7 Surprising Facts About Saab 35 Draken Fighter

The Saab 35 Draken is a Swedish fighter jet that has been in service since the 1960s. While it may not be as well-known as some other fighter jets, it has a rich history and some surprising features. In this article, we'll delve into seven surprising facts about the Saab 35 Draken fighter.

The Saab 35 Draken was a pioneering aircraft in many ways. Its unique double-delta wing design and impressive speed capabilities made it a formidable opponent in the skies. But there's more to this fighter jet than meets the eye. Let's take a closer look at some of its surprising features.

Design and Development

The Saab 35 Draken was designed in the 1950s as a replacement for the Saab 32 Lansen, a Swedish fighter jet that was used during the Cold War. The Draken was designed to be a multi-role fighter, capable of performing a variety of tasks, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance.

One of the most distinctive features of the Saab 35 Draken is its double-delta wing design. This unique design allows the aircraft to achieve high speeds and maneuverability, making it an excellent dogfighter. The double-delta wing design also provides exceptional stability and control at high speeds.

Speed and Performance

The Saab 35 Draken is an incredibly fast aircraft, capable of reaching speeds of over Mach 2. This makes it one of the fastest fighter jets of its time. The Draken's impressive speed is due in part to its powerful engine, the Volvo RM 6A turbojet.

The Saab 35 Draken's speed and performance capabilities make it an excellent interceptor. The aircraft is capable of quickly responding to threats and engaging enemy aircraft at high speeds.

Armament and Avionics

The Saab 35 Draken is equipped with a variety of armaments, including cannons, rockets, and missiles. The aircraft's primary armament consists of two 30mm ADEN cannons, which are mounted in the fuselage.

The Saab 35 Draken also features advanced avionics for its time. The aircraft is equipped with a radar system, which allows the pilot to detect and track enemy aircraft. The Draken also features a variety of electronic countermeasures, including chaff and flares.

Sweden's Defense Strategy

The Saab 35 Draken was an important part of Sweden's defense strategy during the Cold War. The aircraft was designed to provide air defense for the country, and its impressive speed and maneuverability made it an excellent interceptor.

The Saab 35 Draken was also designed to be easy to maintain and repair. The aircraft's simplicity and reliability made it an excellent choice for Sweden's air force.

Operators and Users

The Saab 35 Draken was used by several countries, including Sweden, Austria, and Finland. The aircraft was also exported to Denmark and Norway.

The Saab 35 Draken was an important part of the air forces of the countries that used it. The aircraft's impressive speed and maneuverability made it an excellent dogfighter, and its advanced avionics made it an excellent interceptor.

Retirement and Legacy

The Saab 35 Draken was retired from service in the 1990s, replaced by the Saab 37 Viggen and later the Saab 39 Gripen. Despite its retirement, the Saab 35 Draken remains an important part of Sweden's military history.

The Saab 35 Draken's legacy can still be seen in the modern Swedish air force. The aircraft's design and capabilities influenced the development of later Swedish fighter jets, including the Saab 37 Viggen and the Saab 39 Gripen.

Conclusion

The Saab 35 Draken is an impressive fighter jet that played an important role in Sweden's defense strategy during the Cold War. Its unique double-delta wing design, impressive speed, and advanced avionics make it an excellent aircraft. Despite its retirement, the Saab 35 Draken remains an important part of Sweden's military history.