Saab J35 Draken (Dragon / Kite)

History of Saab J35 Draken (Dragon/Kite)

The Saab J 35 Draken (translated in English as "dragon", but with the meaning of "dragon" due to the plane's similar angle to a dragon) is one of the best aircraft designs to emerge during the Cold War. The aircraft proved a viable solution to Sweden's need for a high-performance interceptor that was on par or better than any other interceptor deployed around the world at the time. Drakes served from 1960 to 2005 and proved their worth in over 640 production examples.

The aircraft's "dual delta" wing configuration itself proved revolutionary and undoubtedly contributed to the aircraft's world-class capabilities.

In the late 1940s, the Swedish government expected the inevitable replacement of the successful Saab J 29 Tunnan line. A specification was published in 1949 requiring new aircraft to have a top speed half that of any other platform in service anywhere in the world. The aircraft also needed to provide an excellent rate of climb, as it was tasked with intercepting incoming transonic enemy bombers.

The already demanding specifications also require large weapons capacity, long service life, and the ability of the platform to operate on short runways and road surfaces. The latter requirement is more or less constant for all future aircraft designed by Sweden, since it was always envisaged that such an aircraft would be responsible for the country's defense in any necessary way - that is, straight planes could fly short distances over Swedish highways extension to maximize its combat capability.

The SK 35C represents up to 25 J 35A production versions converted into two-seat trainers. These trainers have double seating for instructors and students and are deployed unarmed.

Modifications to the SK 35C allow the aircraft to be converted back to its Type A combat form with relative ease if required.

The

J 35D follows as the third Draken production model in the series. The new engine was fitted in the form of a Rolls-Royce Avon 300 (RM 6C under the Flygmotor production label) with an afterburner. Production lasted from 1963 to 1964, during which 120 examples were delivered.

The S 35E became the 60 Scout production instance. The planes were deployed without weapons and associated radar systems to make room for five cameras in the nose assembly.

While the majority are new builds, nearly half of the operational batches were converted from existing J 35D production models.

The J 35F became the ultimate Draken interceptor, with approximately 230 aircraft produced between 1965 and 1972. Artillery armament reduced to 1 x M-55 ADEN 30mm gun to add more significant avionics. Improved avionics, radar and weapons suite, as well as upgraded electronics, welcomes the new Draken variant. The armament includes a Hughes-designed automatic control system, pulse-Doppler radar and a stockpile of Hughes Falcon series air-to-air missiles.

The J 35F-II represents the J 35F model with a Hughes brand infrared sensor. The F eventually gave way to the much-improved Saab JAS Gripen multirole fighter.

The J 35J was a 66 J 35F model that adopted the new 1985 government standard to keep the Draken relevant. The aircraft differed by upgraded electronics and cannons, additional turrets to support AIM-9 air-to-air missiles, and increased fuel capacity.

With the arrival of Saab Viggen, the J 35J was basically overhauled.

Due to Sweden's strict export policy, Draken only serves a few countries, severely limiting the scope of the genre and possibly having a more storied history. In addition to Sweden itself, operators include Austria, Denmark and Finland. The J 35H was a proposed export model, but was never produced. The J 35OE are 24 refurbished J 35D models bought back by Saab for resale to Austria. Austria became the last global operator of Draken until 2005 when production ceased.

Denmark received the model designation 35XD, consisting of the F-35 fighter jet, the TF-35 two-seater trainer and the RF-35 reconnaissance platform. Denmark has modified its Drakens to fulfill (albeit to a limited extent) a strike role and has provided the supply of AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-surface missiles. Finland operates Draken under the names 35BS, 35CS and 35DS.

These names essentially refer to their respective Saab production models (J 35B, SK 35C and J 35D). The National Test Pilot School at the Mojave Spaceport in the United States has at least six dragons that originated in Denmark.

While Saab was completing development and production of its JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter, several modifications were proposed for the Draken to make it a temporary dedicated strike fighter. Production of the Saab J35 ran from 1955 to 1974, with approximately 644 deliveries in total.

All Saab J35 Drakes have since been retired from military service worldwide. Denmark phased out Drakens in 1993, and Sweden followed in 1999. Finland did not use this type until 2000, while Austria waited until 2005 (the latter being replaced by the F-5 Tiger II jet).

Specification

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Performance

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Changes