Lockheed Martin, a developer known for Prepar3D simulators, has released an another simulator – Prepar3D v5. This version adds many features which will be described below.
Lockheed Martin bought the ESP platform to continue developing it. ESP platform was originally used by Microsoft Game Studios back in the 2000s when simulators like FS2004 and FSX were usually used. LM continues the development of ESP and every two-three years they usually push a new version of P3D (P3D v3 – 2015, P3D v4 – 2017, P3D v5 – 2020).
Now, back from the backstory to the main concern of this article. The main features of the new P3D simulator are for example TrueSky feature, that reworks the sky, clouds and sun behaviour, new waves using Nvidia WaveWorks 2.0, new sloped runways and ground textures, 8.33kHz spacing support, updated over 24 000 airports and many more. The full feature list is listed below the video by Lockheed Martin and screenshots.
If you are interested in buying the Prepar3D v5, you can do so here.
Features
- Enhanced performance and graphical capabilities enabled by the new Microsoft DirectX 12 rendering engine.
- Realistic sky, clouds, and atmosphere with Simul trueSKY integration.
- Dynamic ocean with NVIDIA WaveWorks 2.0.
- Added sloped runway support including AI takeoff and landing capabilities.
- Updated time zones to match real-world boundaries.
- Added 8.33 kHz spacing support.
- Users can now switch vehicles while in multiplayer if enabled by the host.
- Updated multiplayer UI to streamline multiplayer setup and lobby interactions.
- Multiplayer host and clients can now choose any starting location.
- Multiplayer lobby is now available in the session.
- The map screen is now available during the flight.
- Added TACAN course selection and tracking support.
- Compiler and SDK updated to Visual Studio 2019 and .NET 4.8.
- Updated default mouse and joystick camera controls.
- Updated default controller layout.
- Added controllable flashlight to virtual cockpit views.
- Updated user interface design.
- Added brown-out and white-out effect support for helicopters.
- Updated over 24,000 airports with new data across the entire globe.
- Updated global terrain, elevation, water/shoreline data, and traffic routes.
- GPS data can now be broadcast to a specific IP address.
- Ground contact reaction is now done per contact point.
- Added prompt to warn if GPU memory has run out with an option to revert graphics settings.
- Weather themes can now be customized in the weather UI.
- Added surface perturbations to 2D water.
- Added support for the Varjo XR-1 mixed reality (MR) headset.
- Added SIDS and STARS visualization support for gauges.
- New and updated default content:
- Updated Randolph AFB (KRND) developed by Orbx.
- Added the Lockheed Martin Civilian Utility Aircraft Single Engine (CUASE) aircraft.
- Added the Lockheed Martin Turboprop Trainer (TTA) aircraft.
- Added F-35B and F-35C variants with PBR textures developed by IndiaFoxtEcho.
- Updated F-35A model with PBR textures developed by IndiaFoxtEcho.
- Updated F-22 model developed by IRIS Simulations.
- Updated C-130 to support 8.33 kHz spacing.
- Updated runway surface textures to 4k PBR textures.
- Updated various airport and land class textures.
- Updated various road, railroad, stream, shoreline, and wake textures.
- Fixed mismatched building textures.
- Added several additional SpeedTree tree types and seasonal variants.
- Added a sample race scenario showcasing racing scenario capabilities.
- Added additional road, traffic models.
- Fixed incorrect light mappings in Maule aircraft.
- Updated Deep Sea Submarine model.
- Updated several models to reduce flickering issues at large distances.
- Updated taxiway signs to use PBR textures.
- Improved jetway models and textures.
- Fixed several parts in the F-16A model that were missing PBR textures.
- Added a multitude of new landmark buildings spanning the globe.
- Sloped various airports across the globe.
- Added multiple wildlife models.
- Updated ATC tower interior.
- Updated various effect values.
