Contrail Releases the FA50 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024

Business aviation has gained a new three-engine thoroughbred as Contrail officially releases its highly anticipated FA50 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.




Developed over approximately two and a half years, the FA50 is Contrail's first complete aircraft produced under its own development brand. The classic business jet combines old-school cockpit character with a carefully selected collection of digital avionics, creating a flight deck that sits comfortably between the analog and glass-cockpit eras.




Classic Trijet Performance



Based on the Dassault Falcon 50, the aircraft is powered by three engines and is designed for long-range corporate operations. The real-world Falcon 50 is certified to operate as high as 49,000 feet and is capable of transcontinental and, under favorable conditions, transatlantic flights.




That gives virtual pilots plenty of possibilities, from short executive hops between regional airports to longer missions connecting major international business centers.




A Blend of Analog and Digital Avionics



The Contrail FA50 features a digital Collins 85C EFIS installation alongside a Garmin MX20 multifunction display and a GNS-XLS flight-management system. A custom autopilot has also been developed for the aircraft rather than relying entirely on default simulator systems.




Additional features highlighted during development include:

• Functional weather radar with tilt support





• Datalink weather displayed through the avionics





• Detailed passenger cabin and galley





• Animated passengers





• Native GSX compatibility





• Ground and ramp equipment





• Exterior logo lighting





• Detailed aircraft animations

Contrail has also worked to reproduce the Falcon's distinctive cockpit materials, sound environment and business-jet atmosphere.




Available for Both Generations of Microsoft Flight Simulator



The FA50 is available for the PC versions of both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, including native support for the newer simulator.




The initial release is available through the Contrail store. Marketplace and Xbox versions are expected later, although those releases will depend on the usual Marketplace submission and approval process.




For virtual pilots who enjoy aircraft with character, range and a cockpit that still requires some genuine switch-flipping, the FA50 offers a welcome alternative to today's increasingly automated business jets.




Three engines, polished wood and enough switches to keep both hands employed. The corporate ramp just became considerably more interesting.



via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/06/25/contrail-releases-the-fa50-for-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-and-2024/