Compare the best vintage aircraft add-ons for MSFS 2020, with expert picks for classic GA, warbirds, piston airliners, early jets and freeware.
The best vintage aircraft add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 are A2A's Comanche 250 for classic general aviation, PMDG's DC-6 for piston-airliner operations, Just Flight's F28 and BAe 146 for classic jets, FlyingIron's Spitfire Mk IX for warbirds, and a native de Havilland Tiger Moth for slow, open-cockpit flying.
Best vintage aircraft add-ons for MSFS 2020
These six native MSFS 2020 aircraft cover the strongest choices across the main vintage categories. We rate them for period character, flight and systems depth, documentation and the quality of the operation they recreate, rather than age alone.
| Aircraft | Era and type | Best for | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2A Accu-Sim Comanche 250 | 1950s general aviation | Persistent aircraft ownership, engine management and touring | Its detailed wear and failure simulation rewards careful operation; verify platform support before buying |
| PMDG DC-6 | 1940s piston airliner | Long-range propliner procedures and classic airline flying | Engine and systems workload is substantial, although the virtual flight engineer can handle many tasks |
| Just Flight F28 Professional | 1960s regional jet | Manual thrust control, period instruments and early jet routes | Less automation than a modern airliner is part of the experience |
| Just Flight BAe 146 Professional | 1980s regional jet | Four-engined short-haul operations and challenging regional airports | It is a classic jet rather than a golden-age aircraft, with a busier cockpit than the F28 |
| FlyingIron Spitfire Mk IX | Second World War fighter | Warbird handling, Merlin engine character and visual flying | Limited forward visibility and tailwheel handling make take-off and landing demanding |
| Ant's Airplanes Tiger Moth Pro | 1930s biplane trainer | Low-level VFR, circuits and open-cockpit flying | Sparse instrumentation and low speed make it unsuitable for modern-style IFR touring |
The A2A Comanche is our first choice for a single aircraft with deep mechanical simulation. Choose the DC-6 when the goal is historic airline procedure, or the Spitfire and Tiger Moth when hand-flying matters more than cockpit systems. Our wider comparison of premium MSFS 2020 aircraft covers modern alternatives alongside these classics.
Which vintage aircraft should you choose?
Choose according to the type of flying you want, because a detailed 1930s trainer and a four-engined airliner offer completely different workloads.
- For mechanical depth: The A2A Comanche models the consequences of starting, warming and operating a piston engine carelessly.
- For historic airline flying: The PMDG DC-6 provides the most complete crew-era propliner operation on this list.
- For an early jet cockpit: Pick the F28 for older instruments and direct manual control. Choose the BAe 146 for later regional operations and a more involved four-engine cockpit.
- For warbird flying: The Spitfire Mk IX concentrates on tailwheel technique, energy management and visual navigation rather than weapons.
- For relaxed VFR: The Tiger Moth is ideal for circuits, grass strips and low-speed sightseeing.
What about classic Boeing 747 add-ons?
MSFS 2020 packages representing the Boeing 747-100 and 747-200 do not all offer the systems depth or native modelling found in the DC-6, F28 or BAe 146. Before installing a legacy conversion, read our assessment of MSFS 2020 747-100 and 747-200 packages and their limitations.
Are there good free vintage aircraft for MSFS 2020?
Yes, although freeware quality varies more widely than payware. The Sopwith Triplane and Fokker Dr.I are accessible introductions to First World War flying, while freeware Tiger Moth packages suit slower circuit and sightseeing flights. Check that a download was built specifically for MSFS 2020 and includes a functional native cockpit.
MSFS 2020's free 40th Anniversary content also supplies historic aircraft such as the Douglas DC-3 and de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver. These are included aircraft rather than third-party add-ons, but they should be tried before buying another package in the same role. Our comparison of worthwhile MSFS 2020 freeware aircraft covers further free options and their trade-offs.
Will old FSX vintage aircraft work in MSFS 2020?
Usually not. An FSX aircraft cannot simply be copied into the MSFS 2020 Community folder because its gauges, flight model, materials, animations and sound configuration use different systems.
Some aircraft have been rebuilt or converted with mixed results, but a visual model that loads is not the same as a native, functional aircraft. Our explanation of why FSX aircraft cannot simply be reused in MSFS covers the compatibility distinction in detail.
Can Xbox users install the same vintage aircraft?
Xbox users can install only aircraft distributed through the in-simulator Marketplace. PC users can also use vendor installers and packages placed in the Community folder, while aircraft requiring external companion software are generally PC-oriented. Always check the product listing for the exact platform before purchasing.
Why does a vintage add-on feel broken after installation?
Most apparent faults come from installation structure, missing dependencies or modern control habits being applied to a period aircraft.
- Check the package level: On PC,
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonshould not be buried inside an extra duplicate folder beneathCommunity. - Install required content: Marketplace and expansion dependencies may need to be downloaded through the simulator's content management system.
- Use the Modern flight model: Native MSFS 2020 aircraft generally expect Modern rather than Legacy flight modelling unless their manual says otherwise.
- Remove conflicting bindings: Duplicate mixture, propeller, magneto or fuel-control assignments can move cockpit controls unexpectedly.
- Follow the engine procedure: Incorrect mixture, closed fuel selectors, fouled plugs, excessive boost or poor temperature management can stop a vintage engine without the add-on being faulty.