Difference between revisions of "Saab J35XS"

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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
  
−
The J35XS was part of a deal between Finland and Sweden so that the last one could provide Finland with different variants of the J35 Draken. At the beginning only second hand J35Fs, Bs and Cs were provided with minor modifications but Finland requested an upgrade variant of the J35F, more comparable to the J35J standard. Thus the J35XS was conceived, it had better countermeasures, electronics, a better radar (but still very similar), more weapon pylons and access to the RB-27 and RB-28 missiles, as well as the RB-24J (AIM-9P). A total of 12 aircrafts were produced of this variant, and was the only one assembled in Finland, while the kits were produced in Sweden by SAAB. In real life, the J35XS was also able to fire the Soviet R-13M1 (export variant of the R-13M) that was extensively used by Finland in their Mig-21s.
+
The J35XS was part of a deal between Finland and Sweden so that the last one could provide Finland with different variants of the J35 Draken. At the beginning only second hand J35Fs, Bs and Cs were provided with minor modifications but Finland requested an upgrade variant of the J35F, more comparable to the J35J standard. Thus the J35XS was conceived, it had better countermeasures, electronics, a better radar (but still very similar), more weapon pylons and access to the RB-27 and RB-28 missiles, as well as the RB24J (AIM-9P). A total of 12 aircraft were produced of this variant, and was the only one assembled in Finland, while the kits were produced in Sweden by SAAB. In real life, the J35XS was also able to fire the Soviet R-13M1 (export variant of the R-13M) that was extensively used by Finland in their MiG-21s.
  
−
Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], the J35XS plays like all Drakens, fast, and with good AOA capabilities. Of course, while doing manoeuvres it losses all of it's speed, but it has a very interesting double delta wing design, that allows the aircraft to retain energy at high speeds at the cost of agility. It has access to 6 x RB-24Js that are basically AIM-9Ps. This missiles have a decent range and acceleration, as well as 20Gs of pull, very well suited for it's BR. It also has access to 12 countermeasures, not a lot, considering that they are deployed 2 x 2, but it's better than nothing. This means that taking chaff is not recommended, and thus flying close to the ground to avoid radar locks is highly advised. Also, it uses an IRST coupled with it's radar. This allows to lock to the heat signature of jets and slaving the missile to that lock, but the locked target wont receive a warning unlike radar, that triggers the RWR if it's able to detect the lock. The problem is that IRST can't identify if the lock is friend or enemy, so watch out for friendly fire.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], the J35XS plays like all Drakens, fast and with good AoA capabilities. Of course, while doing manoeuvres it loses all of its speed, but it has a very interesting double delta wing design, that allows the aircraft to retain energy at high speeds at the cost of agility. It has access to 6 x RB24Js which are just AIM-9Ps. This missile has a decent range and acceleration, as well as 20Gs of pull. While these don't get you consistent destructions, they still perform decently when launched at unaware opponents. It also has access to 12 countermeasures, not a lot, however being deployed 1 by 1, they can last for a good time and while being better than nothing, they are ultimately sub-optimal at best. This means that taking chaff is not recommended, and thus flying close to the ground to avoid radar locks is highly advised. Also, it uses an IRST coupled with its radar. This allows to lock to the heat signature of jets and slaving the missile to that lock, but the locked target wont receive a warning unlike radar, that triggers the RWR if it's able to detect the lock. The problem is that IRST can't identify if the lock is friend or enemy, so watch out for friendly fire.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
The Saab J35XS turns very fast, however turning too fast at lower speeds can also lead to a "superstall", which may cause a crash. Tight turns also lead to a significant loss of energy/speed.
+
The Saab J35XS turns very well, however turning too hard at lower speeds can also lead to a "superstall", which may cause a crash. Tight turns also lead to a significant loss of energy/speed.
  
