Difference between revisions of "A32A"

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{{About
 
{{About
|about=Swedish strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
|about= Swedish strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=the fighter version
+
|usage= other versions
|link=J32B
+
|link= SAAB 32 Lansen (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
Line 11: Line 11:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was designed and developed by the Swedish company SAAB. Development began in 1948 and it first flew in 1952. Deliveries to the Swedish air force, Flygvapnet, began in 1954. In Flygvapnet, it was used as a ground-attack aircraft, being able to carry a large array of different bombs and unguided rockets as well as four 20 mm Akan m/49 cannons. It remained in service until 1978 but never saw use in combat. Powered by a license-built Rolls-Royce Avon engine, locally designated the RM5, it was able to break the sound barrier in a dive, thus becoming the first Swedish aircraft to fly faster than the speed of sound.
  
The A32A "Lansen" was designed and developed by the Swedish company SAAB. The development began in 1948 and it first flew in 1952. Deliveries to the Swedish air force, Flygvapnet, began in 1954. In Flygvapnet it was used as a ground-attack aircraft, being able to carry a large array of different bombs and unguided rockets as well as four 20 mm Akan m/49 canons. It remained in service until 1978 but never saw use in combat. Powered by a license-built Rolls Royce Avon engine, locally designated the RM5, it was able to break the speed of sound in a dive, thus becoming the first Swedish aircraft to fly faster than the speed of sound.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]], the SAAB A32A Lansen is a very slow and janky aircraft. But since it is an attacker, it does not need great agility. It has ballistics computers for bombs, rockets, and its cannons. In air RB/SB, it can use its [[Mb m/50 (600 kg)|600 kg mb m/50 bombs]] to destroy a full base, or destroy several ground targets in air RB. It lacks flares but it has access to two chaff pods, which may be useful against early SARH missiles. Unlike the J32, it lacks missiles, but it can still be used in air to air combat, its radar is quite powerful and can be used to locate targets through clouds and fog, and its four 20 mm cannons have a very decent ammo pool. It also has good energy retention so you can energy trap MiG-21s and other delta wing fighters with ease.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 31: Line 31:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| 1,088 || 1,084 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.6 || 35.6 || 44.8 || 42.0 || rowspan="2" | 900
+
| 1,088 || 1,084 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.6 || 35.6 || 44.7 || 41.8 || rowspan="2" | 900
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 70: Line 70:
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 600 || N/A
+
| < 850 || < 600 || < 600 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 87: Line 87:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
+
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel
+
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 1,350 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 
| 1,350 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 9,163 kg || 9,523 kg || 10,123 kg || 11,084 kg || 13,500 kg
+
| 9,151 kg || 9,568 kg || 10,191 kg || 11,084 kg || 12,992 kg
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
+
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel || MTOW
+
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Stationary'' || 3,424 kgf || 4,633 kgf
 
| ''Stationary'' || 3,424 kgf || 4,633 kgf
| 0.51 || 0.49 || 0.46 || 0.42 || 0.34
+
| 0.51 || 0.48 || 0.45 || 0.42 || 0.36
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,424 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 4,899 kgf<br>(1,000 km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 3,424 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 4,908 kgf<br>(1,160 km/h)
| 0.53 || 0.51 || 0.48 || 0.44 || 0.36
+
| 0.54 || 0.51 || 0.48 || 0.44 || 0.38
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
* 10 mm Steel - Pilots' seats
+
* 10 mm Steel - Behind the pilot and radioman seats.
* 50 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
+
* 50 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen.
* 15 mm Steel - In front of forward pilot
+
* 15 mm Steel - In front of forward pilot.
* 5 mm Steel - Below forward pilot
+
* 5 mm Steel - Below forward pilot.
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (8 in each wing, 4 in the fuselage)
+
* 5 mm Steel - Just in the upper front of the instrument panel.
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks - 8 in each wing, 4 in the fuselage.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{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|sb m/61 (120 kg)|mb m/50 (250 kg)|mb m/56 (500 kg)|mb m/50 (600 kg)}}
 
