Saab A 32A Lansen

The Saab A 32A Lansen is a Swedish twin‑engine jet developed by Saab Group in the early 1950s to replace the aging propeller aircraft of the Swedish Air Force. First flown on 3 November 1952, the Lansen entered service in 1955 and served as a fighter‑bomber, reconnaissance, and attack platform until its retirement in 1990. Its design combined a swept‑back wing, mid‑fuselage air intakes and a lightning‑fast climb rate of 40 m/s, enabling it to reach 1 200 km/h at altitude. Powered by two Svenska Flygmotor RM6C (derived from the British Rolls‑Royce Avon) afterburning turbojets, the aircraft could carry a variety of ordnance including free‑fall bombs, rockets and the Swedish Rb 04 anti‑ship missile. The A 32A variant featured a reinforced nose for photo‑reconnaissance, while later A 32B and A 32C models added improved radar and air‑to‑ground capabilities. The Lansen proved decisive during Cold‑War tension, providing Sweden with a credible deterrent and pioneering tactics such as low‑level strike runs and precision attack. Its reliable service record and innovative avionics contributed to Saab’s reputation as a leading aerospace manufacturer, paving the way for later successes such as the Viggen and Gripen.

Saab Group

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Design & Classification