Msfs 2020 | Saab 340
Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) is a highly anticipated regional turboprop that is primarily available as part of the Premium Deluxe Edition
of MSFS 2024, though several community-driven "pieces" (add-ons and mods) exist for MSFS 2020 users. Available Models and Add-ons Official Microsoft/Carenado Saab 340B : This version is a default aircraft in the MSFS 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition
. It features high-quality 4K/8K textures and authentic flight behavior. Freeware Community Mod : A freeware version of the Saab 340 for MSFS 2020 is available on Flightsim.to
. It is based on a mashup of the FSLTL model and the Asobo CJ4 cockpit. Carenado Payware (Legacy)
: 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 status of the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS 2020) is complex, as the most prominent version of this aircraft was developed specifically as core content for the sequel,
. For users staying on MSFS 2020, options are limited to freeware mods or waiting for potential back-ports. Available Options for MSFS 2020
While a high-fidelity, payware Saab 340 currently lacks a dedicated release for MSFS 2020, users can access the following: Freeware Saab 340 (Flightsim.to)
: A community-created model featuring high-quality 4K textures. : Includes multiple liveries like Cayman Airways and Air Chathams. Limitations : It utilizes the default Asobo CJ4 cockpit
as a placeholder, meaning it is not a "study-level" systems representation. NextGen Simulations
: This developer has had a Saab 340 in their pipeline for some time, aiming for extreme body and cockpit detail. However, as of early 2026, it remains in development and has been described as being in an "early" state. Microsoft Flight Simulator Forums The Carenado Saab 340 (MSFS 2024 Context) The most discussed version of this aircraft is the Carenado Saab 340 included in the Premium Deluxe edition of
: Highly detailed exterior modeling and a complex cockpit with numerous switches and knobs. Current Issues : Users have reported significant bugs, including: Navigation
: A non-functional or "lacking" FMS that often fails to display routes on the HSI. Career Mode
: Missions often fail immediately after spawning due to a bug where the aircraft is detected as moving prematurely.
: Reports of inaccurate hydraulic meters, weird sound loops for flaps, and difficulty reaching standard cruise altitudes like FL250. Microsoft Flight Simulator Forums Comparison Summary Freeware (MSFS 2020) Carenado (MSFS 2024) Availability Available on Flightsim.to Included in Premium Deluxe Placeholder (CJ4) Custom 3D Model System Depth Low (Basic) Moderate (but currently bugged) Part of Sim Edition For MSFS 2020 pilots, the Freeware 4K
model is the primary way to fly the airframe today, though it serves more as a "visual mod" than a technical simulation. True enthusiasts may need to look toward or wait for NextGen Simulations to complete their standalone project. alternative turboprops currently available with full system depth for MSFS 2020? Carenado Saab 340 - not IFR -operable - Aircraft & Systems
Reviewing the Saab 340 for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) saab 340 msfs 2020
is a bit of a mixed bag depending on which version or platform you're using. While the aircraft is a legendary regional turboprop known for its reliability and efficiency in the real world, its digital counterpart has seen varied levels of polish. The "New" Saab 340B (MSFS 2024 Integration)
If you are coming from MSFS 2024, the Saab 340B is a centerpiece of the regional career mode.
The Good: It fills a vital niche as an intermediary between small twin-turboprops and larger regional jets. It is praised for its hand-flying stability and authentic feel as a slightly "underpowered" aircraft, especially during climb.
The Bad: It launched with significant technical hurdles. Users have reported buggy FMC systems lacking full AIRAC data and a critical HSI bug where the course deviation indicator remains fixed. Performance issues, such as difficulty reaching cruise altitudes like FL250, have also been noted.
Sound: Some community members find the audio underwhelming and "too quiet," missing the characteristic roar of the GE CT7 engines. Community & Freeware Options (MSFS 2020)
For original MSFS 2020 users, options often involve community-made mods.
Freeware Projects: There is a popular freeware Saab 340 on Flightsim.to that uses high-quality 4K textures but relies on the Asobo CJ4 cockpit as a placeholder.
Experience: While it looks great on the outside with diverse liveries (e.g., Cayman Airways, Air Chathams), the "Frankenstein" cockpit means it doesn't function like a true turboprop, which might be a dealbreaker for realism seekers. Verdict Visuals ★★★★☆ Generally sharp 4K textures and good external modeling. Systems ★★☆☆☆
Currently plagued by FMC bugs and non-responsive controls in some versions. Flight Model ★★★☆☆
Captures the "sluggish" but stable nature of the real plane well. Value ★★★☆☆
Great as a career starter, but needs updates to reach "study-level" quality.