{{main|psrak m/49A|srak m/51|hprak m/49}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="3.5%" | 1 !! width="3.5%" | 2 !! width="3.5%" | 3 !! width="3.5%" | 4 !! width="3.5%" | 5 !! width="3.5%" | 6 !! width="3.5%" | 7 !! width="3.5%" | 8 !! width="3.5%" | 9 !! width="3.5%" | 10 !! width="3.5%" | 11 !! width="3.5%" | 12 !! width="3.5%" | 13
 +
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[sb m/61 (120 kg)|120 kg sb m/61]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[mb m/50 (250 kg)|250 kg mb m/50]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[mb m/56 (500 kg)|500 kg mb m/56]] bombs
 +
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[mb m/50 (600 kg)|600 kg mb m/50]] bombs
 +
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Brandbomb m/58 incendiary]] bombs
 +
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[hprak m/49]] rockets
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[psrak m/49B]] rockets
 +
| 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[srak m/51]] rockets
 +
| 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2
 +
|-
 +
! Large calibre chaff
 +
| ||464|| || || || || || || || || ||464||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="14" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,850 kg
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 +
* 24 x psrak m/49B rockets
 +
* 24 x srak m/51 rockets
 +
* 12 x hprak m/49 rockets
 
* 12 x 120 kg sb m/61 bombs (1,440 kg total)
 
* 12 x 120 kg sb m/61 bombs (1,440 kg total)
 
* 5 x 250 kg mb m/50 bombs (1,250 kg total)
 
* 5 x 250 kg mb m/50 bombs (1,250 kg total)
 
* 3 x 500 kg mb m/56 bombs (1,500 kg total)
 
* 3 x 500 kg mb m/56 bombs (1,500 kg total)
 
* 3 x 600 kg mb m/50 bombs (1,800 kg total)
 
* 3 x 600 kg mb m/50 bombs (1,800 kg total)
* 24 x psrak m/49A rockets
+
* 3 x Brandbomb m/58 incendiary bombs
* 24 x srak m/51 rockets
+
* 928 x large calibre chaff
* 12 x hprak m/49 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).'' -->
In Air Realistic Battles, the A32A can make very effective use of its available bombs. The 3 x [[Mb m/50 (600 kg)|600 kg m/50 bombs]] deliver 480 kg of explosive mass each, which is more than enough to destroy a base at its tier. The aircraft has sufficient speed to outrun any enemy attackers in the initial phase of the match, and can generally drop its bombs on at least one base, if sufficient at avoiding [[Su-7B|Su-7]]s and/or [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier]]s. From there onwards, it's recommended to either return to the airfield, or pick off targets using the tactic described below.
+
In Air Realistic Battles, the A32A can make very effective use of its available bombs. The 3 x [[Mb m/50 (600 kg)|600 kg mb m/50 bombs]] deliver 480 kg of explosive mass each, which is more than enough to destroy a base at its tier. Even though the A32A has mediocre acceleration, it can generally drop its bombs on at least one base, if sufficient at avoiding [[Su-7B|Su-7]]s and/or [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier]]s. From there onwards, it's recommended to either return to the airfield, or pick off targets using the tactic described below.
  
An alternative route is the traditional fighter route. The A32A has an attacker spawn, and as a result may pursue enemy attackers, including but not limited to [[AV-8A|AV-8 Harriers]], [[Yak-38]]s, [[Vautour IIA IDF/AF (France)|Vautour]] bombers, and the easiest target, the [[A-4E Early|A-4E]]. The aircraft has mediocre manoeuvrability compared to its tier, but has quite decent energy retention, and can be effective if used as a boom and zoom aircraft, maintaining speed as much as possible. Unlike the fighter variant, the [[J32B|J32]], the A32 does not have missiles. This makes it entirely reliant on 4 x 20 mm cannons, which are sufficient in taking down anything that they hit. Be warned, the cannons have a finnicky placement on the bottom of the aircraft, and take some getting used to. The elevator will also lock up at high speeds, which can be a problem.
+
An alternative route is the traditional fighter route. The aircraft has mediocre manoeuvrability compared to its tier, but has quite decent energy retention, and can be effective if used as a boom and zoom aircraft, maintaining speed as much as possible. Unlike the fighter variant, the [[J32B|J32]], the A32 does not have missiles. This makes it entirely reliant on 4 x 20 mm cannons, which are sufficient in taking down anything that they hit. Be warned, the cannons have a finnicky placement on the bottom of the aircraft, and take some getting used to. The elevator will also lock up at high speeds, which can be a problem.
 +
 
