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Saab AB

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Saab AB
Company typePublicly traded Aktiebolag
IndustryAerospace, Defence
Founded1937
FounderAB Bofors
Headquarters
Stockholm
,
Sweden
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
(not specified)
ProductsFighter aircraft, Defence systems, Aerospace products
OwnerInvestor AB (30.16% ownership as of August 2020)
Number of employees
(not specified)
Parent(not specified)
Websitewww.saab.com

Overview

Saab AB (pronounced Audio file "GT SAAB Svenska.ogg" not found, meaning The Swedish Aeroplane Corporation, abbreviated as SAAB), together with its subsidiaries forming the Saab Group (Swedish: Saabgruppen), is a prominent Swedish company specializing in aerospace and defence sectors. While its corporate headquarters are situated in Stockholm, the firm’s design and manufacturing activities primarily take place in Linköping.

The enterprise was officially established in 1937 by AB Bofors, through the transformation of the aero engine division of NOHAB—which had been founded in 1930 and was based in Trollhättan—into a dedicated aircraft production company. In 1940, it merged with ASJA, an aircraft manufacturer founded in 1931 and located in Linköping. ASJA, which possessed its own design bureau, is widely regarded as the forerunner of the current Saab AB.[1] This merger created the SAAB business group, with the Trollhättan facility designated as SAAB/T and the Linköping plant (formerly ASJA) as SAAB/L, which also became the center for design operations.[1]

Beginning in 1947, Saab expanded into automobile manufacturing; this division was separated into a distinct entity, Saab Automobile, in 1990 as a partnership with General Motors. GM acquired full control of this automotive venture by 2000. From 1968, Saab combined forces with commercial vehicle producer Scania-Vabis, creating the merged company known as Saab-Scania. This union was dissolved in 1995 under new ownership by Investor AB.[lower-alpha 1]

Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (SAAB)

File:SAAB logotyp 1939.svg
SAAB's 1939 logo, illustrating a licensed-built Junkers Ju 86, the company’s inaugural aircraft production.

Established in 1937 by AB Bofors, Saab originated as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (abbreviated SAAB; Template:Literally) and was based in Trollhättan. This formation involved restructuring the aircraft engine division of the engineering firm NOHAB (Nohab Flygmotorfabrik AB, Template:Literally), which Bofors had acquired in 1935. Bofors had been collaborating with the Swedish Air Force (SAF) on developing aircraft weaponry and sought to establish a manufacturing subsidiary capable of securing exclusive rights to future SAF aircraft contracts, a strategy endorsed by the SAF.[1] At that time, a rival company with similar intentions had already been founded in 1931: ASJA (AB Svenska Järnvägsverkstädernas Aeroplanavdelning, Template:Literally), located in Linköping. ASJA was the successor to Svenska Aero (SA), led by Sven Blomberg, the chief designer of the Svenska Aero Jaktfalken fighter aircraft. ASJA had recruited Blomberg from Svenska Aero in 1930 and subsequently acquired the company and its designs in 1932, rapidly becoming Sweden’s foremost aircraft manufacturer at that period.[1]

In 1936, Bofors initiated talks with ASJA to create a stock-sharing consortium under a unified parent company. This agreement was finalized in 1937 with SAF’s backing, resulting in the formation of AB Förenade Flygverkstäder (AFF). To reduce competition further, Bofors acquired the smaller rival E. Sparmanns aircraft workshop, which was then developing a modern fighter for the SAF known as Sparmann E4 [sv].[1]

Despite this consortium, SAAB’s Trollhättan facility (formerly Nohab Flygmotorfabrik AB) continued competing against ASJA for contracts, and collaboration between them failed to materialize. Trollhättan secured some orders, including licensed production of the Junkers Ju 86 bomber (designated B 3 by SAF) beginning in 1938. However, ASJA obtained most SAF contracts, such as license manufacturing of the Hawker Hart (B 4) and Northrop Model 8 (B 5).[1] After ASJA’s design team produced winning models that became the Saab 17 (ASJA L-10) and Saab 18 (ASJA L-11), outperforming AFF/SAAB’s competing F.1 and G.1 designs, a decision was made in March 1939 to dissolve AFF and officially reorganize ASJA into the SAAB-concern. The Trollhättan factory (former Nohab) was renamed SAAB/T, while the Linköping plant (former ASJA) became SAAB/L, which also served as headquarters.[1]

File:SAAB Linköping, L-18B (Saab 18) (cropped).jpg
The SAAB 18B (internal designation L-18B) being produced at Saab's Linköping facility towards the end of World War II.

