Saab 90 Scandia

{{Short description|Passenger aircraft}} {{for|the automobile|Saab 90}} {{More footnotes|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox aircraft |name = Saab 90 Scandia |image = File:SAAB Scandia SAS Heathrow 1953.jpg |caption = Saab Scandia of SAS at [[Heathrow Airport|London Airport-Heathrow]] in May 1953 |type = [[Airliner]] |manufacturer = [[Saab AB|Saab]] |designer = |first_flight = November 16, 1946 |introduction = 1950 |status = Out of service, one preserved |primary_user = [[VASP]] |more_users = [[Aktiebolaget Aerotransport|ABA]], [[Scandinavian Airlines|SAS]] |produced = 1946–1954 |number_built = 18 |unit cost = |variants = }}

The '''Saab 90 Scandia''' was a civil passenger [[aeroplane]], manufactured by Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget ([[Saab AB|SAAB]]), in [[Linköping]], [[Sweden]]. In 1944, as it became clear that hostilities in Europe (the [[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]]. (This diversification also led to [[Saab Automobile|automobile]] production, with the [[Ursaab]] and subsequent [[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]] while the DC-3 had a [[conventional landing gear|tailwheel]]. 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== {{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}} [[File:SaabScandia.jpg|thumb|right|Model of Saab Scandia at Linköping]]

In late 1943, the design office of [[Saab AB|SAAB]] realised that the demand for military aircraft would be likely to considerably drop once the [[Second World War]] came to an end, and consultations were made with the Swedish airline [[AB Aerotransport]] to determine the airline's needs for new airliners.<ref name="am525p64">{{harvnb|Forsgren|2025|p=64}}</ref><ref name="saabp35,86">{{harvnb|Andersson|1989|pp=35, 86}}</ref> SAAB's board of directors decided to launch detailed design work on the new airliner, known initially as Projekt CT, in February 1944.<ref name="am525p65">{{harvnb|Forsgren|2025|p=65}}</ref><ref name="saabp87">{{harvnb|Andersson|1989|p=87}}</ref> The new airliner was intended to be a short to medium-range replacement for ABA's [[Douglas DC-3]]s. It was a low-winged, all-metal twin-engined aircraft and was planned to carry 25–30 passengers, with a range of about {{convert|1000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and a take-off weight of about {{convert|11600|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="am525p64"/><ref name="saabp86">{{harvnb|Andersson|1989|p=86}}</ref> [[Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp]] [[radial engine]]s rated at {{convert|1450|hp|kW|abbr=on}} were chosen for the project, with the intention that the first prototype would fly in summer 1945.<ref name="saabp87"/>

Production of the prototype was delayed by industrial action in early 1945, and the desire to seek [[Type certificate|airworthiness certification]] under American rules to aid export sales.<ref name="am525p65"/> The project was publicly announced in December 1945, with the name SAAB 90 Scandia.<ref name="am525p656">{{harvnb|Forsgren|2025|pp=65–66}}</ref>

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]] [[engine]]s. It had a single nosewheel and fully retractable landing gear. [[Aktiebolaget Aerotransport|ABA]] Swedish Airlines, a predecessor of [[Scandinavian Airlines System|SAS]], ordered 11 examples. The [[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]]. Two [[Brazil]]ian airlines ([[VASP]] and [[Aerovias do Brasil]]) 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 {{convert|1450|bhp|abbr=on}} Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp R2000 engines (changed to {{convert|1650|bhp|abbr=on}} 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-16 |title=Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Saab 90 Scandia - Vintage Aviation News |url=https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbird-articles/today-in-aviation-history-first-flight-of-the-saab-90-scandia.html |access-date=2026-01-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> 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== {{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}} [[File:SAAB Scandia VASP at Sao Paolo Congonhas 1965.jpg|thumb|right|VASP Scandia ''PP-SQN'' (nearest) at [[São Paulo]] [[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]] put heavy and insistent demands upon the SAAB factory, for the [[Saab 29]] fighter aircraft, which spelled the end of the Scandia project in Sweden, with residual production being undertaken by [[Fokker]], in the [[Netherlands]].

Altogether, only 18 examples were manufactured. The entire SAS fleet was eventually purchased by [[VASP]], in 1957.