−
Being that the Saab J35XS is also a double-delta wing, it's sustained turn rate is fantastic, but leaves the aircraft in a much-to-be-desired energy and speed state. An issue most pilots may run into in a dogfight is an issue with only one ''sidemounted'' Akan m/55 30mm, making getting good shots in a dogfight difficult.
+
Being that the Saab J35XS is also a double-delta wing, its sustained turn rate is fantastic, the energy retention not so much, thus leaving the aircraft in a much-to-be-desired energy and speed state. An issue most pilots may run into in a dogfight is an issue with only one sidemounted Akan m/55 30 mm, making getting good shots in a dogfight difficult.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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As with all delta or double-delta wing configurations, your silhouette is significantly larger than other contemporary aircraft you'll face from 9.7-11.7. The fuel tanks are located close to the center of the fuselage, meaning that most rounds that connect with your aircraft will likely cause you to burn up. The engine is also massive and fragile, meaning that even a glancing blow from an enemy's gun can critically damage your engine.
 
As with all delta or double-delta wing configurations, your silhouette is significantly larger than other contemporary aircraft you'll face from 9.7-11.7. The fuel tanks are located close to the center of the fuselage, meaning that most rounds that connect with your aircraft will likely cause you to burn up. The engine is also massive and fragile, meaning that even a glancing blow from an enemy's gun can critically damage your engine.
  
−
Flight characteristics are also heavily damaged with even minor damage to the wings, particularly if the damage is uneven, greatly increasing the chances of getting into a irrecoverable flatspin. As with most aircraft of the BR, you will not be able to survive a missile if it comes into contact with your aircraft.
+
Flight characteristics are also heavily damaged with even minor damage to the wings, particularly if the damage is uneven, greatly increasing the chances of getting into a irrecoverable flat spin. As with most aircraft of the BR, you will not be able to survive a missile if it comes into contact with your aircraft.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* A choice between two presets:
+
* 1 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannon, wing-mounted (120 rpg)
−
** 1 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannon, wing-mounted (120 rpg)
+
* 12 x large calibre countermeasures
−
** 1 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannon + 12 x large calibre countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
−
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|RB24|RB24J|m/56D|srak m/57B}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
 
−
* 6 x RB24J missiles
 
−
* 12 x m/56D rockets
 
−
* 76 x srak m/57B rockets
 
−
* 4 x RB24J missiles + 76 x srak m/57B rockets
 
−
* 4 x RB24J missiles + 12 x m/56D rockets
 
−
* 2 x RB24J missiles + 8 x m/56D rockets + 76 x srak m/57B rockets
 
−
 
−
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
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| rowspan="5" width="20%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 
| rowspan="5" width="20%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 
|-
 
|-
−
! m/56D rockets
+
! [[m/56D]] rockets
 
| 4, 6 || || || || || || || 4, 6
 
| 4, 6 || || || || || || || 4, 6
 
|-
 
|-
−
! srak m/57B rockets
+
! [[srak m/57B]] rockets
 
| || 19 || || 19 || 19 || || 19 ||
 
| || 19 || || 19 || 19 || || 19 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! RB24 missiles
+
! [[RB24]] missiles
 
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
 
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! RB24J missiles
+
! [[RB24J]] missiles
 
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
 
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! 510 l drop tanks
 +
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 +
* 2 x 510 l drop tanks
 +
* 6 x RB24J missiles
 +
* 12 x m/56D rockets
 +
* 76 x srak m/57B rockets
 +
* 4 x RB24J missiles + 76 x srak m/57B rockets
 +
* 4 x RB24J missiles + 12 x m/56D rockets
 +
* 2 x RB24J missiles + 8 x m/56D rockets + 76 x srak m/57B rockets
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The J35XS is played as a very capable dogfighter/interceptor in War Thunder. At it's BR, it gets a set of 6 x RB-24J air to air missiles (basically an AIM-9P), that even while only rear aspect, have a good range and decent acceleration, as well as the ability to pull 20Gs maximum. Not only that, the aircraft gets a powerful radar with a maximum of 90KM of detection range and 45KM for lock range.  
+
The J35XS is played as a very capable dogfighter/interceptor in War Thunder. At its BR, it gets a set of 6 x RB24J air-to-air missiles (AIM-9P), that even while only rear aspect, have a good range and decent acceleration, as well as the ability to pull 20Gs maximum. Not only that, the aircraft gets a powerful radar with a maximum of 90 km of detection range and 45 km for lock range.  
  
