Saab 32 Lansen

Saab 32 Lansen
A Saab J 32B at Kristianstad Airshow in 2006
General information
Type
ManufacturerSaab AB
Primary userSwedish Air Force
Number built450[1][2]
History
Manufactured1954–1960[1]
Introduction date1956
First flight3 November 1952
Retired1997

The Saab 32 Lansen (English: Lance[Nb 1][3]) is a two-seat, transonic military aircraft designed and manufactured by the Swedish aircraft manufacturer Saab AB.

Development of the Lansen commenced in late Autumn 1946 as a successor to the Saab B 18/S 18 attack aircraft, although an initial contract for the design and mockup of Saab's proposed P1150 design was not issued until December 1948. As the design was refined, plans to use the indigenous STAL Dovern turbojet engine were put aside due to technical difficulties in favour of the license-built Rolls-Royce Avon powerplant instead. On 3 November 1952, the first prototype performed its maiden flight; following flight testing and several refinements, series production of the type commenced during the following year.

Deliveries of the Lansen to the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) took place between 1955 and 1960. It was the service's first twin-seat jet aircraft as well as the first to be equipped with an integrated search radar. Three principal variants of the Lansen were produced, these being for attack (A 32A), fighter (J 32B), and reconnaissance (S 32C) missions. Later built aircraft were equipped with a more powerful model of the Avon engine and increasingly capable electronics. During its lengthy operational life, the Lansen also served in secondary roles, including as an electronic warfare platform, target tug, and research aircraft. The majority were retired during the 1990s following the end of the Cold War.

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference GG 136 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Wilson was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Nilsson, Axel (13 January 2012). "JAS 39 Gripen − Milestones". Projects. Swedish Defence Materiel Administration. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014. Swedish naming of aircraft


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