Uploads from Saab Group

Historic decision when Sweden orders Gripen E

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:39:34 -0800

Saab Group posted a photo:

Saab has signed an agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for Gripen E.

The agreement includes development and modification of Gripen E for Sweden during the period 2013-2026 and a possible order for new production of Gripen E from Switzerland.

The Swedish Parliament, has with a broad majority, decided that Sweden will acquire Gripen E. The agreement signed leads to an initial delivery of Gripen E to Sweden in 2018.

Read the full press release here:
www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--...

Gripen E has a substantially developed capability

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:39:33 -0800

Saab Group posted a photo:

Gripen E has a substantially developed capability compared to previous versions. The aircraft is based on the same smart design and innovative technological solutions, which leads to considerable savings compared to other alternatives.

Gripen E has a more powerful engine with the capacity to operate for a longer duration and carry more weapons and payload. New electronic radar, upgraded presentation systems in the cockpit and modern avionics (aircraft electronics) enhances the ability to perform successful missions.

Read the full press release here:
www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--...

Proven technological steps

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:39:32 -0800

Saab Group posted a photo:

The technological steps that have been taken with Gripen E have been proven in the Gripen 39-7 E/F demonstrator program, where the test aircraft has flown more than 250 hours in Sweden, the UK,India and Switzerland among others since 2008.

Read the full press release here:
www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--...

Saab 210 Lilldraken - Experimental aircraft

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:14:15 -0800

Saab Group posted a photo:

By developing the Saab 35 Draken, Saab made a bold move by choosing a double delta wing configuration.

Due to limited knowledge of this configuration, it was decided to build a special test-bed in order to improve the project safety. The experimental aircraft was scaled down to 70 percent of the planned size and was given the designation Saab 210 Lill-Draken. The intention was primarily to test the flight characteristics at low speeds and to test the assumptions made before undertaking full-scale construction. The maiden flight on 21 January 1952 was made by Bengt Olow.

The Saab 210 performed around 1,000 test flights over four years. The results provided valuable experience during development of the Saab 35 Draken.

Saab 210 is the first and only experimental aircraft to have been developed throughout Saab's history. Lill-Draken is now on display at the Air Force museum in Linköping, Sweden.

www.saabgroup.com/history

From drawing boards to computers

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:09:51 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

Designers created solutions and draughtsmen realised the designs they were assigned. Everything was drawn by hand, which placed heavy demands on the executor.

The picture above was taken in drafting room K1 in Linköping in the early 1950s, where the Lansen was designed. Today, however, each individual designer sits at a computer with an advanced CAD program. Greater focus on the technical solution is now possible – while the software brings it to life.

For the next generation of Gripen, Saab has chosen to completely abandon two-dimensional drawings in favour of entirely 3D-based documentation. The aim is to streamline the entire product life cycle by simplifying documentation management and to increase understanding of how product requirements must be realised.

The way in which the documentation for the Gripen NG is being produced is based on experience and makes Saab a world-class player.

www.saabgroup.com/history

Sweden's first satellite

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:54:02 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

It has been over 25 years since the Viking, Sweden’s first satellite, was launched into space in February 1986. Its mission was to research the Northern Lights.

The Viking was a big boost for Saab’s space efforts, and increased the understanding in many technical areas, paving the way for future space projects. The Viking, and its successor Tele-X, allowed Saab to spin off Saab Space, which eventually became Saab Ericsson Space, a former well-established and respected company in the space industry.

In 2008 Saab ended its space operations by divesting 100 percent of the shares in Saab Space AB to the Swiss company RUAG Holding AG. The space heritage is a proud part of Saabs history.

www.saabgroup.com/history

Paris Air Show 1957

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:54:01 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

Every second year in the end of June, all eyes are on France and the famous Paris Air Show. Exhibitors from across the globe gather toshow off their products. The air show is the oldest in the world and was first held back in 1909.

The picture shows Saab’s indoor stand from 1957 where the Saab products attracted a great deal of interest from visitors.

The stand primarily displayed aircraft instruments and equipment, but also included an ejection seat and a model demonstrating the new pressing method. The Saab stand was dominated by a large-scale Draken model.

"To the left can be seen the pressing model, and in the display case straight ahead is a bomb sight, among other things. The ejection seat and various other equipment can be glimpsed behind the case,” Saab's employee magazine reported from the event.

