Saab J29D Tunnan all-weather fighter; “Röd Rudolf” of Swedish Air Force F1

[Dizzyfugu]

Glad you all like it. Finding a suitable/plausible scheme was not easy, so I stuck with the RAF night fighter livery. Might not make perfect sense on a domestic aircraft, but I found an all-green livery pretty dull and the blue/green scheme - while being a serious option - to be "too ordinary" for the night fighter. I think the result so far looks quite good and convincing, but I still think that the Tunnan here has a strange German-esque look to it? Might be the grey/green livery, though.

Work is more or less through, but beauty pics will take some tome to materialize, though.  Stay tuned...

[DogfighterZen]

It would look good in German markings with that scheme. I've always thought the Tunnan would make for a good Luft'46 whif, it reminds me of the Focke Wulf Ta-183.

[Gondor]

It would look good in German markings with that scheme. I've always thought the Tunnan would make for a good Luft'46 whif, it reminds me of the Focke Wulf Ta-183.

Fit some X-4's under the wing and Reich Defence markings and you could be onto something

Gondor

[Snowtrooper]

The only reason to use MB Tunnan would have been the afterburning engine and as a result the expanded engine bay (which is admittedly very subtle) - all those early 50's avionics must weigh a lot so all the thrust available would be needed. Otherwise, looking good, subtle, and clever as usual

[Dizzyfugu]

The only reason to use MB Tunnan would have been the afterburning engine and as a result the expanded engine bay (which is admittedly very subtle) - all those early 50's avionics must weigh a lot so all the thrust available would be needed. Otherwise, looking good, subtle, and clever as usual

Yep. I think the Heller kit actually only features the non-afterburning tail, but I am not certain.

[chrisonord]

I like this Thomas, the Tunnan is a favourite of mine, and you have certainly made an excellent whiff from this one. I built one a few years back, as a Mig-13, put F-86 wings on it and a shock cone in its nose, and some early Soviet air to air missiles. I painted it in light blue undersides and brown /sand camo on top with Egyptian markings on it. I feel the need to find another one now 

[Dizzyfugu]

I remember that one, vaguely. Some time ago (2013 or so), IPMS Sweden did a whiffy J 29 contest - and it spawned MANY great works, including, AFAIK, this Enterprise-thing:

[Old Wombat]

Now that's flippin' brilliant!

[DogfighterZen]

It would look good in German markings with that scheme. I've always thought the Tunnan would make for a good Luft'46 whif, it reminds me of the Focke Wulf Ta-183.

Fit some X-4's under the wing and Reich Defence markings and you could be onto something

Gondor

Ya! And with the early, simpler wing it could become quite a nice whif. The Tunnan's tail looks more like the Ta-183 III design, with horizontal stabs placed lower on the tail, although the Ta-183's nose seems to be much longer on that version. I can always say it was the Ta-183 design IV...

[Dizzyfugu]

Nothing new here, yet, but expect another whiffy Tunnan to materialize soon... 

[Dizzyfugu]

First beauty pic session yesterday evening. 

[Dizzyfugu]

Small sign of progress - the belly of the black-nosed beast:


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F 1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[Dizzyfugu]

1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr



Some background:
In the aftermath of the Second World War, Sweden required a strong air defense, utilizing the newly developed jet propulsion technology. This led to a pair of proposals being issued by the Saab design team, led by Lars Brising. The first of these, codenamed R101, was a cigar-shaped aircraft, which bore a resemblance to the American Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. The second design, which would later be picked as the winner, was a barrel-shaped design, codenamed R 1001, which proved to be both faster and more agile upon closer study.

The original R 1001 concept had been designed around a mostly straight wing, but after Swedish engineers had obtained German research data on swept-wing designs, the prototype was altered to incorporate a 25° sweep. In order to make the wing as thin as possible, Saab elected to locate the retractable undercarriage in the aircraft's fuselage rather than into the wings.


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Extensive wind tunnel testing performed at the Swedish Royal University of Technology and by the National Aeronautical Research Institute had also influenced aspects of the aircraft's aerodynamics, such as stability and trim across the aircraft's speed range. In order to test the design of the swept wing further and avoid any surprises, it was decided to modify a single Saab Safir. It received the designation Saab 201 and a full-scale R 1001 wing for a series of flight tests. The first 'final' sketches of the aircraft, incorporating the new information, was drawn in January 1946.