The initial impetus for development stemmed from challenges faced by the Swedish government in acquiring reliable military aircraft at the outset of the Second World War. A critical factor was Sweden’s failure to receive large quantities of Seversky P-35 fighters ordered from the United States. Consequently, Sweden prioritized establishing domestic military aircraft production and development—a policy Saab embraced and has maintained since. Saab’s first indigenous design was the SAAB 17 light dive bomber, which first flew on May 18, 1940, followed by the SAAB 18 schnellbomber debuting on June 19, 1942, and then the single-seat fighter SAAB 21, which took flight on July 30, 1943. Notably, the SAAB 21 was among the first operational aircraft to feature a modern ejection seat propelled by gunpowder rather than compressed air like contemporary German models.

File:SAAB Logotyp 1943.svg
SAAB's logo circa 1943.

Initially focused on aircraft manufacturing, Saab sought diversification opportunities. Prior to World War II, most cars sold in Sweden were imports from the United States. However, during wartime, American manufacturers shifted production to tanks for their domestic market, causing severe shortages of passenger vehicles across Europe and Sweden after the war ended. This led to long waiting lists for new cars. In response, Saab launched its automobile division in Trollhättan during the late 1940s. The first model produced was the Saab 92, with full-scale manufacturing commencing on December 12, 1949; this vehicle was based on the prototype known as Ursaab.[4] Around this period, Saab transitioned from using all capital letters "SAAB" to stylizing its brand as "Saab".[5]

In addition to automotive ventures, Saab entered the computing industry during the late 1950s through its subsidiary Datasaab.[6] This initiative partly arose from a requirement to develop compact computers suitable for installation as navigation systems within aircraft. Throughout the 1960s, Datasaab developed various computer models marketed across Europe for applications including banking. Notably, Saab’s flight computer system (CK 37) was integrated into the Viggen fighter jet introduced in 1971. Datasaab was eventually sold to Sperry UNIVAC in 1975; however, Saab retained responsibility for ongoing flight computer development.

Saab AB

File:SAAB Logotyp 1965.svg
Saab's emblem from the late 1950s.

In May 1965, the company adopted the name Saab AB to better represent its diverse range of operations.

By 1968, Saab AB had merged with the Swedish manufacturer of trucks, buses, and heavy-duty diesel engines, Scania-Vabis, resulting in the formation of Saab-Scania AB.

In 1990, General Motors acquired a 51% stake in the automotive division, Saab Automobile, gaining full ownership ten years later.

The year 1991 saw Investor AB complete a leveraged buyout of Saab-Scania AB, purchasing all outstanding shares for roughly SEK 21 billion. Following this acquisition, Saab-Scania became a wholly owned subsidiary of Investor AB and was subsequently delisted from the stock exchange.

In 1995, Investor AB split Saab-Scania into two separate entities: Scania AB and Saab AB. This demerger aimed to facilitate wider ownership in both companies over time. After divesting half of Saab Automobile AB to General Motors, the original rationale for merging with truck manufacturer Scania-Vabis in 1968 no longer applied.

Also in 1995, Saab Military Aircraft partnered with British Aerospace (now BAE Systems) to establish the joint venture Saab-BAe Gripen AB. This collaboration focused on manufacturing, marketing, and supporting the Gripen fighter internationally. The partnership expanded in 2001 with the creation of Gripen International for similar objectives. Between 1998 and 2005, British Aerospace/BAE held a 35% share acquired from Investor AB, making it the largest shareholder during that period. In January 2005, BAE Systems reduced its stake to 20%, with Investor AB maintaining an equal share.

On 16 November 1999, Saab declared its plan to acquire Celsius AB, finalizing the purchase by early March 2000.

In September 2000, United Defense Industries (UDI) bought Bofors Weapon Systems from Saab—covering autocannon and tube artillery operations—while Saab retained its missile business.

Saab became a significant partner in the Dassault nEUROn project in December 2005.

