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CowanSim MSFS 500E

8 Reviews

MSFS2020 MSFS2024

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CowanSim 500E v2.1 for Microsoft Flight Simulator is a meticulously crafted helicopter add-on featuring realistic flight dynamics and a wide range of customizable options. With 63 liveries, custom paint kit, and various in-flight accessories like a Cineflex camera and spray kit, this mod offers a truly immersive flying experience. Developed using pilot-tested flight models and fully VR-ready, the CowanSim 500E is a must-have for helicopter enthusiasts looking for an authentic and detailed aircraft in the virtual skies.

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About Cowan Simulation

Publisher on Flightsim.to

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Current Version:
For Microsoft Flight Simulator
CowanSim 500E v3.3 (10/03/25)

Compatibility Notice:
This product is designed for MSFS2020 but is compatible with MSFS2024. If starting cold & dark (engine/s off), use Shift + C to enter the cockpit on PC and if you’re on Xbox use LB + B. The EFB (tablet) can be used to adjust options, though some overlap issues persist. An official version tailored specifically for MSFS2024 will be released following the completion of its development. The MSFS2024 version will include new features exclusive to the 2024 release.

🚨 ATTENTION PMS GTN650/750 USERS (PC) 🚨

👉 DELETE the OLD PMS CowanSim packages from your Community folder (if used)
👉 INSTALL the NEW PMS CowanSim packages (required)
👉(already included in your product download)

❌ Old PMS CowanSim packages = REMOVE THEM
✅ New PMS CowanSim packages = USE THESE

CowanSim 500E – Agile. Iconic. Refined.

Fly one of the most recognizable light helicopters ever built with the CowanSim 500E for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The 500E is known for its agility, precision, and iconic design – perfect for utility missions, training, and low-level fun.

The CowanSim 500E is the result of extensive development, real-world pilot input, and careful refinement. Every detail – from startup sequences to rotor dynamics – has been tuned to provide an authentic, seamless experience. This version introduces support for the CowanSim SAS Autopilot System for smoother, smarter control and reduced workload in all phases of flight.

For detailed setup instructions and hardware binding explanations, refer to the included manual located in the package folder. An online manual and checklist are also available for PC and Xbox users: https://cowansim.com/manuals-checklists/

Advanced SAS Autopilot System

Take advantage of the CowanSim Stability Augmentation System (SAS) with integrated autopilot modes designed to improve handling and precision:

-Force Trim Release (FTR) and trim hat support
-Attitude hold with proportional trim adjustment
-Heading hold (HDG)
-Navigation modes (VLOC & GPS)
-Speed hold (SPD)
-Altitude hold (ALT)
-Vertical mode (VRT) for ILS and GPS approaches
-Quick autopilot disconnect for immediate manual control

Interactive Cabin and Options

-Pilot, copilot, and passenger visibility toggles
-Optional accessories: spray kit, spotlight, Cineflex camera
-Functional windshield visors
-Persistence system saves weight, balance, and loadout between flights
-Removable front and rear doors
-Animated floats with realistic floating behavior
-Realistic rotor blur and downwash effects
-Vibration animations for added immersion
-In-cockpit interactive checklist

Realistic Flight and Systems Simulation

-Cold-and-dark or ready-to-fly starts
-Accurate startup and shutdown procedures
-Fully functional circuit breakers
-Custom bindable throttle and idle stop
-Complete MSFS hardware binding compatibility
-Dynamic weight and balance options

Avionics and Panels

-Multiple panel layouts: G530, G430, GTN, GX3, and analog
-PMS GTN 650/750 integration (PC)
-TDS GTNXi 650/750 integration (PC)

Audio and Immersion

-Wwise fully dynamic sound pack
-Rotor slap, blade speed, and environmental effects
-3D spatial cockpit and external audio
-Exhaust blur FX
-Working rain effects
-Night lighting throughout cockpit and cabin

Visual Detail and Customization

-63 included liveries
-High-detail 4K PBR textures
-Custom 3D instruments and accurate modeling
-Professional paint kit (Photoshop & GIMP)
-Blender model provided for 3D artists
-VR-ready for complete immersion

Built with passion. Tuned for realism. Ready for your mission.

