Cowan Simulation has recently issued the very first update to their rendition of the MD 500E, fixing issues with the flight model, adjusting the 3D model, and more.

The MD Helicopters MD 500E is part of a family of light utility civilian and military helicopters, introduced in 1967 with the Hughes 500 (which was a civilian version of the OH-6A Cayuse/Loach), and developed over time into what it is now after Hughes was acquired in the 1980s by McDonnell Douglas Helicopters. 

The 500E variant is an executive version of the 500D with a recontoured nose, certified in 1982. It’s powered by a Rolls-Royce Model 250-C20B turboshaft engine rated at 420 hp, with a maximum cruise speed of 135 knots and a range of 235 nautical miles at sea level, according to a 2022 chart.

The update brings many improvements to the flight model based on customer feedback. The developer mentions it still flies with a slight low left skid, and they plan to work more with the flight model in the future. The trim ball was also improved, yet they say it's not quite optimized for helicopters when using the correct code. Adjustments were made to the air intake tube in the nose, along with other small details in the 3d model. The remainder of the changelog follows down below:

• Emergency Fuel Cutoff

The red emergency fuel cutoff valve code was fixed. There was a bug with wrong values. Now that should work properly. Pushed in is open and pulled out is closed.

• Ignition key

The ignition key needs to be on to run the starter now. Hopefully this does not trip anyone up. 

• Lighting

The two cabin light switches and the lighting attached was changed. Now one is red and one is white and they are not so bright so you can use them at night. All the other lighting was gone through and optimized. Added some ambient light from the green panel lights. Fixed the skid nav lights with flex.

• Skid occlusion

Added some occluders to the skids and new bear paws so the grass lays/smashes down when off pavement.

• Effects Buttons

The two buttons above the cabin light toggles are now tied to rotor wash and engine heat blur effects. Pushing them will disable either respectively.

• Added Liveries

15 new liveries were added to the package to make a total of 63 available. Thank you Chrigel Linder for your contribution to this project.

• Bear Paws added
• Turned around the backward bench so the worker is on the left.
• Added down wash effects
• Added more sounds and adjusted the levels to Asobo standards.
• Several minor bugs fixed and details added overall.

‍

‍

The 500E is available on Cowan Sim’s Store and SimMarket for $32.99 and roughly $33.33, respectively. At least 2.30 GB of free disk space is required to install the product.

Stay tuned to Threshold for more flight simulation news!

‍