−
The J35XS also features an IRST, a rare sight in jets, and even rarer below 11.0. IRST stands for Infrared Search and Track and allows to detect infrared signals from rear and front aspect, and locking them. Unlike SARH, this mode does not have an IFF system, which means that it cant identify if the aircraft locked/detected is an ally or an enemy. This can prove very dangerous in '''Simulator Battles''', when it's not possible identifying if an aircraft is allied or not at long ranges. Still, a good combination in this situations is using the IRST in close ranges while using the radar at long ranges, this will ensure that the enemy aircrafts is not warned if you are locked using the IRST. Apart from that, you can use the IRST to lock missiles easier and shoot them while manoeuvring and maintaining the lock.  
+
The J35XS also features an IRST, a rare sight in jets, and even rarer below 11.0. IRST stands for Infrared Search and Track and allows to detect infrared signals from rear and front aspect, and locking them. Unlike SARH, this mode does not have an IFF system, which means that it cant identify if the aircraft locked/detected is an ally or an enemy. This can prove very dangerous in '''Simulator Battles''', when it's not possible identifying if an aircraft is allied or not at long ranges. Still, a good combination in these situations is using the IRST in close ranges while using the radar at long ranges, this will ensure that the enemy aircraft is not warned if you are locked using the IRST. Apart from that, you can use the IRST to lock missiles easier and shoot them while manoeuvring and maintaining the lock.  
  
−
The J35XS has a limited fuel load of 20 minutes, and while the afterburner is not very fuel hungry, it will still leave you without fuel in EC maps if not careful. Without the afterburner you will top at Mach 0.96 with 100% thrust. You will also loose a lot of speed while turning, of course, this means that you can pull very thight turns and surprise your opponents with shots or missile launches. One of the biggest inconvenient with the J35 family is the lack of tracer rounds for the cannons, while the cannons are good and have excellent damage, you wont be able to see your rounds in the air, and aiming is very hard and junky, it's recommended playing a little in AB matches to see how your gun behaves, before participating in RB or SB.
+
The J35XS has a limited fuel load of 20 minutes, and while the afterburner is not very fuel hungry, it will still leave you without fuel in EC maps if not careful. Without the afterburner you will top at Mach 0.96 with 100% thrust. You will also loose a lot of speed while turning, of course, this means that you can pull very tight turns and surprise your opponents with shots or missile launches. One of the biggest inconvenience with the J35XS is the cannon placement, while the cannon deals decent damage, the offset gun makes aiming very hard and lining up shots rather difficult, it's recommended playing a little in AB matches to get used to how your gun behaves, before participating in RB or SB.
  
−
The aircraft has access to only two air to ground options, the M/56D and M/57B rockets, the M/56D is the only useful against ground targets, since it has a HEAT warhead with good penetration values, but it's quite heavy and slow. The 57B in the other hand uses a HE warhead, but it's too small, with only 15mm of penetration and 1.14kgs of explosive mass, that wont kill anything at high BRs even with a direct hit.
+
The aircraft has access to only two air to ground options, the M/56D and M/57B rockets, the M/56D is the only useful against ground targets, since it has a HEAT warhead with good penetration values, but it's quite heavy and slow. The 57B in the other hand uses a HE warhead, but it's too small, with only 15 mm of penetration and 1.14 kg of explosive mass, that wont kill anything at high BRs even with a direct hit.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Good speed
 
* Good speed
 
* Effective high calibre flares/chaffs
 
* Effective high calibre flares/chaffs
−
* Great turn rate at low speeds
+
* Great turn rate at medium - low speeds
−
* Extremely powerful in a downtier
+
* Strong in a downtier
 
* Has IRST  
 
* Has IRST  
−
* 6 good missiles
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Bleeds speed fast below Mach 1
+
* Bleeds a lot of speed during sustained turns
 
