SAAB B17A. A photo. Characteristics.

2014-10-30

other

Sweden

A type: single-engine light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft

Crew: A crew of two, arranged one behind the other

First designed and built by the Swedish company SAAB (Svenska Aeroplan AB - SAAB) V17 plane began its life in 1937 year as a two-seater reconnaissance monoplane L10. Adhering to a strict neutrality, Sweden found itself in a difficult situation, when it faced the need to acquire new aircraft for its air force in preparation for World War II, while traditional suppliers from Germany, the United States and Britain could not carry out her orders.

In this regard, SAAB was organized with the dual purpose of building foreign aircraft under license and working on new Swedish projects. Equipped with a licensed engine, the B17 was a conventional design capable of carrying a bomb load both inside the fuselage and outside. Its sturdy construction allowed the aircraft to be used also as a dive bomber, while SAAB offered its modifications equipped with floats and skis. The first modification, which was put into operation at the end of 1941, was B17V (equipped with the Merkur engine of the XXIV Bristol company), followed by a modification of B17S (equipped with P Xlbis RC 40 from Piaggio) and, finally, the modification of B17A with Engine of "Twin Wasp". From 1 December 1941 year to 16 September 1944 year was built 322 serial aircraft.

Jets V17 were equipped with six light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft wing Swedish Air Force. Finally, a military operation plane was shot 1948 year, although the aircraft were to 20 1960-ies as towing targets for the Swedish Air Force, served by civilians. The only foreign buyer V17 aircraft in 1947 year was Ethiopia, when it acquired 46 former Air Force aircraft modification A, which remained in operation until 1970-ies.

Basic data

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