The CowanSim 500E combines legendary agility with modern flight simulation technology – now enhanced with the CowanSim SAS Autopilot System and improved persistence features. From utility work to pure fun, this is the 500E brought to life for the next generation of sim pilots.

Latest Update: v3.4 (February 14, 2026)

-Updated SAS/AP WASM module -Updated CowanSim PMS package (replacement required) -Now supports NAV-mode autopilot integration with G3X Touch Note: G3X FPL to Internal - CDI Source to GPS (click CDI to change) -Fixed rotor lateral and longitudinal trim (2024) -Main panel option persistence added (saved from last flight) -Added option to toggle Night Vision Goggles (2024 Key: Z) -Moved weight stations for option selection in tablet (2024) -Added panel colliders to all panels for improved VR interaction and immersion -Fixed issues starting on oil rigs (2024 FLT file added) -Fixed search light emissive tied to panel potentiometer -Door interaction and blade slap sounds fixed -Lowered search light power consumption

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Requirements

Windows PC. This product is not supported on Xbox.

Intel i5-4460 or Ryzen 3 1200 or better
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 Radeon RX 590 or better (4 GB minimum)
16GB of system memory (8 GB minimum)
Disk Space: 2.53 GB (extracted)
Download Size: 710 MB

Installation Method	Drag and Drop
Current Version	v3.4 from February 14, 2026
Installation Size	2.53 GB
Download Size	593.91 MB

Changelogs

Update - v3.4 on February 14, 2026

-Updated SAS/AP WASM module
-Updated CowanSim PMS package (replacement required)
-Now supports NAV-mode autopilot integration with G3X Touch
Note: G3X FPL to Internal - CDI Source to GPS (click CDI to change)
-Fixed rotor lateral and longitudinal trim (2024)
-Main panel option persistence added (saved from last flight)
-Added option to toggle Night Vision Goggles (2024 Key: Z)
-Moved weight stations for option selection in tablet (2024)
-Added panel colliders to all panels for improved VR interaction and immersion
-Fixed issues starting on oil rigs (2024 FLT file added)
-Fixed search light emissive tied to panel potentiometer
-Door interaction and blade slap sounds fixed
-Lowered search light power consumption

Update - v3.3 on October 06, 2025

-Enhanced SAS/AP and Force Trim system
-Autopilot modes now require SAS to be engaged
-HeloSAS updated to use trim inputs instead of direct actuators, matching real-world operation
-Rewritten SAS/AP manual for improved clarity
-Fixed issue causing NAV mode to randomly disengage
-Fixed doors remaining open in multiplayer (updated variable names)

Update - v3.2 on September 27, 2025

-Manual updated
-PMS package README updated
-SAS/AP system enhancements
-Added NAV/GPS mode selector button
-Fixed TO/FROM flags on the HSI
-Fixed radar altimeter not working
-Rotor animation refined for smoother performance
-ATTENTION PMS GTN650/750 USERS (PC)
-The PMS GTN requires an extra package to be installed into the community folder.
-CowanSim PMS GTN650/750 package can be found in the main product folder.
-PMS GTN 650/750 base package can be found at https://pms50.com/msfs/

Update - v3.1 on September 21, 2025

-Fixed Force Trim (was previously non-functional)
-Corrected trim ball indicator behavior
-Baro setting disk alignment corrected
-Updated PMS integration package for PMS compatibility

Update - v3.0 on September 19, 2025

-Upgraded G3X vertical units to the G3X Touch
-Added CowanSim Advanced SAS Autopilot System
-Added SAS Autopilot System Manual to package
-Added Force Trim Release (FTR) and trim hat support
-Improved floats with realistic buoyancy and floating behavior
-Corrected VR loading position (map reset for proper centering)
-Resolved glass/window flickering issue
-Removed doors from weight calculations for cross-simulator and multiplayer compatibility (add/remove click spots remain)
-Updated in sim checklist
-Updated weight positions for options
-Various bug fixes and performance improvements
-Updated FLT files
-Using the PMS GTN750/650 requires an extra package to be installed into the community folder.
-PMS GTN650/750 packages are in the main product folder and at https://pms50.com/msfs/aircrafts/

Update - v2.1 on June 02, 2024

MSFS 500E v2.1 – 5/30/24
________________________

-SU15 governor code requirements updated to fix any governor issues.

-Glass panel G3X screens are brighter and can be adjusted with the “INST. LIGHTS” potentiometer.

-Multiplayer sounds were fixed to sync up the engine and rotor sound distances.

-Fixed governor glitch where the governor target was too low without hitting the beep switch.

-Changed search light to taxi light to separate them.

-Fixed small bugs with the weight and balance options.

-Cameras redone.

Update - v2.0 on December 15, 2023

UPDATE: 12/14/23 v2.0.0

-A new manual was included, and the online version can be found at https://cowansim.com/manuals-checklists/. Please read it! 90% of questions can be answered and that saves us time. If something does not work right now, there is a reason it doesn’t work. It’s either FPS related or simply not possible right now.
-All hardware bindings are fixed, and several were added. See the manual to learn how to map them all.
-Some important ones added:
-Throttle (see manual)
-Idle stop (see manual)
-Search light (see manual)
-Increased the range of motion for the search light. Left/Right/Up/Down
-Enhanced the search light beam intensity, cone, and range.
-The G3X glass panel was added as an option.
-The PMS GTN 650 & 750 and TDS GTNXi 650 & 750 were added as options. These are two different freeware and payware 3rd party products that must be installed separately. Once installed they will show up and work.
-Persistence code was added to save your weight and balance, and options configuration after shutting down. So when you load your next flight all of your settings will be the same as your last flight.
-Trim was fixed and a trim release button was added. (see manual)
-Added an option to remove the front and rear doors independently.
-Added click spots to remove doors in addition to the weight and balance settings.
-Fixed/added cyclic handling for VR users.
-Electrical systems were enhanced.
-Camera views were added and fixed.
-Interior lighting was enhanced.
-Vibrations were added to the cyclic, compass and keys.
-Sounds were added and some were redone.
-Some animations added and fixed.
-Some fixes to textures and modeling.
-TOT gauge code was added to make start and shutdown a little more realistic.
-Very minor flight model improvements.
-Recalibrated assistance options. (assisted tail rotor and cyclic)

Update - v1.0.2 on May 02, 2023

https://cowansim.com/changelog-msfs-500e

Initial File Release on February 04, 2023

3.6

Name: CowanSim MSFS 500E
Price: 32.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.56 (8 reviews)

8 Reviews

GaryX1001

2 years ago

This helicopter got better and better and i have to say it feels really good now. My first test-flight in VR with v2.1 can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjhO7SefzIs

huey7

2 years ago

good Microsoft Flight Simulator CowanSim 500E

damien76620

2 years ago

trop sensible pour rien je le recommande pas

DannNimmDenNamen

3 years ago

I can't tell anything about the realism but bought it after seeing a review on YouTube from a real pilot (Belatu42) saying that it's quite good and realistic already with a few flaws which needs to be fixed but already are in the radar of the developer according to him.I'm already very happy with the 500E because it's really fun and challenging to fly (without assists) and feels to me as a noob quite believable. It's cool that you fan disable some visual effects like heat shimmering an dust blowup when close to ground from the cockpit but I only found it by luck, so a better manual document would be great. Also would be good if the start up would be pictured, totally missed some things because they were not highlighted by MSFS and totally overlooked the ignition key and fuel valve thing. To me the cockpit looks Weirdly big in VR in comparison to others of MSFS. Tried to adjust the world scale setting but it didn't help. For example the instrument panel and pedals look very far away as if the 3D model is 25% or so too big. Looking forward to further improvements of the light model, manual documentation and integration with the MSFS native startup list. And of course the already mentioned mapping for the throttle.By the way, is it planned to have different variants in the future so you can select one without doors right away from the menu instead of removing the doors manually in the weight scree and? Also would be cool to have an optional tablet or something for a biggerGPS Nav screen which could also be used for showing the (startup) instructions or to change settings like turning the visual effects on and off.

