Being an upgraded version of the SK 60, was designed to be a versatile training aircraft, bridging the gap between basic flight training and advanced tactical education for the Swedish Air Force. Equipped with enhanced performance, modern avionics, and light attack capabilities, the SK 60F offers a unique blend of training potential and combat readiness.
The SK 60F was developed to support both Basic Tactical Education (GTU) and Basic Flight Training (GFU). Its ability to adapt to advanced training roles makes it an ideal aircraft for lower-tier combat in War Thunder Being a upgraded SK-60, Players will be familiar to the aircraft, aswell as making the SK-60F wont be too difficult from a developer standpoint, as it shares The Body of the SK-60B with a few changes.
The SK 60F underwent several structural and system modifications to meet the new F-standard, primarily due to the installation of the Turbomeca-Snecma Larzac 04C6 engines. These modifications included:
- Features Thrust deflectors as on the Standard SK-60
- Fuselage Adjustments: Slightly altered shape near the engine nacelles to accommodate the Larzac engines.
- Reinforced Wings: Strengthened to handle increased external load capacity.
- Upgraded Avionics: Modernized cockpit instruments, including HUD and multifunction displays.
- New Engine Mounts: Redesigned to support the new engines and integrate with existing systems.
- Enhanced Fuel System: Additional fuel capacity for increased range and endurance.
(Illustration: Schematic overview of required modifications to bring the SK 60 to F-standard. Drawing by Saab.)
With the Turbomeca-Snecma Larzac 04C6 engines replacing the original RM 9B, the SK 60F featured a slightly different fuselage shape near the engine nacelles to accommodate the new powerplants. The change was necessary due to differences in size, airflow, and cooling requirements between the engines.
This modification was part of a broader upgrade program that aimed to increase power, reliability, and maintainability while modernizing the SK 60 platform for both training and light combat roles.
(Illustration: Saab 105 with Larzac engines, showing the modified fuselage design near the engine area. Drawing by Saab via Anders Sandström.)
Furthermore, Radiosystem 90, upgraded avionics, and anti-lock brakes would be introduced.
The electronic system would include a sightline indicator (ST) in front of the left pilot’s seat, color displays, a central computer, an inertial navigation system (TN-system), a data link, as well as a data stick and a CCD camera/tape recorder for mission planning and debriefing. The entire concept was intended to be as similar as possible to the corresponding systems in the 37/39 aircraft.
The SK 60F would also be equipped with a simulated radar, meaning that radar images based on data link information could be displayed despite the lack of an actual radar.
The avionics were designed with four modes: navigation mode, air-to-air sighting mode, air-to-ground sighting mode, and landing mode. Additionally, a test mode would allow for system checks while on the ground. Sight modes for simulated weapons such as the RB 74 Sidewinder, RB 71 Sky Flash, and AMRAAM (later RB 99) would also be included.
As a system, the SK 60 was already well-integrated into the Swedish airbase system, and its side-by-side seating configuration was beneficial for training. However, through the SI installation over the left side of the instrument panel and its layout, an attempt was made to replicate the “single-seat feeling” found in fighter aircraft.
The intention was also for the pilot to be able to operate the aircraft with “hands on throttle and stick” (HOTAS) during combat. The SK 60 control sticks would be replaced with modified 37-series sticks and new throttle handles, featuring numerous buttons and controls for functions such as missile seeker operation.
- Siktlinjesindikator – Line-of-Sight Indicator
- Datapanel – Data Panel
- Flerfunktionsindikator – Multi-Function Display (MFD)
- Motorinstrument – Engine Instruments
- Radiopanel 39 – Radio Panel 39
- Flygradio FR31 – Flight Radio FR31
- RNAV/VOR/ILS – Navigation & Landing Aids
- SSR-transponder – Secondary Surveillance Radar Transponder
- DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)
- Flygplanur – Aircraft Clock
- Bränsleindikator – Fuel Indicator
- Reservinstrument – Backup Instruments
- Landställindikering ODN OOAWNH – Landing Gear Status Indicator
The Sk 60F represents a major evolution over the Saab 105G, bringing modern enhancements in propulsion, weapons integration, avionics, and training capabilities that make it a far more versatile and capable aircraft.
Starting with propulsion, the Sk 60F is powered by efficient Larzac engines that offer lower fuel consumption and better maintainability compared to the Saab 105G’s General Electric J85-17B turbojets. While the 105G boasts a higher top speed of 970 km/h and a faster climb rate of 75 m/s, these benefits come at the cost of significantly higher operational fuel demands. The Sk 60F, in contrast, is built for sustained operations with improved reliability—ideal for both training and multi-role missions.
On the weapons side, the Sk 60F’s capabilities are a clear step above earlier models. The maximum external load capacity was increased from 800 kg to 2,000 kg, thanks to reinforced hardpoints and upgraded electrical systems that support modern, guided munitions. This not only allows parity with older variants like the 105XT, which could carry over 2,000 kg, but does so with superior load flexibility.
In addition to legacy SK 60B/C weaponry, the Sk 60F can be equipped with:
- Raketkapsel m/57, a pod used on the J 32B Lansen and J 35 Draken, housing 19 × 7.5 cm m/57 “Frida” high-explosive rockets for both air and light ground targets.
- Raketkapsel m/70, which contains six 13.5 cm m/70 rockets designed for ground attack. Warheads and fuzes could be tailored for different mission profiles. This pod was also used on the AJ 37 Viggen.
- RB 75 Maverick, an American-sourced, TV-guided missile ideal for stationary or moving ground targets. The pilot could lock onto the target via a cockpit display, then release the missile and immediately disengage while the missile guided itself.
- RB 24J Sidewinder, a heat-seeking missile for air-to-air roles. With a data link integrated into the Sk 60F’s systems, it offered a major boost over the SK 60B/C’s strictly unguided arsenal. These missiles enabled engagement of slow-moving aircraft like transports and helicopters, and provided essential self-defense capability against fighters.
Further adding to its combat flexibility, the Sk 60F could carry Countermeasure (CM) pods similar to those used on the AJ 37 Viggen. Each CM pod carried 340 chaff charges and 24 flares, enhancing the aircraft’s survivability in hostile environments by disrupting radar-guided and infrared-guided threats.
Beyond combat capability, the Sk 60F also received a comprehensive avionics overhaul. The analog dials of the Saab 105G were replaced with a modern digital suite, improving situational awareness, targeting, navigation, and post-mission debriefing. These features made the Sk 60F not only a better combat platform, but also a vastly improved training aircraft—critical for preparing pilots for more advanced systems.
In conclusion, while the Saab 105G may have a slight edge in raw speed and climb rate, the Sk 60F outperforms it across the board in terms of efficiency, adaptability, survivability, and mission readiness. It combines the maneuverability of the earlier Sk 60B with stronger engines, modern sensors, expanded weapons options—including guided missiles and countermeasures—and advanced avionics. All of this makes the Sk 60F a truly modern multi-role asset, suitable for both training and combat in today’s operational landscape.
- Yes
- No
- Rank (after the SK 60B)
- Rank (after the Saab-105)
- I said no.
- Event
- Premium
- Tech Tree
- I said no.
Sources & Mentions:
Credit to @NoahHuls Idea and help, And @blockhaj for the help.
Literature.
Flyghistorisk Revy - SAAB 105 - chapter about: SK 60F provided by Flygvapenmuseum Linköping.
13.5cm m/56 sources, Provided by @blockhaj
LIBRIS - Beskrivning över flygvapnets ...
LIBRIS - Flygvapnets raketmateriel :
Online Sources.
