![]() Saab also developed the Draken for export, under the designation Saab-35X, with increased fuel capacity and a higher gross weight to allow the carriage of heavier external loads. Serving as pure interceptors, the J 35J 'Johanns' will be retained until 1995 at least. Sixty J 35J and 12 Sk 35C two-seat trainers remain in service with F10's four squadrons at Angelholm, in southern Sweden. Entry into service began in March 1960, initially with Flygflottilj 13 at Norrkoping, and production for the Flygvapen totalled approximately 525 aircraft in all versions. The type was ordered into production during 1956, and the first series-built J 35A Draken (dragon) was flown on 15 February 1958, this being powered by a Flygmotor RM6B turbojet, a licence-built version of the Rolls-Royce Avon. The first of the prototypes was flown on 25 October 1955, the other two in early 1956, all three of them powered by Rolls-Royce Avon turbojets with afterburners. Such a landing, combined with the use of a braking parachute, makes possible a landing run as short as 610m. #SAAB 35 DRAKEN FULL#Features of the design included fully-powered controls, a combination of bag and integral fuel tanks, and retractable tricycle landing gear complemented by two retractable tail wheels, an arrangement permitting a tail-down landing to gain the full aerodynamic braking effect of the wing. First flown on 21 February 1952, the Saab-210 confirmed that there were no particular problems in the handling of the double-delta wing, and following inspection of a wooden mock-up the company received an order for three Saab-35 prototypes. ![]() The capability of such a wing was confirmed by wind tunnel testing of models and by the Saab-210 small-scale research aircraft, powered by a 476kg thrust Armstrong Siddeley Adder turbojet. Saab began work on this requirement in August 1949, selecting a wing of double-delta configuration that promised great structural integrity with low weight and which, if it performed satisfactorily, would provide the volume needed for the equipment, fuel and weapons demanded by its primary role. To 'add icing to the cake', it was required to have STOL (short take-off and landing) characteristics to allow for its deployment from a variety of dispersed sites. The new type was obviously going to need supersonic speed capability (at a time when only the Bell X-1 research aircraft was able to demonstrate such performance), an unprecedented rate of climb, above, average range and endurance, and a considerable weapon load. Sweden flew Draken aircraft through 1998, while the Australian Air Force operated the aircraft through 2005.Ī total of 644 Draken aircraft of all types were produced.Not long after it had given a go-ahead for development and production of the Saab-32, the Swedish air force began to draw up its specification for a new single-seat fighter that would be able to intercept bombers flying in the transonic speed range. Anti collision radar, the latest missiles, a faster firing cannon, and more powerful engines, were all added to the Draken.Ī version of the Draken, exported to Denmark, was converted for use as a ground-attack aircraft. ![]() The aircraft received upgrades through it service career. However, the country limited its overseas sales. Typical landing distance, when a nose high approach was combined with the deployment of a drag parachute, was about 2,000 feet.Īircraft historians tell us that the Draken was so advanced for its time that if Sweden had chosen, it could have served in many of the world’s air forces. Such landings utilized drag from the large wings to shorten landing distance. The high strength, low weight design enables the carrying of relatively large amounts of fuel and weapons, while providing both low speed maneuverability and high speed flight.Īnother feature unique to the aircraft is a pair of wheels under its tail to enable nose high landings. The most distinguishing feature of the Draken is its wing planform. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |