J 35B Draken - The Promised Middleman
The SAAB 35 Draken (“The Dragon/Kite”) was Sweden’s first real supersonic fighter and one of the most distinctive jet aircraft of the Cold War. Developed in the 1950s by SAAB to counter high-speed bomber threats, the Draken introduced an innovative double-delta wing design that combined excellent high-speed performance with impressive maneuverability. During its time, it served not only within the Swedish Air Force but also with Denmark, Finland, and Austria, proving its adaptability and effectiveness in multiple roles.
Short History About the J 35B
The B-version of the SAAB 35 Draken - J 35B (Bertil), entered service in the Swedish air force in the early 1960’s as two versions, J 35B´(prim) and J 35B. J 35B’ (prim) was the early bird that was meant to fly as soon as possible, and later get retrieved by SAAB and upgraded to its full, all-weather avionic suite, which inter alia included a new, more modern HUD-sight and a radar, which the J 35B’ (prim) was missing.
During the J 35B’ (prim)‘s service within the air force (1962-1964), it was limited to only rear-aspect targeting, and day-time flying. Despite this, the J 35B’ (prim) still served an important role for two years as a trainer aircraft for pilot conversion to the Draken, as well as playing a significant role as a wartime fighter.
When the J 35B’ (prim)‘s returned to service after having received its promised upgrades, its designation was changed from J 35B’ (prim) (-that would indicate that it wasn’t yet fully upgraded) to simply J 35B - the finished product. All J 35B’ (prim)'s were upgraded by 1964 to the J 35B-standard. A total of 73 J 35B’s were built and saw service within the Swedish Air Force
The J 35B served as an operational fighter aircraft in the Swedish Air Force for 14 years and was phased out between 1974 and 1976. In 1972, six J 35Bs, designated SAAB 35BS, were leased to Finland. These were later supplemented by an additional two J 35Bs, after which all were purchased.
Differences between J 35A and J 35B
The J 35B was very similar to the earlier variant, the J 35A. The biggest visual differences were the new tails, which on all J 35B’s were the full length standard, with the retractable tailwheel and a larger afterburner as seen on J 35A Adam lång and other later variants such as the J 35D and F/J. Additionally, the J 35B kept a similar paint scheme and livery as the J 35A. Other upgrades included larger fuel tanks and better electronics & avionics, PS-03/A Radar, and S7 HUD-sight. Later, a new and improved ejection seat was installed in the remaining J 35B aircraft, greatly increasing the pilot’s chances of survival during low-altitude, low-speed ejections.
J 35A
J 35B
| J 35B | |
|---|---|
| Engine type: | RM6B |
| Weight (Empty Weight): | 6590 Kilograms |
| Max Weight: | 10508 Kilograms |
| Length: | 15,34 meters |
| Width: | 9,42 meters |
| Height: | 3,869 meters |
| Crew: | 1 (pilot) |
| Climb rate: | 175 m/s |
| Max Speed: | Mach 1.6 ~1976 Km/h |
| Service ceiling (Max height): | 20000~ meters |
| Thrust (Dry): | 47.95 kN |
| Thrust (With Afterburner): | 63.93 kN |
| Max Range: | 2 741 km (ferry range) |
| Armament (Offensive): | 2 x 30mm Akan m/55 (ADEN cannon) |
| Armament (Air to Air): | 4 × RB 24B (AIM 9B), 2×19 7,5 cm Jaktraket |
| Armament (Air to Ground): | 12 × 135 mm sprängraket m/56 |
| Ammunition Capacity: | Offensive Armament (30mm Akan m/55): 100 rounds per gun |
| Number in Service: | 73 |
Data sheet reference without specs by: Vedrfölnir (modified)
The J 35B in War Thunder
The J 35B in War Thunder would work more or less exactly like the premium J 35A. It would be slightly larger and a bit heavier, but would still offer the same armament at the same battle rating of 9.3.
The J 35B could be located in three places within the Swedish tech tree:
- Location 1: Above the J 35D, as it has better electronics and avionics compared to the J 35A in rank VI. Recommended
- Location 2 : In a folder behind the J 32B Lansen.
- Location 3: Below the J 34 Hawker Hunter. (which would allow for a Finnish paint job)
Notably, the J 35B would also be an easy addition for the War Thunder Team to add, since it would be pretty much the same flight model and airframe as the J 35D. Only with a different paint scheme and load out.
Would you like the J 35B in War Thunder?
- Yes!
- No.
Sources
Saab 35 Draken – Wikipedia (Swedish)
https://www.fht.nu/Dokument/Flygvapnet/System%20J35%20krigsfunktion%20med%20STRIL%20manus.pdf
Saab 35 Draken - Wikipedia (English)
System J35B och D
SAAB 35 Draken — Stenbäcks Flygmuseum
Saab J35B "Draken" (Dragon/Kite) | Full-size "Draken's" J 35… | Flickr
J35B Draken Notis 2
SAAB 35 Draken J35A J35B SK35C J35D S35E J35F J35J
J35B - Jaktversionen
Registrerkapsel RB 05A
Flygvapenmuseum
