The prototype MFI-15 Safari made its first flight in 1969 powered by a 160hp(119kW) Lycoming but was re-engined in 1971 with the 200hp engine. It was an enlarged version of the MFI-9 Junior(23 built) which was a two seater first flown in 1961. The MFI-9B Trainer (47 built) had a larger tail. The MFI-9 was mainly built under licence in Germany by Bolkow as the Bo208C Junior (186 built). The Safari was operated by the Norwegian Air Force and a small number are now flown in civil markings in Sweden. The MFI-17 Supporter (77 built) was a version of the MFI-15 designed specifically for military duties such as forward air control, liaison and artillery observation. It also featured four underwing hardpoints and had a maximum take-off weight of 2425lb(1100kg). The MFI-17 is also known as the Saab Supporter. The Supporter was operated by the Royal Danish Air Force (32) and the Zambian Air Force (20). The type was licence built in Pakistan from 1976 as the Mushshak and at least 200 have been built for the Pakistan Air Force. The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex developed a more powerful version, the Shahbaz, fitted with a 210hp(156kW) Continental TSIO-360 as well as the Super Mushshak with a 260hp (193kW) Lycoming IO-540-V4A5. The Pakistani aircraft were built at the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory and are designated AMF Shahbaz and AMF Super Mushshak. The Super Mushshak has a maximum take-off weight of 2645lb (1200kg). Several AMF Shahbaz/Super Mushshak’s are operated in civil markings in South Africa.

SE-XCB                    c/n 01                     Sweden

3 seat light aircraft first flown in 1969