Check out these flight tests and deep dives to see the Saab 340 in action: Why The New Saab 340 Is The BEST MSFS2024 Plane 72K views · 1 year ago YouTube · Swiss001
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | First flight in the SAAB 340! 6K views · 1 year ago YouTube · Cow Town
The Saab 340 has transitioned from a highly anticipated missing link in the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020
lineup to a multi-option regional turboprop available across both the 2020 and 2024 versions of the simulator
. While it began as a third-party development project, its official inclusion in MSFS 2024 (which backports some aircraft Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) is a highly anticipated
to MSFS 2020) and various freeware/payware releases have finally filled the void for this Swedish workhorse. Available Versions and Developers
As of early 2026, virtual pilots have several ways to fly the Saab 340 in MSFS 2020: Microsoft / Carenado Saab 340B : Originally released as a default aircraft for the Premium Deluxe Edition of MSFS 2024, this highly detailed model is often backported to MSFS 2020 for users with the appropriate license. NextGen Simulations Saab 340 & 2000
: A long-term project that survived the release of the "default" version. It features both the 340 and the larger Saab 2000, with a focus on custom flight instrumentation and multiple GPS options like GNS and GTNXi. Freeware Options : Communities like Flightsim.to
offer a Saab 340 aircraft for MSFS 2020 that utilizes 4K textures and an Asobo CJ4 cockpit as a functional base. Key Features and Simulation Depth
The Saab 340 in MSFS is characterized by its unique "Swedish-American" design, blending regional efficiency with rugged military-grade airframe roots. Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Dead?
For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, finding a high-fidelity Saab 340 is a bit of a challenge compared to MSFS 2024 (where it is included as a default plane). However, there are a few solid options to get this iconic turboprop into your sim. 1. Payware Options
There is currently no "study-level" Saab 340 natively released for MSFS 2020, but several developers have projects in the works:
NextGen Simulations: They are actively developing a Saab 340 and Saab 2000 specifically for MSFS 2020. The release is expected around mid to late Q2 2025.
Carenado: While they developed the official Saab 340 for the MSFS 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition, they have not yet released a standalone version specifically for the MSFS 2020 marketplace. 2. Freeware & Community Content
If you want to fly the Saab 340 right now in MSFS 2020, your best bet is community-made "franken-planes" that use external models with internal cockpits from other default planes:
Saab 340 aircraft for MSFS2020 4K: Available on Flightsim.to. This uses an FSLTL exterior model paired with a Cessna Citation CJ4 cockpit.
Pros: High-quality 4K textures, 10+ liveries included (e.g., Cayman Airways, Pacific Coastal).
Cons: Non-functional autopilot, uses sounds and avionics from the Beechcraft King Air 350i or CJ4. 3. Essential Liveries
If you already have a version of the aircraft or are planning for the 2024 version, the community has produced several high-quality repaints:
Airlines: You can find British Airways, Canadian North, and WestJet Link liveries for various versions of the plane. Operating Tips for Sim Pilots
If you're transitioning from other turboprops like the King Air or ATR, keep these Saab-specific details in mind: Performance Considerations for MSFS 2020 The Saab 340
In-Sim Marketplace Now Available 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
: 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
Here’s a helpful overview for anyone looking to fly the Saab 340 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Performance Considerations for MSFS 2020
The Saab 340 is not a FPS hog. Even high-fidelity versions should run smoothly because:
- No complex cabin rendering (unlike the A310 or 787).
- 3D cockpit poly count is moderate.
- It uses turboprop engine logic which is less demanding than jet engine fan blade simulation.
You can easily fly the Saab on a mid-range PC (GTX 1080 / Ryzen 5) and hold 40+ FPS at dense airports like KSEA.
2. The Payware: SimWorks Studios (SWS) Kodiak DNA
The best available turboprop experience that gets you 70% of the way to a Saab is the SimWorks Studios Kodiak 100, but that is not the Saab. However, SimWorks Studios has announced they are working on a Saab 340.
- Status: In active development (announced 2022, still WIP as of 2025). They specialize in high-fidelity turboprop simulation, having cracked the code for PT6A engine behavior in MSFS.
- Features expected: Detailed passenger cabin, working circuit breakers, accurate pressurization, and a full FMS integration.
- Release: TBA. This is the one to watch.
4. Immersion & Audio
- Recorded GE CT7 Engine Sounds: High-fidelity recordings of the General Electric CT7 engines. This includes the distinct "whine" of the engine start-up, the low-frequency rumble at idle, and the audible prop-wash noise changing based on window heat settings.
- Environment Audio: Custom sounds for the air conditioning packs (very loud on the ground), APU whine, and the unique "clunk" of the landing gear extending into the wheel wells.
- Wear & Tear Visuals: Textures that show oil streaking on the engine nacelles, worn tires, and scruffs on the cabin floor based on flight hours accumulated.






