Saab 36

The Saab 36, officially known as the Saab 36 Lansen, was a Swedish twin‑engine fighter‑bomber developed by Saab AB in the early 1950s. Conceived to replace the aging J 21 and to provide a versatile platform for both air‑to‑ground strike and interceptor missions, the aircraft first flew on 10 November 1950 and entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1955. Powered by two Svenska Flygmotor RM6A turbo‑jets, the Lansen could reach 1,050 km/h and carried a maximum payload of 2,000 kg, including rockets, bombs, and a 20 mm cannon. Its all‑metal, low‑wing design incorporated leading‑edge slats and trailing‑edge flaps that gave excellent handling at low speeds, while a pressurised cockpit offered pilots comfortable long‑range operations. The Saab 36 proved its worth during Cold War tensions, demonstrating Sweden’s ability to produce indigenous high‑performance combat aircraft without reliance on foreign suppliers. Although retired in 1975, the Lansen’s innovations in aerodynamics and weapons integration influenced later Saab projects such as the 37 Viggen, cementing its place as a pivotal step in Scandinavian aviation history. A total of 94 aircraft were built, and many former Lansen airframes have been preserved in museums across Sweden, serving as tangible reminders of the nation’s engineering heritage.

Saab Group

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification