[Updated] COWS DA40-XLS Released

COWS (short for ‘Creator of Worlds’) has released their much-anticipated DA40-XLS. According to the developer, the single-engine piston aircraft has been meticulously recreated for the sim and is immediately compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, with support for X-Plane 12 to be added in the future.

Powered by a 180hp Lycoming engine, the DA40-XLS is a four-place aircraft made by Austrian manufacturer Diamond Aircraft. The aircraft has a reputation as an excellent flight training platform, a point COWS focused on during the aircraft’s development stating that the DA40-XLS “continues our effort to develop the most immersive training experience. Featuring the pinpoint-accurate flight model, complex systems, and incredible auditory, and gorgeous visual model you’d expect from COWS, but packed in a nimble single-engine workhorse; the DA40-XLS is meticulously tailored for students to practice critical procedures and maneuvers.“

Judging by the aircraft’s extensive feature list, COWS has recreated a comprehensive set of custom systems and features in the DA40-XLS to offer simmers a high degree of immersion. This includes custom G1000 EIS pages featuring lean assist and an interface to control aircraft options including failures (of which there are 130 possible random failures) state saving, engine damage, and more.

The DA40-XLS’s electrical system is modeled with working circuit breakers, alternator voltage simulation, and parasitic losses. COWS has also created what they say is an extremely accurate engine simulation of the IO360 Lycoming engine with simulated manifold pressure, RPM, combustion, fuel and oil systems, and custom user-generated engine variance for a unique experience. According to the developer, the DA40-XLS has been thoroughly tested by real DA40 pilots, students, and instructors for over 1,000 hours. COWS has also provided a collection of “tips and tricks” for operating the DA40-XLS via its YouTube channel.

The COWS DA40-XLS is available via OrbxDirect for $40.25 AUD (excluding taxes and fees).

Visual Model Features:

• Light-baked photorealistic reflections and ray-traced shadows & lighting textures
• Faithful exterior model cross-referenced with hundreds of pictures
• Intricate interior model featuring moderate and heavy wear
• Two interior options of black panel/standard grey furnishings
• Subtle and photorealistic photo-overlays for incredible lifelike textures
• All placards sourced and positioned from Diamond maintenance manuals
• Exterior features realistic moderate to heavy dirt/wear, matching reference DA40
• Fiberglass scratching on the fuselage, wings, and empennage
• Realistic bug splatter on the leading edge of wings, cowlings, and various other areas referenced from local DA40
• Subtle panel vibrations during ignition, takeoff, and landing to include free-castering nose gear shimmy

Engine Features:

• Accurate engine performance in relation to manifold pressure, RPM, and pumping losses
• Custom combustion simulation for startup
• Throttle valve, venturi, fuel servo, and induction system simulation
• Per cylinder: Mixture, Fuel Atomisation, EGT, CHT, Spark, Air and Oil cooling simulation
• Custom fuel and oil pressure system simulation
• Per user randomly generated engine variance and behaviors to provide everyone with a unique experience

Sound Environment Features:

• Developed from the creator of sounds behind the COWS DA42 Series, FBW A32NX, FlightFX vision jet and others.
• Dynamic engine, wind, and ground roll sounds
• Engine sounds differ depending on prop pitch, fuel flow, and speed
• Dynamic wind sounds, howling sounds in slips and drag noises with flaps
• Sounds sourced from first-party sources, local DA40
• Headset simulation