These aircraft were retired in the 1990s, and they were replaced by the Saab Gripen. The last model built was the J 35F, the final version to remain in Swedish service. The early models were intended purely for air defense. Sweden's fleet of Drakens came in six different versions and two other models of the Draken were offered for export. A total of 651 Saab Drakens were manufactured. It entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1960. Operational historyĪlthough the J 35 Draken was not designed to be a dog-fighter, it proved to have a good quick turn capability, and it was a capable fighter plane. The second prototype, equipped with an afterburner, unintentionally broke the sound barrier on its first flight while climbing. The first prototype, not fitted with an afterburner, made its maiden flight on 25 October 1955. The 210's successful testing results led to an order for three full-size Draken prototypes. The Saab 210 tested the concept of the double delta, first flying on 21 January 1952. The double-delta shape was so revolutionary that it warranted the only sub-scale test aircraft built in Sweden: the Saab 210, unofficially nicknamed "Lilldraken" (the little draken). The Draken could deploy a drag chute to reduce its landing distance. A ram turbine, under the nose, provided emergency power and the engine had a built-in emergency starter unit. Propulsion was provided by a single Svenska Flygmotor RM 6B/C turbojet ( Rolls-Royce Avon 200/300). The inner wing has an 80° angle for high speed performance, while the outer 60° wing gives good performance at low speeds. ĭraken's design incorporated a distinctive "double-delta" configuration, with one delta wing within another larger delta. In September 1949, the Swedish Defence Material Administration issued a request for a fighter/interceptor aircraft, and work began at Saab the same year. Other demanding requirements were the capability to operate from reinforced public roads used as part of wartime airbases, and for refuelling/rearming to be carried out in no more than ten minutes, by conscripts with minimal training. Although other interceptors such as the US Air Force's F-104 Starfighter were being conceived during the same period, Saab's "Draken" would have to undertake a combat role unique to Sweden. As the jet era started, Sweden foresaw the need for a jet fighter that could intercept bombers at high altitude and also successfully engage fighters.
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