Microsoft Flight Simulator’s Local Legend series has grown steadily since 2020, highlighting aircraft with strong regional ties or historical significance. The latest entry, Local Legend 21, might be one of the most recognizable rotorcraft yet: the Eurocopter EC135, now available in both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Closing the “make good” chapter
The EC135 is the final piece of the “make good” initiative. When MSFS 2024 launched, things didn’t go as smoothly as hoped. Simmers faced server hiccups, instability, and other early pains that come with a platform of this size. In response, Jörg Neumann and the team pledged four free aircraft as a thank-you for the community’s patience.
Those aircraft rolled out across 2025:
- Cessna 185F Skywagon
- Embraer CAP-4 Paulistinha
- Piper PA-28 Dakota
- And now, the Eurocopter EC135
With this release, the developers have delivered on that promise in full.
A helicopter with deep roots
The EC135’s story stretches back further than many might realize. Its lineage begins with the MBB Bo 105, a groundbreaking 1960s helicopter known for its hingeless rotor system and agility. The design later evolved into the Bo 108, an experimental testbed that introduced FADEC (full-authority digital engine control) and advanced transmission systems.
Though the Bo 108 never entered mass production, it became the foundation for the EC135, which first flew in 1994. By the mid-90s, Eurocopter (later rebranded as Airbus Helicopters) had a refined, modern utility helicopter that went on to serve in roles ranging from air ambulance operations to law enforcement, offshore work, and flight training.
What simmers are getting
The version released in Microsoft Flight Simulator is modeled on the EC135 T1, featuring twin Turbomeca Arrius 2B1A1 engines producing up to 583 shp each. Performance stats include:
- Cruising speed: 158 mph
- Top speed: 178 mph
- Range: 395 miles
- Service ceiling: 17,150 feet
- Climb rate: 1,500 ft/min
The package comes with 10 liveries, including emergency service-inspired paint schemes and civilian operators like ADAC, a major air ambulance provider in Germany.
The Eurocopter EC135 (Local Legend 21) is available today as a free download for all MSFS 2024 owners.
