Saab Draken

The Saab J35 Draken was one of the best of the first generation of highly supersonic fighters to be developed and put into production during the 1950s. It was a remarkable achievement in many respects, not least because Sweden was one of the smallest nations to operate an aircraft industry. This superb fighter is given the usual Warpaint treatment which describes the design and development programme, the various versions including the 'ultimate' J35F and upgraded J35J, export aircraft and the type's service career. Although the prototype first flew in 1955 and service entry in the Swedish Air Force came in 1960, some examples were still in service at the start of the 21st Century. Full colour artwork and a mass of photographs support the text. The Draken was indeed a spectacular aircraft