05-02-13

The Prepar3D development team is excited to announce the release of an update to the Prepar3D v1.4 SDK – which includes new 64-bit modeling tools. The Prepar3D team heard the feedback on our forums that modernized and updated tools were needed to build more dynamic content, and the development team partnered with many leaders in the Prepar3D development network to implement their feedback. The result of that hard work is a free update to the Prepar3D SDK that allows developers to create much richer and more dynamic content for Prepar3D.

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

04-26-13

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

04-18-13

Lockheed Martin provided Prepar3D® to the Cadet Youth Development Centre in Breslau, Ontario, to encourage youth to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

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.

01-25-13

FSInventions has released a new version of the FSFlyingSchool add-on for Prepar3D®. FSFlyingSchool Pro 2013 includes these expanded features.

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.

12-20-12

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.