S 18A - SAAB S 18A (1946-1959)

The reconnaissance variant of the SAAB 18 - S 18A -  were rebuilt B 18A bombers, which were modified as long-range reconnaissance aircraft when the more powerful B 18B bomber became available.

The B 18A/S 18A was fitted with two Swedish-built ”pirate copies” of  the Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp STW C-3 engine, each delivering 1.065 hp. The aircraft had a crew of three - pilot, navigator and observer.

The aircraft were provided to the reconnaissance Wings F 3 at Malmslätt and F 11 at Nyköping. Later, ten S 18As were re-based to the mixed Wing F 21 at Kallax near Luleå. 

The conversion of the 55 aircraft were made by the Air Force’s workshop at Västerås (CVV). The installation comprised cameras of type SKa 15 and SKa 10. 

In 1949-1950, the S 18As were equipped with the reconnaissance radar PS-18/A (American designation AN/APS-4), mounted in a capsule under the nose of the aircraft. See photo below from Flygvapenmuseum (Swedish Air Force Museum). A special designed camera - SKa 13 - was installed for mission during darkness. It was used together with flares. The aircraft were also equipped with the radar altitude indicator PH-10/A.  

For the Model Builder

The Czech company Kora Models has developed a model kits of S 18A. It is made of resin with photo-etched parts. Scale 1:72. Catalouge number 7292.

© Lars Henriksson