 +
It is recommended to keep or bring all dogfights at lower altitudes. The A32A performs best relative to other aircraft closer to the deck. When spaded, the aircraft has enough manoeuvrability to allow a decent pilot to reverse pursuing hostiles and score victories.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Good climb rate
 
* Fast top speed
 
* Has 4 powerful nose-mounted cannons with high rate of fire, giving good one-second burst mass
 
 
* Good roll rate
 
* Good roll rate
 
* Fowler flap design provides excellent lift at low speeds
 
* Fowler flap design provides excellent lift at low speeds
* Has a wide range of bombs and rockets loadouts, beneficial in tank RB
+
* 4 nose-mounted 20 mm cannons with high rate of fire
* Has decent pilot protection & airframe endurance
+
* Has a wide range of bombs and rockets loadouts, beneficial in ground RB
 
* Radar warning receiver
 
* Radar warning receiver
 +
* Can equip Chaff (useful in Tank RB)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Mediocre manoeuvrability, almost every opponent it faces can outmanoeuvre it
+
* Mediocre manoeuvrability and acceleration, almost every opponent it faces can outmanoeuvre and out-accelerate it
 
* Very inefficient airbrake design that requires high angle-of-attack or aggressive banking to slow down
 
* Very inefficient airbrake design that requires high angle-of-attack or aggressive banking to slow down
 
* Large target making it easy to get hit
 
* Large target making it easy to get hit
* High rate of fire with low ammo count (90 RPG): ammunition will deplete very quickly, strict trigger control required
 
 
* Can be difficult to land as landing flaps rip above 300 km/h
 
* Can be difficult to land as landing flaps rip above 300 km/h
 +
* Cannons do not have great damage output, requiring precise aim
 +
* Lacks flares
 +
* Lacks air-to-air missiles
  
 
== 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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable). -->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
The A32A Lansen was the initial ground-attack variant of the Saab 32 ‘Lansen’ attacker / fighter aircraft. Designed to replace the obsolete propeller-powered Saab 18, the aircraft’s design was influenced by late-war German aircraft designs such as the P. 1101, P.1110, P.1111 and P.1112. The aircraft featured a conventional low-mounted swept-wing with a sleek fuselage housing a two-man crew, while the later J 32 fighter variant had a single crewmember. The A32A was introduced in 1955 with a total of 287 aircraft built for the attack role, serving until the end of the 1970s.
+
The A32A Lansen was the initial ground-attack variant of the Saab 32 'Lansen' attacker / fighter aircraft. Designed to replace the obsolete propeller-powered Saab 18, the aircraft's design was influenced by late-war German aircraft designs such as the P. 1101, P.1110, P.1111 and P.1112. The aircraft featured a conventional low-mounted swept-wing with a sleek fuselage housing a two-man crew, while the later J 32 fighter variant had a single crewmember. The A32A was introduced in 1955 with a total of 287 aircraft built for the attack role, serving until the end of the 1970s.
  
 
Following the end of the Second World War, the primary Swedish ground-attack aircraft was the obsolete Saab 18, a propeller-driven aircraft initially designed in the late 1930s. The initial design was influenced by late-war German aircraft designs such as the P. 1101, P.1110, P.1111 and P.1112, whose blueprints were given to Saab by former Messerschmitt engineers who fled to Switzerland. Among these engineers was Hermann Behrbohm, who would become a key contributor to the Saab 29, 32 and J 35 programs.
 
