SAAB SK60 C rm9, 1/48 scale. 48A008

Top quality plastic kit with surface details 2nd to none. Photo etched detail parts included and decals for 3 aircrafts printed by Cartograf.  

IIn the late 1950s, SAAB began designing a smaller jet-powered aircraft intended to attract customers from both the civilian sector, as a business jet, and the military sector, as a trainer and strike aircraft. The result was a completed design study named the SAAB 105, which was unveiled at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget in early 1961. The concept garnered significant international attention, including interest from the Swedish Air Force. That same year, the Swedish Air Force placed an order for a prototype, with the aircraft's first flight taking place on June 29, 1963. By 1965, the Swedish Air Force had ordered a total of 150 SAAB 105 aircraft, which were designated as SK60 in Sweden.

The SK60 C was developed as a combined photo reconnaissance and light attack version. It featured a narrow, extended nose housing a panoramic camera (SKA 29, Fairchild KB-18) and an infrared sensor. Beginning in 1970, thirty aircraft of this type were built. In its role as a light attack aircraft, the SK60 C could be equipped with two 30mm automatic cannons mounted in pods under the wings or various rocket configurations, including 12 rockets (13.5 cm) or six anti-tank rockets (14.5 cm m/49/56).

The SK60 C was primarily used for reconnaissance missions and attack assignments. Often, during attack missions involving the SK60 B, an SK60 C would accompany the formation for post-strike photography. From 1973 to 1982, the "Light Attack" unit was based at the 3rd Squadron (Urban Yellow) of F21 in Luleå. In 1982, the unit was transferred to the 5th Squadron (Petter Black) at F16 in Uppsala.

In the spring of 2024, the SK60 was retired from the Swedish Air Force after a long and distinguished career. The aircraft was known for being popular, efficient, and remarkably safe to fly, leaving behind a legacy of reliable service.