Saab 17
Saab Group · Sweden · first flew 1940 · bomber
The Saab 17 was a Swedish single-engine dive bomber and reconnaissance aircraft that entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1942, representing an important step in Sweden's wartime aviation self-sufficiency.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine Swedish dive bomber with fixed undercarriage
- Inverted gull wing on some variants
- Radial or in-line engine options
Distinguished by its low wing, large radial or in-line engine, two-man crew in tandem, and relatively deep fuselage; the main landing gear legs are fixed on early variants, giving a sturdy, purposeful appearance.
Specifications
- The Saab 17 has a length of 9.9 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.7 m (45 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 415 km/h (258 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from 1938 as Sweden found it increasingly difficult to import aircraft during World War II, the Saab 17 flew in 1940 and was delivered with various engine types depending on availability. It served in dive bomber, torpedo bomber, and photo reconnaissance roles.
Variants
The B 17A used a Piaggio radial engine, the B 17B a Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp, and the S 17 series were dedicated photo reconnaissance versions.
Where you'll see it
Served the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) through the late 1940s; small numbers were exported to Ethiopia.
Related aircraft
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