Description
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) 🚨
👉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/
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.
Installation Instructions
- Unzip the Files: Extract the downloaded files into the “Community” folder for your version of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Reveal Hidden Files:
- By default, Windows hides the AppData folder.
- Open File Explorer, go to the View tab in the menu, and select Hidden items to make it visible.
Default “Community” Folder Locations
For Windows Store Installations:
- MSFS 2020:
C:\Users\[Your User Name]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages\Community - MSFS 2024:
C:\Users\[Your User Name]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Limitless_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages\Community
For Steam Installations:
- MSFS 2020:
C:\Users\[Your User Name]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightDashboard_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages\Community - MSFS 2024:
C:\Users\[Your User Name]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024\Packages\Community
For Custom Installations:
If you chose a custom installation path during setup, your “Community” folder will be located within the directory you specified
Come join our community!
CowanSim’s Discord server was born out of a desire to elevate customer service and foster a supportive community. Your active participation and invaluable feedback are the cornerstone of our progress. Stay up to date with development and make some new friends along the way! We’re thrilled to have you as a part of our journey. Join Now!
Simon Clark (verified owner) –
Outstanding helicopter for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Have been waiting eagerly for this one, and wad not disappointed. Hands down the most realistic and polished helicopter I’ve flown in MSFS. Great sounds and very good functionality to it. Having flown this a lot in X-Plane, was delighted to find it feels very similar if not slightly better in MSFS. Look forward to many hours of VR siming and with this. Hands down my favourite helicopter in X-Plane and know it is now will continue to be my Favourite in MSFS. Great job CowanSim.
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!
BOB BOB (verified owner) –
Love it!
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!
Darren Berkey (verified owner) –
It was just a couple weeks ago that I was watching a Youtube video of a real-world 530F in flight and I left a comment saying, “I hope someone makes a high-quality paid addon of the MD500 series for MSFS soon.” 🙂 I honestly did not know this was even being developed (sorry for my inattention!), but when I saw the news of the release, I was ecstatic, I literally jumped out of my chair!! lol
I’ve spent a few hours with it already and I’m incredibly pleased with v1.0 so far! The modeling, the sounds, the lighting, everything is fantastic!! I’ve been in love with the MD500 series for years, and even my very first helicopter ride was in a 530F, so this helicopter has a measure of sentimental value as well. THANK YOU so much for making such a faithful recreation of it for Microsoft Flight Simulator!! (And it goes great with my recently purchased PUMA X from ProFlightTrainer too!!) 😀
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you so much for the details!!! I really appreciate it!! 😊🚁
Zsolt Monostori (verified owner) –
You simply cannot go wrong with a Cowansim product. Even if you don’t like the 500E as a type, give this one a chance; find a reason – no matter what – and take it for a spin: trust me, you will not regret your decision.
This helicopter is simply a masterpiece and it is only going to get better and better with every single update. The passion and dedication clearly shine through.
Stunning visuals, robust systems, excellent frame rate. Spice all of these with a friendly and super helpful developer and you end up with the surefire recipe for satisfaction.
Five stars, easily.
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you so much. I appreciate every word. 😊🚁
Brett Stainlay (verified owner) –
So i purchased this after being dubious about the in game flight model but to my surprise it flies mostly very well, it can do some aerobatics that are over the top but for normal flight i am impressed!
A little expensive for us Aussies but nature of the dollar, still far cheaper than some other aircraft around so i can highly recommend this product.
3D model is quality, livery collection is outstanding and it puts a smile on my dail, my father owned a 500E so there is some serious nostalgia happening here. Beautiful aircraft to fly whether or not you’ve ever been near one…
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you for the feedback!! Much appreciated!! 🙂🚁
ANDREW HOLMES (verified owner) –
Purchased this one after being impressed by your 206B3. Both are simply superb and immersive. Many thanks for your continued efforts and hope to see throttle controller mapping when A/MS have this corrected.
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you so much!!
Noel Richardson (verified owner) –
Outstanding job!!!!! Get this, Get the 206! Get some merch! Get something!!!!!!
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you so much!!!
Jason Swango (verified owner) –
This helicopter in VR is incredible, excellent work! My only criticisms on this model are 1.) the inability to map the throttle and 2.) it feels like you need to add too much left pedal in forward flight. Minor gripes, I’m splitting hairs here! This is still by far my favorite helicopter to fly in MSFS. I can’t wait to see what improvements come with future updates, keep up the good work, friends!
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!! Gripes aren’t gripes… that is info to better the product!!! So I appreciate it!!!
Eric Beck (verified owner) –
love this heli, makes a lot of fun
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!!
Stephen Buck (verified owner) –
great model, lively and exciting handling. just cant get the chopper to fly forward without crabbing right all the time, even if i add left Anti torque pedal the aircraft just crabs in the same direction but with the nose pointing left. to fly in a straight forward line i have to have the chopper banked over to the left continuosly.. is this true to the real aircraft as its frustrating.? this is the only issue on what is an excelleent aircraft
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!! Yes, that is normal due to translating tendency. At higher speeds the horizontal and vertical stabilizer tend to level things off a bit. But the flight model will be improved in March 2023.
