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