Armand001

3 years ago

To me the helicopter is good. but after a fresh install of windows 10, the helicopter had great sounding blade popping at first. Then after the second startup of MSFS 2020 the popping went away. Is there a fix for this? Hopefully so. But good aircraft anyway!

Flugknecht

3 years ago

I bought the cool heli. Unfortunately, some things don't work as they should. I cannot press the start button on the collective pitch lever. Unfortunately, the flight behavior in pitch and roll is very strange. He flies somehow angular and nods very strongly. There is still work to be done here. Otherwise great heli.

jvazquez53

3 years ago

Can't wait for the updates! The best helicopter in the SIM.

SlowPoke

3 years ago

This is my new clear favorite helicopter for the Sim!!! Still needs a few things ironed out, but in all it is very much as it should be!! Fast, precise, agile, nimble, and highly responsive. Just the way a 500 should be. Please don't dull this flight handling down for the noobs! Shes twitchy and highly sensitive on the controls, and that's exactly how this particular bird is supposed to fly. I can't express enough how flying this in VR brings back the feelings of my real helicopter flying days!!! I absolutely LOVE it!!!

Reply from Cowan Simulation

3 years ago

Thank you!! Happy you are getting some joy out of it!! :-)

End User License Agreements

CowanSim MSFS 500E is licensed to you by Cowan Simulation. By purchasing this item, you agree to their End User License Agreement.

Cowan Simulation LLC – End User License Agreement (EULA)
Product: CowanSim 500E Effective Date: July 31, 2025
1. Grant of License
This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal contract between you (“End User”) and Cowan Simulation LLC (“Licensor”) for the CowanSim 500E software product, including all related files, documentation, models, textures, sounds, and data (“Product”).
• You are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, limited license to install and use the Product solely for personal, non-commercial entertainment within Microsoft Flight Simulator.
• All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Cowan Simulation LLC.
2. Ownership
The Product is licensed, not sold. All intellectual property rights—including, but not limited to, copyright, trademarks, trade dress, and proprietary technology—remain the sole property of Cowan Simulation LLC.
3. Restrictions
You may not: a. Copy, distribute, or reproduce the Product, in whole or in part, except for personal backup purposes. b. Resell, rent, lease, loan, sublicense, or otherwise make the Product available to any third party. c. Modify, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works from the Product. d. Extract, convert, or use any part of the Product outside of Microsoft Flight Simulator. e. Circumvent, remove, or tamper with any copy protection, encryption, or digital rights management (DRM) features.
f. Upload, share, or otherwise distribute the Product, in any form, to file-sharing sites, marketplaces, or any distribution platform without prior written permission from Cowan Simulation LLC.
4. Updates & Support
Cowan Simulation LLC may, at its sole discretion, provide updates, bug fixes, or improvements. Updates are subject to the terms of this Agreement. Technical support is provided on an as-available basis.
5. Termination
This license is effective until terminated. Cowan Simulation LLC may terminate this Agreement immediately if you fail to comply with its terms. Upon termination, you must destroy all copies of the Product in your possession.
6. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Product is provided “AS IS” without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. You use the Product entirely at your own risk.
7. Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Cowan Simulation LLC be liable for any damages, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of profits, or business interruption, arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if Cowan Simulation LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
8. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, United States of America, without regard to conflict of laws principles.
9. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Cowan Simulation LLC regarding the Product and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings.
By installing or using the CowanSim 500E, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
© 2025 Cowan Simulation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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CowanSim MSFS 500E

Requirements

Changelogs

3.6

8 Reviews

GaryX1001

huey7

damien76620

DannNimmDenNamen

Armand001

Flugknecht

jvazquez53

SlowPoke

Reply from Cowan Simulation

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CowanSim MSFS 500E

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Changelogs

3.6

8 Reviews

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