There are always two main software components that are necessary for a home flight simulator: the base software and the professional B-737 software.
Flight Sim Base Software – Prepar3D
The first main software component is the flight simulator software that provides the foundation platform. This purpose of this software is to run the aerodynamic calculations to determine the change of the aircraft’s position in flight and to then create the external world scenery that would be visible out of the flight deck windows. The most common products used for this are Prepar3D or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Both products allow choosing a specific aircraft and can import third-party aircraft for more accurate and detailed modeling.
This sim currently uses Prepar3D for this component. There is a separate article on this website that discusses the pros and cons of Prepar3D versus Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Professional B-737 Sim Software – ProSim737
The second main software component is the professional simulation software that realistically emulates the B-737 aircraft aerodynamics and aircraft systems, such as pneumatics, hydraulic, electrical, flight controls, engines, etc. This software also provides interconnectivity to all the physical fight deck hardware. Finally, it creates graphics for the flight deck avionic displays. All these functions are integrated with the base simulation software, so that the result is a detailed and realistic that emulates the real aircraft. The most common products used for this are ProSim737 or Sim-Avionics.
This sim currently uses ProSim737 for this component. There is a separate article on this website that discusses the pros and cons of ProSim737 versus Sim-Avionics.
Secondary Software
While not essential, most home flight simulators use secondary software. Navigraph is a commonly used application that keeps the simulator navigation database up to date. It also has an application that outputs the aircraft position and altitude so that the aircraft’s position can be visualized on aviation charts.
ActiveSky is another common application that injects real-time real-world weather into the simulator. Alternatively, specific weather parameters can be specified.
Other common secondary software are add-ons that enhance scenery detail. Some of these are global and others are local for specific airports. Orbx and Flightbeam are two popular companies for these products.
Finally, there are a few minor utility applications that are required in some situations such as FSUIPC, RudderFix, and Phidget 22 drivers.
