Erik Bratt

Erik Gustaf Bratt
Born	Template:Birth date
Died	February 13, 2010(2010-02-13) (aged 94)
Occupation(s)	Engineer, aviator
Known for	Designing the Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen fighter jets

File:Erik Bratt demonstrerar sin Dynamicpropeller.jpg

Erik Bratt showcasing his Dynamicpropeller.

File:Saab Draken.jpg

Saab 35 Draken aircraft

File:Saab AJS-37 Viggen 37098 52 (SE-DXN) (9256079273).jpg

Saab 37 Viggen fighter jet

Erik Gustaf Bratt (born 1 January 1916, died 13 February 2010) was a Swedish engineer and aviator. He was the sibling of Colonel Lars Bratt.

Academic Background

Bratt obtained his pilot’s license in 1937 and completed flight training within the Swedish Air Force between 1940 and 1942. He earned a master's degree in engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in 1942. His early career included work at Skandinaviska Aero (which later merged into Scandinavian Airlines) from 1942 until 1945. Subsequently, he joined Saab AB, where he remained until retiring in 1981. His career progression at Saab included appointments as chief engineer in 1962, head of the aircraft design division in 1964, and director in 1974.

Contributions to Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen

At Saab AB in Linköping, Sweden, Erik Bratt played a pivotal role in designing both the Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen. He became emblematic of Sweden’s efforts to develop and significantly expand its Swedish Air Force capabilities during the tense period of the Cold War and amid the global nuclear arms race.

Within Saab, Bratt led the design team alongside notable engineers including Bertil Dillner, Hermann Behrbohm, Einar Bergström, and Olof Ljungström. Their work focused heavily on advancing technologies such as supersonic flight and implementing the innovative delta wing configuration.

• During the period from the 1950s through the 1970s, driven by requirements established under the Defence Act of 1958, the Swedish Air Force prioritized rapid interception capabilities aimed at neutralizing strategic nuclear bombers like the Tupolev Tu-16 before they could reach their intended targets. This necessitated fast, supersonic fighters with delta wings such as the Saab 35 Draken, where speed and readiness were critical.
• Additionally, defending maritime approaches required effective landing operation defenses employing attack aircraft and high-speed reconnaissance planes exemplified by the Saab 37 Viggen.
• The limitations imposed by aerodynamic heating during high-speed flight influenced material selection and economic considerations, ultimately shaping maximum achievable velocities. These factors contributed to substantial investments in building an extensive air force supported by robust research and development efforts.

Honors

In 1972, Bratt received the prestigious gold Thulin Medal from the Swedish Aeronautical Society.

He was honored with the title of honorary doctor in technology at Linköping University in 1984. Subsequently, in 1986, Bratt was the recipient of the Söderberg plaque for his significant contributions to aviation history. In recognition of his dedication, he was named an honorary member of the Swedish Aviation History Association (Svensk Flyghistorisk Förening) in 2002.

Bratt authored an autobiography titled Silvervingar (Silver Wings); he also served as a reserve pilot in the Swedish Air Force and was awarded the Silvervingar distinction.

See also

• Delta wing
• Supersonic flight
• Saab 32 Lansen
• Saab 35 Draken
• Saab 105
• Saab 37 Viggen
• Tore Gullstrand