SWEDES at SPEED

That the Saab 29 ‘Tunnan’ attained two separate world air speed records, in 1954 and 1955, is relatively little-known today

Capt Anders Westerlund with his record-breaking J 29B. Note the covered cannon nozzles.
VIA MICHAEL SANZ, SWEDISH AVIATION HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Having entered service during May 1951, becoming the first swept-wing fighter to join the inventory of a western European air arm after the end of the Second World War, the Saab 29’s performance resulted in discussions about attempting to secure the world air speed record. Given the type’s particular balance between speed and range, the best options were found to be the 100km, 500km and 1,000km closed-circuit distances without payload.

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