A larger version with pressurised cabin called 90B was planned, but never built.{{cn|date=December 2022}}

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]] in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

==Variants== ;Saab 90A : Twin-engined short-range airliner. Main production version.{{Cn|date=January 2021}} ;Saab 90B : Proposed version. Not built.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}

==Operators== {{Unreferenced section|date=January 2021}} ; {{BRA}} * [[VASP]]<ref name="am525p74">{{harvnb|Forsgren|2025|p=74}}</ref> ; {{DEN}}, {{NOR}} and {{SWE}} * [[Scandinavian Airlines|Scandinavian Airlines System]] (SAS)<ref name="am525p723">{{harvnb|Forsgren|2025|pp=72–73}}</ref> ; {{SWE}} * [[AB Aerotransport|Aktiebolaget Aerotransport]] (ABA)

==Accidents and incidents== Three VASP Scandias were lost in fatal crashes with a further two written off in non-fatal accidents.<ref name="Stroud p60">{{harvnb|Stroud|1992|p=60}}</ref><ref name="ASN index">{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=ASN Aviation Safety Database results: SAAB Scandia |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/database/dblist.php?field=typecode&var=411%25&cat=%251&sorteer=datekey&page=1 |access-date=29 June 2011 |website=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref>

*December 30, 1958: a [[VASP]] Saab Scandia 90A-1 registration PP-SQE flying from [[Santos Dumont Airport|Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont]] to [[São Paulo–Congonhas Airport|São Paulo-Congonhas]] 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]]. Of the 34 passengers and crew aboard, 20 died.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accident description PP-SQE |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19581230-0 |accessdate=17 August 2011 |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=[[Flight Safety Foundation]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=César |first=Carlos Ari |title=O rastro da bruxa: história da aviação comercial brasileira no século XX através dos seus acidentes 1928–1996 |last2=da Silva |first2=Germano |publisher=EDIPUCRS |year=2008 |isbn=978-85-7430-760-2 |edition=2 |place=Porto Alegre |pages=171–173 |language=pt |trans-title=The trail of the witch: history of Brazilian commercial aviation in the 20th century through its accidents 1928–1996 |chapter=Ponte aérea das doze horas |trans-chapter=Twelve o'clock air bridge}}</ref> *September 23, 1959: a [[VASP]] Saab Scandia 90A-1 registration PP-SQV en route from [[São Paulo–Congonhas Airport|São Paulo-Congonhas]] to [[Santos Dumont Airport|Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont]] during climb after takeoff did not gain enough height and crashed {{frac|1|1|2}} minutes out of São Paulo, killing all 20 passengers and crew.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accident description PP-SQV |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19590923-1 |accessdate=18 August 2011 |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=César |first=Carlos Ari |title=O rastro da bruxa: história da aviação comercial brasileira no século XX através dos seus acidentes 1928–1996 |last2=da Silva |first2=Germano |publisher=EDIPUCRS |year=2008 |isbn=978-85-7430-760-2 |edition=2 |place=Porto Alegre |pages=177–181 |language=pt |trans-title=The trail of the witch: history of Brazilian commercial aviation in the 20th century through its accidents 1928–1996 |chapter=Falha de motor na decolagem |trans-chapter=Engine failure on takeoff}}</ref> *November 26, 1962: a [[VASP]] Saab Scandia 90A-1 registration PP-SRA en route from [[São Paulo–Congonhas Airport|São Paulo-Congonhas]] to [[Santos Dumont Airport|Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont]] collided in the air over the Municipality of Paraibuna, State of São Paulo with a private [[Cessna 310]], registration PT-BRQ, en route from Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont to [[Campo de Marte Airport|São Paulo-Campo de Marte]]. Both were flying on the same [[Airway (aviation)|airway]] 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accident description PP-SRA and PT-BRQ |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19621126-1 |accessdate=2 June 2011 |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=César |first=Carlos Ari César |title=O rastro da bruxa: história da aviação comercial brasileira no século XX através dos seus acidentes 1928–1996 |last2=da Silva |first2=Germano |publisher=EDIPUCRS |year=2008 |isbn=978-85-7430-760-2 |edition=2 |place=Porto Alegre |pages=214–216 |language=pt |trans-title=The trail of the witch: history of Brazilian commercial aviation in the 20th century through its accidents 1928–1996 |chapter=No céu de Paraibuna |trans-chapter=In the sky of Paraibuna}}</ref>

==Surviving aircraft== [[File:Saab 90А-2 Scandia.jpg|thumb|right|Saab 90 Scandia PP-SQR in [[Bebedouro]], [[Brazil]]]]

