STK 12.1 introduces support for complex glTF 3D model animations, including glTF animations authored in software tools like Blender. You can now orchestrate a series of animations of individual moving parts in glTF models. A single articulation value is enough to drive the entire sequence. For example, you could animate the deployment of an array of satellite solar panels with a single cue.

STK 12.1 also introduces support for glTF skinning, which enables you to model organic, life-like motions for humanoid characters and other objects with “skin and bones.” From a running soldier to a solar sail unfurling in space, the ability to deform, rather than reposition, 3D model elements creates thrilling new possibilities for storytelling.

And, a new Water Surface option supports realistic visualizations of maritime scenarios, including waves that move along a ship’s hull.

STK 12.1 now models HF propagation with a direct integration of the VOACAP model. The VOACAP model in STK computes the transmission loss encountered from skywave propagation, which is the ability of the ionosphere to "bend," or refract, HF transmissions back down to the ground across very long distances. VOACAP accounts for the variations in this effect that result from the 11-year solar cycle, seasonal fluctuations, and other modifiers, enabling you to determine the best frequency to use at any point in time. The VOACAP model also accounts for antenna directionality, providing you with ideal transmission and reception angles. VOACAP model into STK Communications and STK Radar and is fully integrated with STK’s reporting and graphing tools.

VOACAP (Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program) is HF propagation prediction software from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Institute for Telecommunications Sciences (NTIA/ITS), originally developed for Voice of America.

STK Aviator 12.1 provides support for plugin thermal performance models that employ a variety of standard techniques to determine heat flux, heat load, and wall temperatures for any Aviator trajectory (including external ephemeris from a VGTPoint procedure). This kind of modeling is essential for both vehicle design and the analysis of offensive and defensive systems and tactics, since aerodynamic heating plays a significant role in a vehicle’s signature. Aviator provides a standard model based on NASA TFAWS work. You can override the coefficients of this model to match it to a CFD model, so that you can apply the CFD model rapidly across a full trajectory.

With STK Aviator 12.1, you can now generate STK static objects (targets, facilities, etc.) from airports, runways, NAVAIDs and helipads. These objects support analysis just like objects that you create by any other method. This makes it easy to model and analyze locations and facilities derived from the hundreds of thousands of worldwide aeronautical data points available from DAFIF and ARINC datasets.

STK 12.1 adds native support for Scalable Network’s Exata network emulator. The QualNet Interface has consequently been renamed as the Scalable Networks Simulation Interface. You can now leverage both QualNet and Exata directly within STK.

STK Astrogator 12.1 contains new models for high-fidelity orbit propagation including the N-plate atmospheric drag model to match the solar radiation pressure model that was introduced in STK 11.7. This reflects our ongoing efforts to expand the capabilities of our flight dynamics tools and make interactions between them as seamless as possible.