Swedish Saab Model 29 ''Tunnan'' Fighter Jet

By Crusader1307

Designed by Saab Aerospace, The Model 29 ''Tunnan'' (or aptly nicknamed ''Flying Barrel''), was considered the first Western European 'Swept Wing'' Fighter Jet. Designs were taken from The World War II ''Jet Fighter'', Me-262. First flown in 1948, they were deployed with The Swedish Air Force in 1951. Fast with an excellent handling ability, The Saab 29 was also Sweden's first Jet Fighter. Over 600 29s were manufactured. Piloted by (1), The Saab 29 was 34-feet long with a swept wing pattern wingspan of 36-feet. The were powered by a single Svenska-Flygmotor (afterburning) RM2B Turbo Jet. Capable of achieving 660-mph, The ''Tunnan'' had an operational ceiling of 50,000-feet. Weaponry included (4) 20mm Auto-Cannon, (3) 75mm AA Rockets, (1) Rb (AIM) ''Sidewinder'' Missile and the capabilities to deploy both ground support HE 5.8mm Rockets. Primarily a Swedish Air Force Asset, The Saab 29 would remain in service (as as a Trainer), until 1976. Many Models (air worthy) still exist.