Saab 17

Saab 17 was flown for the first time in 1940 with the Swedish defense doctrine in mind, which assumed the independence of the aviation industry during World War II. The aircraft was designed as a light dive bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, capable of operating from short, makeshift airfields, which was crucial for Sweden, a neutral country preparing for a possible conflict.

The aircraft could be equipped with wheeled landing gear, floats for water takeoffs, or skis for winter operations, which was well suited to the harsh conditions of Scandinavia. The Saab 17 also had special aerodynamic brakes for dive bombing, which allowed for precise bombing from high angles. For Saab, the B17 project was of great developmental importance, as the design experience gained directly influenced later, much more advanced aircraft, which made Sweden one of the most independent countries in the field of military aviation.

According to sources, only a few Saab 17s have survived worldwide, of which only one is kept in flying condition and still flies at air shows, while the others are exhibited in museums or private collections. The airplane is part of the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight fleet.

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