SAAB AS 35X

[mat]

And here is the story:

The history of SAAB AS-35X Draken in RDAF

In 1968 Denmark ordered the SAAB 35XD in the three different versions: F-35 (fighter-bomber), RF-35 (recce) and TF-35 (two-seated trainer). Flyvevåbnet used its 51 Drakens in two squadrons.
Flyvevåbnet (RDAF) wanted to acquire a third and fourth SAAB 35XD squadron (23 or 46 aircraft) following the initial purchase and prices were handed over August 14, 1970. Negotiations continued during the spring of 1971 and an offer was made on May 1, 1971.  However, due to political cutbacks of the RDAF made during the winter 1970/1971 (from seven squadrons to four) it was not possible to acquire these aircraft.
But what-if the higher powers had decided to order some more Drakens and let them replace the Hawker Hunters in ESK 724 and equip a revived ESK 728.
For their next batch of Drakens RDAF (Flyvevåbnet) chose a new version: The projected exportversion AS 35X with GE J79 engine and new outer wings.
Introducing the 46 examples of the new version, which was designated SF-35 in Flyvevåbnet, gave the advantage of the use of a common engine in the SF-35 and the F-104Gs used by three RDAF squadrons. The SF-35 was serialed AS-201 to AS-246, were the AS stood for "Attack-Strike".

[NARSES2]

  

[mat]

The build is now moving forward again after some real-world disturbances. As my AS 33XD model is supposed to be in service in RDAF in the mid 1980's it got the upgrade, that the danish Draken fleet went through from 1980. Which means a new nose to house the Weapons Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS) and a set of Radar Warning Receivers. The first made the fighter-bombers look almost like the RF-35 and the last mentioned - being placed at the top of a new taller fin - gave the AS 35XDs the nickname "Skorpioner" (Scorpions).

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[PR19_Kit]

We'll no doubt have to wait for the pics to become visible, once the forum software gets around to doing it that is. 

[Old Wombat]

Looking good!

[Dizzyfugu]

I get them displayed? Maybe a local browser issue?

[PR19_Kit]

No, they weren't visible before, some 8 mins after Mat posted them, but an hour later they were visible to Womby, and now I can see them too.

This has happened quite a lot recently where people attach pics directly to the Forum, it takes a considerable time before they become visible.

If you use an external site, like your Flickr, or my Imageshack, that doesn't happen, they appear right away.

[Pellson]

..and a set of Radar Warning Receivers. The first made the fighter-bombers look almost like the RF-35 and the last mentioned - being placed at the top of a new taller fin - gave the AS 35XDs the nickname "Skorpioner" (Scorpions).

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Looking at the fin, I have to admit I find the elevated position somewhat unnecessary. The Draken was a rather stable aircraft, and it is notable that only the carriage of two large anti-ship missiles up front triggered any major change to the original fin layout, the famous "Mod 4". Hence, I think I'd rather would have put the RWR where it actually was on the IRL F-35XD's. I think that placement would look more integrated and less as an "add-on".

But that's my view. Not necessarily anything you need to take into account.
Apart from that, it looks really, really good! And the J79 tailend is just right, and also the obvious use for the strange Revell tail piece.
Now I neeed yet another kit.. 

[NARSES2]

No, they weren't visible before, some 8 mins after Mat posted them, but an hour later they were visible to Womby, and now I can see them too.

This has happened quite a lot recently where people attach pics directly to the Forum, it takes a considerable time before they become visible.

If you use an external site, like your Flickr, or my Imageshack, that doesn't happen, they appear right away.

Interesting Kit, because you saw the Fokker image almost as soon as I'd posted it, and that was direct to the site from my laptop ?

[Spino]

Looks good so far!

[mat]

..and a set of Radar Warning Receivers. The first made the fighter-bombers look almost like the RF-35 and the last mentioned - being placed at the top of a new taller fin - gave the AS 35XDs the nickname "Skorpioner" (Scorpions).

You cannot view this attachment.

Looking at the fin, I have to admit I find the elevated position somewhat unnecessary. The Draken was a rather stable aircraft, and it is notable that only the carriage of two large anti-ship missiles up front triggered any major change to the original fin layout, the famous "Mod 4". Hence, I think I'd rather would have put the RWR where it actually was on the IRL F-35XD's. I think that placement would look more integrated and less as an "add-on".

But that's my view. Not necessarily anything you need to take into account.
Apart from that, it looks really, really good! And the J79 tailend is just right, and also the obvious use for the strange Revell tail piece.
Now I neeed yet another kit.. 

Dear Pellson
You're are right by the stability of the Draken. But I wanted it to look more outlandish, and maybe RDAF experienced some stability problems, when the Draken were fully loaded up with two 1200 liter fuel tanks, two AGM-12 Bullpups, four 2000 lbs bombs and chaff dispensere and jammers. Well, that was what I imagined 

[PR19_Kit]

Interesting Kit, because you saw the Fokker image almost as soon as I'd posted it, and that was direct to the site from my laptop ?

Hmmm, there's definitely something odd going on with images though.

[Scotaidh]

I've always thought that the Draaken cockpit was just a wee bit buried between the intakes - to my eye, it wants to come forward a bit so the pilot can actually see downwards.