The next Paris Air Show will be held 2013. If you want to meet us sooner you are more than welcome to Farnborough Air Show in July this year, just outside London, UK.

www.saabgroup.com/history

The first SAAB 340

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:54:01 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

The first Saab 340 was delivered to Swiss airline Crossair on June 6, 1984. Almost one week later, on June 12, the airline carried out its first flight with a paying passenger, Pope John Paul II.

The Pope was the first passenger in connection with his first official visit to Switzerland, and he flew from Zurich to Lugano. According to the pilots’ recollections, the Pope was an incredibly interested passenger who stood between them for almost the entire flight.

When it was time to land and passengers were requested to fasten their seatbelts, the pope obstinately remained standing between the pilots. “I couldn’t bring myself to tell him to sit down and fasten his seatbelt. I assumed he had enough protection from above,” said one of the pilots after the flight.

The landing was a success, and that afternoon the Pope flew from Lugano to Geneva in the same aircraft. The story neglects to mention whether he was equally interested on that flight.

www.saabgroup.com/history

Early aircraft production

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:57:50 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

The year is 1929 and work is in full swing in a workshop (later acquired by Saab) just outside Linköping in Sweden. Aircraft production has been under way for eleven years. Some aircraft are constructed and designed from scratch, while others are produced under license.

Here, a S 6 Fokker wing is being completed based on drawings from Fokker. The S 6 was a two-seater aircraft for reconnaissance missions. The aircraft carpenter covers a wooden body with textiles and veneer, after which the wing is spray painted.

Today Saab’s technology, with development of composite constructions and new production methods, is contributing to lighter, more energy-efficient aircraft with lower wind resistance, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Read more about Saab’s environmental and energy reducing work.
www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Company-profile/Saabs-res...

J-29 Tunnan in UN service

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:51:23 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

The first time Sweden participated in an airborne UN mission was in the 1960s during the Congo Crisis.The Swedish unit consisted of five Saab Tunnan J 29 and was initially not involved in any battles. The main task was to protect the UN’s air transport and, if necessary, provide fire support.

In late 1961, the UN-flight operation was given mission orders and in a series of operations the unit practically achieved air superiority.

After a year of relative calm, things suddenly flared up once again. The Swedish unit alone now accounted for the UN mission’s entire aerial support requirement and it was understood that this would not be sufficient. A further four Saab Tunnan J 29Bs and two Saab Tunnan S 29C reconnaissance aircraft were added to the force.

The UN squadron was disbanded in April 1963 and the last remaining Swedes returned home during the year. One J 29B with UN markings from the operations in the Congo is preserved at the Air Force Museum in Linköping, Sweden.

www.saabgroup.com/history

Everything began with the aircraft

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:39:44 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

On 18 January 1945, the first aircraft, a J22, touched down for servicing at Saab in Arboga, Sweden. The airfield was underdrained and grass-covered, but by winter 1952 the new landing strip was ready.

This image from 1947 shows the 300-hour service of aircraft J22 in the mountain workshop according to the assembly-line principle, which had just been introduced. The first aircraft arrived at the assembly line in October 1946 and was delivered in January 1947 after completion and approval of a test flight.

The assembly line consisted of ten stations where the aircraft, with the aid of overhead cranes in the roof, were moved forward one stage every four days as the work proceeded. The aircraft were then repainted, checked, inspected and ready for their test flight.

From 1945 to 1981, a total of 160,551 so-called manoeuvres were executed on the airfield. Over the course of nearly 40 years, operations at Saab in Arboga involved aircraft types J22, SK16, J21 A2/A3, T18/B18, J29 and J32.

www.saabgroup.com/history

The Whole Seat was Ejected

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:50:36 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

Since the 1950s Saab Aerotech in Arboga has tested the seat cartridges for the safety systems in Saab-manufactured aircraft, from the 29 Tunnan to the 37 Viggen.

Tracing the historical test process is not all that straightforward because those who were involved back then are now retired. One thing is certain – the testing method has changed.

Previously, the whole seat was fired into the air and caught by a net, a durable test dummy taking the place of the pilot. The speed was calculated using the height and the ballistic measurements.

