Sk 60C(W) - The All-seeing Anteater with a “W Upgrade”
© Walter Van Bel | Click me for picture details and credits!
Author: Walter Van Bel
Title: Aviation Photo #1494701 | Saab Sk60C (105) - Sweden - Air Force
Link: Saab Sk60C (105) - Sweden - Air Force | Aviation Photo #1494701 | Airliners.net
Location and date: Koksijde (EBFN) Belgium - July 3, 1994
Note: If you want to use this picture, I am not the author, thus not the one to ask for permission.
The Saab 105 is a Swedish twin-engine military jet, designed both as a trainer and a light attack aircraft, built by Saab AB. Its maiden flight took place on June 29, 1963, marking the beginning of a long career that lasted over six decades. After faithfully serving for 62 years, the aircraft was officially retired from active duty on June 18, 2024.
During its time in service, it received many version designations, upgrades and modifications reflecting its evolving roles, ranging from basic/advanced training to light attack and reconnaissance duties. The reconnaissance-based Sk 60s got their own version and designation called the ‘Sk 60C’.
The Sk 60C was mainly converted from the trainer versions; Sk 60A and Sk 60B (-The one in game) and one unit was built as a pure-bred recon and attack trainer directly at Saab. Development of the C-variant began in the late 1960s, after the Swedish Air Force expressed a need for a fast, lightweight reconnaissance platform that could operate from short airstrips and provide close photo coverage. The Sk 60C often flew together with the photographic reconnaissance version of the Draken - S 35E
The Sk 60C used a SKA 29 – Fairchild KB-18 180° panoramic camera mounted in the lengthened nose section, capable of wide-angle aerial photography for both mapping and tactical reconnaissance. It could also be outfitted with an IRSL unit (Infrared Search and Locator), but this was only tested on a few aircraft and never became standard equipment.
The Sk 60C received the nickname “Myrsloken” which translates to “the anteater” because of its long nose. The Sk 60C had a ~40% longer nose than the Sk 60A and B, measured from the nose wheel shock absorber. A total of 30 Anteaters entered service with the Swedish Air Force. They served during the Cold War, performing low-altitude photo missions and tactical training. Over time, as their reconnaissance role declined with newer systems, many C-variants were reassigned to training duties—often with their camera ports sealed.
During its long service life, the Sk 60C underwent numerous upgrades and modifications, including:
- New wings
- Modified hardpoints
- The ‘W’ upgrade
- Some units got their camera view ports covered when used as trainer units,
as the Sk 60C was used both as a photo reconnaissance unit and as a trainer.
Disassembly diagram - SK 60.
Photo: Matilda Ahl / Flygvapenmuseum (CC BY 4.0)
The ‘W’ Upgrade
In the year 1993, a program called the W upgrade, to upgrade all Sk 60s with new engines was initiated, and you can really call it a W upgrade since the upgrade made the plane much better for everyone, including pilots, civilians, technicians, ground personell and even the environment.
The Williams Rolls FJ44 turbofan engines were chosen as the best alternative, these engines would be called RM 15 in Swedish service and the upgrades were initiated. By the end of the millennium, all 115 units were upgraded. The upgraded units recieved the project designation Sk 60W, regardless of what version they were before, Sk 60A, B or C. The Sk 60D and E were not upgraded.
The benefits were many with this upgrade. The engines reduced the aircraft’s weight by 500 kg, engine noise dropped from 105 dBA to 80–85 dBA, and fuel consumption decreased by 25% (14% at maximum speed). The aircraft gained an 80–90 m shorter takeoff run, 30% increased range, improved turning performance, 4% higher maximum speed, and 30% shorter climb time to 6 km altitude. The aircraft also received an airframe update and avionics modifications in order to continue serving as a trainer for an extended period. The maximum service ceiling with the RM 15 is 11,300 meters (12,080 meters with the RM 9).
The RM 15 is equipped with APR (Auxiliary Power Reserve), which allows an additional 10% thrust to be produced by the remaining engine in an emergency situation, such as an engine failure during a critical phase of flight. This could be translated to the WEP function in War Thunder.
