You can download and read the release notes for the updated SDK here, as well as download the patch here (note: you’ll need to be logged in, and have already installed the v1.4 SDK, this is simply a patch you’ll install over your previous 1.4 SDK installation).

But don’t take our word for it, here is what members of the Prepar3D Developer’s Network have to say about the updated modeling tools and SDK features:

“This new set of tools provided by Prepar3D really were spot on. This means for us the possibility to produce better quality content and much quicker. Right now we have to model in 3D software such as 3D Studio and then export each aircraft to GMAX which is an extra step that we will not have any more. More over the new tools doesn’t have a 64K limits polygons per material which means no limits for reproducing details generating an even better flight experience.”
-Carenado

“The truth is, the new 64bit plugin is the most significant improvement to the Flight Simulator SDK for the last decade. We can now work faster, on more complex environments, without fear of performance loss or crashing.”
-Fly Tampa

“At first, with Max 2012 32bit, we were limited by the antiquated ESP export system, only having the ability to export 65K Polygon models at a time, having to ‘knit them together’ into full models through another program, having to reboot Max with each export of each segment of a model. But Team Prepar3D saw our needs for a new, updated exporter system and set to work to make us a package that we could really use, and this is it. Now, we can run Max, CS6, and P3D all at once, not having to reboot Max, all running on a 64bit computer, without having to shut off side systems, exporting smoothly without worry, and testing.”
-Lionheart Creations

“Fantastic news on the tools, I managed to export a 450K+ poly Zlin Z50 LS the other day without breaking a sweat!! Runs lovely too.. I’m now saying goodbye to Max 2008 and the old plugins.. The changes to XtoMDL are fantastic and really do turn on a light when it comes to compiling larger more detailed models.”
-IRIS Flight Simulation Software

Carenado, an award winning aircraft add-on provider and software development company is now featuring products for, and developing for Lockheed Martin Prepar3D. The Prepar3D team has partnered with Carenado on modeling tool improvements and look forward to more great products from Carenado in the future.

An image gallery featuring some of Carenado’s products have been uploaded to the Prepar3D Image Gallery.

To learn more about Carenado and it’s award winning products, visit their website – http://www.carenado.com

The Cadet Youth Development Centre is home to the 822 Tutor Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. As a registered charity, the centre offers free access to aerospace and robotics programs for cadets and youth aged 12-18 years. Its Introduction to Aerospace Through Simulation program engages participants in aviation-based tasks where they build teamwork, leadership and resource management skills while experiencing STEM principles in action.

Read more about the Centre and its mission in this case study.

Voice Command Pack: This feature allows you to talk to your instructors. Use the Voice Command Pack to get updated information on your flight plan, destination airport, weather, waypoints and ground and air traffic. You can also ask the instructors to identify airports you see out of the windows.

On Approach PLUS Pack: On Approach allows you to set up approaches to any runway in the world. FSFlyingSchool PRO 2013 includes the On Approach PLUS Pack which allows you to set up intersecting approaches, set approach initial altitude and more. You can also have FSFlyingSchool Pro 2013 choose a random airport for you.

Beechcraft Baron 58, Cessna 152 and Mooney Bravo Detail Packs: In addition to detailed analysis of your flights, you’ll hear extra advice and warnings specific to the Beechcraft Baron 58, Cessna 152 and Mooney Bravo aircraft from the instructors. Guidance includes stall speeds, use of fuel boost pumps, cowl flaps, propeller controls, rate of climb, angle of climb, flap speeds, run up procedures, fuel, starting the engines, one-engine-out speeds, landing techniques, mixture controls and more.

To find out more, watch videos or download a demo, visit the FSFlyingSchool website.

ForeFlight Mobile provides flight planning and in flight support.

The same ForeFlight Mobile app used for flight planning and enroute navigation is now available for your Prepar3D® simulations. With FSXFlight as the interface, your Prepar3D aircraft position information is sent to ForeFlight Mobile’s app, providing a moving map electronic flight bag. ForeFlight Mobile is another option to tailor your experience in Prepar3D to train how you fly.

With this app, you can:

• Use the ForeFlight Mobile moving map
• Display aircraft position on taxi diagrams
• Display aircraft position on select approach plates
• View aircraft speed, track and altitude information

ForeFlight Mobile is a best-selling app used by pilots and flight operators to gather preflight weather information, plan flights, conduct preflight research, file flight plans and keep enroute charts and terminal procedures up to date. ForeFlight Mobile includes many of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NAV CANADA’s official flight publications, including the FAA Digital Terminal Procedures, the FAA’s digital aeronautical data, digital VFR and IFR enroute charts, NAV CANADA’s Canada Air Pilot procedures and more.

You will need to download FSXFlight to connect Prepar3D to ForeFlight Mobile. Please visit FSXFlight and ForeFlight for more information about these tools.

The Lumen runtime engine for GL Studio is DiSTI’s newest advancement in human machine interface development technology allowing GL Studio users to expand their platform reach to include DirectX. This enables instrumentation integration with Prepar3D and other DirectX-based rendering technologies.

For more information on the Lumen Engine, visit DiSTI’s website.

Our friends at Wilco Publishing recently released aircraft add-ons for the Prepar3D® community. The titles available include:

• Airbus Series Evolution Vol.1
• Airbus Series Evolution Vol.2
• CRJ NextGen
• Citation X
• E-Jets Series
• Tilt Rotor

Please visit the Wilco Publishing website for details about these products.

The Prepar3D ecosystem continues to expand with new add-on options. It’s a great see the breadth and variety of features available for customized learning!

Watch this tutorial and others at our videos page.

Prepar3D® 1.4 adds the IRIS T-6 Texan. Image shows ORBX CZST Stewart Add-on Scenery.

The Lockheed Martin team loves hearing about your experiences with Prepar3D® at our forums. The forums also give us an opportunity to listen to your feedback as we continue Prepar3D development.

Based on user input, Prepar3D is launching version 1.4 on Aug. 20. This software release addresses software bugs and performance updates and adds the Mooney Acclaim (from Lionheart Creations) and T-6 Texan (from IRIS Flight Simulation Software) to the aircraft models available out of the box.

With this release, Prepar3D is also certified AMD Eyefinity Gold. AMD Eyefinity technology supports up to six simultaneous displays off a single graphics card for a panoramic training experience.

To download version 1.4 when it is released on the afternoon of Aug. 20, please log in and then go to the Purchased Downloads page. If you are a current Prepar3D user, there is no charge to upgrade.

We hope you find Prepar3D continues to support your learning, mission rehearsal and development objectives. And please keep the feedback coming!

Ryan Aerospace's HELIMOD range of machines are modular to provide off-the-shelf, aircraft-specific settings which can be quickly reconfigured.

Defense News’ Training & Simulation Journal recently highlighted two companies using Lockheed Martin Prepar3D® in their simulators.

HotSeat Chassis takes disabled veterans to the skies for rehabilitation and training through their new Flex Sim flight simulator. Read more in the article Flying in Wheelchairs.

Ryan Aerospace’s new dual-control Helicrew helicopter cockpit simulator provides an affordable training solution that’s between a basic procedures trainer and full mission simulator. Read more in New Helicopter Sim Is Technological Halfway House.