* Janky gun placement makes it hard to aim
 
* Janky gun placement makes it hard to aim
−
* Inadequate performance in uptiers
+
* Horrible performance in uptiers
 
* Very limited count of flares/chaffs
 
* Very limited count of flares/chaffs
 
* Average turn speed above ~900 km/h
 
* Average turn speed above ~900 km/h
−
* No tracers in any of the gun belts
 
 
* No RWR
 
* No RWR
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->[[File:J35S.jpg|thumb|478x478px|Finnish J35XS in runway]]
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
Finland obtained the Swedish SAAB J35 Draken in 1970, as part of a collaboration between the two countries so that Sweden could provid3e the Finnish Air Force with J35 aircrafts of different variants. At the beginning Finland only received second hand models like the J35F, J35B and SK35C. However the J35XS variant was made by Finnish request and built as a kit assembled by Valmet in Finland. Valmet was also allowed to produce the spare parts for this aircrafts. The XS stands for Export Suomi (Export Finland).
+
Finland obtained the Swedish SAAB J35 Draken in 1970, as part of a collaboration between the two countries so that Sweden could provide the Finnish Air Force with J35 aircraft of different variants. At the beginning Finland only received second hand models like the J35F, J35B and SK35C. However the J35XS variant was made by Finnish request and built as a kit assembled by Valmet in Finland. Valmet was also allowed to produce the spare parts for this aircraft. The XS stands for Export Suomi (Export Finland).
  
 
The J35XS was highly based on the F variant, and could be considered an intermediate step between the more advanced J35J and the J35F. The new aircraft, fitted more weapon pylons, a better countermeasure suit and different radar model.
 
The J35XS was highly based on the F variant, and could be considered an intermediate step between the more advanced J35J and the J35F. The new aircraft, fitted more weapon pylons, a better countermeasure suit and different radar model.
  
−
The Draken was flown by the Finnish Air Force alongside the Soviet Mig-21, because of logistics, all SAAB J35s in Finland, including the J35XS, had the ability to use the soviet made R-13M1, that was quite different to the R-60s used by soviet aircrafts by that point. Finland also acquired the Falcon missiles (RB-27) and the RB-28 to be used in their brand new Draken fighters.
+
The Draken was flown by the Finnish Air Force alongside the Soviet MiG-21, because of logistics, all SAAB J35s in Finland, including the J35XS, had the ability to use the soviet made R-13M1, that was quite different to the R-60s used by soviet aircraft by that point. Finland also acquired the Falcon missiles (RB-27) and the RB-28 to be used in their brand new Draken fighters.
  
 
For the J35XS, it was sometimes also referred as J35S or DKS 35 (DK stands for Draken, but for practical reasons most of the time they remained in service with the Swedish prefixes). At the beginning, only the second hand J35s were delivered, but because of their lack of countermeasures and/or electronics, Finland requested the production of the J35XS, that was tested on trials in 1974 after being completed by Valmet (designation DK-201). Piloted by Swedish SAAB test pilot KG Liljeqvist, the XS results were successful and soon the total of 12 units were assembled by Sweden.
 
For the J35XS, it was sometimes also referred as J35S or DKS 35 (DK stands for Draken, but for practical reasons most of the time they remained in service with the Swedish prefixes). At the beginning, only the second hand J35s were delivered, but because of their lack of countermeasures and/or electronics, Finland requested the production of the J35XS, that was tested on trials in 1974 after being completed by Valmet (designation DK-201). Piloted by Swedish SAAB test pilot KG Liljeqvist, the XS results were successful and soon the total of 12 units were assembled by Sweden.
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* [https://aeroseum.se/j-35-flying-overseas/ <nowiki>[Aeroseum] J 35 flying overseas</nowiki>]
 
* [https://aeroseum.se/j-35-flying-overseas/ <nowiki>[Aeroseum] J 35 flying overseas</nowiki>]
 
