FlightSim.Com Reviews: Saab 340B

Saab 340B Plane & Panel

by Lee Degenstein (2 July 1998)

aving a weakness for turboprops, and American Airlines, I was in heaven when I found the file S340AM2.ZIP. Anyone who has been a business commuter in the last 13-14 years has probably been on a Saab 340 A or B. The combination of the design of this model plus the panel makes a winning combination!

History

First produced in March of 1984, the plane was originally known as the Saab Fairchild SF340, when it was designed and launched. Fairchild moved out of the aircraft production business by the mid 80's and Saab took over this plane in 1985. Shortly thereafter the aircraft became known as the Saab 340 A. The 340B designation began in September of 1989 with the addition of more powerful engines, which improved overall performance and range.

By December of 1997 Saab announced that they would stop production of all passenger aircraft with the exception of their JAS fighter for Sweden's Defense Department.

Brief Aircraft Overview

Power Plant: 2 GE CT7-9B turboprops
Maximum Cruise Speed: 285 kts TAS
Long Range Cruise: 252 kts TAS
Range: 805 nm (max cruise fully loaded)
Range: 935 nm (Economy cruise)
Service Ceiling: FL250
Max Takeoff Weight: 28,500 lbs
Stall Speeds: 100kts (clean) - 85 kts Full Flaps

Installation

The directions for both the panel (separate) and the aircraft are well written and easy to understand even for the novice installer. Compared to some of the files out there this one was a snap to install and get airborne within minutes. It is a pleasure to see directions that are well written and easy to understand. There is no need to spend lots of time moving files around. There is also some very detailed history on this aircraft which not only makes interesting reading, but also adds to the overall realism.

Aircraft

M.D. Baclawski designed the aircraft model, with the original artwork done by Tony Bolton. It is obvious by this plane's appearance that these guys did their homework. It looks great in 2D but is really something to look at in 3D! I personally think that the American Airlines standard silver, red, white blue markings are beautiful to begin with, but it looks especially good here. The plane handles well and has plenty of power when you need it. It is smooth, climbs well and handles admirably in and around the airfield.

Panel

The panel, created by Eric Ernst, is really a thing of beauty. Eric is a pilot and flies for a major airline. He has spent many hours in the right hand seat, as a first officer of the Saab 340B and has spent a lot of hours looking at the instruments (a comforting thought)! This is apparent, as the detailing on the panel is above average. In fact a first officer's panel is also available for download and is worth your while as well. The instruments are clear and easy to read. Even the readout on the autopilot panel is crisp and clear. All gauges work. Eric Ernst should be congratulated for his fine attention to detail and realism. This panel, in my opinion, falls under the category of "as real as it gets"!

Conclusion

What a combo! If you enjoy turboprops that perform and panels that are lifelike and actually readable with easy installation, then you can't go wrong with this combination. Compared to what's out there this is one of the better packages that I have seen, you won't be disappointed.

Lee Degenstein
Email: bizradio@worldnet.att.net

Download Marty Baclawski & Tony Bolton's Saab 340B's.

Download Eric Ernst's Saab 340B panels.

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