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History and Development:
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The Saab B 17 was Sweden’s first domestically designed and mass-produced all-metal aircraft, developed in response to a 1938 Swedish Air Force requirement for a modern reconnaissance and light bomber to replace the outdated Fokker C.Ve. Initially begun by ASJA, the project was taken over by Saab after the companies merged in 1939.
The B 17C was one of the main production variants, powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engine. This gave it improved reliability compared to the earlier B 17A (which used the Swedish-built STWC-3 engine). The C-model was intended as a dive bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, with strengthened airframe and dive brakes to allow steep attack profiles. It was also fitted with defensive armament and modest armor protection, reflecting lessons from the early war years !
Service and Fate of the B17C:
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The B 17C entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1942, operating primarily in the light bomber and reconnaissance role. While Sweden remained neutral during World War II, the aircraft was vital for maintaining credible defense capability in a tense regional environment.
After the war, surplus B 17s—including C-models—were exported. Notably, Ethiopia received several aircraft, which remained in service until the late 1970s, making them among the last operational examples. Other nations, including Finland and Denmark, also operated the type in limited numbers. By the late 1940s, the Saab B 17 was gradually replaced in Swedish service by more advanced designs like the Saab 18, but the B 17C’s legacy as Sweden’s first true modern bomber was secure.
Specifications
General Characteristics :
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Powerplant / Engine :
- Piaggio PXI RC40D, 1,000 hp
Dimensions :
- Wingspan: 14.0 m
- Length: 10.0 m
- Height: 4.0 m
Performance :
- Max speed: 433 km/h (269mph)
- Cruise speed: 370 km/h (230mph)
- Service ceiling: 9,500m ( 31,168ft)
- Range: 775 km (482 miles )
Weights :
- Empty Weight : 2,725 kg (6,008lb)
- Max Weight: 4,200 kg (9,259lb)
Armaments :
- 3 × 8 mm m/22 machine guns
- 650-700 kg of bombs (1,433lb)-(1,543lb)
Sources:
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1- Militaryplanes. (2005)
2- SAAB AB. (2017)
3- The History of the Danish Military Aircraft
4- Wiki Saab 17 - Wikipedia
5- Saab 17: Photos, History, Specification
6- Saab Saab-17 (B 17 / S 17) - Specifications - Technical Data / Description
Thanks for reading !