The pressure was obtained using sensors, and the acceleration was calculated using the gas pressure. The stresses on the dummy may also have been measured, but that kind of data has not been saved. The golden age is over, but the SK60 with two cartridges, one under each seat, remains.

After checking, the cartridges are emptied, before being loaded with a new charge and new ignition components, and x-rayed before delivery to a unit. Nowadays weights are used to load the seat during the test.

We do not know what the old test dummy weighed, but with new equipment the weight of the pilot seat has increased. Therefore, the tests have been adapted, and the maximum weight in tests has increased by 4 kg to a total of 167 kg so that the test values keep up with development.

www.saabgroup.com/history

Safir – a three-seater rough diamond

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:21:30 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

Saab 91 Safir is one of Saab’s biggest aviation export successes, and made its maiden voyage on 20 November 1945, just a few months after the end of the war.

Due to a shortage of capacity in Linköping (development of the J 29 Tunnan had just begun) the first planes were manufactured under subcontract in the Netherlands.

In 1956, manufacturing was transferred to Linköping, and a total of 323 aircraft were produced in four different versions.

The Swedish Air Force used the Saab Safir for basic flight training. The plane was exported to a number of countries including Norway, Finland and Austria.

In May 1947, legend Carl Gustaf von Rosen flew a Safir nonstop from Sweden to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia – just over 6,200 kilometres – in 32 hours. This feat captured the imagination of the Swedish press and also attracted international attention.

If you look up at the ceiling on your way through the international terminal at Gothenburg-Landvetter airport in Sweden you will see a well-preserved specimen of this popular plane, which served in the Swedish Air Force right up until 1993.

This picture was taken in 1965 as part of a photography session for marketing purposes.

www.saabgroup.com/history

Czech Republic Air Force

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:49:41 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

On 18 October 2004 the first of the Czech Air Force’s new-build aircraft made its first flight, and deliveries were made the following year. Czech Gripens were swiftly in operation to take over air defence duties, allowing the last of the MIG-21s to be retired. They also soon began participation in NATO exercises, eventually culminating in the receipt of the prestigious Silver Tiger ‘Best Squadron’ award at the 2010 NATO Tiger Meet. In this image you see a Czech Tiger Gripen participating in Lion Effort 2012.

Find out more on: www.saabgroup.com/lioneffort2012
Photo: Peter Liander

Czech Republic Air Force

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:49:39 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

The Czech air force is taking part in Lion Effort with two Gripen Cs, a Gripen D and three Aero L-159 ALCAs. As well as drawing the maximum benefit from training in a multi-national scenario, the Czech contingent is using the deployment to gain refuelling expertise and to validate new software upgrades for its Gripen aircraft.

Find out more on: www.saabgroup.com/lioneffort2012
Photo: Peter Liander

Czech Republic Air Force

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:49:36 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

During the first mission of the ‘Livex’ phase the Czech Gripens flew with the South Africans as part of Red Force, defending an area against Swedish and Hungarian attackers.

Find out more on: www.saabgroup.com/lioneffort2012
Photo: Peter Liander

Hungarian Air Force

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:49:34 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

During the first Livex day Hungarian Gripens operated with the Swedes as Blue Force.

Find out more on: www.saabgroup.com/lioneffort2012
Photo: Peter Liander.

Swedish Air Force

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:49:32 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

Lion Effort involves Gripens from the Czech Republic, Hungary and South Africa, as well as those from the host nation, Sweden. Although it is not operating aircraft here, the Royal Thai Air Force has sent observers to the exercise.

Find out more on: www.saabgroup.com/lioneffort2012
Photo: Peter Liander

Swedish Air Force

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:49:29 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

After two days of familiarisation flying and a rest day, the exercise moved into the ‘Livex’ phase April 1, 2012. During this phase large numbers of Gripens, plus the Czech ALCA aircraft, will operate in national and multi-national formations.

Find out more on: www.saabgroup.com/lioneffort2012
Photo: Peter Liander

Swedish Air Force

nobody@flickr.com (Saab Group) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:49:27 -0700

Saab Group posted a photo:

Lion Effort 2012 is being staged mostly over the Baltic Sea in an area roughly 200 x 150 km in size.

Find out more on: www.saabgroup.com/lioneffort2012
Photo: Peter Liander