Hello. I would like to know your opinions on MSFS 2024 CowanSim's 76C with the default XPlane 12 S76. Is the former worth buying. Thank you 

Edited September 28, 2025Sep 28 by History

The CowanSim S-76C in MSFS 2024 is definitely a step up from the default X-Plane 12 S-76. You’re getting better visuals, multiple cabin layouts, IFR/autopilot features, and a lot more cockpit detail. It’s not perfect, though.  There were some launch bugs and MSFS helicopter physics still aren’t as mature as X-Plane’s, but the dev is patching quickly and the package looks solid for the $38 price tag.

On the flip side, the default S-76 in XP12 is free, built on Laminar’s solid heli flight model, and already pretty challenging to fly, just not as deep or polished. So if you’re a casual flyer, the XP12 default might be “good enough.” But if you want something more immersive in MSFS and don’t mind paying for it, the CowanSim bird is probably worth grabbing.

15 hours ago, History said:

Hello. I would like to know your opinions on MSFS 2024 CowanSim's 76C with the default XPlane 12 S76. Is the former worth buying. Thank you 

When it comes to CowanSim, ALWAYS wait for a sale. 

and TBH, I’m not convinced the 3D modeling round the nose is correct. As well, the CS is really a v2020 addon in terms of graphics, etc.

IMHO, for practically the same money, you’re MUCH better off getting X-Tridents AW109 or the new JRX MD902. Or, heck, the VSL MD902 is quite nice AND offers G1000 navigation.

if you want an advanced civilian chopper in MSFS, use the free Default A225, or get one of the Hype Performance Group’s helos. I can vouch for the H145 as being really very good. 

I personally haven’t been able to keep myself out of the Taogs H500C/OH-6A, which is fully Native for v2024. Utterly fantastic chopper!

eta: for the XP S-76, there is an improvement mod available in the .org. The addon is too out of date for my tastes, tho (very old).

4 hours ago, UrgentSiesta said:

When it comes to CowanSim, ALWAYS wait for a sale. 

and TBH, I’m not convinced the 3D modeling round the nose is correct. As well, the CS is really a v2020 addon in terms of graphics, etc.

IMHO, for practically the same money, you’re MUCH better off getting X-Tridents AW109 or the new JRX MD902. Or, heck, the VSL MD902 is quite nice AND offers G1000 navigation.

if you want an advanced civilian chopper in MSFS, use the free Default A225, or get one of the Hype Performance Group’s helos. I can vouch for the H145 as being really very good. 

I personally haven’t been able to keep myself out of the Taogs H500C/OH-6A, which is fully Native for v2024. Utterly fantastic chopper!

eta: for the XP S-76, there is an improvement mod available in the .org. The addon is too out of date for my tastes, tho (very old).

Thank you. The thing is, X-plane 12 addons are oftentimes way more expensive than MSFS. X-Trident for example, it costs around 49USD. I just purchased Miltech MH60, while it is a superb and solid helos, it feels like I'm not flying a helicopter, it is too "automated". Yes,  I think I'll wait for a sale.

2 hours ago, History said:

Thank you. The thing is, X-plane 12 addons are oftentimes way more expensive than MSFS. X-Trident for example, it costs around 49USD. I just purchased Miltech MH60, while it is a superb and solid helos, it feels like I'm not flying a helicopter, it is too "automated". Yes,  I think I'll wait for a sale.

Yep - I feel you! the MH-60 is far too automated for my tastes. I'm sure that's an absolute boon for IRL mission success, but it's so automated that it ends up feeling fake! And so it ends up heavily reminding me of flying helos in Prepar3D 😮

Now, enough IRL xH-60 pilots have weighed in on it to say the addon flies well, so I believe it. But man, it just doesn't feel very satisfying...

It seems like you're specifically looking for an advanced cockpit helo for MSFS, so I won't try (too hard) to steer you back to the AW 109, but here's some food for thought:

I waited for a sale on the AW109 and got it for $33.75 🙂

MSRP isn't so different between the two, as the S-76 is the second most expensive helo for MSFS after the HPG birds. And it's only $7 less than the XT AW109. 

Now don't get me wrong, Cowan makes decent helos, and he's clearly successful at it. But IMHO, his helos fidelity/quality just don't match the premium price he asks.

So, yeah - wait for a sale. I have a handful of his birds in both MSFS and X-Plane, so that's my advice based on first hand experience.

Also - real pilots do not play the game of "collect them all!" Most helicopter pilots will fly only ONE model for many years, it is not how many you have in your virtual hangar, it is how well you can fly the one that you are "checked out on", I think.

Flying helicopters is all about muscle memory and knowing it´s behavior and performance, and I don´t think you can have a dozen in your selection and fly them all "well". Pick one that you really like and that suits the type of missions you enjoy to fly - then master that one.

That way you have ample time to wait and form an opinion about what helicopter you would like to shift to as your next one, read reviews, watch videos...and wait for it to go on sale.

1 hour ago, Litjan said:

real pilots do not play the game of "collect them all!"

Well, we do when we can’t die, aren’t paying for the aircraft, and love aviating and aviation history. 😎

Not to mention, the fidelity of addons is generally increasing, and what was Very High Fidelity just a few years ago is now perhaps average and sometimes less. 👍

Edited September 29, 2025Sep 29 by UrgentSiesta

The Taog's Hangar LAMA is my preferred, followed by the Nemeth Designs Schweizer S300.

 

40 minutes ago, jcomm said:

The Taog's Hangar LAMA is my preferred, followed by the Nemeth Designs Schweizer S300.

Agree with LAMA. Dont have the Schweizer, will take a look, thanks.

3 hours ago, jcomm said:

The Taog's Hangar LAMA is my preferred

I have the Ubben/Khamsin Lama in XP and it is one of my favorite Hi Fi helo addons of all time (I mean, how can you beat that view?)! But ironically, I haven't yet gotten Taog's version for some reason. Probably will do once it's updated for 2024.

Actually my preferred among all helis, default and payware, I have for MSFS 2020 and FS 2024 is the Taog's Lama because not only does it do a very nice modelling of the heli on terms of it's systems, só typical of it's Era, but also because it is probably the one that better models autorotations, and that's something I don't forgive not being accceptably modeled on an heli in any flight simulator that includes helis, and that's also why DCS World with it's uh-1h and now the ch47 too and XP always have a place in my simmer heart...

Edited September 29, 2025Sep 29 by jcomm

On 9/29/2025 at 7:19 AM, Litjan said:

Also - real pilots do not play the game of "collect them all!" Most helicopter pilots will fly only ONE model for many years, it is not how many you have in your virtual hangar, it is how well you can fly the one that you are "checked out on", I think.

Sorry Jan, but you just can't sell Seniority Stephen's career to armchair pilots when one just can easily channel their inner Eric "caught them all" Brown or John "just strap me on and push the button" Young.

Edited September 30, 2025Sep 30 by Bjoern