Carenado was the first major developer to release a Saab 340 for MSFS. As expected from Carenado, the exterior model and cockpit textures are breathtaking. The 3D modeling is arguably best-in-class, featuring realistic weathering, accurate PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials, and a gorgeous night lighting setup.
The Verdict on Carenado: It is a "middle-fidelity" aircraft. The systems are not fully depth-simulated. You won't find circuit breaker logic or hydraulic pressure bleed failures. However, for the casual simmer who wants to fly regional routes with a beautiful model and a decent flight model, Carenado’s version is a solid entry point.
The Saab 340 has become a highly anticipated and debated regional turboprop in the Microsoft Flight Simulator community. While the aircraft is a staple for short-haul enthusiasts, its availability in MSFS 2020 primarily exists through early-stage freeware and development projects, with the most polished version being the "default" offering recently bundled with the MSFS 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition. Saab 340 Options for MSFS 2020
As of early 2026, the landscape for the Saab 340 in the original MSFS 2020 consists of the following:
NextGen Simulations Saab 340/2000: This is currently the most high-fidelity project specifically targeting MSFS 2020. The developer has confirmed that the Saab 340 is undergoing flight model development and bug fixes, with a target release in mid-to-late Q2 2025 for the 2020 platform first. It is planned to feature custom instrumentation, multiple GPS choices (GNS, GTN, GTNXI), and a Collins FMS.
Freeware "Saab 340 4K" (Flightsim.to): A community-made add-on that uses high-quality 4K textures based on the FSLTL model. While it visually captures the aircraft's essence, it utilizes the ASOBO CJ4 cockpit as a placeholder, meaning it is not a "study-level" simulation.
Virtualcol Saab Regional Pack: While Virtualcol is a known name in budget-friendly regional aircraft, their recent MSFS efforts have focused on the Dash 8 and CRJ series. Their Saab 340 remains primarily an FSX/P3D product. The "Default" MSFS 2024 Saab 340B
For users moving to the newer simulator, the Saab 340B developed by Carenado is included in the Premium Deluxe and Aviator Editions. Carenado Saab 340 - not IFR -operable - Aircraft & Systems
, most detailed reviews and official versions currently focus on the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release developed by Carenado. For
, users typically rely on a popular freeware project available on Flightsim.to. Freeware Saab 340 for MSFS 2020
This project is a community-driven effort that repurposes existing assets to bring the Saab 340 to the 2020 simulator.
Visuals & Textures: Features high-quality 4K exterior textures and includes several real-world liveries like Cayman Airways, Air Chathams, and WestJet Link. saab 340 msfs 2020
Cockpit & Systems: Uses a modified Asobo CJ4 cockpit and King Air 350i sounds to make the aircraft flyable, as it is a "franken-plane" project rather than a ground-up study-level build.
Performance: Users have reported it as a workable "stop-gap" for regional flying, though it lacks an authentic custom cockpit and has known bugs with the autopilot and light placement. The Official Carenado Saab 340B (MSFS 2024)
If you are moving to the newer simulator, the Carenado-developed Saab 340B is included as a default/premium aircraft.
Model Quality: Highly praised for its complex exterior modeling and detailed "glass/semi-glass" cockpit, which is more advanced than typical Carenado releases.
Flight Performance: Some pilots find it slightly underpowered, particularly in climb performance, often struggling to reach its 25,000 ft service ceiling. It is also noted for being extremely nose-heavy, requiring significant up-trim (up to 45%) during cruise.
Navigation Issues: The Flight Management System (FMS) is a major point of contention; it is often described as lacking functionality, such as failing to visualize programmed routes on the HSI or radar screens.
Sound: The aircraft is noted for being surprisingly quiet in the cockpit, sometimes to the point where ambient sounds like birds are louder than the engines. Comparison Table MSFS 2020 (Freeware) MSFS 2024 (Carenado) Model Source FSLTL Model Original Carenado Cockpit Asobo CJ4 (Generic) Custom Saab 340 Cockpit Sound King Air 350i Custom Saab 340 System Depth Basic / Hybrid Moderate / Lacks FMS depth
First look at the Saab 340 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS 2020) is primarily represented through third-party add-ons and community mods, as it is not a default aircraft in the standard 2020 edition. Most notably, a detailed version was developed by and later included as a first-party aircraft in the Premium Deluxe version of the subsequent Available Options for Free Community Mod (Flightsim.to) : A popular free option available on Flightsim.to
utilizes high-quality 4K textures and an external FSLTL model.
