Carenado, a well-known developer in the flight simulation space, has a long history with the Saab 340. The company previously released the Saab 340 for FSX, Prepar3D, and X-Plane. In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Carenado's Saab 340 is included in the Premium Deluxe edition, making it accessible to many simmers without an extra purchase.
: This is a highly detailed payware model available through the MSFS Marketplace . It features high-quality textures and sounds, though some users have reported bugs with navigation systems and climb performance in certain versions.
The 340's enduring appeal lies in its versatility. It was designed for short-haul regional routes, excelling in challenging environments—from the cold Scandinavian winters to the tropical heat of the Caribbean. Powered by two General Electric CT7 turboprop engines (versions of the engine that also powers military helicopters like the UH-60 Black Hawk), the 340 is known for its reliability and respectable performance. However, a frequent point of discussion in the community is that the aircraft can feel somewhat "underpowered" in the sim, a characteristic many attribute to the authentic feel of the CT7-9B engines.
Unlike the unpressurized Shorts 330/360, the Saab 340 is pressurized, making it more comfortable for passengers and allowing it to fly above most weather. It carries more passengers than the smaller Bandeirante but fewer than the not-yet-available Dash 8.
In MSFS 2020, flying the Saab 340 allows virtual pilots to recreate historic regional routes, from the rugged coastlines of Scotland with Loganair to the expansive regional hubs of the United States. Flight Deck Philosophy: System Depth and Complexity saab 340 msfs 2020
Landing the Saab 340 is highly rewarding. Because it lacks the automated auto-throttle systems of modern jets, managing your airspeed on approach is an active, manual process. The aircraft exhibits significant drag when the propellers are pulled into the "Beta" or reverse pitch range, allowing for short-field landings on regional runways. Essential Tips for Virtual Saab 340 Pilots
In a significant development update from November 2024, NextGen Simulations confirmed that the Saab 340 is "nearing its completion." While the primary focus has shifted towards ensuring full compatibility with MSFS 2024, the developer clarified that the Saab would initially be released as a , with forward-compatibility updates provided at no additional cost.
One of the most debated topics surrounding the Saab 340 in MSFS is the balance between stunning visuals and smooth performance. The default Carenado model is generally considered to perform well on a wide range of hardware, making it accessible to many. However, its cockpit textures have been called "not crisp" and its lighting "extreme bloom".
While a high-fidelity, "study-level" Saab 340 for MSFS 2020 has been long-awaited, options remain limited compared to its inclusion in MSFS 2024: NextGen Simulations Saab 340/2000 Carenado, a well-known developer in the flight simulation
Another persistent issue revolves around the aircraft's . Reports of the inverter being inoperative, cockpit textures that could be "crispier," and extremely bright annunciator lights at night have been common, leading to frustration among those seeking a deeply immersive experience.
: While Carenado produced a popular Saab 340 for FSX and P3D, its integration into MSFS 2020 has faced some technical issues, with users reporting it can be non-IFR operable in certain configurations. Flightsim.to Essential Community Liveries For those using the Microsoft/Carenado model, Flightsim.to offers numerous "pieces" to customize the aircraft: Saab 340 aircraft for MSFS2020 4K - Flightsim.to
The Saab 340 is highly responsive but requires heavy rudder input to counteract the massive torque of the General Electric props during takeoff. Once airborne, it climbs steadily, though it lacks the raw power of modern ATR or Q400 aircraft. Pilots must carefully monitor Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and torque limits during the climb phase. Cruise and Navigation
As for performance, one forum user noted that the Saab 340 cruises at 198 knots at full power at 22,000 feet, though real-world figures suggest it should be capable of around 280 knots. This discrepancy may indicate an ongoing refinement of the flight model. : This is a highly detailed payware model
The Ultimate Guide to the Saab 340 in MSFS 2020 The Saab 340 is a famous twin-engine turboprop plane. It was built in Sweden. It carries around 30 to 36 passengers. Flight simulation fans love it. Now, you can fly this regional airliner in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
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Many virtual pilots like a challenge. The Saab 340 gives you exactly that. It is not like modern jets.