# Saab 90 Scandia > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Saab_90_Scandia > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Saab_90_Scandia.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_90_Scandia > Source revision: 1344334664 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Passenger aircraft For the automobile, see [Saab 90](/source/Saab_90). This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (December 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Saab 90 Scandia Saab Scandia of SAS at London Airport-Heathrow in May 1953 General information Type Airliner Manufacturer Saab Status Out of service, one preserved Primary users VASP ABA, SAS Number built 18 History Manufactured 1946–1954 Introduction date 1950 First flight November 16, 1946 The **Saab 90 Scandia** was a civil passenger [aeroplane](/source/Aeroplane), manufactured by Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget ([SAAB](/source/Saab_AB)), in [Linköping](/source/Link%C3%B6ping), [Sweden](/source/Sweden). In 1944, as it became clear that hostilities in Europe (the [Second World War](/source/Second_World_War)) would soon end, SAAB realised that the company had to diversify from purely military endeavours if it were to survive. The board therefore decided to manufacture a twin-engined, short- to medium-haul passenger aircraft, as a successor for the [Douglas DC-3](/source/Douglas_DC-3). (This diversification also led to [automobile](/source/Saab_Automobile) production, with the [Ursaab](/source/Ursaab) and subsequent [Saab 92](/source/Saab_92) passenger vehicles.) The design of the 90 Scandia was quite similar to the DC-3. The most distinct visible difference was that the 90 had [tricycle landing gear](/source/Tricycle_landing_gear) while the DC-3 had a [tailwheel](/source/Conventional_landing_gear). The Scandia also had a quite different vertical stabilizer shape, and numerous more subtle differences. The 90 had to compete with the many surplus DC-3s available on the market at the same time, making sales difficult. ## Design and development This section needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Model of Saab Scandia at Linköping In late 1943, the design office of [SAAB](/source/Saab_AB) realised that the demand for military aircraft would be likely to considerably drop once the [Second World War](/source/Second_World_War) came to an end, and consultations were made with the Swedish airline [AB Aerotransport](/source/AB_Aerotransport) to determine the airline's needs for new airliners.[1][2] SAAB's board of directors decided to launch detailed design work on the new airliner, known initially as Projekt CT, in February 1944.[3][4] The new airliner was intended to be a short to medium-range replacement for ABA's [Douglas DC-3s](/source/Douglas_DC-3). It was a low-winged, all-metal twin-engined aircraft and was planned to carry 25–30 passengers, with a range of about 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) and a take-off weight of about 11,600 kg (25,600 lb).[1][5] [Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp](/source/Pratt_%26_Whitney_R-2000_Twin_Wasp) [radial engines](/source/Radial_engine) rated at 1,450 hp (1,080 kW) were chosen for the project, with the intention that the first prototype would fly in summer 1945.[4] Production of the prototype was delayed by industrial action in early 1945, and the desire to seek [airworthiness certification](/source/Type_certificate) under American rules to aid export sales.[3] The project was publicly announced in December 1945, with the name SAAB 90 Scandia.[6] The prototype Saab 90 (Scandia) first flew in November 1946. It was capable of seating 24–32 passengers, with low-speed capability. It was to be fitted with [Pratt & Whitney R-2000](/source/Pratt_%26_Whitney_R-2000) [engines](/source/Engine). It had a single nosewheel and fully retractable landing gear. [ABA](/source/Aktiebolaget_Aerotransport) Swedish Airlines, a predecessor of [SAS](/source/Scandinavian_Airlines_System), ordered 11 examples. The [Type certificate](/source/Type_certificate) was issued in June 1950. Delivery started in October 1950 but, after testing, specification had changed to the [Pratt & Whitney R-2180-E Twin Wasp E](/source/Pratt_%26_Whitney_R-2180-E_Twin_Wasp_E). Two [Brazilian](/source/Brazil) airlines ([VASP](/source/VASP) and [Aerovias do Brasil](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aerovias_do_Brasil&action=edit&redlink=1)) also ordered a total of six aircraft. The prototype was subsequently converted to a luxury private executive aircraft for the Brazilian industrialist Olavo Fontoura. ### Design The Scandia project was initiated in 1944 by a supposed need (after World War II) for an aircraft carrying 25–30 passengers for a distance of up to 1000 km. Main design objectives were: safety; two engines; long life; economic operation. The wing was shaped, using NACA profiles, to provide good stalling characteristics. Low wing design was chosen since it provided: - Less structural weight - Better safety in an emergency landing - Possibility for one continuous flap The wing was built in three pieces. The centre section with engine mounts, and left and right sections which were bolted to the centre section, immediately outboard of the engine nacelles. The fuselage diameter was chosen to allow for four seats per row. This configuration gave a capacity of 32 passengers. A configuration with wider and more comfortable seats, three seats per row, carrying a total of 24 passengers was also offered. The prototype (90.001) was equipped with 1,450 bhp (1,080 kW) Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp R2000 engines (changed to 1,650 bhp (1,230 kW) P&W Twin Wasp R2180 on the production version). The entire aircraft was built of metal except for the rudders which were fabric-covered metal frames. ### Test flights The prototype (SE-BCA) made its first flight on November 16, 1946.