- Yes
- No
Introduction
The Saab B 17A is best known as a Swedish pre-war and wartime light bomber and dive bomber. This common perception, however, overlooks a significant and well-documented later phase of the aircraft’s service life.
In the immediate post-war period, particularly during 1946, the B 17A was actively evaluated as a ground-attack aircraft, equipped with rocket armament and updated pilot equipment. This post-war configuration is often referred to unofficially as the “A 17” and represents a distinct, documented variant that could reasonably exist as a separate vehicle in War Thunder.
Historical Background
The Saab B 17 entered service during World War II as a light bomber, performing dive-bombing and close air support missions. By the end of the war, however, aviation doctrine was undergoing rapid change. Dive bombing was becoming less relevant, while rocket-based ground attack was emerging as a primary strike method.
Rather than immediately retiring existing aircraft, Sweden chose to repurpose and evaluate them for new roles. The B 17A was retained in service and used extensively as a test and evaluation platform during 1946.
1946 Rocket Trials
Archival material from early 1946 shows the start of structured rocket trials involving several Swedish aircraft types. As the program expanded, the B 17A became directly involved.
By July–August 1946, documentation explicitly records live rocket firings from the B 17A, including:
• 15 British RP-3 rockets fired from a B 17A
• A combination of practice and live warheads
• At least six rockets fitted with armor-piercing warheads
• Use of standardized rocket rails
• August 1946 marking the final documented RP-3 firings
These were not theoretical tests or mock-ups. They were repeatable, armed configurations flown and evaluated over a period of several months.
Is “A 17” Is a Valid Designation?
Although B 17A remained the official designation, the aircraft’s operational role during this period had clearly shifted.
Functionally, the aircraft was being employed as an attack aircraft rather than a bomber. This is the basis for the unofficial designation “A 17”.
Several naming conventions are therefore historically defensible:
• B17A (A 17) – Combines the official type with the operational role
• B17A (1946) – Identifies the specific year configuration
• A17 – Reflects its operational role
Any of these align well with how War Thunder already treats late-service or role-shifted variants.
New Cockpit Equipment
Evidence also indicates that the B 17A was fitted with a Ferranti gyro gunsight, most likely the Mk V variant.
This is notable for several reasons:
• Sweden acquired the Vampire Mk.1 (J 28A) during the same period
• The J 28A was equipped with the Ferranti Mk V gyro gunsight
• Gyro gunsights are particularly relevant for rocket attacks and strafing
Why This Matters for War Thunder?
The Saab B 17A (A 17) or B17A (1946) represents more than a cosmetic variation:
• Historically documented rocket armament
• Clearly defined post-war timeframe
• A slight shift from bomber to attack aircraft
It would function as a transitional ground-attack aircraft, similar in concept to other late-service variants already present in the game.
Possible Implementation in War Thunder
The A 17 configuration could be implemented in several reasonable ways:
Tech tree variant (approximately BR 3.0–3.7)
• RP-3 rockets
• All Bombs retained
• Positioned after the standard B 17A
Separate attacker designation
• Named A 17 or B 17A (1946)
• Focused on rocket-based close air support rather than bombing
This would not replace the existing B 17A, but instead complement it by representing a later and fundamentally different operational role.
Conclusion
This is not merely an obscure historical footnote.
The Saab B 17A (A 17) was a real, armed, and evaluated aircraft configuration that fits naturally within War Thunder’s existing structure. The documentation exists, the role exists, and the gameplay niche exists.
What remains is recognizing that this post-war configuration stands on its own—not only as history, but as a legitimate vehicle candidate.
Sources:
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