COWS Releases DA40-XLS for MSFS 2020/2024

COWS has recently released their long-awaited rendition of the DA40-XLS for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. With over 2,200 built, it is one of the most popular trainer aircraft in existence.

Their rendition reproduces the XLS variant, which is a “deluxe” version of the DA40 with a full Garmin G1000 suite, WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), TAS (Traffic Alert System), and more.

The add-on features a high-fidelity model with high-resolution textures, an accurate model based on reference imagery, properly placed placards, true-to-life performance and handling based on over 1000 hours of testing from real-world pilots, a full suite of custom systems with fully customizable circuit breakers, EIS and cylinder physics simulation, custom combustion simulation for startup, and much more. The complete feature list follows below:

  • Light-baked photorealistic reflections and ray-traced shadows & lighting textures
  • Faithful exterior model cross-referenced with hundreds of pictures
  • Intricate interior model featuring moderate and heavy wear
  • Two interior options of black panel/standard grey furnishings
  • Subtle and photorealistic photo-overlays for incredible lifelike textures
  • All placards sourced and positioned from Diamond maintenance manuals
  • Exterior features realistic moderate to heavy dirt/wear, matching reference DA40
  • Fiberglass scratching on the fuselage, wings, and empennage
  • Realistic bug splatter on the leading edge of wings, cowlings, and various other areas referenced from local DA40
  • Subtle panel vibrations during ignition, takeoff, and landing to include free-castering nose gear shimmy
  • Accurate Performance and handling with over 1000 hours of testing from DA40 pilots, students, and instructors
  • Replicated performance and behaviors on maneuvers from FAA’s Commercial Airplane ACS to include: Lazy Eights, Chandelles, Steep Spirals, and 8s-on-Pylons
  • Accurate precision landing performance, descent rate, induced drag, to replicate Short-Field Approach and Landings, Power-Off 180° Accuracy Approach and Landings
  • Airframe shakes during ground power runs
  • Hot-swappable castering or steerable nose gear
  • Fully custom DA40 EIS page with Lean assist and interface to control failures and other features
  • Accurate electrical system with circuit breakers, alternator voltage simulation and parasitic losses
  • Custom standby flight instrumentation
  • Custom AFCS and trim system with adjustable speed
  • Custom lighting that warms up and responds to system voltage
  • Engine damage, state saving, and 130+ random failures
  • Automatic localizer back course switching and multiple fixes to native Asobo systems
  • Accurate engine performance in relation to manifold pressure, RPM, and pumping losses
  • Custom combustion simulation for startup
  • Throttle valve, venturi, fuel servo, and induction system simulation
  • Per cylinder: Mixture, Fuel Atomisation, EGT, CHT, Spark, Air and Oil cooling simulation
  • Custom fuel and oil pressure system simulation
  • Per user randomly generated engine variance and behaviors to provide everyone with a unique experience
  • Developed from the creator of sounds behind the COWS DA42 Series, FBW A32NX, FlightFX vision jet and others.
  • Dynamic engine, wind, and ground roll sounds
  • Engine sounds differ depending on prop pitch, fuel flow, and speed
  • Dynamic wind sounds, howling sounds in slips and drag noises with flaps
  • Sounds sourced from first-party sources, local DA40
  • Headset simulation

The add-on is available on OrbxDirect for roughly $25.02, requiring at least 1.30 GB of free hard disk space to install.

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