Ängelholms Flygmuseum

Saab 105

History

The Saab 105 is a Swedish high-wing, twin-engine developed in the early sixties as a private venture by Saab AB. The , which had opted procured the type for various roles, issued the aircraft with the designation Sk 60 . The Sk 60 entered service in 1967, replacing the aging fleet. The Swedish Air Force bought a total of 150 aircraft and another 40 were exported to , designated Saab 105Ö . The Saab 105 is also the aircraft used by Swedish Air Force display team Team 60 and was formerly used by two display teams of the , "Karo As" and "Silver Birds".

List

First flight 29 June 1963 Introduction 1967 Produced 1963–72 Number built 192

Development

Saab 105 was initiated by Saab at 1959 as private venture in military and civil capacities. In a military capacity, the 105 can be operated as a , conduct and ground attack, and a limited interceptor capability amongst the diverse roles planned for the aircraft. The 105 was one of the only small European aircraft to be equipped with , which was reported as of interest to prospective business customers. On 29 June 1963 the first prototype conducted its maiden flight.The flight test program soon revealed the type to have good handling qualities and to be capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers. On 6 March 1965, the Swedish Air Force get from the Swedish Government an order for an initial of 130 Saab 105 aircraft. The Swedish aircraft were three principle variants, these being the Sk 60A for training and liaison duties using a four-seat configuration, the Sk 60B for light attack missions in a twin side- by-side seating configuration, and the Sk 60C dual-role attack and reconnaissance aircraft, equipped with various cameras in the aircraft's nose for the latter role.

Operational history

In July 1967, the first pilots started training on the Saab 105. During the 1990s, by which point the existing engines of the Swedish Air Force's SK 60 fleet were decided to replace the Turbomeca Aubisque engines with newly-built Williams International FJ44 engines, which are lighter and less costly to operate. In November 1993, a contract was signed for the re-engining of 115 aircraft; the number of aircraft to be upgraded was subsequently reduced as a result of cuts to the defense budget.The replacement was performed as a low- cost measure to fulfill the Swedish Air Force's continuing requirement for a primary trainer aircraft.In September 1996, the first of these upgraded aircraft, which had been redesignated as the Sk 60W , was re-delivered to the Swedish Air Force.