On October 25 1955, a dragon took to the skies and set fire to the Swedish hearts for an innovative future of military aviation. The SAAB 35 Draken was a Swedish fighter and interceptor developed by the Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, or SAAB, between 1955 and 1974. The aircraft features a unique wing configuration of a double delta wing, which leads to its name “Draken” or “The Dragon.”  This design gave the aircraft an exceptional speed at high altitudes, making it a daunting force in Swedish Air Defense. The Saab 35 Draken was a dragon with many medallions and many firsts, which made it the first Western European-built supersonic combat aircraft to undergo deployment. Additionally, the double delta wing design made it the first aircraft capable of performing the Cobra manoeuvre. The aircraft’s feat didn’t stop here, as it became the first Western European-built aircraft to exceed Mach 2 in level flight in January 1960.

Designing the Dragon 

The development of the SAAB 35 Draken began in 1948 as the Swedish Air Force needed a replacement for the existing SAAB 29 Tunnan and SAAB 32B Lansen. The replacement was driven as World War II ended, and Sweden felt the need for a supersonic fighter that could also intercept high-altitude bombers while engaging other fighters. With this pressing need for such bombers, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration released an official requirement in September 1949. This requirement included a specified top speed of Mach 1.4 to 1.5, later revised to Mach 1.7 to 1.8 and again revised to Mach 2.0 by 1959.

The initial prototype was hence designed and designated SAAB 210 with the double delta wing and was tested for this new innovative aerodynamic feature. The prototype flew in the January of 1952, and based on the results of these test flights, three full-size Draken prototypes were manufactured.  The first of these three Draken prototypes took its first flight on October 25 1955, with Swedish test pilot Bengt Olow. The first prototype was not equipped with an afterburner, but the second one was, which even broke the sound barrier during its first test flight. With successful test flights, the first operational version of Draken designated J 35A, was released in 1956 and ordered for full mass production. After the first official release, the aircraft was produced in several variants, including the J 35B, J35D, and J35F. There was also a surveillance version, S35E, and a training version, SK 35C. 

Airworthy Dragon 

Originally designed as a high-altitude interceptor, the Draken was also utilised for low-level bombings with its dogfighting capabilities but never was really used in a conflict.  In order to provide a flexible transition between supersonic and subsonic speeds – the leading edge of the inner wing had an 80 degree sweep for high-speed performance. In comparison, the outer wing had a 60 degree sweep for good low-speed performance. The aircraft was powered by a single Svenska Flygmotor RM6B/C turbojet engine, a license-built version of the Roll-Royce Avon 200/300 (also known as Avon Mk.48A and Mk.60). The very engines that gave the aircraft its remarkable maximum speed of Mach 2.3. It could carry up to four AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on the wings and fuselage, with alternative payloads that included bombs and the possibility of installing two 30mm cannons in the wing panels. These spaces could also house additional fuel tanks. Additionally, camera pods could be attached beneath the fuselage for aerial reconnaissance missions.

Soaring the Skies

Deliveries of the J 35A Draken were initiated by the end of 1959, with fighter wings F13 at Norrkoping being the first unit to receive the aircraft. The aircraft gained popularity soon after starting operations, and a total of 651 Drakens were manufactured by SAAB, with six different versions and two additional models offered to potential exports. Export customers like Denmark and Finland also operated the Draken, with Denmark’s models being unique for their heavier, strike-oriented configuration. Danish Drakens were retired in 1993, while Austria’s fleet, refurbished by SAAb, remained in service until 2005. The United States National Test Pilot School (NTPS) operated six former Danish Drakens until 2009. Overall, the SAAb 35 Draken had a remarkable service life of over 45 years, influencing future Swedish jets like the SAAb 37 Viggen and JAS 39 Gripen, solidifying its place in aviation history as a symbol of Swedish engineering prowess.

Today in Aviation History is a series highlighting the achievements, innovations, and milestones that have shaped the skies. All the previous anniversaries are available HERE

Haritima Maurya

"Haritima Maurya, pen name, ""Another Stardust,"" has been passionate about writing since her school days and later began sharing her work online in 2019. She was drawn to writing because of her love for reading, being starstruck by the art of expression and how someone can make you see and feel things exclusive to their experience. She wanted to be able to do that herself and share her mind with world cause she believes while we co exist in this beautiful world least we can do is share our little worlds within.

As a commercial pilot, Haritima balances her passion for aviation with her love for storytelling. She believes that, much like flying, writing offers a perspective beyond the ordinary, offering a bridge between individual experiences and collective understanding.

Through her work, ""Another Stardust"" aims to capture the nuances of life, giving voice to moments that resonate universally. "

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