FastCow SImulation have (finally?) released their first product, the Cicare 8R helicopter: Cicare 8R MSFS – FastCow Simulations (Price: 23.99 USD)
A year ago they had release some short videos for the Cicare, but no news since then until they posted a release message on their Facebook page today.
The Cicare 8R seems to be a Argentinian experimental small tow-seat helicopter. Kind of similar to the Rotorway RW162F recently released by FlyInside.
Although I am a bit skeptical, I have bought the Cicare. Purchase process and download went without any problems. The download file contains the string “beta”, will be interesting to see if and when there will be future updates. I could not find any manual in the download or on the website.
Okay, sim has loaded, will report back with my first impressions …
First impressions: Really not bad for a first product, and somebody put some serious effort into this. Visual model internal and external quite nice. It’s a really cool looking little helicopter with great visibility. I really like the instrument panel, analog gauges plus Aera GPS and a custom digital engine monitor.
Circuit breakers are working. There is a bracket for a tablet on top of the panel, but I have not found an option to put a tablet in place.
Sounds are not that great IMHO. No change when you open the doors. No wind sound when you get faster.
No vibrations of any kind.
Flight model is hard for me to judge. It feels nimble but easy to control.
So after the first traffic pattern I can say that I don’t regret buying the little Cicare. If the dev adds a manual, can improve the sounds, and implements the missing functions in the engine monitor, this could be a really great addon.
O and I’m sorry forgot, We are not 100% done on the tablet, so that’s why its not there. In due time it will be complete with optional features like landing lights ability to control the doors from the tablet.
Navigraph and much more.
Also this is a Fully Licensed product, So we are trying to follow the real flight manual as best we can.
We are pleased to announce the latest update for the Cicare 8R, bringing new features and improvements for a more realistic and enjoyable flying experience. Here’s what’s included in this update:
Flight Model
More Accurate Flight Model: Fine-tuned flight dynamics for a more precise and realistic flying experience.
Fixed Slightly Low Engine Power Target: Adjusted engine power to better match real-world performance, ensuring optimal power delivery.
Sound Updates
Open Door Sounds: Experience enhanced realism with dynamic sounds that change as the doors open and close.
Functional Window Vent with Sounds: The window vent now features interactive sounds that increase as the vent is opened.
Visual Updates
Pilot Visibility: Added a visible pilot model in external views for a more immersive experience.
Improved Livery Textures: Enhanced the texture quality of the liveries for more detail and clarity.
Minor Cockpit Texture Improvements: Small refinements to cockpit textures for better visual fidelity.
RPM Indicator LED Brightness Improved: Improved the brightness of the RPM indicator LEDs for better visibility during flight.
Performance and Usability Enhancements
Engine Governor Adjustment: The engine governor now kicks in slightly slower, allowing for smoother transitions and improved throttle control.
Default Cockpit Camera Position and Rotation Improved: Adjusted the default camera position and rotation for a better in-cockpit experience.
I did some flying with the latest beta. Some notes:
Pilot indeed visible from outside. Would love to see co-pilot inside as well (or really my cute little dog from the GotFriends package)
Sounds change now when you open the doors
In the previous version I needed a little left pedal in hover, now changed to right pedal. In cruise I also need some right pedal to fly straight. Cannot judge if this is realistic. Compare the discussion in the Huey thread right now. In general the Cicare feels a bit more squirrely now, which is fine with me.
Thank you Jason for the post, I didn’t know this project existed. I’m quite near the place where this Heli is produced so of course it picks my curiosity and I will get it.
From the vid and pictures I can tell this is an overpriced product, no way this is 24 dollars and the pricing will probably reduce the number of copies they sell. So being a new dev really bad strategy.
I will get it when it is available at the Marketplace and I’m sure I will enjoy it but at the same time it will be a very unpopular product due to the pricing and eventually the devs will move on to some other projects.
Finding the right price is always a challenge. Would I mind if it was cheaper, maybe like 15 USD? Certainly not But if I am not mistaken, the Cicare 8R is cheaper than all Cowansim and Taog’s Hangar helicopters Not to speak of FlyInside and HPG, but they are of course in another league regarding the amount of programming they put into their products.
But if I am not mistaken, the Cicare 8R is cheaper than all Cowansim and Taog’s Hangar helicopters 
Not to speak of FlyInside and HPG, but they are of course in another league regarding the amount of programming they put into their products.