Saab RF-35 Draken AR-107 NAHR - Significant
Built in Sweden as a photographic reconnaissance fighter, SAAB Draken AR-107 arrived at the museum in June 1994. During my many visits I always associate AR-107 with the former museum grounds man Nigel Bean thanks to its subtle reminders, so I was pleased when approached, that he naturally opted for AR-107 to be included as his Aircraft of the Week. By Jan McGeachie
The name Draken derives from the Swedish translation, The Dragon or The Kite as the prototype was said to look very like a paper kite.
The name Draken is now sometimes associated with the fleet of L-159E Honey Badger aircraft operated by Draken Aero and seen regularly training alongside RAF Lightning II and Typhoon fighter pilots, whilst flying out of Teesside International Airport. However, between 1955 and 1974 Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (SAAB) manufactured the delta wing Saab 35 Draken as Project R1250, ultimately resulting in three versions - a single seat attack/interceptor, a two-seat trainer and photo reconnaissance fighter.
The prototype made its first flight on 25th October 1955 before the first production aircraft flew for the first time on 15th February 1958, entering service with the Swedish Air Force on 8th March 1960. Already proven to have exceeded Mach 2 as the first Western Europe fully supersonic aircraft able to intercept at high altitude, it was capable of performing the Cobra manoeuvre, often displayed at air shows but originally designed but never used in conflict.
With a crew of one, length 50 feet 4 inches, wingspan of 30 feet 11 inches, the Draken had a range of 2,020 miles, operating at a height of 60,500 feet, powered by a single Svenska Flygmotor RM6C afterburning turbo jet engine.
The atypical design of its double-delta shaped wing helped reduce its take-off run so it could be used from both runways and roads and the unusual placement of the double wheels at the rear of the fuselage assisted in stopping the extra-long tail scuffing the runway on take-off and landing.
The Draken served with the air forces of Sweden, Denmark and Finland and from 1988 onwards, Austria. Due to cutbacks, the Royal Swedish Air Force (RSAF) retired the Draken in December 1999, Austria being the last to have any in active military service when they retired their fleet in 2005.
The last remaining airborne Draken J35J, having been restored to flying condition, is operated by the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight given the civil registration SE-DXR.
SAAB RF-35 Draken, AR-107/351107 was one of 651 built between 1955 – 1974. AR-107 was delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force in 1970, becoming part of ESK.729 based at Karup Air Base. It remained with the unit until 31st December 1993, when the unit was disbanded.
Negotiations for this lovingly cared for aircraft commenced in 1992, before it was finally allocated to the museum in January 1994. AR-107 made its last flight on 25th February 1994, from Karup, Denmark to RAF Scampton. After deactivation and partial dismantling, the aircraft was moved by road to the museum on 29th June 1994; and was then officially handed over by the Danish Defence Attaché, Captain Soren Lund the following month.
Photo credit: Jan McGeachie