and see if you like it. You can always cancel.
Hi, can you please REMOVE THE REFERENCE TO MY SAYING P3D IS THE FUTURE, as I don't believe it is, without significant improvement. My post at http://xplane10.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/we-were-wrong-prepar3d-is-the-best-sim-for-the-future/
Was a very sarcastic post, saying that because ASN said it was good, xp10 might as well give up...NOT.
IMHO, xp10 and MS Flight and DCS are the future. FSX performance does not take advantage of recent pc tech. If it can, then maybe it does, but I am not hearing that V2 will have a magic bullet in it.
Simon W www.xplane10.wordpress.com
No problem Simmo, I've removed the reference - apologies for the confusion!
Can Prepar3D be downloaded?
Albert,
Yes, you can download Prepar3D directly from the Lockheed Martin website once you purchase a licence - there is no shipping/boxed edition that I'm aware of at present.
I have moved completely to P3D and love it, even with the bugs in v1.3. Like most users I am eagerly waiting v1.4 and LM has said it is not far off.
For those thinking of purchasing I suggest you wait for v1.4, and read the forums, as there are plenty of migrators available to shift your FSX addons; sceneries, aircraft and utilities to P3D. While at the same time many developers particularly Orbx and Carenado are now building P3 installers.
Is there a way to remove unwanted aircraft? Every time I delete a particular aircraft, Prepar3D initiates a recovery and re-installs them again.
I have FS2004 in my PC, how can I purchase Prepar 3D and will it be like FS2004 where I can fly the aeroplanes? I live in Sheffield in the U.K.
Prepar3d is nothing more than a crippled modification of Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
Okay I paid 200 bucks and got it thinking I am getting what shows in the video but instead I got FSX on steroids lol. Which is fine I was getting tired of FSX crashing anyway but flying the fighter to the army jeep is what caught my attention. I thought you can acually switch from flying to driving and so on but all I want to know is how and what software is being used in the video to control the views? Overall its a good software.
So is this Prepare3d ONLY for Students or Govenment organisations? I am simply a massive Flight Sim fan, and want the most realistic flight sim available, I love Xplane 10 but the ATC is abysmal, FSX is great but the physics are not brilliant although with addons its not too bad. I see a lot of addons being made now that are Prepar3D compatible, so am interested in upgrading...hence my question, is it available to General gamers like me that want to fly planes in a realistic simulator, or do i have to be a student pilot...etc...
Hope that all makes sense...