Following the end of the Second World War, the primary Swedish ground-attack aircraft was the obsolete Saab 18, a propeller-driven aircraft initially designed in the late 1930s. The initial design was influenced by late-war German aircraft designs such as the P. 1101, P.1110, P.1111 and P.1112, whose blueprints were given to Saab by former Messerschmitt engineers who fled to Switzerland. Among these engineers was Hermann Behrbohm, who would become a key contributor to the Saab 29, 32 and J 35 programs.
 
+
[[File:A32-F17.jpg|thumb|A32 from the F17 air wing, 1960]]
 
In terms of design, the A32A had a sleek fuselage with a low-mounted wing swept 35 degrees. The aircraft was powered by a Svenska Flygmotor RM5, which was a license-produced version of the Rolls-Royce Avon jet engine. This engine provided the A 32A with a thrust-to-weight ratio of ~0.3, while the later J32B fighter featured a heavily-upgraded RM6 engine producing significantly-more thrust. From the outset, the A32A was designed to house significant amounts of electronic warfare and weapons systems. The aircraft carried four 20 mm Oerlikon aircraft cannons in the nose, and could be fitted with unguided weapons including rockets and bombs up to 600 kg. The A32A could also carry two Rb 04 anti-ship missiles, one of the first cruise missiles to enter service.
 
In terms of design, the A32A had a sleek fuselage with a low-mounted wing swept 35 degrees. The aircraft was powered by a Svenska Flygmotor RM5, which was a license-produced version of the Rolls-Royce Avon jet engine. This engine provided the A 32A with a thrust-to-weight ratio of ~0.3, while the later J32B fighter featured a heavily-upgraded RM6 engine producing significantly-more thrust. From the outset, the A32A was designed to house significant amounts of electronic warfare and weapons systems. The aircraft carried four 20 mm Oerlikon aircraft cannons in the nose, and could be fitted with unguided weapons including rockets and bombs up to 600 kg. The A32A could also carry two Rb 04 anti-ship missiles, one of the first cruise missiles to enter service.
  
In total, 287 A32A Lansens were produced for the Swedish Air Force between 1955 and 1957, replacing the Saab 18. The aircraft proved to be fairly reliable in service in terms of both aircraft and weapons systems. Additionally, the A32A was intended to carry nuclear weapons as part of Sweden’s nuclear program; these plans were shelved with the end of Sweden’s nuclear program. The A32A was Sweden’s last dedicated ground-attack aircraft; the last airframes were phased out in the 1970s in favour of the AJ 37 Viggen.
+
In total, 287 A32A Lansens were produced for the Swedish Air Force between 1955 and 1957, replacing the Saab 18. The aircraft proved to be fairly reliable in service in terms of both aircraft and weapons systems. Additionally, the A32A was intended to carry nuclear weapons as part of Sweden's nuclear program; these plans were shelved with the end of Sweden's nuclear program. The A32A was Sweden's last dedicated ground-attack aircraft; the last airframes were phased out in the 1970s in favour of the AJ 37 Viggen.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 202: Line 245:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=sweden&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=assault&vehicle=saab_a32a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=saab_a32a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
Line 210: Line 253:
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|s6mS74VckHw|'''Nothing To OFFER! A32A! - Sweden - Review!''' - ''Jengar''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|vI159Jebqhk|'''The Shooting Range #356''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|s6mS74VckHw|'''Nothing To Offer! A32A! - Sweden - Review!''' - ''Jengar''|sRblvUj85-E|A32A Lansen: Scandinavian Striker}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 219: Line 262:
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
  
* [[J32B]] - Fighter variant of the aircraft.
+
* [[SAAB 32 Lansen (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 03:52, 28 September 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the Swedish strike aircraft A32A. For other versions, see SAAB 32 Lansen (Family).
A32A
saab_a32a.png
GarageImage A32A.jpg
A32A
AB RB SB
9.0 9.0 9.0
Research:220 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:620 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The A32A was designed and developed by the Swedish company SAAB. Development began in 1948 and it first flew in 1952. Deliveries to the Swedish air force, Flygvapnet, began in 1954. In Flygvapnet, it was used as a ground-attack aircraft, being able to carry a large array of different bombs and unguided rockets as well as four 20 mm Akan m/49 cannons. It remained in service until 1978 but never saw use in combat. Powered by a license-built Rolls-Royce Avon engine, locally designated the RM5, it was able to break the sound barrier in a dive, thus becoming the first Swedish aircraft to fly faster than the speed of sound.

