Saab 18

Saab 18
A Swedish Air Force S 18A flies with the F 11 Wing over Sweden, c. 1946
General information
Type	Bomber, reconnaissance
National origin	Sweden
Manufacturer	SAAB
Status	Retired
Primary user	Swedish Air Force (historical)
Number built	245
History
Manufactured	1944–1948
Introduction date	1944
First flight	19 June 1942
Retired	1959 (Sweden)

The Saab 18 was a twin-engine bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, designed and built by Svenska Aeroplan AB (SAAB) for use by the Swedish Air Force in response to a 1938 design competition. Due to delays, it did not enter service until 1944, but quickly became the standard Swedish bomber aircraft. Serving in the bomber, reconnaissance and ground-attack roles, it also assisted in the development of ejection seats and air-to-surface guided missiles until its replacement by the Saab Lansen in the late 1950s.