Well well well…the cat’s out of the bag! Lockheed Martin has publicly announced Prepar3D v5. Let’s get right down to business, here’s what you can expect from us at //42 for your transition.

ChasePlane

We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes ensuring compatibility at the time of release for our top-selling and award-winning virtual camera system ChasePlane.

• Free v5 compatibility update via Orbx Central, ready at launch.
• End of Line for OldProp branch of code. Please migrate your licenses to Orbx ASAP to continue receiving updates including Prepar3D v5 compatibility. http://parallel42.com/orbx for instructions, it’s easy!
• Broken: Airport scanning abilities will be disabled for the time being. Not a heavily used feature, but a feature nonetheless. Prepar3D v5 brought in changes that majorly affected this piece of our code, it shall return!

PrecipitFX

This product was introduced in August 2014, since then we’ve made gradual adjustments in pricing to reflect its aging state. Most recently, we offered it FREE to the world for choosing to #StayHome and #FlightSim to fight the good fight against #Covid19. Prepar3D v5 has received significant changes to the virtual environment which would require a major rework of this product. That said, it’s time to let PrecipitFX go FREEWARE…thank you for the great years!

• Not v5 compatible
• Free Forever! (FSX - Prepar3D v4 only)
• End of Technical Support in ~6 months (Oct. 15, 2020)

Immersion Packages

Immersion packages are special snowflakes. Each is dependant on individual aircraft developers. That said, this general statement holds the most information “If the aircraft is updated by the dev for v5, we will follow.” Our tech and team are ready.

• No official statement on whether or not updates will be free or not. Some products may reach end of life if the developers choose not to support Prepar3D v5. Others may require major code rework which would come with an upgrade fee if the developers choose to support Prepar3D v5 with a heavily updated version of their aircraft.
• 737 v1 (NGX) — This product reached End of Line with the change to Prepar3D v4. It will continue to be available to consumers, as will support.
• 737 V2 (NGXu) — If the aircraft is updated by the dev for v5, we will follow.
• 717 — If the aircraft is updated by the dev for v5, we will follow.
• 747 — If the aircraft is updated by the dev for v5, we will follow.
• 777 — Remember what I said about special snowflakes? PMDG has made a statement about this aircraft getting quite the update, which will include a new -200ER variant. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
• 787 — If the aircraft is updated by the dev for v5, we will follow.
• A320 Family — This product reached End of Line with the change to Prepar3D v3. It will continue to be available to consumers, as will support.
• Lear35 — If the aircraft is updated by the dev for v5, we will follow. However, we’re excited to announce that this product will be heading into the hangar for a quick tune-up to address a minor lighting alignment issue caused by a rework of the model by Flysimware. This fix will be pushed via Orbx Central for free.
• Q400 — If the aircraft is updated by the dev for v5, we will follow.

The Skypark

It’s not even out yet! While it does “sort of” work in v5 from our internal testing, please expect a more detailed update soon at blog.parallel42.com. Prepar3D v5 and MSFS 2020 may command a large part of the code to be re-written. We need time to assess the best course adjustments to navigate the terrain ahead. Remember what we announced…One World, Unlimited Adventure

Closing Thoughts

We’re excited about all the craziness in the sim community right now. It’s an incredible time to be passionate about the world of virtual flight. There’s always someone that won’t read before replying about MSFS 2020 bringing world peace or confirming alien life at Area 51. Block them for your sanity as we do. Live and let sim!

Edson Soriano, Managing Director //42