Svenska Aeroplan AB (Saab) was established in 1937 and began licence production of the Douglas A-17, North American NA-16 and Junkers Ju 86A. The first original design by the company to enter production was the Saab 17 which was developed as a dive bomber and reconnaissance aircraft for the Swedish Air Force. The Model B17A was followed by the B17B (76 built) which was powered by a 980hp(730kW) Nohab. The B17B was the first version to enter service. The B17C (77 built) was powered by a 1020hp(760kW) Piaggio and had a maximum take-off weight of 8521lb(3865kg). The S17BS (38 built) was a float equipped version of the B17B for maritime patrol. Denmark operated several examples based in Sweden during World War 11. After the war, 47 were delivered to the Ethiopian Air Force where they remained in service until the early 1970’s. In Sweden the type remained in service as civil operated target tugs until the mid 1960’s. One example of the B17A remains airworthy in civil markings.

SE-BYH                c/n 139                        Sweden

2 seat light bomber first flown in 1940