* [https://www.milavia.net/aircraft/draken/draken.htm <nowiki>[Milavia] SAAB J 35 Draken - MILAVIA Aircraft</nowiki>]
 
* [https://www.milavia.net/aircraft/draken/draken.htm <nowiki>[Milavia] SAAB J 35 Draken - MILAVIA Aircraft</nowiki>]
−
* [https://pickledwings.com/saab-j-35-draken-the-scandinavian-surprise/ <nowiki>[Pickled Wings] SAAB J-35 DRAKEN – THE SCANDINAVIAN SURPRISE</nowiki>]
+
* [https://pickledwings.com/saab-j-35-draken-the-scandinavian-surprise/ <nowiki>[Pickled Wings] SAAB J-35 DRAKEN – THE SCANDINAVIAN SURPRISE</nowiki>]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Saab}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Saab}}
 
{{Sweden jet aircraft}}
 
{{Sweden jet aircraft}}
 
{{Sweden premium aircraft}}
 
{{Sweden premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 05:20, 1 September 2024

This page is about the premium Swedish jet fighter Saab J35XS. For other versions, see SAAB 35 Draken (Family).
Saab J35XS
saab_j35xs.png
GarageImage Saab J35XS.jpg
StoreImage Saab J35XS 004.jpg
Saab J35XS
Sweden flag.png Sweden
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 11.0 11.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
STORE

Description

The J35XS was part of a deal between Finland and Sweden so that the last one could provide Finland with different variants of the J35 Draken. At the beginning only second hand J35Fs, Bs and Cs were provided with minor modifications but Finland requested an upgrade variant of the J35F, more comparable to the J35J standard. Thus the J35XS was conceived, it had better countermeasures, electronics, a better radar (but still very similar), more weapon pylons and access to the RB-27 and RB-28 missiles, as well as the RB24J (AIM-9P). A total of 12 aircraft were produced of this variant, and was the only one assembled in Finland, while the kits were produced in Sweden by SAAB. In real life, the J35XS was also able to fire the Soviet R-13M1 (export variant of the R-13M) that was extensively used by Finland in their MiG-21s.

Introduced in Update "Apex Predators", the J35XS plays like all Drakens, fast and with good AoA capabilities. Of course, while doing manoeuvres it loses all of its speed, but it has a very interesting double delta wing design, that allows the aircraft to retain energy at high speeds at the cost of agility. It has access to 6 x RB24Js which are just AIM-9Ps. This missile has a decent range and acceleration, as well as 20Gs of pull. While these don't get you consistent destructions, they still perform decently when launched at unaware opponents. It also has access to 12 countermeasures, not a lot, however being deployed 1 by 1, they can last for a good time and while being better than nothing, they are ultimately sub-optimal at best. This means that taking chaff is not recommended, and thus flying close to the ground to avoid radar locks is highly advised. Also, it uses an IRST coupled with its radar. This allows to lock to the heat signature of jets and slaving the missile to that lock, but the locked target wont receive a warning unlike radar, that triggers the RWR if it's able to detect the lock. The problem is that IRST can't identify if the lock is friend or enemy, so watch out for friendly fire.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 9 000 m2 250 km/h
Turn time25 s
Max altitude12 500 m
EngineSvenska Flygmotor RM 6С
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight14 t

The Saab J35XS turns very well, however turning too hard at lower speeds can also lead to a "superstall", which may cause a crash. Tight turns also lead to a significant loss of energy/speed.

Being that the Saab J35XS is also a double-delta wing, its sustained turn rate is fantastic, the energy retention not so much, thus leaving the aircraft in a much-to-be-desired energy and speed state. An issue most pilots may run into in a dogfight is an issue with only one sidemounted Akan m/55 30 mm, making getting good shots in a dogfight difficult.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 9,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 12500 __._ __._ __._ __._ 900
Upgraded 2,390 2,250 24.1 25.0 208.2 177.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X X ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,417 500 - - - ~13 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 850 < 700 < 700 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Svenska Flygmotor RM 6C 1 8,255 kg 210 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 6m fuel 20m fuel 21m fuel
1,400 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 8,909 kg 10,284 kg 10,435 kg 11,634 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 6m fuel 20m fuel 21m fuel MGW
Stationary 5,575 kgf 8,028 kgf 0.90 0.78 0.77 0.70
Optimal 5,575 kgf
(0 km/h) 		10,126 kgf
(1,250 km/h) 		1.14 0.98 0.97 0.88