: It uses the Asobo CJ4 cockpit as a functional placeholder. Performance Carenado was the first major developer to release
: Users report it flies steadily but lacks a fully functional autopilot and has minor issues like the airframe "sinking" into the ground. Virtualcol FS Software
: A paid "lite" version of the Saab 340 was released early in the simulator's lifecycle, prioritizing frame-rate performance over deep systems simulation. Next-Gen Integration (MSFS 2024 Compatibility) : For those with the Premium Deluxe
edition of MSFS 2024, the Saab 340B is a default aircraft. While 2020 and 2024 are standalone, most 2020 add-ons are compatible with the newer sim. Common Issues & Tips
If you are currently flying the Saab 340 in MSFS 2020 or 2024, be aware of several widely reported technical hurdles: Navigation & HSI
: The Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) may not display the flight path unless a destination is explicitly selected in the world map before starting the flight. Engine Controls
: Users have noted that the condition levers are often not bindable to physical controller axes, requiring mouse interaction in the virtual cockpit. Climb Performance
: Some versions struggle to reach high cruising altitudes (e.g., above FL130), even when not fully loaded. Livery and Customization Saab 340 aircraft for MSFS2020 4K - Flightsim.to
The Saab 340 has become a highly anticipated addition to Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS), bridging the gap between small general aviation planes and large commercial jets. Known for its distinct Swedish engineering and rugged reliability, this twin-engine turboprop is a favorite for regional "island-hopping" or short-haul cargo operations. The State of the Saab 340 in MSFS
While many simmers associate the Saab 340 with MSFS 2020, it has seen its most official integration as a featured aircraft in the Premium Deluxe Edition of MSFS 2024.
Microsoft/Carenado Saab 340B: This is the most common version currently available, often bundled with the sim's higher-tier editions. It features a detailed cockpit with authentic moving steam gauges, though some advanced systems like virtual circuit breakers are non-functional.
NextGen Simulations Saab 340: A high-fidelity alternative is currently in development by NextGen Simulations. This version is being built with 8K textures and deeper system integration, including support for various GPS systems like the PMS50 GTN and TDS GTNXI. The Saab 340 has a reputation for a
Virtualcol Saab 340 Regional Pack: For those seeking a simpler, more performance-friendly experience, Virtualcol offers a regional pack that includes both the 340 and its larger sibling, the Saab 2000. Key Performance Specifications
Flying the Saab 340 requires an understanding of its unique turboprop characteristics. It is not an overpowered aircraft, especially during climb, making power management essential. SAAB 340 | NASA Airborne Science Program
Here’s a helpful overview for anyone looking to fly the Saab 340 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
The Saab 340 has a reputation for a "heavy elevator" and a tendency to Dutch roll in turbulence. A proper MSFS version must model the beta light (prop reverse warning) and the fact that the aircraft does not have an autothrottle—landing requires your full attention.
Before we discuss the MSFS versions, let’s appreciate the machine. The Saab 340 (often affectionately called the "Saab 340A/B") is a twin-engine turboprop produced in Sweden between 1983 and 1999. It seats 34-37 passengers and became the backbone of regional airlines like American Eagle, Rex (Regional Express), Crossair, and Silver Airways.
Why simmers crave it:
Using the Carenado version as our benchmark (since it is available now), the flight model of the Saab 340 is a lesson in asymmetry.
Takeoff Performance: The Saab 340 requires right rudder. A lot of right rudder. Unlike a Cessna 172, torque and P-factor in the CT7 engines are brutal. If you no longer trust your feet, the 340 will pull you off the runway and into the grass. The MSFS ground handling model captures this "tail-dragger-like" aggression surprisingly well. Rotation is smooth at roughly 100 knots, and the climb rate at max gross weight is satisfyingly anemic—very realistic for a hot day at a high-altitude airport.
In Cruise: This is where the turboprop shines. At FL180 (the typical ceiling for short hops), the Saab 340 sits in a sweet spot of 190 to 210 knots. The autopilot (the classic Sperry SPZ-450) is faithfully replicated. It requires manual intervention with altitude preselect and vertical speed management. It is not an Airbus—you must trim the aircraft, or you will chase altitudes all day.
Descent & Landing: The 340 is slippery. Unlike a jet, pulling the throttles back to idle feels like deploying a speed brake. You will learn to plan your descent 10 miles earlier than you think you need. Landing is a joy; the trailing-link landing gear absorbs hard landings forgivingly, but greasing a landing requires managing the beta range (reverse thrust) carefully.
