The Saab 35 Draken (Drache) is a single-engine supersonic combat aircraft, which was developed by Saab for the Swedish Air Force. It replaced there the predecessor samples Saab 29 Tunnan and Saab 32 Lansen.

The machine was produced from 1955 to 1974. Starting from the J35D inserted radar was the highest performance radar device of Europe and by the 1977 McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle stationed in Europe was only exceeded. The Svenska Flygmotor engine is a licenced production of the British Rolls-Royce Avon with internally developed afterburner. Starting from 1960 the J35A was to the troops at the disposal. After 90 built machines 1961 the J35B (61 machines built) with a collision radar device and the STRIL60 interface for the air-defense net/control system already followed. The C-version gave it only as training flight things (25 converted J35A). The J35D followed 1963 with a higher performance engine, a increased fuel capacity and modernized electronics (90 pieces built). The E-version was a pure reconnaissance plane without radar device (nevertheless combatsuited) and developed for inclusive some reequipped J35D 60mal. With the J35F electronics was modernized - a mounted gun was void here - and the RB27 Falcon missile could be used. The new engine RM6C type 67 pushed 8000 kp. A typical characteristic of the J35F is the Infrarotsucher installed under the nose. 230 machines were built. J35J the 65 modernized J35F machines called.

The versions of the Saab Draken carry the designations:

• J35 - Fighter (of "Jakt")
• S35 - Reconnaissance plane (of "Spaning")
• SK35 - Trainer aircraft (of "Skol")

As other Swedish combat aircraft can also the Draken from short roads and unprepared runways be used. For the landing a brake parachute is present as support.

The airplane was exported to Denmark (51 machines), Finland (45 machines) and Austria (24 machines S35OE) which 2005 and starting from 2006 by 18 Eurofighters Typhoon were superseded to be replaced.

Technical data

Technical data of the J-35D:

• A Svenska Flygmotor RM6C type 66 with 7761 kp
• Length: 15.35 m
• Span: 9.40 m
• Height: 3.89 m
• Wing area: 49.20 m
• Unloaded weight: 8250 kg
• Fuel capacity: 3000 litres
• Max. takeoff weight: 17650 kg
• Maximum speed (large height): 2124 km/h
• Service ceiling: 18300 m
• Climbing achievement: 200 m/s
• Range: 2000 km (with 2 tanks and 2 bombs)
• Armament: Two 30 mm of Aden M/55 wing cannons, AIM-9j Sidewinder and further weapons at 9 stations

Technical data of the J-35F:

• A Svenska Flygmotor RM6C type 67 with 8000 kp
• Length: 15.35 m
• Span: 9.40 m
• Height: 3.89 m
• Wing area: 49.20 m
• Unloaded weight: 8250 kg
• Max. takeoff weight: 17650 kg
• Maximum speed (large height): 2124 km/h
• Service ceiling: 20000 m
• Climbing achievement: 200 m/s
• Take-off distance: 960 m (without external loads) and/or 1550 m (as fighter-bombers)
• Range (only internal tanks): 1120 km
• Armament: 30 mm a Aden M/55 wing cannon with 90 shot, RB24 (Sidewinder) and/or RB27 (Falcon) rockets and further weapons at 9 stations

Related links

• The Saab Draken story (from Austrian view)
• Saab Draken on Airpower.at

Articles in category "Saab Draken"

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