Introduced in Update 1.95 "Northern Wind", the SAAB A32A Lansen is a very slow and janky aircraft. But since it is an attacker, it does not need great agility. It has ballistics computers for bombs, rockets, and its cannons. In air RB/SB, it can use its 600 kg mb m/50 bombs to destroy a full base, or destroy several ground targets in air RB. It lacks flares but it has access to two chaff pods, which may be useful against early SARH missiles. Unlike the J32, it lacks missiles, but it can still be used in air to air combat, its radar is quite powerful and can be used to locate targets through clouds and fog, and its four 20 mm cannons have a very decent ammo pool. It also has good energy retention so you can energy trap MiG-21s and other delta wing fighters with ease.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 0 m1 094 km/h
Turn time34 s
Max altitude12 500 m
EngineSvenska Flygmotor RM5A
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight14 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,088 1,084 12500 34.6 35.6 44.7 41.8 900
Upgraded 1,101 1,094 33.6 34.0 66.2 55.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1160 450 524 491 320 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 850 < 600 < 600 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Svenska Flygmotor RM5A 1 8,322 kg 297 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 13m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 44m fuel
1,350 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 9,151 kg 9,568 kg 10,191 kg 11,084 kg 12,992 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 13m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 44m fuel MGW
Stationary 3,424 kgf 4,633 kgf 0.51 0.48 0.45 0.42 0.36
Optimal 3,424 kgf
(0 km/h)
4,908 kgf
(1,160 km/h)
0.54 0.51 0.48 0.44 0.38

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural1 160 km/h
Gear450 km/h
  • 10 mm Steel - Behind the pilot and radioman seats.
  • 50 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen.
  • 15 mm Steel - In front of forward pilot.
  • 5 mm Steel - Below forward pilot.
  • 5 mm Steel - Just in the upper front of the instrument panel.
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks - 8 in each wing, 4 in the fuselage.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 944 → 4 192 Sl icon.png
RB8 765 → 12 481 Sl icon.png
SB9 894 → 14 089 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications194 600 Rp icon.png
305 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training175 000 Sl icon.png
Experts620 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 600 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 330 / 600 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
880 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Chaff
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
akan_m47_belt_pack
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
m/61
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
m/49B
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
m/58
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
m/40(250)
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
m/51
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
akan_m47_new_gun
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
m/41
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
m/49
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
880 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
m/50(600)
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
880 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

Main article: Akan m/49 (20 mm)

The A32A is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Akan m/49 cannons, nose-mounted (180 rpg = 720 total)

Suspended armament

The A32A can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Hardpoints A32A.png
120 kg sb m/61 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
250 kg mb m/50 bombs 1 1 1 1 1
500 kg mb m/56 bombs 1 1 1
600 kg mb m/50 bombs 1 1 1
Brandbomb m/58 incendiary bombs 1 1 1
hprak m/49 rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
psrak m/49B rockets 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
srak m/51 rockets 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Large calibre chaff 464 464
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,850 kg
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 24 x psrak m/49B rockets
  • 24 x srak m/51 rockets
  • 12 x hprak m/49 rockets
  • 12 x 120 kg sb m/61 bombs (1,440 kg total)
  • 5 x 250 kg mb m/50 bombs (1,250 kg total)
  • 3 x 500 kg mb m/56 bombs (1,500 kg total)
  • 3 x 600 kg mb m/50 bombs (1,800 kg total)
  • 3 x Brandbomb m/58 incendiary bombs
  • 928 x large calibre chaff

Usage in battles

In Air Realistic Battles, the A32A can make very effective use of its available bombs. The 3 x 600 kg mb m/50 bombs deliver 480 kg of explosive mass each, which is more than enough to destroy a base at its tier. Even though the A32A has mediocre acceleration, it can generally drop its bombs on at least one base, if sufficient at avoiding Su-7s and/or Harriers. From there onwards, it's recommended to either return to the airfield, or pick off targets using the tactic described below.

