Parallel 42 Publishes Introduction to ChasePlane for MSFS 2020

Parallel 42 has recently published a blog article providing more information on their recently announced ChasePlane plugin for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, covering its features, MSFS 2024 compatibility info, and lots of in-game footage.

They start by mentioning that their teaser was only teasing the cinematics system, which is one of the possibilities offered by their new product: switching effortlessly between cockpit view, external angles, and even airport cameras if you so desire. Custom presets can be easily created and shared online with seamless bind controls.

For the unfamiliar, ChasePlane was originally released in 2016 for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, later being made compatible with Prepar3d and rapidly becoming the de facto camera application for ESP-based simulators at the time. It would only be natural for them to develop it for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 when that came about, but technical limitations have made that impossible until very recently, which is why it’s only a thing now, almost five years after the simulator’s release. 

ChasePlane will initially be released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 only, but they do have Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in mind and already have a working build, albeit unstable due to the simulator’s very early nature. That makes it hard for them to commit to a public release, as an update could break everything. “We can’t afford to waste time chasing a moving target,” concluded Edson Soriano, Parallel 42’s Managing Director.

Due to platform limitations, ChasePlane will not be compatible with Xbox. 

The add-on will feature a highly realistic physics-based camera behavior based on extensive research and real-world pilot footage, warranting realistic motion that dynamically responds to the environment, embracing the flight model rather than altering it. Pilots can feel the vibration during the take-off roll, the rush of turbulence, and the fluid shifts during maneuvers.

They have embedded videos demonstrating the camera system on the “realistic” preset with different aircraft and conditions. Users can adjust the settings regarding intensities, etc., with sliders.

The complete feature list for the product follows below:

  • FlyBy™ Mode
  • Cinematics™ Mode
  • Tower Cam™ View
  • Airport Runway/Parking/Overview Cameras
  • Internal, External, World Camera Modes
  • Easy creation of unlimited custom views in all camera modes
  • Import developer-provided default views
  • Community Access to instantly sample/import views from your favorite content creators & users
  • Clear Sorting Structure: Mode → Groups → Views
  • Camera groups to organize collections of views with similar settings
  • Set preferred default Zoom factor per group/view
  • Assign shortcuts to individual views and/or entire camera groups
  • Gimbal option for views to keep horizon level
  • Physics-based camera motion that respects the flight model, never alters it.
  • Multiple physics types (Human, Mounted, Orbit, Chase)
  • Adjustable mouse look speed and momentum
  • Single control assignment set for all camera movements instead of per-mode control sets
  • Intuitive Interface focused on views, not settings
  • Use "Mouse Look" while in Drone Mode
  • Cloud and local backups
  • Sim-pit pilots can align views perfectly with their IRL setup.
  • No spreadsheet outlining aircraft compatibility.
  • Works in VR
  • Works with TrackIR
  • All this and more, built as an in-sim panel with the elegance and usability you expect from //42

They have not yet been able to provide information on a potential release date or pricing, but it’s said to be coming soon.

Parallel 42 is ensuring the software is stable through extensive beta testing, ensuring it’s launched in a relatively solid state, thus creating a smooth sailing experience for the customers. They are currently working on refining the user interface, polishing features, and ensuring overall smoothness on a wide range of hardware.

Stay tuned to Threshold for more flight simulation news!

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