Saab 105
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Yellow Series No 6148
Author: Mikael Forslund
Publisher: MMP Books
ISBN: 978-83-67227-42-1
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 296
Saab has had a very interesting history of making their own jet aircraft, with some classic designs like the J-29 Tunnan and some cutting-edge designs like the AJ-37 Viggen. While these fighter types tend to get the lion’s share of attention, Saab also built an interesting trainer, the Saab 105. This diminutive aircraft has been a constant sight in the skies over Sweden and Austria as a primary jet trainer and light attack aircraft, as well as an aerobatic team aircraft, in both countries for decades, making it an ideal subject for the MMP Books Yellow Series.
For a small aircraft, the story behind the development of the Saab 105 is an interesting one, as Saab started the process in the late 1950s without any interest or orders, just internal funding. Covering that, the book starts out with several chapters detailing the development of the Saab 105, including a comprehensive look at the Turbomeca Aubisque engine (called the RM 9 in this aircraft) that initially powered the Saab 105 family. There were several prototypes and potential projects that are also covered in this first roughly 60 pages of the book, as well as a brief overview of the production Swedish SK 60 variants.
The next large chapter covers the SK 60 in Flygvapnet service, which ran from the 1960s until final retirement in 2024. With nearly sixty years of service, the SK 60 flew with several units over the decades, and each one of those units is given its own section in this chapter. This includes the initial evaluation unit, the Försökscentralen (abbreviated FC) and the aerobatic Team 60 in addition to the various squadrons that flew the SK 60. Each section shows at least one photo of the SK 60 in those specific markings, highlighting the differences and similarities between all the different units. This section also documents the engine change from the RM 9 to the Williams-Rolls FJ44 (labeled the RM 15), done to provide an increase of power when Saab increased the weight of the SK 60 when they strengthened the wing spars in the early 2000s.
The next chapter is the technical description of the Saab 105. This chapter breaks the airframe down into sections, with the fuselage separated into three sections: front, center, and rear fuselage & fin. The wing and stabilizer comes next, followed by the engine installation, undercarriage, and ejection seat. These written descriptions are complemented with factory drawings, showing lots of interior structure and details. Further adding to this section are a handful of detail photos that show many of the smaller details of the Saab 105 and help capture its unique shape.
Colors and markings are next, with this chapter including more photos showing the schemes worn by the SK 60. These were fairly consistent throughout the life of the type, starting with unpainted aluminum before moving to dark blue and dark green over blue gray. That scheme remained for the remainder of the SK 60’s life in Swedish service, aside from some special scheme options and temporary winter markings. In addition to the photos, there are a handful of color profiles that further highlight these schemes. The Swedish coverage finishes with a list of accidents and incidents, along with preserved examples.
The remainder of the book covers the other operator of the Saab 105: Austria. The Austrian version was called the Saab 105Ö (labeled 105OE in this book) and like that of the SK 60, it was a reliable aircraft in Austria’s air force. The Saab 105OE was used in the reconnaissance, ground attack, training, and target towing roles, replacing the de Havilland Vampire and Saab J-29, as well as a fighter before Austria received their Saab J-35 Drakens. Throughout the life of the Saab 105OE the plane was left unpainted aluminum, with the only variations being the Silver Birds aerobatic team and a handful of special schemes. These are all shown in photos and the handful of color profile illustrations.
This is hands down the best single reference on the Saab 105 in print today, and the extensive research done by the author clearly shows through. For anyone interested in Swedish aviation, this is a must have book. My thanks to Casemate Publishers for the review copy. Visit their website to order this and other MMP titles.