Contrail has published its third development update for the Dassault Falcon 50 (FA50), offering a closer look at the growing depth of this upcoming business jet for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024.
This latest update follows the team’s earlier progress reports from this summer, where Contrail first introduced the project during FlightSimExpo 2025 and later confirmed key milestones in flight model and system development. Now, the focus shifts toward finer visual details and system fidelity.
Fully detailed cabin door and cockpit texture overhaul
As previously promised, the Falcon 50 now features its fully modeled cabin door with authentic animations and interior detailing, marking another step toward a complete exterior model.
Inside the cockpit, Contrail says a comprehensive texture overhaul has been completed. The flight deck now sports the rough-painted metal finish characteristic of many real Falcon 50s, a design choice that reduces glare in the cockpit.
The new screenshots shared by Contrail clearly show the impressive texturing and surface detail, especially in the cockpit.
Real-world pilot and mechanic input
Contrail continues to work closely with real-world FA50 pilots and mechanics, whose feedback is helping the team capture the aircraft’s authentic handling and operational nuances. This collaboration appears to be a cornerstone of the project’s development philosophy, guiding the refinement of both flight dynamics and systems behavior.
Hydraulic system simulation
One of the highlights of this new update is a showcase of the hydraulic system in action. Contrail explains that when hydraulic pressure is lost, the aircraft’s elevator, being directly linked to the control column, naturally droops into a full nose-down position, with the yoke following forward. The ailerons, being lighter and aerodynamically balanced, only sag slightly under gravity and remain that way even when pressure returns.
Once airborne, airflow over the wings brings them back to a neutral or slightly raised position, accurately replicating the real-world Falcon 50’s behavior.
Development continues across MSFS 2020 and 2024
Contrail reiterates that the FA50 remains in active development for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, with more updates planned in the coming months. The aircraft’s systems and flight model (both previously confirmed to have entered pilot evaluation) continue to evolve toward release, still targeted for 2025.
No pricing or release date has yet been announced, but things are looking very good for this first aircraft from Contrail for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Stay tuned for new updates as this exciting project continues to unfold in the coming months!
