At the very end of last month, Parallel 42 gave us the first-ever look at their long-awaited Chase Plane for Microsoft Flight Simulator. This much-desired camera tool will give simmers the chance to vastly improve the default camera system through a number of ways enabling simmers to feel more immersed in their simulation experience. In a new post by the team, we get to see the tool in action, along with our first look at the UI, and learn more about the availability of ChasePlane.
History of ChasePlane and Why It Has Taken So Long
ChasePlane first entered our lives 10 years ago for FSX and P3D as a one-stop tool for your camera needs. It became a hit almost instantly and was one of those tools that was essential for improving your simulation experience. Parallel 42 knew a similar tool had to come to MSFS when it was announced but struggled due to “major technical limitations.” Despite this they never gave up as they knew the flight simulation community was in need for something better.
What ChasePlane Is
ChasePlane is a tool that will work alongside your simulator giving you complete control over the camera in the sim. Thanks to the custom in-sim panel, you can change camera view, adjust various settings and much more. The UI, as usual, has been designed with accessibility and ease-of-use in mind.
The new camera system will come with a real physics system, which will make you feel more immersed than before in the sim. You will have complete control over the camera including axis and zoom, along with the ability to create FlyBy and cinematic modes.
New Physics System
As mentioned, ChasePlane will have its own physics system. Parallel 42 has used real-world data to create a new physics-based system that will enable you to apply new settings to your camera as you fly. The idea is to give you an improved pilots’ perspective which can be easily tuned to your liking. A number of videos were shown based on default ‘realistic’ settings, but each can be adjusted to your liking.
There are a few more on the Parallel 42 blog.
So Which Simulator and Xbox Compatibility
At present, ChasePlane will be coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. A separate version is being developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, as there are “significant differences in the underlying code between these two platforms”. This means a “single unified application isn’t feasible.”
Parallel 42 does have a build in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but the current state of the simulator is making it hard for them to work efficiently. The simulator hasn’t matured enough yet for the team to feel confident developing confidently on the platform, but once it has stabilized, they will be bringing ChasePlane to the newest flight simulator
Users who purchase ChasePlane when it debuts for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 will be able to get the stand-alone version for MSFS 2024 free of charge for a limited time following its release.
Finally, as for Xbox users, sadly ChasePlane won’t be available due to technical limitations. Not the news Parallel 42 wanted to deliver, but this product goes beyond what is possible outside of a PC version.
When Will ChasePlane Be Released?
Soon(TM). Parallel 42 says that they are actively using ChasePlane internally, and even allowed AviationLads to start using it for video creation. They are refining the UI, the feature set, and making sure they launch as bug-free as possible.
Once Parallel 42 knows a date, I’m sure we’ll learn more. In the meantime, watch the teaser trailer from last week or check out the multiple previews on this page.
