Saab 340 Msfs: 2020

Surprisingly, the Saab 340 is easier on frames than the Fenix A320 or PMDG 737. Because the cabin is relatively small and the glass cockpits are not massive PFD/MFD screens rendering complex weather radar (yet), you will likely see a 10-15% frame rate increase compared to heavy airliners.

Known affectionately as the "Swedish Screamer" (due to the distinct whine of its General Electric CT7 engines), the Saab 340 is a twin-engine turboprop capable of seating 34 to 37 passengers. Its unpressurized rear fuselage, advanced (for its time) de-icing boots, and robust handling characteristics made it a staple for regional carriers like American Eagle, Crossair, and Rex Airlines.

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. saab 340 msfs 2020

Pilots admire it for its "honest" flight dynamics—it is neither too automated (forcing you to manage energy) nor too archaic (featuring a modern EFIS suite). Simmers love it because it sits perfectly between the complexity of a study-level airliner and the fun of a GA twin. The history of the Saab 340 in MSFS 2020 has been a rollercoaster. For a long time, only mediocre freeware models existed. However, the landscape changed dramatically with two major contenders: 1. Carenado’s S340 (The Looker) 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.

But does it live up to the hype? Is it the "study-level" aircraft regional pilots have been waiting for? In this comprehensive review, we will dissect every rivet, system, and flight model of the Saab 340 within the MSFS ecosystem. Before we dive into the pixels and polygons, it is essential to understand why the Saab 340 is such a beloved aircraft in the real world. Produced by Saab AB of Sweden, the 340 first took to the skies in 1983. It was designed to replace aging DC-3s and Convair 240s on short-haul, high-frequency routes. Surprisingly, the Saab 340 is easier on frames

Whether you choose the visually stunning Carenado version today or wait for the study-level X-Crafts release tomorrow, the Saab 340 deserves a permanent spot in your hangar. It is time to trade the glass cockpit automation for the growl of a turboprop and remember why flying short is often more fun than flying far. Have you flown the Saab 340 in MSFS? What is your favorite regional route? Let us know in the flight sim forums.

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. Its unpressurized rear fuselage, advanced (for its time)

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. 2. X-Crafts (The Study-Level Hope) Currently, the most anticipated version of the Saab 340 MSFS 2020 is coming from X-Crafts (famous for their ERJ family in X-Plane). They are developing a "High Fidelity" Saab 340 using the latest MSFS SDK. This version promises a full circuit breaker simulation, custom-coded flight computer, realistic engine performance tables, and failures modelled down to the tire tread.