In October 2008, Saab announced plans to merge with Simrad Optronics, forming a new division focused on advanced optronics products headquartered in Norway; further details remained under development at that time.

A company-wide restructuring took place in 2010, reducing fifteen business units into five main sectors: Aeronautics, Dynamics, Electronic Defence Systems, Security and Defence Solutions, and Support and Services. The reorganization aimed to enhance market responsiveness and customer focus.

In March 2010, BAE Systems sold half of its remaining 20% shareholding to Investor AB, which then became the principal shareholder. By June 2011, BAE Systems divested its entire remaining stake after sixteen years of involvement with Saab.

As of August 2020, Investor AB held a 30.16% ownership position in Saab (accounting for 39.69% of voting rights), making it the largest shareholder.

In August 2023, Saab completed the acquisition of Blue Bear Research Systems, a Bedford-based company specializing in AI-enabled autonomous swarm technologies.

The following month, September 2023, Saab announced it had acquired CrowdAI, an artificial intelligence and machine learning development firm headquartered in San Francisco.

Aircraft manufacturing

Saab's primary concentration in aircraft manufacturing lies in fighter aircraft. The company has been involved in aircraft production since the 1930s, with predecessors to the JAS 39 Gripen including the Tunnan, Lansen, Draken, and Viggen models. The final civilian aircraft produced by Saab were the Saab 340 and Saab 2000, both of which are medium-range airliners powered by turboprop engines. These aircraft are developed and manufactured in Linköping.

In May 2019, Saab revealed intentions to establish a new manufacturing facility in the Discovery Park District Aerospace area, located on the western side of the Purdue University campus. This site will be dedicated to the final assembly of the T-X advanced jet trainer, a collaborative project between Boeing and Saab designed for the United States Air Force.

Aeronautics

File:Swedish JAS-39 Gripen landing.jpg
JAS 39 Gripen
File:AT4-johnson2004-02-03.jpg
Saab AT4 portable anti-tank weapon
File:Saab340SwedishAirforce.JPG
Saab 340 equipped with Erieye radar

The Aeronautics division provides airborne systems, associated subsystems, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and aerostructures. This business unit handles airframe components for the JAS 39 Gripen, as well as major sections for manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, and the NH90. It is also responsible for system development of both the JAS 39 Gripen and the Skeldar VTOL UAV. Additionally, Aeronautics participates in the European collaborative UAV initiative Dassault nEUROn, where Saab contributes avionics technology and oversees overall system architecture and design. The marketing and support services for the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet fall under this business area.

Dynamics

The Dynamics sector specializes in ground combat weaponry, missile systems, torpedoes, sensor technologies, unmanned underwater vehicles like Sabertooth, and signature management solutions. It also develops remotely operated vehicles intended for military use as well as civil security operations.

Among the short-range weapons offered are the Carl Gustaf, AT4/AT4 CS, STRIX, and NLAW. The missile portfolio includes systems such as the RBS 70, RBS 23, and RBS 15.

Surveillance

The Surveillance division provides airborne monitoring solutions, including platforms such as GlobalEye and the Saab 2000 equipped with Erieye radar systems for AEW&C and fighter applications. It also delivers ground-based and maritime radar capabilities, featuring the Giraffe radar family, alongside electronic warfare systems like IDAS and ESTL, as well as integrated combat systems and C4I solutions.

Industrial Products and Services

Formed on 1 January 2015, Industrial Products and Services encompasses several business units: Combitech, Avionics Systems, Aerostructures, Traffic Management, Vricon, and the development of innovative products beyond Saab's traditional core sectors.

Unlike other Saab divisions that primarily serve public sector clients, the units within Industrial Products and Services target business-to-business (B2B) markets or operate independently of Saab’s main end-users. This distinction necessitates different management approaches and strategic priorities. The reorganization aims to enhance long-term growth prospects by tailoring specific expansion strategies for each business unit.

Support and Services

The Support and Services segment specializes in maintenance operations, integrated support frameworks, field service facilities, logistics, and maintenance of regional aircraft.

Saab Aircraft Leasing engages in leasing and reselling Saab aircraft to commercial airlines, having completed 30 transactions during 2010.