The originally envisioned powerplant for the new fighter type was the de Havilland Goblin turbojet engine. However, in December 1945, information on the newer and more powerful de Havilland Ghost engine became available. The new engine was deemed to be ideal for Saab's in-development aircraft, as not only did the Ghost engine had provisions for the use of a central circular air intake, the overall diameter of the engine was favorable for the planned fuselage dimensions, too. Thus, following negotiations between de Havilland and Saab, the Ghost engine was selected to power the type instead and built in license as the RM 2.


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


By February 1946 the main outline of the proposed aircraft had been clearly defined. In Autumn 1946, following the resolution of all major questions of principal and the completion of the project specification, the Swedish Air Force formally ordered the completion of the design and that three prototype aircraft be produced, giving the proposed type the designation J 29.
On 1 September 1948, the first of the Saab 29 prototypes conducted its maiden flight, which lasted for half an hour. Because of the shape of its fuselage, the Saab J 29 quickly received the nickname "Flygande Tunnan" ("The Flying Barrel"), or "Tunnan" ("The Barrel") for short. While the demeaning nickname was not appreciated by Saab, its short form was eventually officially adopted.

A total of four prototypes were built for the aircraft's test program. The first two lacked armament, carrying heavy test equipment instead, while the third prototype was armed with four 20mm automatic guns. Various different aerodynamic arrangements were tested, such as air brakes being installed either upon the fuselage or on the wings aft of the rear spar, along with both combined and conventional aileron/flap arrangements.
The flight test program revealed that the J 29 prototypes were capable of reaching and exceeding the maximum permissible Mach number for which they had been designed, and the flight performance figures gathered were found to be typically in excess of the predicted values.


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


In 1948 production of the type commenced and in May 1951 the first deliveries of operational production aircraft were received by F 13 Norrköping. The J 29 proved to be very successful and several variants and updates of the Tunnan were produced, including a dedicated reconnaissance variant and a dedicated all-weather fighter with an on-board radar, the J 29D.

The J 29D variant originally started its career as a single prototype to test the Ghost RM 2A afterburner turbojet with 27.5 kN (2,800 kgp/6,175 lbf). The new engine dramatically improved the Tunnan's performance, esp. concerning the start phase, acceleration and climb, and was eventually adopted for the whole J 29 fighter fleet in an update program, leading to the J 29F variant.

However, at the time of the RM 2A trials, Sweden was more and more in need for a suitable all-weather aerial defense for its vast, neutral airspace in the vicinity of the Soviet Union. Only a single flight of the Swedish Air Force, F1 in Hässlö, operated roundabout thirty radar-equipped fighters, and these were outdated De Havilland Mosquito night fighters (locally designated J 30).

The highly successful J 29 was soon considered as a potential air-intercept radar carrier, offering a much more up-tp-date performance and deterrent potential against would-be intruders. Consequently, Saab started the development of an indigenous all-weather fighter on the basis of the Tunnan (originally coded "J 29R"). The work started with aerodynamic trials of different radome designs and placements on a Tunnan's nose, e .g. inside of the circular air intake opening or above it. No major drawbacks were identified, and in 1955 the decision was made to convert thirty J 29B daylight fighters for the all weather/night fighter role. These machines officially inherited the designation J 29D.
The J 29D's compact radar, called the PS-43/T, was designed by CSF (Compagnie Generale de Telegrahpi Sans Fil) in France after the Swedish specification. It had a wavelength of 3 cm with an effect of 100 kW, and it was to have a spiral scan pattern. Range was 15-20 km, only a slight improved against the Mosquitos' bulky SCR-720B radar set, which only had a range of 12-16km. But the system's compact size and the ability to be operated by the pilot alone meant a serious step forward. 34 sets were delivered together with blueprints in 1956, and the PS-43 radar system was later modified and adapted to the Saab 32 Lansen, too.


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


The structural modifications for the radar-equipped Tunnan were carried out in the course of the ensuing J 29F update program, which had started in 1954. Beyond the afterburner engine and dogtooth wing updates for the day fighters, the J 29D also received a re-designed nose section which now featured a thimble radome for the PS-43/T, integrated into the upper air intake lip, reminiscent of the F-86D's arrangement. The air intake itself kept the original circular diameter, but the opening was slightly wider, raked forward and featured a sharper lip, for an improved airflow under the radome. Overall performance of the J 29 did not suffer, and the conversion took place swiftly thanks to a simple replacement of the nose section in front of the windscreen and the installation of a shielded tracking monitor in the cockpit.

Experiments with a heavier cannon armament (consisting of four, long-barreled 30mm guns in the lower fuselage) for the J 29 in general were conducted in parallel, too. But, despite showing no negative effect on the J 29's handling or performance, this upgrade was not introduced to any of the J 29 variants in service and so the J 29D kept its original four 20mm cannon as main armament, too. Additional ordnance consisted of optional racks with 75 mm/3 in air-to-air rockets under the inner wings against large aerial targets like bombers. A pair of drop tanks could be carried on the outer pylons, too, and they were frequently carried in order to extend range and loiter time. Other loads, including bombs or unguided air-to-ground missiles, were possible, but never carried except for in practice.