Frederic GOSSET (verified owner) –
I really love this helicopter, thank you COWAN SIM and please keep it with improvements and updates.
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!!
Sam Cody (verified owner) –
However impressed I was with the 206, I’m simply blown away by the 500. The platform is, apparently, an all-time favorite among IRL pilots and now I see why; It’s an absolute powerhouse… A Corvette with rotors, lol.
Snappy, precise, fast as hell—but best of all—a barrel of fun wherever you are. Future updates should cement it as one of the finest rotors on the market. Outstanding work, Cowan!
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thanks a lot!!! 😊🚁
Thomas Hoermann (verified owner) –
I purchased this helicopter lately. After more than 400 flight hours in helicopters in DCS I switched to MSFS (again) and purchased this helicopter.
I am totally excited! Beautiful designed cockpit and liveries.
My personal highlight: I am a huge fan of the TV series Magnum p.i. and (as a lot of people) of the MD500 of TC.
Cowansim offers this chopper WITH the livery of Island Hoppers from the TV series Magnum p.i. – this is absolutely beautiful! Love it!
Hope that Asobo/Microsoft fixes a lot of open issues that affect all helicopters.
Most important for me: The missing force trim release (a standard for helicopters) – but this is OT cause it is not a problem of this helicopter.
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!! I grew up watching Magnum P.I. too. ♥️🚁
Simon Hall (verified owner) –
Has a lot of promise this one – model is generally good ( has some rough edges – literally in this case! – like the doorframe ), and is pretty nice to maneuver around, and I feel confident enough to fling it around below treetop height. You get a lot of liveries and a *lot* of optional equipment.
Gripes as of v1.0.1:
* This is a big one – in forward cruise flight it wants to roll into the forward-facing side of the rotor. I’ve no idea why, unless there’s excess drag on the forward side or not enough on the retreating side. Has to be dealt with by trimming into a ( significant ) left bank, no amount of footwork will counter it ( and you shouldn’t need footwork in forward cruise anyway ). In a hover it’ll predictably be one skid low, but that’s expected.
* No retreating blade stall no matter how much I abuse it! I don’t know if this is MSFS or the config.
* As is common with MSFS aircraft it’s a bit overly stable – this makes it rather prone to being thrown around by the turbulence, because it’s ( apparently ) attempting to be stable relative to current wind which keeps changing. By far from a unique problem! ironically reducing the artificial stability on a lot of aircraft seems to make them more stable.
* I’d like a force trim button that works in the “reset my virtual stick centre here” way – having come from DCS – rather than beep trim, but I guess that would have to be custom scripted. There is a trim reset already and XP12 doesn’t have one out of the box either, so slightly understandable I guess.
Once all that’s fixed – or at least the first two – I think this might end up a favourite.
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thanks!! A lot of that should be worked out after the first sim update and our next update are live. Enjoy!
Dario Impini (verified owner) –
Oh my, what a toy. I’ve flown the Huey in both DCS and FS2020, the Cabri, the Robinson (once in real life!), the Bell 407, the Gazelle, the UH60 and the Apache in DCS. I would say the Apache is the closest to how cool this MD500 is.
It’s just so snappy, fast, and responsive, it’s not unlike flying the Apache in FS2020. If you’ve watched Magnum PI as a kid, you really capture the glitz of TC spiffing around the Hawaiian Islands. I’m saddened to learn of his recent death just looking up his name for this review (Roger Mosley, RIP). Aside from your wife and kids Mr M, you left a legacy of adoring fans who thought you were just the coolest thing in flight.
Aside from the DCS Apache and this dream, everything else feels clunky. This heli feels like you THINK a heli SHOULD.
You guys did an outstanding job and it’s worth every penny you’re asking. Big thumbs up.
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!! Much appreciated. I was also saddened to hear the news about Mr Mosley.
Bård Kvale (verified owner) –
Another great copter to fly! I have a question: I bought two of your copters here and two from the Markedplace inside MSFS, will they all be updated inside MSFS if and when there is an update for them?
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!! Marketplace and this website or other resellers are the same product but the Marketplace has a delay of a week or two for updates. For Marketplace versions you can update from the content manager when available. Anywhere else you have to download and install again or follow reseller instructions with their content managers. Everything is currently up to date from all sources.
Thibaut Naze (verified owner) –
Beautiful helicopter you made but … The red emergency fuel cutoff valve doesn’t cut the engine . And the throttle is still impossible to map on a physic collective in this last version ?
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thanks!! We are working on being able to map the throttle. Hopefully we can find a solution with the newest sim update.
Scott Tate (verified owner) –
I own a few different modules for msfs. This is by far the best helicopter out there in my opinion. The attention to detail is amazing, even down to the clicking sounds of things cooling down upon shutdown. I just hope that this still works in 2024 when that releases. Amazing job team, 100% would recommend this.
Cowan Simulation (verified owner) –
Thank you!!!