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear500 km/h

As with all delta or double-delta wing configurations, your silhouette is significantly larger than other contemporary aircraft you'll face from 9.7-11.7. The fuel tanks are located close to the center of the fuselage, meaning that most rounds that connect with your aircraft will likely cause you to burn up. The engine is also massive and fragile, meaning that even a glancing blow from an enemy's gun can critically damage your engine.

Flight characteristics are also heavily damaged with even minor damage to the wings, particularly if the damage is uneven, greatly increasing the chances of getting into a irrecoverable flat spin. As with most aircraft of the BR, you will not be able to survive a missile if it comes into contact with your aircraft.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 147 Sl icon.png
RB6 206 Sl icon.png
SB5 875 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 160 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods ammo.png
aden_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods pilon rocket.png
m/56d
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
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m/57
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RB24J

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

Main article: Akan m/55 (30 mm)

The Saab J35XS is armed with:

  • 1 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannon, wing-mounted (120 rpg)
  • 12 x large calibre countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Saab J35XS can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Hardpoints Saab J35XS.png
m/56D rockets 4, 6 4, 6
srak m/57B rockets 19 19 19 19
RB24 missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
RB24J missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
510 l drop tanks 1 1
Default weapon presets
  • 2 x 510 l drop tanks
  • 6 x RB24J missiles
  • 12 x m/56D rockets
  • 76 x srak m/57B rockets
  • 4 x RB24J missiles + 76 x srak m/57B rockets
  • 4 x RB24J missiles + 12 x m/56D rockets
  • 2 x RB24J missiles + 8 x m/56D rockets + 76 x srak m/57B rockets

Usage in battles

The J35XS is played as a very capable dogfighter/interceptor in War Thunder. At its BR, it gets a set of 6 x RB24J air-to-air missiles (AIM-9P), that even while only rear aspect, have a good range and decent acceleration, as well as the ability to pull 20Gs maximum. Not only that, the aircraft gets a powerful radar with a maximum of 90 km of detection range and 45 km for lock range.

The J35XS also features an IRST, a rare sight in jets, and even rarer below 11.0. IRST stands for Infrared Search and Track and allows to detect infrared signals from rear and front aspect, and locking them. Unlike SARH, this mode does not have an IFF system, which means that it cant identify if the aircraft locked/detected is an ally or an enemy. This can prove very dangerous in Simulator Battles, when it's not possible identifying if an aircraft is allied or not at long ranges. Still, a good combination in these situations is using the IRST in close ranges while using the radar at long ranges, this will ensure that the enemy aircraft is not warned if you are locked using the IRST. Apart from that, you can use the IRST to lock missiles easier and shoot them while manoeuvring and maintaining the lock.

The J35XS has a limited fuel load of 20 minutes, and while the afterburner is not very fuel hungry, it will still leave you without fuel in EC maps if not careful. Without the afterburner you will top at Mach 0.96 with 100% thrust. You will also loose a lot of speed while turning, of course, this means that you can pull very tight turns and surprise your opponents with shots or missile launches. One of the biggest inconvenience with the J35XS is the cannon placement, while the cannon deals decent damage, the offset gun makes aiming very hard and lining up shots rather difficult, it's recommended playing a little in AB matches to get used to how your gun behaves, before participating in RB or SB.