Saab Barracuda LLC

Located in Lillington, North Carolina, Saab Barracuda LLC produces signature management solutions and offers customized services focused on camouflage, concealment, and deception technologies. Its flagship product is the Ultra Lightweight Camouflage Net System (ULCANS), which delivers multi-spectral concealment against visual, near-infrared, thermal infrared, and broadband radar detection. ULCANS is deployed by the U.S. Army and various DoD agencies in both woodland and desert variants.

As one of only two certified ULCANS suppliers in North America, Saab Barracuda currently holds a competitive contract valued at US$1.76 billion alongside GMA Cover Corp.

Saab Kockums

The submarine division of the company operates out of the Kockums shipyard.[7]

Military aircraft

  • Saab 17 (bomber/dive-bomber: produced from 1941 to 1944, total of 323 units)
  • Saab 18 (twin-engine bomber and reconnaissance plane: manufactured between 1944 and 1948, with 245 units built)
  • Saab 21 (twin-boom push-prop fighter and attack aircraft: produced from 1945 to 1949, totaling 298 units)
  • Saab 21R (jet-powered variant of the Saab 21: built between 1950 and 1952, with 64 units constructed)
  • Saab 29 Tunnan (first jet fighter designed specifically for combat: manufactured from 1950 to 1956, with a production count of 661)
  • Saab 32 Lansen (attack aircraft: produced between 1953 and 1959, totaling 450 units)
  • Saab 35 Draken (fighter aircraft: manufactured from 1955 until 1974, with a total of 644 built)
  • Saab 37 Viggen (fighter/attack/reconnaissance aircraft: produced between 1970 and 1990, with 329 units completed)
  • Saab JAS 39 Gripen (multirole fighter introduced in 1996; as of 2020, 306 units have been built)
  • Saab 105 (twin-engine trainer aircraft: manufactured from 1963 to 1972, with a total of 192 built)
  • Saab 340 AEW&C (airborne early warning and control platform: produced between 1994 and 1999, with only twelve units constructed)
  • Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk (advanced pilot trainer developed jointly by Boeing and Saab Group; two demonstrators completed and a planned purchase of 351 trainers by the USAF)

Cancelled military aircraft projects

  • Saab 36 (bomber project from the 1950s; none were produced)
  • Saab 38 (attack/trainer aircraft planned during the 1970s; no units built)

Civilian aircraft

File:Saab Safir 91B.jpg
The Saab Safir 91B training aircraft shortly after takeoff at Hahnweide airfield
  • Saab 90 Scandia (short- to medium-haul airliner seating thirty-two passengers; manufactured from 1946 to 1954 with eighteen built)
  • Saab 91 Safir (single-engine trainer aircraft produced between 1946 and1966, totaling323 units)
  • MFI-15 Safari/MFI-17 Supporter (single-engine trainer manufactured during the early seventies through late seventies; approximately250 units produced)
  • Saab340 (short-haul airliner seating30–35 passengers; manufactured from1983 to1999 with459 units built)
  • Saab2000 (high-speed turboprop airliner accommodating50–58 passengers; produced between1992 and1999 with63 units completed)

Experimental aircraft

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Missile Systems

Naval Combat Management Systems

Naval Integrated Communication Systems

Naval Radar Systems

Surface Radar Systems

Boats

Gallery

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Although separated, both Saab and Scania retain rights to use the distinctive griffin emblem,[2] which is derived from the coat of arms of Sweden’s Scania region.[3]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Svfpl Andersson
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  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Gunston
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named autogenerated1
  6. ↑ As of July 2, Saab finalized its complete acquisition of Kockums, the original designer of Australia's Collins class submarines, which now functions under the name Saab Kockums. Consequently, the Swedish government holds the intellectual property rights for the Collins class submarines.
  7. ↑ Saab is currently exploring designs for a next-generation stealth fighter intended to eventually succeed the Gripen. This initiative involves a collaborative research program with Linköping University. The concept resembles the Gripen but features a V-tail configuration.
  8. ↑ The Generic Future Fighter concept is developed by Linköping University's Fluid and Mechatronic Systems division. It showcases a Gripen-like fuselage combined with canards and canted tail surfaces.
  9. ↑ A demonstrator aircraft for this concept has been flown as part of ongoing research efforts.

Bibliography

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External links

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