Prepar3D

Boeing 787 Dreamliner in flight with Prepar3D v4. This is a freeware add-on.Prepar3D is a spin-off from the Microsoft ESP platform and originally released in 2007 by Lockheed Martin after they bought the rights.  Prepar3D brought great things for users of Microsoft Flight Simulator X who wanted to port all of their existing add-ons over to a more modern and advanced platform as it was backward-compatible with FSX add-ons.

In 2017, Lockheed Martin released Prepar3D v4 (P3Dv4) which brought the binary and all associated modules up to 64-bit.  While this limited the library of older FSX add-ons that were compatible with it, it opened up the platform to more advanced and sophisticated mods along with improving the actual sim engine itself - gone were memory limits and associated nuances of a 32-bit platform.

Many previous FSX users have shifted over to P3D because of the modern design of the system.  The sim improves graphics, lighting, weather along with many advanced features with a completely new SDK enabling developers to create add-ons that are next-gen.

Given the release of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator imminent, we can still expect users to stay loyal to Prepar3D - much as users have been with X-Plane.

In this news category, you can find all of our latest Prepar3D (P3D) news along with updates including freeware add-ons and features.

Many of our users have requested a dedicated page listing all P3Dv4 compatible mods.  We listened... If you're interested in Prepar3D v4 compatible add-ons, we have also recently launched our new freeware P3D add-ons page here.

Editor's Selection

Editor's selection articles last updated Sat, 10 May 2025 06:31:44 GMT

Prepar3D v5 Review

Aerosoft Airbus Professional Series Major P3Dv4 Update

Prepar3D v5.4 Released by Lockheed Martin

Prepar3D v3.4 Now Available

Latest news and articles

Prepar3D v6 Released by Lockheed Martin

Posted on 2023-07-05 20:36:38

Lockheed Martin’s newly unveiled Prepar3D v6 transforms the flight simulation realm with its cutting-edge atmospheric engine, refined lighting system, and meticulously enhanced airport objects. Its streamlined updating process, robust SDK improvements, and enduring add-on compatibility make this next-generation platform a compelling option for professional pilots, casual aviators, and developers seeking to elevate realism and performance to unprecedented levels.

12 min read 

Prepar3D v5.4 Released by Lockheed Martin

Posted on 2023-05-23 23:12:08

Lockheed Martin’s newly released Prepar3D v5.4 integrates advanced background thread optimizations, refined GPS route planning, and streamlined VR calibration to deliver smoother flights and a more authentic cockpit environment. This enhanced version addresses community feedback with meticulous bug resolutions and expanded features, making it a significant leap forward in the ongoing evolution of flight simulation.

19 min read 

Prepar3D v5 Review

Posted on 2020-07-23 22:17:26

Immerse yourself in Lockheed Martin’s innovative Prepar3D v5, featuring upgraded DirectX 12 performance, enhanced global landscapes, and refined flight mechanics for remarkably authentic training or recreational simulations.

20 min read 

Best Payware P3D v5/v4 Aircraft & Scenery Add-ons for 2024

Posted on 2018-10-01 16:47:51

Immerse yourself in the best payware expansions for Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D v5 and v4 as we enter 2024, delivering unmatched realism for vintage aircraft aficionados and those seeking modern, high-fidelity jets alike. From meticulously modeled cockpits to faithful global scenery, each recommended add-on leverages cutting-edge simulation technology, evolving flight dynamics, and detailed environmental elements for a truly captivating virtual aviation experience.

20 min read 

Aerosoft Airbus Professional Series Major P3Dv4 Update

Posted on 2018-01-04 18:19:32

This major revision of Aerosoft’s Airbus family, tailored for Prepar3D v4’s 64-bit platform, delivers fresh coding, enhanced graphics, and an upgraded flight deck experience spanning the A318 to A330. Existing customers enjoy a discounted upgrade path, making it a prime choice for virtual pilots seeking advanced realism.

3 min read 

Prepar3D v3.4 Now Available

Posted on 2016-09-26 22:05:12

Prepar3D v3.4 packs an array of technical refinements, including bolstered VR support for Oculus Rift 1.7 and HTC Vive, revamped Cinematographer modes for refined camera work, and expanded bug fixes that sharpen overall stability. This latest release also enriches performance through upgraded rendering, deeper SDK enhancements, and improved multi-channel functionality, giving virtual pilots a smoother, more immersive flight simulation adventure.

8 min read