Prepar3D
Prepar3D is a Lockheed Martin-developed visual simulation platform for aviation, maritime, and ground training, serving military organizations, professional flight schools, academic institutions, and serious simmers via tiered perpetual licenses and a third-party developer ecosystem.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersFlushing, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Prepar3D does
Prepar3D is a professional visual simulation platform developed and commercialized by Lockheed Martin Corporation as a product line within its Global Training and Logistics business unit. Launched in 2010 from technology Lockheed acquired from Microsoft's ESP simulation platform, the software provides a full-world simulation environment supporting aviation, maritime, and ground-vehicle training scenarios. It is targeted at military and defense organizations, professional flight schools, academic institutions, third-party software developers, and serious individual simmers — explicitly not at the consumer entertainment market. The platform ships with SimDirector (a visual node-based scenario authoring tool), the SimConnect API for external integration, VR/SteamVR support, multiplayer networking, and an SDK that sustains a multi-vendor third-party developer ecosystem producing add-on aircraft, scenery, and utilities.
The technology stack is Windows-based and built on a proprietary simulation engine; Prepar3D v6 is the current major release, with maintenance patches issued through February 2024. On 2 December 2025, Lockheed Martin and Blackshark.ai announced Prepar3D Fuse, a next-generation image generator built on Unreal Engine that introduces AI-assisted 3D environment generation into the platform. Revenue is generated through tiered one-time perpetual software licenses — Personal, Academic, Professional, and Professional Plus — sold globally via direct digital download from prepar3d.com, complemented by a recurring monthly subscription for the P3D Developer Network Program. Distribution is digital-only with a 14-day refund policy and a no-trial policy for the public, and the EULA restricts use in Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria.
The go-to-market blends enterprise field sales (Lockheed Martin's commercial licensing division sells into defense, academic, and training buyers), channel partner distribution (a network of third-party developers resells add-on content into the installed base), and event-driven community engagement (FlightSimExpo attendance, YouTube tutorials via PlaneJoe, VATSIM integration for live ATC training). Named customers include the U.S. Air Force Detachment 24 Pilot Training Next program at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, demonstrating professional and military adoption. Pricing is intentionally not publicly listed, and standalone revenue and headcount are not disclosed because Prepar3D is reported within Lockheed Martin's Global Training and Logistics segment.
Prepar3D firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Prepar3D
- Legal name
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Website
- https://prepar3d.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Prepar3D is a Lockheed Martin-developed visual simulation platform for aviation, maritime, and ground training, serving military organizations, professional flight schools, academic institutions, and serious simmers via tiered perpetual licenses and a third-party developer ecosystem.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Prepar3D industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Flight Simulation Software
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (61171)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise) (MPAFAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- VR-Based Skills Training Simulations (Soft Skills, Customer Service, Leadership) (EDAFAJAA), Rendering, Graphics & Simulation Middleware (MPAFAFAB)
Keywords
Where Prepar3D is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Flushing
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Prepar3D business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licenses: Prepar3D generates revenue through direct software licenses sold in multiple tiers (Personal, Professional, Professional Plus, Academic) across multiple versions (v1-v6). Licenses are sold as one-time purchases with a 14-day refund policy. Payment accepted via Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards.
- Developer Network Subscriptions: Monthly developer subscription program providing access to the Prepar3D Developer Network with additional tools, resources, and distribution capabilities for third-party content developers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Academic License |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Personal License |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Professional License |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Professional Plus License |
| Subscription | Monthly | Developer Network Subscription |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Prepar3D product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Prepar3D is a Windows-based visual simulation platform that enables professional and military organizations to create and run training scenarios across aviation, maritime, and ground vehicle domains. The platform provides a full-world environment with extensive aircraft and airport content, a SimConnect API for external integration, SimDirector for building structured learning scenarios, multiplayer networking, and VR/SteamVR support. It is licensed in tiered editions (Personal, Professional, Professional Plus, Academic) and supplemented by a Developer Network Program for third-party add-on content creators.
