Saab Project 518: An Ongoing Proposal for EUROTRAINING

This information might date from 2002, but this the best and only illustration of the Saab "Project 518," a clean sheet of paper design proposal for the 12-nation Eurotraining requirement.

http://svt.se/svt/articles/45100-45199/45130/
http://theworldofpolitics.com/showthread.php?t=891

Testing of the wind tunnel model began over 5 years ago. The proposal features a wing planform similar to the F-16, or KAI T-50. However, it would appear that the design offers a better forward view from the rear cockpit than the T-50.

Overall, this model bears a strong family resemblance to the Saab 2102, an early design study for the Gripen. However, the wing planform is somewhat different and the LERX is increased relative to overal wing area.

The tail design closely mirrors both BAe and Saab configurations from the early 1980s. The final Gripen had a broader, less raked vertical tail to provide more internal volume for equipment.

There have also been rumors to a "single engined" Dassault proposal.

In some ways, the current wind tunnel model also harkens back to the cancelled B3LA. Back in the 1970's, Saab proposed this subsonic, dual role strike trainer. As part of the system, Saab planned on developing the B83 antisurface missile. The B83 featured IR guidance and was in the same weight and performance class as today's Brimstone. Ironically, the B83 was based on the cancelled Rb.72 air to air missile.

After the cancellation of the B3LA, Saab offer the strike and training roles in separate airframes to reduce overall costs. Not unsurprisingly, the resulting A 38/Sk 38 was soon dropped as well.

I've searched for years, but I've never been able to find an accurate 3-view of the B3LA. Can anyone help me here?

Here's Urban Fredriksson's page on cancelled Saab projects, along with his own B3LA drawing.

http://www.canit.se/~griffon/aviation/text/saabcanc/

Flight International, May 1990

SAAB planned its entry in JPATS competition witha version of the SK,60 jet trainer designated SAAB 2060 , fitted with a glass cockpit. At that moment, SAAB had yet to team with a US prime contractor

pometablava said:

Flight International, May 1990

SAAB planned its entry in JPATS competition witha version of the SK,60 jet trainer designated SAAB 2060 , fitted with a glass cockpit. At that moment, SAAB had yet to team with a US prime contractor

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The Saab 105 was very similar in appearance and concept to the cancelled Fairchild T-46.

From Flygvapen NYTT magazine,


here is anther picture to SAAB-518 wind tunnel model.

I think this is the same Saab project

Thank you JAZZ.

JAZZ said:

I think this is the same Saab project

Click to expand...

From Air Force 2001/10,

the SAAB Eurohawk.

Did this design have any influence over the Boeing/SAAB T-7?

I think that the Saab XXXX project (safe for work) of 1975 is a clearer anticedant.

taildragger said:

I think that the Saab XXXX project (safe for work) of 1975 is a clearer anticedant

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The infographic would indicate that at some point Saab was partnering with Dassault and this, or a similar proposal was the SEHS (Single Engine High Subsonic) proposal for Eurotraining. I’d note that the depiction more closely matches the swept wing “290” than the straight or trapezoidal wing “518.” The wing plan form of the 518 reminds me of a Hornet, albeit on a smaller scale.

That nose, LERX, and inlet arrangement look awfully similar to the T-7. I wonder how much design work bled between the two.