Saab Lansen

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The SAAB A 32 Lansen (Swedish:"The lance") was a two-seater attack aircraft produced by SAAB from 1955 to 1960 for Flygvapnet, the Swedish air force. 450 aircraft were produced in different variants for ground attack and maritime strike A 32A, all-weather/night fighter J 32B and reconnaissance tasks S 32C. Later on some aircraft were modified for use as J 32D target tugs and J 32E ECM aircraft. There were no trainer versions, but some Lansens had rudimentary controls installed in the rear seat.

Lansen was a humble aircraft that never stood out compared to other nations' fighters. It was, however, one of the first airplanes in the world to be designed partly by using computers - in Lansen's case the wings. It was also the first Swedish aircraft to reach supersonic speed when making a shallow dive. Airforce pilots often described it as pleasant to fly. It had a formidable armament of four 30mm ADEN cannons. The Main weapon of the A 32A Lansen was the Rb 04C Anti-Ship missile; it was one of the earliest anti ship missiles in western service. The Lansen could carry up to 3 of these missiles, but 2 were more common. The main role was to prevent any Soviet invasion across Sweden's extensive coastline.

The A 32 Lansen was Sweden's last purpose-built attack aircraft.

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