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Saab 340

1984 COLD WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of the Saab 340

The Saab 340 "twin" stems from work that Saab AB began in the mid-1970s, and the resulting product was the company's first foray into the civilian manned transport market, with a twin-engine design suitable for short-haul and short-haul flights. Moderately difficult, zone-oriented routes. The first prototype flight was recorded in 1983, and the series was officially launched in 1984.

Production spanned from 1983 to 1999, with 459 units completed. The Type 340 was the basis for the 1997 Saab military platform Type 340 AEW&C and the 1994 Type 2000 personnel carrier.

When developing the Type 340, Saab engineers opted for a low monoplane wing configuration with twin turboprop engines to save fuel and cost, and to meet the aircraft's required operational envelope. The tail unit receives a single large vertical tail unit and low-set horizontal surface.

As usual, the cockpit is located at the very forward end of the nose (two crew members seat side by side), and the tricycle landing gear (wheeled and retractable) is used for ground operations.

Due to the significant growth of the Type 340 program to date, Saab enlisted the help of US-based Fairchild Aircraft, an established company with a long history in aircraft manufacturing. The aircraft was then officially named "SF340" to denote the joint venture as well as the company's model.

The completed prototype flew for the first time on January 25, 1983, with the wings, nacelles and tail supplied by Fairchild Semiconductor. All other aspects of the aircraft were developed in-house at Saab.

Fairchild was involved until 1987, when it worked to get out of the aircraft business entirely.

The first production model, named "Type 340A", could accommodate up to 36 passengers depending on the seating arrangement and was powered by two GE CT7-5A2 turboprop engines rated at 1,735 hp. Saab has also launched VIP and cargo versions of the aircraft to increase the product's appeal in the market.

Then there is the 340B model, which is similar to the A model in most respects but uses a GE CT7-9B engine instead. It typically carries 34 aircraft and has a length of 64.8 feet, a wingspan of 70.3 feet and a height of 22.9 feet. The kerb weight is 18,000 pounds, and the MTOW is 29,000 pounds, while the power allows it to reach a speed of 325 mph (max) (running close to 290 mph). Range is 1,075 miles and service is capped at 25,000 feet.

The reported rate of climb was 2,000 feet per minute.

The Tp 100 is a VIP passenger tugboat ordered by the Swedish Air Force, and the Tp 100A is a slightly modified version of it, based on the 340B model. The OS 100 became a one-off unarmed surveillance model for the European Open Skies program, and the 340B Plus model was an upgraded 340B model with improved wingtips.

The 340B Plus SAR-200 model was developed for the Japan Coast Guard for maritime search and rescue (SAR) missions. Its cargo-carrying variant became the 340AF model.

The Type 340A QC debuted as a "quick change" freighter/transport combination model, and the Type 340 MSA became a dedicated "maritime safety aircraft" form (also with built-in SAR capability).

The military variant of the Type 340 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) first flew in 1994 and was introduced in 1997. The platform is interested in air services from Pakistan, Sweden, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have few co-operating units. Greece's Hellenic Air Force, now the former operator, has abandoned the use of two aircraft.

A total of 12 AEW&C-oriented versions were built from 1994 to 1999, the main visual difference of the type being the rectangular structure mounted on the fuselage spine. Also note the multiple antenna/sensor fins on the ventral side.

The larger Model 2000 was largely similar in form and function to the Model 340, but failed to match the commercial success of its earlier sister. It first flew in March 1992 and entered service in 1993. Production From 1992 to 1999, a total of 63 units were produced.

Some sub-variants of this brand ended up appearing, including the 2000 MPA (Marine Patrol Aircraft) model.

The Saab Model 340 flies in civil colours, serving industry players such as Regional Express Airlines, SkyBahamas Airlines, Silver Airways and Loganair.