An alternative route is the traditional fighter route. The aircraft has mediocre manoeuvrability compared to its tier, but has quite decent energy retention, and can be effective if used as a boom and zoom aircraft, maintaining speed as much as possible. Unlike the fighter variant, the J32, the A32 does not have missiles. This makes it entirely reliant on 4 x 20 mm cannons, which are sufficient in taking down anything that they hit. Be warned, the cannons have a finnicky placement on the bottom of the aircraft, and take some getting used to. The elevator will also lock up at high speeds, which can be a problem.

It is recommended to keep or bring all dogfights at lower altitudes. The A32A performs best relative to other aircraft closer to the deck. When spaded, the aircraft has enough manoeuvrability to allow a decent pilot to reverse pursuing hostiles and score victories.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good roll rate
  • Fowler flap design provides excellent lift at low speeds
  • 4 nose-mounted 20 mm cannons with high rate of fire
  • Has a wide range of bombs and rockets loadouts, beneficial in ground RB
  • Radar warning receiver
  • Can equip Chaff (useful in Tank RB)

Cons:

  • Mediocre manoeuvrability and acceleration, almost every opponent it faces can outmanoeuvre and out-accelerate it
  • Very inefficient airbrake design that requires high angle-of-attack or aggressive banking to slow down
  • Large target making it easy to get hit
  • Can be difficult to land as landing flaps rip above 300 km/h
  • Cannons do not have great damage output, requiring precise aim
  • Lacks flares
  • Lacks air-to-air missiles

History

The A32A Lansen was the initial ground-attack variant of the Saab 32 'Lansen' attacker / fighter aircraft. Designed to replace the obsolete propeller-powered Saab 18, the aircraft's design was influenced by late-war German aircraft designs such as the P. 1101, P.1110, P.1111 and P.1112. The aircraft featured a conventional low-mounted swept-wing with a sleek fuselage housing a two-man crew, while the later J 32 fighter variant had a single crewmember. The A32A was introduced in 1955 with a total of 287 aircraft built for the attack role, serving until the end of the 1970s.

Following the end of the Second World War, the primary Swedish ground-attack aircraft was the obsolete Saab 18, a propeller-driven aircraft initially designed in the late 1930s. The initial design was influenced by late-war German aircraft designs such as the P. 1101, P.1110, P.1111 and P.1112, whose blueprints were given to Saab by former Messerschmitt engineers who fled to Switzerland. Among these engineers was Hermann Behrbohm, who would become a key contributor to the Saab 29, 32 and J 35 programs.

A32 from the F17 air wing, 1960

In terms of design, the A32A had a sleek fuselage with a low-mounted wing swept 35 degrees. The aircraft was powered by a Svenska Flygmotor RM5, which was a license-produced version of the Rolls-Royce Avon jet engine. This engine provided the A 32A with a thrust-to-weight ratio of ~0.3, while the later J32B fighter featured a heavily-upgraded RM6 engine producing significantly-more thrust. From the outset, the A32A was designed to house significant amounts of electronic warfare and weapons systems. The aircraft carried four 20 mm Oerlikon aircraft cannons in the nose, and could be fitted with unguided weapons including rockets and bombs up to 600 kg. The A32A could also carry two Rb 04 anti-ship missiles, one of the first cruise missiles to enter service.

In total, 287 A32A Lansens were produced for the Swedish Air Force between 1955 and 1957, replacing the Saab 18. The aircraft proved to be fairly reliable in service in terms of both aircraft and weapons systems. Additionally, the A32A was intended to carry nuclear weapons as part of Sweden's nuclear program; these plans were shelved with the end of Sweden's nuclear program. The A32A was Sweden's last dedicated ground-attack aircraft; the last airframes were phased out in the 1970s in favour of the AJ 37 Viggen.

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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 · 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
  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