The first prototype (Air Force number 17001) made its first flight in Linköping in May 1940. The aircraft was flown by SAABs’ well-known test pilot Claes Smith.  Next month a representative from the Air Force, Captain Olof Enderlein, made his first test flight.

The evaluation showed that several modifications had to be made. One very important was that the carburettor air intake had to be moved from the top of the engine cowling to a lower position at the starboard side. Otherwise, the engine tended to stop in connection to right side spin. A spin fin was also attached. The photo above shows the first prototype after these modifications.

Three B 17A bombers from the 3rd Squadron of Air Force Wing F 6, Karlsborg.

© Lars Henriksson

Updated 2010-07-17