Product overview
Prepar3D is a visual simulation platform developed by Lockheed Martin offering a comprehensive portfolio of simulation products. The core platform (Prepar3D) supports multiple domains including aviation, maritime, and ground training. SimDirector is included as a built-in scenario creation tool for developing structured learning experiences. SimOperator provides advanced multiplayer scenario control for Professional Plus users. The Software Development Kit (SDK) enables third-party developers to create custom content including aircraft, scenery, and gauges. Fuse represents a next-generation image generation capability powered by Unreal Engine for enhanced visual fidelity. The platform is available in multiple license tiers: Personal, Professional, and Professional Plus, with versions ranging from v1 through v6.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Fuse: Next-generation image generator powered by Unreal Engine, developed in partnership with Blackshark.ai, unveiled in December 2025 as part of the Prepar3D ecosystem.
Products and services
- Prepar3D (core simulation platform) Visual simulation platform enabling professional and military organizations to create and run training scenarios across aviation, maritime, and ground domains. Sold in tiered licenses (Personal, Professional, Professional Plus, Academic) across multiple versions (v1–v6).
- Prepar3D Fuse Next-generation image generator powered by Unreal Engine, developed with Blackshark.ai, providing photorealistic visual simulation output for immersive training scenarios across aviation, maritime, and ground domains.
- Prepar3D Developer Network Program Monthly developer subscription granting access to the Prepar3D SDK, development resources, and the ability to build and distribute add-on content for the Prepar3D platform.
Quantifiable outcome
- Lower pilot training costs through use of commercial hardware and Prepar3D simulation
Companies that use Prepar3D
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Prepar3D technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability2 records
Feature7 records
Prepar3D partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Blackshark.aicoreLockheed Martin and Blackshark.ai collaborated to develop Prepar3D® Fuse, a next-generation simulation solution powered by Unreal Engine, unveiled December 2, 2025. This represents the latest evolution of the Prepar3D platform for preparing soldiers and professionals for real-world scenarios.
- MegaSceneryEarthminorThird-party scenery developer offering complete USA Lower 48 scenery packages for Prepar3D, providing high-resolution terrain data for simulation environments.
- MK-STUDIOSminorFounded in 2008, MK-STUDIOS specializes in professional airport visualizations according to international aviation standards. They offer Prepar3D-compatible scenery including Tenerife South, Vágar Airport, Ponta Delgada, and Porto Airport.
- ORBX Simulation SystemsminorIndustry-leading provider of high-fidelity scenery packages for Prepar3D, offering Silicon Valley and other premium destinations. ORBX has been providing add-on content for Prepar3D for many years.
- LVFR (Liveries Virtual Flight)minorLVFR provides Prepar3D-compatible aircraft and liveries for the simulation platform, featured in the P3D Developer Network showcase.
- Drzewiecki DesignminorFounded in 2008, Drzewiecki Design has been part of the flight simulation community since 2000, specializing in high-quality airport and scenery add-ons for Prepar3D.
- Flight Sim LabsminorDeveloper of professional aircraft for Prepar3D, including the Concorde add-on for v5, with a focus on highly detailed simulation-quality aircraft.
- PILOT'SminorDeveloper of FS Global Mesh Ultimate series and Almeria Airport for Prepar3D, providing mesh terrain and airport scenery add-ons.
- HiFi TechnologiesminorDeveloper of Active Sky weather simulation product for Prepar3D v6, providing realistic weather experiences integrated with the simulation platform.
- Parallel 42minorDeveloper of ChasePlane Professional camera system add-on for Prepar3D v6, offering custom views, cinematic mode, in-sim view selector, and complete camera control including roll axis and zoom.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Prepar3D competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- CAE: CAE is a global leader in aviation training with full-flight simulators, integrated training centers, and digital training solutions. While CAE primarily focuses on full-motion Level D simulators, its digital and VR training offerings compete with Prepar3D's enterprise positioning.
- Cubic Defense (Cubic Mission Solutions): Cubic provides live, virtual, and constructive military training systems including air combat training instrumentation. It competes with Prepar3D in synthetic training environments at scale, particularly for multi-domain collective training.
- FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International operates a global network of training centers and full-flight simulators for commercial and business aviation. As a major professional flight training incumbent, it represents both a customer channel and a competitive threat for device-agnostic simulation software.
Direct peers
- Microsoft Flight Simulator: Microsoft's consumer and prosumer flight simulator platform uses Azure Bing photogrammetry for visuals and is the dominant consumer-grade competitor to Prepar3D. Both target the same enthusiast and professional training user base with overlapping flight physics and aircraft ecosystems.
- X-Plane (Laminar Research): X-Plane is a long-standing commercial flight simulator used by hobbyists, flight schools, and some FAA-certified training devices. It directly competes with Prepar3D across both Personal and Professional tiers with comparable simulation fidelity and developer ecosystems.
- Bohemia Interactive Simulations (VBS): VBS is a military-focused simulation suite for land, air, and sea training used by NATO and allied militaries. It directly overlaps with Prepar3D in military collective training and competes for the same defense procurement dollars.
Emerging players
- SimIS: SimIS builds simulation products for marine, aviation, and ground training using Unreal Engine, including SimIS Maritime and SimIS Tiller. It overlaps with Prepar3D's maritime and ground domains using a modern engine stack, targeting similar professional training customers.
- Stellaris Tech (MetaVR / pre-merge): Stellaris (formerly including MetaVR) provides high-fidelity visual simulation products and databases for military training. It overlaps with Prepar3D's military visual simulation positioning and competes for the same specialized defense training procurement programs.
Regional players
- Aerosoft: Aerosoft is a Germany-based flight simulation publisher and developer of add-on content for both Prepar3D and Microsoft Flight Simulator. It is comparable as a fellow ecosystem participant on the Prepar3D platform while also serving the competing MSFS ecosystem.
Others
- Ansys (STK / Defense simulation): Ansys provides engineering and mission simulation software (STK, SCADE, etc.) used in aerospace and defense mission planning and training. It is adjacent rather than directly competitive, but represents the broader simulation software ecosystem in which Prepar3D operates.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Prepar3D social profiles
Digital presencePrepar3D compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Prepar3D financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Prepar3D leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Prepar3D funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Prepar3D M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Prepar3D
What does Prepar3D do?
Prepar3D is a Windows-based visual simulation platform that enables professional and military organizations to create and run training scenarios across aviation, maritime, and ground vehicle domains. The platform provides a full-world environment with extensive aircraft and airport content, a SimConnect API for external integration, SimDirector for building structured learning scenarios, multiplayer networking, and VR/SteamVR support. It is licensed in tiered editions (Personal, Professional, Professional Plus, Academic) and supplemented by a Developer Network Program for third-party add-on content creators.
Is Prepar3D a public or private company?
Prepar3D is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Prepar3D founded?
Prepar3D was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Prepar3D based?
Prepar3D is headquartered in Flushing, United States, in the North America region.
How does Prepar3D make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Software Licenses are the primary driver. The others are developer Network Subscriptions.
Who are Prepar3D's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are CAE, Cubic Defense (Cubic Mission Solutions) and FlightSafety International. Direct peers are Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane (Laminar Research) and Bohemia Interactive Simulations (VBS). Emerging players are SimIS and Stellaris Tech (MetaVR / pre-merge). Aerosoft is listed as a regional player. Ansys (STK / Defense simulation) is listed as an others.
Does Prepar3D have an API?
Yes. Prepar3D provides SimConnect API for external applications to communicate with the simulation. SimConnect allows developers to send and receive data to/from Prepar3D, enabling integration with external systems and custom applications. The API supports accessing simulation variables, controlling aircraft systems, and receiving simulation events. Accessed via SimConnect_AddToDataDefinition call. Developer documentation is at prepar3d.com/SDKv6/simconnect_api/simconnect_api_overview.html.
What industry is Prepar3D in?
Prepar3D's product category is Professional Flight Simulation Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAH, Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise), with a secondary code of EDAFAJAA, VR-Based Skills Training Simulations (Soft Skills, Customer Service, Leadership). Its NAICS code is 61171 and its SIC code is 7372.