Saab J-35 Draken

The delta-wing interceptor built for supersonic air defense.

Overview

Saab Gripen Sweden ICAO: SB35 1955–1974 $30 million

The Saab J-35 Draken was a Swedish supersonic fighter developed during the early Cold War. Featuring a distinctive double-delta wing, it was designed for high-speed interception missions. The aircraft became a symbol of Sweden’s independent aerospace capability.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Volvo Flygmotor RM6C Turbojet
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
17,637 lbf · 78 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
50 ft 4 in  ·  15.34 m
Tail height
12 ft 9 in  ·  3.89 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 7 in  ·  1.10 m
Wing span
30 ft 11 in  ·  9.42 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
28,000 lb  ·  12,700 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
6,400 lb  ·  2,900 kg
Fuel capacity
760 gal · 2,900 L · 2,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,147 kt  ·  1,320 mph  ·  2,124 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
161 kt  ·  185 mph  ·  298 km/h
Range
1,754 nm  ·  2,020 mi  ·  3,250 km
Fuel burn
1.06 nm/gal  ·  0.52 km/L
Ceiling
65,600 ft  ·  20,000 m
Rate of climb
39,370 ft/min  ·  200 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,600 ft  ·  790 m
Landing distance
4,000 ft  ·  1,220 m
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Two J-35A2 “Draken” in flight.

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Operational Context

Saab J-35 Draken — supersonic interceptor fighter

The Draken first flew in 1955 and entered service in 1960 as a high-speed interceptor. Its double-delta wing allowed stable supersonic flight while maintaining acceptable low-speed handling. The aircraft was designed to defend Swedish airspace against potential intrusions.

Powered by a Volvo RM6 turbojet producing approximately 17,000 pounds of thrust (76 kN) with afterburner, the Draken could exceed Mach 2. Maximum takeoff weight was roughly 35,000 pounds (15,900 kg). Armament included cannon and air-to-air missiles depending on variant.

The Draken served with Sweden and several export customers, including Denmark and Austria. Its combination of speed and distinctive design made it one of the most recognizable European fighters of its era. The aircraft remained operational into the late twentieth century.