The upgrades summarized (compared to Sk 60B (in game)):
- 13,4% increased thrust
- 43 % better climb rate – TTA decreased (6 km)
- 500 kg weight reduction
- Engine noise decreased from 105 dBA to 80-85 dBA
- Fuel consumption decreased with 25% (14% at max speed)
- Shorter take off run: 80-90m less
- Range increased: 30%
- Maneuverability increased
- Max speed increased: 4%
- Airframe enhanced
- APR added: + 10% thrust (WEP)
- Service ceiling decreased (12 080m → 11 300m)
Fun fact: The RM 15 drove the air conditioning system’s cooling turbine at supersonic speeds, and after a few turbine failures, a flight ban was imposed. The turbine parts were, in fact, exiting the aircraft through the fuselage skin dangerously close to the control cables! The cooling turbine was therefore fitted with a protective “kevlar sock,” and a restrictor plate was installed to reduce airflow to the AC turbine.
Additional upgrades
Sk 60AU is the unofficial designation for the Avionics Upgrade. In 2009, Saab began modifying a number of aircraft to this standard on behalf of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, at a total cost of approximately 130 million SEK. The upgrade included, among other things, a new GPS, audible alerts for altitude and master warnings, and the replacement of certain instruments. The cockpit layout was modified to display altitude and airspeed in feet and knots, in line with the Gripen system. Only the Sk 60W has received this upgrade. In total, 37 aircraft have been upgraded.
It is unclear if any former Sk 60Cs were upgraded with the AU-program, but at least one might’ve been, according to this source, while this other source does not mention any former Sk 60Cs being upgraded.
Therefore, this suggestion does not include the AU-upgrade program, but only the W-program, because of source conflict.
The Sk 60C(W) in War Thunder
The Sk 60C(W) with the W-program’s RM 15 engines give it a completely new in-air behavior. Compared to a regular Sk 60, the W-variant feels significantly more lively: acceleration and thrust are noticeably improved, letting you reach combat without being sluggish in acceleration or maneuvering. Climbing to 6 km is much faster, and the shorter takeoff run makes it faster at take off.
Since the Sk 60C(W) retains the reverse thrust, it will be easier and faster to stop than any other Swedish plane.
In turns, it feels more responsive; the aircraft reacts faster to stick inputs and holds altitude better than a normal Sk 60, making it surprisingly capable in dogfights despite its trainer/recon role. The increased range and lower fuel consumption allow longer flights, which could be useful in simulator. Top speed is slightly higher, but the main improvements are acceleration and agility.
Another addition is the APR function, providing an extra 10% thrust in critical situations, similar to WEP in-game. Engine noise is also a thing that could make it better. Since it would be quieter, it would also be harder to notice in time, at least in GRB.
Speaking of GRB: Ground attack would be better, even though it has the same armament as that of the Sk 60B. Since it has better performance in every way, rocket torpedoing will be easier and safer.
In short: the Sk 60C(W) feels like the same trusted trainer, but with the W-upgrade, every flight is faster, more responsive, and longer, with an extra push in critical moments. In War Thunder, it would stand out as an agile and enduring light attack/recon aircraft that rewards skilled pilots.
With that being said, the Sk 60C(W) would offer a middleman alternative between the Sk 60B and the Saab 105G, while also bringing a unique look and being more agile than both of them. It would additionally bring a new light CAS aircraft to Sweden, a type that is currently quite scarce.
Armament
| Armament (Air to Air/AG): | Identical to Sk 60B: 2 × 30 mm Akan m/55, 2 × Rb 05A manually guided air to ground/air/surface missiles |
|---|---|
| Armament (Air to Ground): | Identical to Sk 60B: 6 × m/49/56 Rockets, 12 × m/56D Rockets, 2 × Rb 05A manually guided air to ground/air/surface missiles |
Sk 60C(W) Placement
Alternative 1: Below the Vampires
Alternative 2: Folder behind Sk 60B
Best placement?
-
Alternative 1: Below Vamps
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Alternative 2: Folder
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No/Don’t care
What BR should it have (ARB)?
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7.0
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7.3
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7.7 - recommended
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8.0
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No/Don’t care.
Should it get added to the game?
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Yes!
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No.
Sources
Flygvapenmuseum
RM 15 - Williams-Rolls FJ44-1C
Flygplan -Flygvapenmuseum / DigitaltMuseum
Svensk Flyghistorisk Tidsskrift
