Contrail – FA50 MSFS Development Update

Contrail has shared another exciting look at the progress of its Dassault Falcon 50 (FA50) project for Microsoft Flight Simulator, revealing several major milestones in the aircraft’s visual and systems development.

As promised in their last update, the team has now completed the fully detailed cabin door, complete with authentic animations and intricate interior details. The cockpit has also received a comprehensive texture overhaul, introducing the distinctive rough-painted metal finish found in many real FA50s. This finish not only adds visual depth but also helps reduce glare, bringing an extra layer of realism to the flight deck.

System development is advancing steadily, with real FA50 pilots and mechanics providing critical feedback to ensure authentic flight behavior and system logic.

This latest update also showcases a fascinating look at the hydraulic system simulation in action:

  • When hydraulic pressure is lost, the elevator — being heavier and directly connected to the control column — droops fully nose-down, with the yoke moving forward accordingly.
  • The ailerons, lighter and aerodynamically balanced, sag only slightly under gravity and remain so until airflow lifts them back toward a neutral position once airborne.

These realistic aerodynamic behaviors are part of Contrail’s commitment to creating a highly authentic representation of the Falcon 50’s systems and flight characteristics.

The FA50 is being developed in-house for both MSFS 2020 and the upcoming MSFS 2024, with more updates expected soon as the project continues to take shape.

Stay tuned for further previews and technical insights from Contrail as this elegant trijet progresses toward release.