In an era of dominance by two huge aerospace titans Airbus and Boeing, Saab planes are the innovative air products of the Stockholm-based company Saab which serve the global market of governments, authorities, and corporations to ensure increased air security and defense capabilities.
Saab aircraft include civil, regional, missile, and fighter jets that meet the latest regulatory standards and evolved at the forefront of advanced technologies. Saab Company specializes in aircraft operations and offers logistics and technical assistance and engineering and spare parts services.
Saab Civilian Planes
Saab, as a global defense company, also specializes in commercial aeronautics. The famous civilian Saab planes are:
Saab 340
It is a favorite civilian aircraft of many passengers that flies on short to medium-haul flights. Powered by a powerful twin turboprop engine, it offers flexibility, comfort, and reliability and has a versatile design and cost-effective performance capabilities. Accommodating a comfortable and spacious cabin for up to 36 passengers, it shared some manufacturing and design techniques used in military versions. It is one of the best-selling commuter aircraft due to its versatility in passenger or cargo configuration and superior performance. It can carry the maximum payload of 3400 kg, thus generating profit for a wide range of regional air transport services.
Although series production is closed, Saab continues to maintain and develop the existing fleet, and the average Saab 340s still have half of their design life. The Sweden Company Saab has delivered 459 such planes, of which the primary users are Regional Express Airlines, Silver Airways, and Loganair.
Saab 2000
The turboprop regional airliner Saab 2000 is the modified version of Saab 340 with an increased capacity and range, developed in the 1990s. The Swedish-built regional aircraft carries 50 passengers, and it is one of the world’s fastest turboprop airliners with a cruise speed of 680 km/hr, which gave it the nickname of ‘Concordino.’ Saab 2000 plane uses two Rolls-Royce Allison AE 2100A turboprop engines, each driving a six-bladed propeller.
This Saab plane outperformed its competitors with its new features and exceptional performance. Although only 63 Saab 2000 planes were built due to an extremely overheated market, this aircraft is the clear winner and still has a long and healthy life ahead as it can meet difficult Alaskan operational environment requirements.
Saab military aircraft
Saab prioritizes military aircraft productions, including fighter jets, bombers, attack/reconnaissance aircraft, etc. Saab has a wonderful philosophy regarding how fighter jets should be and redefined their operational standard when it comes to fighter development.
Here are some of the famous Saab military planes:
1. Saab 17
The Swedish Saab 17 commenced its first flight on 18 May 1940. Saab developed five versions of the basic Saab B17, which were operated primarily by the Swedish Air Force, Imperial Ethiopian Air Force, and Royal Danish Air Force. It was produced between 1941 and 1944, with a total of 326 numbers built. It was short-lived due to the rapid aviation development and introduction of jet engines in the early 1950s. Five of these planes still exist today.
2. Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Featuring the world’s most highly developed data link, Saab JAS 39 Gripen is one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world. The multirole fighter aircraft has a delta wing and is powered by the Volvo Rm12, and has a top speed of Mach 2. The sixth variant in the Gripen family, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, competes with high-end and complex jet fighters like Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, etc. Its powerful engine and updated radar system. Costing as low as $30 million per piece, not all countries afford these top fighters.
Gripen Next Generation (NG) is the new version of Gripen aircraft with a high operational tempo, fully digital cockpit and modern avionic mission system, new sensors including advanced AESA radar, and a highly effective electronic warfare system, etc.
Gripen E-series incorporates cutting-edge technologies to defeat any adversary and advance future threats. The enhanced capability of Gripen E includes the ability to carry reconnaissance pods, weapons, and external tanks and IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track) sensor and new high-pressure turbine, high-pressure compressor.
3. Saab J-35 Draken
Saab J-35 Draken is a fighter jet manufactured by Saab, which is the first fully supersonic aircraft to be positioned in Western Europe and do the Cobra maneuver. It was designed initially to replace J 29 Tunnan and be able to engage targets at high altitudes.
Each Saab plane is a masterpiece of design and a true icon, nothing less than legendary in aviation. Both military and civilian versions of Saab planes represent pioneering technological development and innovative solutions to keep people and society safe.
