A simmer described the experience perfectly: "The Saab is far from 'premium deluxe'... It's counterintuitive, but it mostly works... I’ve had quite a few successful flights this way". This sums up the general sentiment: the default Saab 340 is flyable , but only through a combination of patience, workarounds, and a willingness to overlook its deep-seated flaws.
According to a development update from November 2024, the NextGen Simulations Saab 340 is projected for release in . The developer, Carlos Gonzalez, has been transparent about the project's challenges, including personal health issues, but has repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to releasing a high-quality product.
The cockpit, at first glance, captures the essence of the 340 with its array of analog instruments and switches. The model offers a solid foundation, and the community's engagement is a testament to the aircraft's inherent appeal. However, this is where the praise for the default version largely ends. saab 340 msfs 2020
The most commonly reported issues include:
For MSFS 2024 users, the Carenado version offers a convenient, included option. For those still flying in MSFS 2020—or who want a more feature-rich, third-party alternative—NextGen Simulations is the one to watch. A simmer described the experience perfectly: "The Saab
According to reports from MSFS 2024 career mode, the Saab 340 is a detailed model with realistic handling characteristics—but not without some minor issues. One simmer reported:
The Saab 340 cockpit is a mix of old dials and small digital screens. It uses an Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS). The Overhead Panel This sums up the general sentiment: the default
The Saab 340's success led to a stretched and more powerful variant: the Saab 2000. The Saab 2000 features a longer fuselage, more powerful engines, and a higher cruising speed. It was designed to carry 50–58 passengers and compete more directly with the Bombardier Q-series turboprops.
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.
: The developer is active and open to feedback for bug fixes. Comparison Table: Saab 340 Options for MSFS 2020 NextGen Simulations (Payware) Community Freeware (Flightsim.to) Model Type Fully Custom S340 Hybrid (S340 Exterior / CJ4 Cockpit) Textures PBR High-Def 4K High-Quality Systems Custom Collins FMS / GPS Asobo CJ4 Defaults Liveries Multiple Pro Repaints Cayman, Air Chathams, etc. Availability Expected 2025 Available Now Note on MSFS 2024 Compatibility
Carenado has brought their typical high-quality texturing and modeling to the Saab 340, including detailed liveries and realistic cabin modeling.