The aircraft has access to only two air to ground options, the M/56D and M/57B rockets, the M/56D is the only useful against ground targets, since it has a HEAT warhead with good penetration values, but it's quite heavy and slow. The 57B in the other hand uses a HE warhead, but it's too small, with only 15 mm of penetration and 1.14 kg of explosive mass, that wont kill anything at high BRs even with a direct hit.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good speed
  • Effective high calibre flares/chaffs
  • Great turn rate at medium - low speeds
  • Strong in a downtier
  • Has IRST

Cons:

  • Bleeds a lot of speed during sustained turns
  • Janky gun placement makes it hard to aim
  • Horrible performance in uptiers
  • Very limited count of flares/chaffs
  • Average turn speed above ~900 km/h
  • No RWR

History

Finland obtained the Swedish SAAB J35 Draken in 1970, as part of a collaboration between the two countries so that Sweden could provide the Finnish Air Force with J35 aircraft of different variants. At the beginning Finland only received second hand models like the J35F, J35B and SK35C. However the J35XS variant was made by Finnish request and built as a kit assembled by Valmet in Finland. Valmet was also allowed to produce the spare parts for this aircraft. The XS stands for Export Suomi (Export Finland).

The J35XS was highly based on the F variant, and could be considered an intermediate step between the more advanced J35J and the J35F. The new aircraft, fitted more weapon pylons, a better countermeasure suit and different radar model.

The Draken was flown by the Finnish Air Force alongside the Soviet MiG-21, because of logistics, all SAAB J35s in Finland, including the J35XS, had the ability to use the soviet made R-13M1, that was quite different to the R-60s used by soviet aircraft by that point. Finland also acquired the Falcon missiles (RB-27) and the RB-28 to be used in their brand new Draken fighters.

For the J35XS, it was sometimes also referred as J35S or DKS 35 (DK stands for Draken, but for practical reasons most of the time they remained in service with the Swedish prefixes). At the beginning, only the second hand J35s were delivered, but because of their lack of countermeasures and/or electronics, Finland requested the production of the J35XS, that was tested on trials in 1974 after being completed by Valmet (designation DK-201). Piloted by Swedish SAAB test pilot KG Liljeqvist, the XS results were successful and soon the total of 12 units were assembled by Sweden.

Media

Skins
Images

  • J35XS flares, 6 x RB24Js

  • J35XS afterburner off

  • J35XS afterburner on

Videos
Saab 35FS: A Basic Review - Tims Variety

See also

Related development

External links


Swedish Aeroplane Company Ltd. (SAAB)
  Pre-SAAB: SA / ASJA
SA 'Jaktfalken'  J6B
SAAB 17  B17A · B17B · S17BS
SAAB 18  B18A · B18B · T18B · T18B (57)
SAAB 21  J21A-1 · J21A-2 · A21A-3 · J21RA · A21RB
SAAB 29 'Tunnan'  J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F
SAAB 32 'Lansen'  J32B · A32A · A32A Röd Adam
SAAB 35 'Draken'  J35A · J35D
SAAB 37 'Viggen'  JA37C · JA37D · JA37DI · JA37DI F21 · AJ37 · AJS37
SAAB 39 'Gripen'  JAS39A · JAS39C
SAAB 105  SK60B · SAAB-105G
License Production  B3C (Ju 86K)
Export  SAAB-105OE · J35XS · ▄JAS39C · ◔JAS39EBS HU C

Sweden jet aircraft
Fighters  J21RA
  J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F
  J32B
  J34
  J35A · J35D
  JA37C · JA37D · JA37DI · JA37DI F21
  JAS39A · JAS39C
Strike aircraft  A21RB
  A32A · A32A Röd Adam
  A28B
  AJ37 · AJS37
  SK60B · SAAB-105G
Export  SAAB-105OE
Finland  ▄Vampire FB 52A · ▄MiG-21bis · Saab J35XS

Sweden premium aircraft
Fighters  Iacobi's J8A · ▄Fokker D.XXI · Mörkö-Morane · VL Myrsky II · J9 Early · J26 David · VL Pyörremyrsky · ▄Bf 109 G-6
Jet fighters  J29D · J35A · Saab J35XS · JA37DI F21
Strike aircraft  SAAB-105OE · A32A Röd Adam
Bomber  ▄Ar 196 A-5

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