[7] Claes Smith was the pilot. The first flight lasted for 20 minutes. The plane had exceptionally good slow-flying characteristics, with full control down to 110–115 km/h. The stall was slow and preceded by vibrations. The plane also turned out to be easily maneuvered with one engine shut down, which at the time was typically not the case with twin-engined aircraft. Unfortunately the rudder harmony was not satisfactory, with high control forces in some situations. The engine installation also needed redesign. The prototype flew a total of 154 hours before the winter of 1947/48 when it was parked in the hangar for modifications. The engines were elevated for increased clearance between propeller blades and ground. The cabin, which previously contained only test equipment, was furnished. On February 7, 1948, the prototype took off again and began the second testing phase. The second phase consisted of mainly performance tests. After 700 hours of test flying it was decided to introduce the following changes to the production planes: - More powerful engines - Four-blade Hamilton-Standard propellers - Spring tabs on rudder and elevators for reduced control forces ## Operational history This section needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) VASP Scandia *PP-SQN* (nearest) at [São Paulo](/source/S%C3%A3o_Paulo) [Congonhas](/source/Congonhas) airport in 1965 The first production Scandias were delivered in 1950. SAS received its eight aircraft between October 1950 and October 1954. SAS initially operated its Scandias on intra-Scandinavian flights. Scheduled services by Scandias were operated also to European cities including Amsterdam, Brussels and London Airport (Heathrow) between 1951 and 1955. Until Scandias were withdrawn in 1957 they also served in a modest first class configuration on the new route from Scandinavia to Moscow via Riga. VASP operated its fleet of new and ex-SAS Scandias on intra-Brazilian scheduled flights between October 1950 and late 1966. The [Swedish Air Force](/source/Swedish_Air_Force) put heavy and insistent demands upon the SAAB factory, for the [Saab 29](/source/Saab_29) fighter aircraft, which spelled the end of the Scandia project in Sweden, with residual production being undertaken by [Fokker](/source/Fokker), in the [Netherlands](/source/Netherlands). Altogether, only 18 examples were manufactured. The entire SAS fleet was eventually purchased by [VASP](/source/VASP), in 1957. A larger version with pressurised cabin called 90B was planned, but never built.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The last flight with a 90 Scandia was on July 22, 1969. The sole surviving Scandia is the 16th built, ex VASP *PP-SQR*, which is preserved in deteriorating condition by a museum at [Bebedouro](/source/Bebedouro) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. ## Variants **Saab 90A** - Twin-engined short-range airliner. Main production version.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] **Saab 90B** - Proposed version. Not built.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## Operators This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) **[Brazil](/source/Brazil)** - [VASP](/source/VASP)[8] **[Denmark](/source/Denmark), [Norway](/source/Norway) and [Sweden](/source/Sweden)** - [Scandinavian Airlines System](/source/Scandinavian_Airlines) (SAS)[9] **[Sweden](/source/Sweden)** - [Aktiebolaget Aerotransport](/source/AB_Aerotransport) (ABA) ## Accidents and incidents Three VASP Scandias were lost in fatal crashes with a further two written off in non-fatal accidents.[10][11] - December 30, 1958: a [VASP](/source/VASP) Saab Scandia 90A-1 registration PP-SQE flying from [Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont](/source/Santos_Dumont_Airport) to [São Paulo-Congonhas](/source/S%C3%A3o_Paulo%E2%80%93Congonhas_Airport) during climb after takeoff had a failure on engine no. 1. The pilot initiated procedures to return to the airport but during the second turn the aircraft stalled and crashed into [Guanabara Bay](/source/Guanabara_Bay). Of the 34 passengers and crew aboard, 20 died.[12][13] - September 23, 1959: a [VASP](/source/VASP) Saab Scandia 90A-1 registration PP-SQV en route from [São Paulo-Congonhas](/source/S%C3%A3o_Paulo%E2%80%93Congonhas_Airport) to [Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont](/source/Santos_Dumont_Airport) during climb after takeoff did not gain enough height and crashed 1+1⁄2 minutes out of São Paulo, killing all 20 passengers and crew.