As of 2007, only one 90 Scandia, PP-SQR, remains. It stands outdoors in at the {{Interlanguage link|Eduardo André Matarazzo Museum of Weapons, Vehicles and Machines|lt=Eduardo André Matarazzo Museum of Weapons, Vehicles and Machines|pt|Museu de Armas, Veículos e Máquinas Eduardo André Matarazzo|es|Museo de Armas, Vehículos y Máquinas Eduardo André Matarazzo}} in Bebedouro, Brazil.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PP-SQR |url=http://fesa.be/PP-SQR.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930111407/http://fesa.be/PP-SQR.html |archive-date=2007-09-30}}</ref>

==Specifications==

[[File:Saab 90 3-view Les Ailes March 22, 1947.png|thumb|Saab 90 Scandia]]

{{Aircraft specs |ref=From Seventeen to Thirty-Nine,<ref name="AE33 p15">{{harvnb|Green|Swanborough|1987|p=15}}</ref> |prime units?=met  |crew=3 + cabin attendant |capacity=24 or 32 passengers / {{cvt|10.7|m3|1}} cargo underfloor<ref name=JAWA1947>{{harvnb|Bridgman|1947|pp=167c–168c}}</ref> |length m=21.3 |length note= |span m=28 |span note= |height m=7.4 |height note= |wing area sqm=85.7 |wing area note= |aspect ratio=9.15:1<ref name=JAWA1947/> |airfoil= |empty weight kg=9960 |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg=15900 |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity={{cvt|2000|L|USgal impgal}}<ref name=JAWA1947/> |more general=  |eng1 number=2 |eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney R-2180-E Twin Wasp E]] |eng1 type=14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines |eng1 hp=1825 |eng1 note=(with water injection)

|prop blade number=4 |prop name=constant-speed feathering propellers |prop dia m= |prop dia note=  |max speed kmh=450 |max speed note=at {{cvt|2600|m|0}} |cruise speed kmh=340 |cruise speed note=(normal cruise) |stall speed kmh= |stall speed note= |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed note= |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed note= |range km=2650 |range note= |combat range km= |combat range note= |ferry range km= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling m=7500 |ceiling note= |g limits= |roll rate= |climb rate ms=7.5 |climb rate note=<ref name="Flight48 p609">{{harvnb|Smith|1948|p=609}}</ref> |time to altitude= |fuel consumption kg/km= |power/mass= |more performance= |avionics= }}

==See also== {{Aircontent  |see also= |related= |similar aircraft= * [[CASA C-207 Azor]] * [[Convair CV-240 family]] * [[Douglas DC-3]] * [[Martin 4-0-4]] * [[Vickers VC.1 Viking]] |lists= }}

==References== {{reflist}}

*{{cite book |last=Andersson|first=Hans G. |title=Saab Aircraft since 1937 |year=1989 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution Press |location=Washington, D.C. |isbn=0-87474-314-1}} * {{cite book |last1=Annerfalk |first1=Anders |title=Saab Scandia : historien om ett trafikflygplan |date=1987 |publisher=Aviatic |location=Hägersten, Sweden |isbn=91-86642-00-6 |language=sv |trans-title=Saab Scandia: the story of an airliner}} * {{cite book |editor1-last=Bridgman |editor1-first=Leonard |title=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1947 |year=1947 |publisher=Sampson Low, Marston & Co |location=London}} * {{cite magazine |last=Forsgren |first=Jan |title=Database: Saab 90 Scandia |magazine=[[Aeroplane Monthly|Aeroplane]] |date=May 2025 |volume=53 |issue=5 |pages=63–75 |issn=0143-7240}} * {{cite magazine |last1=Green |first1=William|last2=Swanborough |first2=Gordon |date=May 1987 |title=From Seventeen to Thirty-Nine: A Saab Half-Century |url= |magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]]|ISSN=0143-5450 |volume=33 |pages=9–25, 60–68}} *{{cite magazine|last1=Smith|first1=Maurice A. |title=Scandia Discussed|journal=[[Flight International|Flight]]|date=3 June 1948|volume=LIII|issue=2058|pages=607-613|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_flight-international_1948-06-03_53_2058/page/n31/mode/2up|accessdate=11 April 2025}} * {{cite magazine |last=Stroud |first=John |title=Post War Propliners – Part 4 |magazine=[[Aeroplane Monthly]] |date=September 1992 |volume=20 |issue=9 |pages=55–60 |issn=0143-7240 }}

==External links== {{commons category|Saab Scandia}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070929084200/http://myaviation.net/search/search.php?view=&aircraft=Saab%2090A2%20Scandia MyAviation.net photo gallery]

[[Category:1940s Swedish airliners]] [[Category:Saab aircraft|90]] [[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1946]] [[Category:Low-wing aircraft]] [[Category:Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft]] [[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]