Air International 2000-03
T.Buttler - Draken. A Swedish Masterpiece /Military aviation/ (1)
Four generations of Saab combat aircraft seen together in September 1997 during a flypast at Linkoping to celebrate Saab’s 60th anniversary; clockwise from left - early JAS 39 Gripen, J32B Lansen, J35J Draken prototype and a JA37 Viggen.
This formation illustrates all three Draken variants operated by Flygflottilj 10 during the early 1990s; leading the formation is Sk35C, ‘85’, on the port wing is J35F, ‘66’ and on the starboard wing is J35J, ‘39’.
A pair of Swedish Air Force J35J Drakens
This view of a J35J illustrates the Draken's characteristic double-delta planform. It is armed with the Flygvapnet’s standard air defence weapon load of two Rb24J Sidewinders (on the inner wing pylons), two Rb27 Falcons on the outer wing pylons and two 525 litre drop tanks on the under-fuselage stations.
This two-seat Sk35C, 35802, is equipped with a spin recovery 'chute above the jet pipe. It is used to train pilots in the superstall phenomenon, a violent and uncontrolled stall from which the aircraft cannot recover without the aid of the anti-spin 'chute.
Condensation forms over the upper wing surface as J35F, '66' of 1 div/F10 Wing demonstrates its high-speed capability in afterburner. The red and white ghost badge of 1 div/F10 Wing is the Flygvapnet’s oldest insignia, dating hack to World War Two.
Delivery inspection of RM6 engines in the underground workshop at Svenska Aktiebogaget (now Volvo Aero Corporation), Trollhattan, in 1959.
A J35F-1 touching down on its retractable 'bumper' tail wheels. The ability to operate from short, dispersed airstrips (roads) was one of the Draken’s main design drivers. Note the single Sidewinder on the port underwing pylon, presumably an acquisition round.
Draken Family Tree
Designed to investigate the performance and handling characteristics of the double-delta configuration, the Saab 210 7/10th scale prototype of the Draken is seen here in 1952 with its original, short nose.