Contra-rotating coaxial propellers are a relatively rare sight in general aviation, most commonly associated with high-performance warbirds, experimental designs, and a handful of ambitious homebuilt projects. The arrangement, where two propellers spin in opposite directions on the same shaft, effectively cancels out the torque and P-factor that would otherwise pull a single-engine aircraft off its intended heading. The result is a remarkably neutral handling characteristic that lends itself naturally to precision aerobatics. It is a concept that has found its way into simulators only occasionally, making the arrival of the 🔗 DMS Fanracer from Delmonte_Simulation a interesting addition to the Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft library.
The Fanracer is presented as an original, purpose-designed aircraft rather than a recreation of an existing type. Its design philosophy centres on combining the accessibility of a light piston aircraft with the performance envelope needed for aerobatic flight. The airframe features optimised aerodynamics alongside its distinctive twin-blade coaxial propeller system, and the overall visual aesthetic has drawn comparisons from early users to science fiction and anime aircraft design.
The Fanracer is built to deliver smooth, predictable acceleration and crisp, precise control responses throughout all phases of flight. The coaxial propeller arrangement contributes directly to the handling model, reducing the asymmetric thrust tendencies that pilots of conventional single-engine aircraft must manage constantly. This gives the aircraft a particularly clean feel during manoeuvres, making it approachable for pilots who may not have extensive aerobatic experience while still providing enough fidelity to be satisfying for those who do.
The cockpit has received particular attention from Delmonte_Simulation. Functional cockpit systems accompany the visual work, and the aircraft includes custom instrumentation suited to its intended aerobatic role. Across both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, the flight model has been consistently praised for its responsiveness and the genuine enjoyment it provides, particularly during approach and landing.
The DMS Fanracer is available as freeware and is compatible with both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. If you enjoy flying it, consider supporting Delmonte_Simulation with a donation through the add-on page — it helps the developer continue creating original aircraft like this one. You can now find the 🔗 DMS Fanracer on Flightsim.to.