Description of SAAB 340
The Saab 340 is a Swedish twin turboprop propeller engine. It can carry between 33 and 35 passengers on short and medium-haul flights.
It is used to transport passengers and VIPs, but also for reconnaissance and rescue missions at sea.
It is the result of a partnership between the Swedish Saab and the American Fairchild Aircraft, although production was entirely transferred to Sweden a few years later. At that time, the programme was 76% led by Saab and 24% by Fairchild. Fairchild took care of the wings, nacelles and empennage, while Saab took care of the drift and final assembly.
The Saab 340 made its first flight in 1983 and has been in service ever since. There are two versions, A and B, the latter being more powerful than the former. Developed in 1989, the 340B has a longer range and a more powerful engine. Today, both models are used all over the world, in particular by Argentinians, Japanese and Thai people.
A total of 459 models have been built. There are also variants of the Saab 340, including the Saab 340B QC (Quick Change), which can be quickly converted into a cargo aircraft. The Saab 340B VIP welcomes 15 passengers in a luxurious setting.
The Saab 340 is no longer in production and it is now replaced by the Saab 2000. Nevertheless, it remains its manufacturer’s greatest civilian success.