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


The last converted J 29D was delivered back to the Swedish Air Force in late 1956, just in time to replace the last active J 30 Mosquitos in service, which had been gradually phased out since 1953. In parallel, the radar-equipped J 33 Venom was introduced into service, too, since the small number of J 29Ds had in the meantime turned out to be far from sufficient to effectively cover the Swedish air space against large numbers of ever faster jet bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. The J 29D fulfilled its role and duty well, though, and was just as popular as the daylight fighter versions.

Initially, all J 29D were delivered in bare metal finish, but they were soon adorned with additional markings on fin and wing tips for easier recognition and formation flights. A few all-weather fighters of F1 Flygflottil experimentally received the blue/green camouflage which had been adopted for the S 29C reconnaissance aircraft, but this was found to be ineffective at the typical altitudes the interceptors would operate. As a consequence, the scheme was quickly changed into the much lighter livery of the former J 30 and J 33 fighters, although the bare metal undersides and the formation markings under the wing tips were retained – even though this practice was confined to F 1 and not consequently carried out among all of the fighter squadron's J 29Ds. Some J 29D furthermore carried various forms of black ID bands for quick identification in war games, but unlike the day fighters, these markings were limited to the undersides only.


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


From 1963 onwards all frontline J 29Fs were equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared-seeking air-to-air missiles, designated Rb 24 in Swedish service. This update was also carried out among the J 29D fleet, and the new, guided missiles considerably improved the aircraft's capabilities.

Anyway, the J 29D's small number remained a fundamental problem that prevented bigger success or even export sales, and due to the quick technical advances, the J 29D remained only a stopgap solution. The much more capable Saab 32 Lansen had been under development and its dedicated all-weather fighter variant, the J 32B, had already entered service in 1958, replacing the mixed and outdated lot of radar-equipped fighters in Swedish service.
Nevertheless, the J 29D soldiered on, together with the rest of the J 29F and S 29C fleet, until 1970, even though not in front line duties anymore.


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr



General characteristics:
    Crew: 1
    Length: 10.80 m (35 ft 4 1/2 in)
    Wingspan: 11.0 m (36 ft 1 in)
    Height: 3.75 m (12 ft 4 in)
    Wing area: 24.15 m² (260.0 ft²)
    Empty weight: 4,845 kg (10,680 lb)
    Max. takeoff weight: 8,375 kg (18,465 lb)

Powerplant:
    1× Svenska Flygmotor RM2B afterburner turbojet, rated at 6,070 lbf (27 kN)

Performance:
    Maximum speed: 1,060 km/h (660 mph)
    Range: 1,100 km (685 mi)
    Service ceiling: 15,500 m (50,850 ft)
    Rate of climb: 32.1 m/s (6,320 ft/min)

Armament:
    4x 20mm Hispano Mark V autocannon in the lower front fuselage
    Typically a pair of 400-liter (106 US gallon) or 500-liter (132 US gallon) drop tanks was carried on the outer "wet" pylons
    Further air-to-air ordnance initially consisted of 75 mm (3 in) air-to-air rockets.
    From 1963 onwards the J 29D could also carry up to 4x Rb 24 (AIM-9B Sidewinder) IR-guided air-to-air missiles.
    Optionally (but never carried in service), the J 29D could also deploy a wide range of bombs and unguided missiles,
    including 145 mm (5.8 in) anti-armor rockets, 150 mm (6 in) HE (high-explosive) rockets or 180 mm (7.2 in) HE anti-ship rockets




1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 Saab J29D (Flygande) Tunnan; "Röd Rudolf" of the Swedish Air Force F1 Kungliga Västmanlands Flygflottilj, 1st Jaktflygdivision; Hässlö Flygplats/Västerås, central Sweden, 1964 (Whif/Heller kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr



An interesting result, through relatively little effort: the dog nose changes the look of the tubby J 29 a lot, it looks much sleeker and somewhat German now – but somehow also more retro than the original aircraft? The different paint scheme looks unusual, too, despite being relatively down-to-earth. This will certainly not be my last modified J 29, a two-seat trainer would certainly be another cool and reality based Tunnan whif?

[PR19_Kit]

That looks far to real to be true. Are you SURE it's a Whiff? 

[sandiego89]

Perfectly ugly Dizzy. Well done!

-Dave