The most sought-after variant is the Saab 340B Plus. This version includes the larger aft cargo door, upgraded interior, and—most importantly for MSFS—the ability to interface with modern GPS/FMS units.
In the real world, many Saab 340s were retrofitted with Garmin G600/G500 or Universal UNS-1Fw FMS systems. For MSFS, this means you could fly the Saab using the default MSFS GPS (for casual players) or a third-party FMS (for VATSIM professionals).
For years, the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 hangar has been dominated by two extremes: the glass-cockpit airliners (A320, 787) and the low-and-slow general aviation titans (Cessna 172, Caravan). Nestled in the "Goldilocks zone" of regional turboprop aviation is a gap that many simmers have been desperately waiting to see filled: the legendary Saab 340.
As of the current MSFS 2020 ecosystem, the status of the Saab 340 has shifted from "vaporware hope" to "highly anticipated reality." This article dives deep into what the Saab 340 is, why it matters for sim pilots, which versions are available now, and which upcoming renditions will define the future of regional flying in the simulator.
The Saab 340A (Initial Release): Early in MSFS’s lifecycle, a basic freeware version surfaced. It uses the default King Air 350’s flight dynamics and a modified cockpit. Verdict: It looks the part from 500 feet away, but the systems are superficial. Do not buy this if you are a systems nerd.
Improvement Mods (Flightsim.to): Several community modders have tweaked the engine parameters and flight model. These are worth downloading if you want to "test drive" the concept without paying, but they are not study-level. saab 340 msfs 2020
The Saab 340 is not a FPS hog. Even high-fidelity versions should run smoothly because:
You can easily fly the Saab on a mid-range PC (GTX 1080 / Ryzen 5) and hold 40+ FPS at dense airports like KSEA.
Microsoft has announced that MSFS 2024 will include "career mode" missions for regional cargo and passenger transport. This is a golden opportunity for the Saab 340.
Imagine this: You start a cargo company using a Cessna 208. You grind missions, earn money, and upgrade to a used Saab 340A. You then fly red-eye cargo runs from Louisville (KSDF) to small regional hubs. This is the emergent gameplay that will make the Saab 340 a superstar in MSFS 2024.
You load into the cockpit. The Saab 340 add-on (Carenado or freeware mod) greets you with clickable switches. Don’t skip the cold & dark startup — it’s half the fun. The most sought-after variant is the Saab 340B Plus
Useful tip from the story: The Saab’s engine start requires manual fuel introduction. You move the condition lever from cutoff to low idle only once N1 reaches 12%. Do it too early — hot start. Too late — hung start. In MSFS, practice this: bind “Mixture 1 increase” to a button for smooth lever movement.
You follow the checklist:
Pro tip: In MSFS, the default Saab 340 may over-temp easily. Use the “Experimental FM” option in the tablet (if available) or download the “Saab 340 Improved” mod from Flightsim.to.
Back in the MSFS hangar, you reflect:
Final useful takeaway for your simming: Use the Saab 340 to practice “energy management” — torque + prop + condition levers each affect performance differently. It’s the perfect stepping stone from Cessna to airliners. You can easily fly the Saab on a
Would you like a checklist PDF for the Saab 340 in MSFS, or a video tutorial recommendation for cold & dark startup?
Takeoff from Gander Runway 03: Torque to 100% (or max 3,900 ft-lbs), prop lever full forward (1,700 RPM). Rotate at 100 knots.
The story’s lesson: After gear up, reduce torque to 90%, props to 1,500 RPM, condition levers remain low idle. The Saab climbs slowly — 1,500 ft/min initially, then 700 ft/min at 15,000 ft. Don’t rush.
You level at FL180. Outside, the Atlantic is dark. Ice starts forming on the windshield — yes, MSFS simulates airframe ice. You turn on engine anti-ice and wing de-ice boots. Note: The Saab’s boots cycle automatically in some mods, but you verify via the pneumatic panel.