[14][15] - November 26, 1962: a [VASP](/source/VASP) Saab Scandia 90A-1 registration PP-SRA en route from [São Paulo-Congonhas](/source/S%C3%A3o_Paulo%E2%80%93Congonhas_Airport) to [Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont](/source/Santos_Dumont_Airport) collided in the air over the Municipality of Paraibuna, State of São Paulo with a private [Cessna 310](/source/Cessna_310), registration PT-BRQ, en route from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont to [São Paulo-Campo de Marte](/source/Campo_de_Marte_Airport). Both were flying on the same [airway](/source/Airway_(aviation)) AB-6 in opposite directions and failed to make visual contact. Both aircraft crashed, killing all 23 passengers and crew of the Saab and all four occupants of the Cessna.[16][17] ## Surviving aircraft Saab 90 Scandia PP-SQR in [Bebedouro](/source/Bebedouro), [Brazil](/source/Brazil) As of 2007, only one 90 Scandia, PP-SQR, remains. It stands outdoors in at the [Eduardo André Matarazzo Museum of Weapons, Vehicles and Machines](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eduardo_Andr%C3%A9_Matarazzo_Museum_of_Weapons,_Vehicles_and_Machines&action=edit&redlink=1) [[pt](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museu_de_Armas,_Ve%C3%ADculos_e_M%C3%A1quinas_Eduardo_Andr%C3%A9_Matarazzo); [es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_de_Armas,_Veh%C3%ADculos_y_M%C3%A1quinas_Eduardo_Andr%C3%A9_Matarazzo)] in Bebedouro, Brazil.[18] ## Specifications Saab 90 Scandia *Data from* From Seventeen to Thirty-Nine,[19] **General characteristics** - **Crew:** 3 + cabin attendant - **Capacity:** 24 or 32 passengers / 10.7 m3 (377.9 cu ft) cargo underfloor[20] - **Length:** 21.3 m (69 ft 11 in) - **Wingspan:** 28 m (91 ft 10 in) - **Height:** 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in) - **Wing area:** 85.7 m2 (922 sq ft) - **[Aspect ratio](/source/Aspect_ratio_(aeronautics)):** 9.15:1[20] - **Empty weight:** 9,960 kg (21,958 lb) - **Max takeoff weight:** 15,900 kg (35,053 lb) - **Fuel capacity:** 2,000 L (530 US gal; 440 imp gal)[20] - **Powerplant:** 2 × [Pratt & Whitney R-2180-E Twin Wasp E](/source/Pratt_%26_Whitney_R-2180-E_Twin_Wasp_E) 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 1,361 kW (1,825 hp) each (with water injection) - **Propellers:** 4-bladed constant-speed feathering propellers **Performance** - **Maximum speed:** 450 km/h (280 mph, 240 kn) at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) - **Cruise speed:** 340 km/h (210 mph, 180 kn) (normal cruise) - **Range:** 2,650 km (1,650 mi, 1,430 nmi) - **Service ceiling:** 7,500 m (24,600 ft) - **Rate of climb:** 7.5 m/s (1,480 ft/min) [21] ## See also **Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era** - [CASA C-207 Azor](/source/CASA_C-207_Azor) - [Convair CV-240 family](/source/Convair_CV-240_family) - [Douglas DC-3](/source/Douglas_DC-3) - [Martin 4-0-4](/source/Martin_4-0-4) - [Vickers VC.1 Viking](/source/Vickers_VC.1_Viking) ## References 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-am525p64_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-am525p64_1-1) [Forsgren 2025](#CITEREFForsgren2025), p. 64 1. **[^](#cite_ref-saabp35,86_2-0)** [Andersson 1989](#CITEREFAndersson1989), pp. 35, 86 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-am525p65_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-am525p65_3-1) [Forsgren 2025](#CITEREFForsgren2025), p. 65 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-saabp87_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-saabp87_4-1) [Andersson 1989](#CITEREFAndersson1989), p. 87 1. **[^](#cite_ref-saabp86_5-0)** [Andersson 1989](#CITEREFAndersson1989), p. 86 1. **[^](#cite_ref-am525p656_6-0)** [Forsgren 2025](#CITEREFForsgren2025), pp. 65–66 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Saab 90 Scandia - Vintage Aviation News"](https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbird-articles/today-in-aviation-history-first-flight-of-the-saab-90-scandia.html). 2025-11-16. Retrieved 2026-01-09. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-am525p74_8-0)** [Forsgren 2025](#CITEREFForsgren2025), p. 74 1. **[^](#cite_ref-am525p723_9-0)** [Forsgren 2025](#CITEREFForsgren2025), pp. 72–73 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Stroud_p60_10-0)** [Stroud 1992](#CITEREFStroud1992), p. 60 1. **[^](#cite_ref-ASN_index_11-0)** Ranter, Harro. ["ASN Aviation Safety Database results: SAAB Scandia"](https://asn.flightsafety.org/database/dblist.php?field=typecode&var=411%25&cat=%251&sorteer=datekey&page=1). *Aviation Safety Network*. Retrieved 29 June 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Accident description PP-SQE"](http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19581230-0). *Aviation Safety Network*. [Flight Safety Foundation](/source/Flight_Safety_Foundation). Retrieved 17 August 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** César, Carlos Ari; da Silva, Germano (2008). "Ponte aérea das doze horas" [Twelve o'clock air bridge]. *O rastro da bruxa: história da aviação comercial brasileira no século XX através dos seus acidentes 1928–1996* [*The trail of the witch: history of Brazilian commercial aviation in the 20th century through its accidents 1928–1996*] (in Portuguese) (2 ed.). Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS. pp. 171–173. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-85-7430-760-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-85-7430-760-2). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Accident description PP-SQV"](http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19590923-1). *Aviation Safety Network*. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 18 August 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** César, Carlos Ari; da Silva, Germano (2008). "Falha de motor na decolagem" [Engine failure on takeoff]. *O rastro da bruxa: história da aviação comercial brasileira no século XX através dos seus acidentes 1928–1996* [*The trail of the witch: history of Brazilian commercial aviation in the 20th century through its accidents 1928–1996*] (in Portuguese) (2 ed.). Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS. pp. 177–181. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-85-7430-760-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-85-7430-760-2). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Accident description PP-SRA and PT-BRQ"](http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19621126-1). *Aviation Safety Network*. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 2 June 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** César, Carlos Ari César; da Silva, Germano (2008). "No céu de Paraibuna" [In the sky of Paraibuna]. *O rastro da bruxa: história da aviação comercial brasileira no século XX através dos seus acidentes 1928–1996* [*The trail of the witch: history of Brazilian commercial aviation in the 20th century through its accidents 1928–1996*] (in Portuguese) (2 ed.). Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS. pp. 214–216. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-85-7430-760-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-85-7430-760-2). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["PP-SQR"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070930111407/http://fesa.be/PP-SQR.html). Archived from [the original](http://fesa.be/PP-SQR.html) on 2007-09-30. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-AE33_p15_19-0)** [Green & Swanborough 1987](#CITEREFGreenSwanborough1987), p. 15 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-JAWA1947_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-JAWA1947_20-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-JAWA1947_20-2) [Bridgman 1947](#CITEREFBridgman1947), pp. 167c–168c 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Flight48_p609_21-0)** [Smith 1948](#CITEREFSmith1948), p. 609 - Andersson, Hans G. (1989). *Saab Aircraft since 1937*. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-87474-314-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-87474-314-1). - Annerfalk, Anders (1987). *Saab Scandia : historien om ett trafikflygplan* [*Saab Scandia: the story of an airliner*] (in Swedish). Hägersten, Sweden: Aviatic. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [91-86642-00-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/91-86642-00-6). - Bridgman, Leonard, ed. (1947). *Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1947*. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co. - Forsgren, Jan (May 2025). "Database: Saab 90 Scandia". *[Aeroplane](/source/Aeroplane_Monthly)*. Vol. 53, no. 5. pp. 63–75. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0143-7240](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0143-7240). - Green, William; Swanborough, Gordon (May 1987). "From Seventeen to Thirty-Nine: A Saab Half-Century". *[Air Enthusiast](/source/Air_Enthusiast)*. Vol. 33. pp. 9–25, 60–68. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0143-5450](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0143-5450). - Smith, Maurice A. (3 June 1948). ["Scandia Discussed"](https://archive.org/details/sim_flight-international_1948-06-03_53_2058/page/n31/mode/2up). *[Flight](/source/Flight_International)*. Vol. LIII, no. 2058. pp. 607–613. Retrieved 11 April 2025. - Stroud, John (September 1992). "Post War Propliners – Part 4". *[Aeroplane Monthly](/source/Aeroplane_Monthly)*. Vol. 20, no. 9. pp. 55–60. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0143-7240](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0143-7240). ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Saab Scandia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Saab_Scandia). - [MyAviation.net photo gallery](https://web.archive.org/web/20070929084200/http://myaviation.net/search/search.php?view=&aircraft=Saab%2090A2%20Scandia) v t e SAAB/Saab aircraft Military aircraft 17 18 21 21R 29 32 35 36 37 38 39 105 210 Tp 100A/C S 100B/D T-7 V-200 Civil aircraft 90 91 107 340 340 AEW&C 2000 MFI-15 Aircraft names Argus Draken Gripen Lansen Red Hawk Safir Safari Scandia Tunnan Viggen --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Saab 90 Scandia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_90_Scandia) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_90_Scandia?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.