Saab-MFI 15/17 Safari-Supporter

1971

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Saab-MFI 17 Supporter

On 11 July 1969 Saab flew the prototype (SE-301) of a two/three-seat civil/military trainer or general utility aircraft to which it had allocated the designation Saab-MFI 15. As then flown it was powered by a 119kW Avco Lycoming IO-320-B2 flat-four engine and had a conventional low-set tailplane, but this was modified subsequently to T-tail configuration to minimise damage when operating from rough airfields.

The prototype was flown on 26 February 1971 with a more powerful Avco Lycoming engine, which became the standard powerplant for the production version, which was re-designated Saab Safari. A braced shoulder-wing monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear, available optionally with tailwheel landing gear, it provides side-by-side enclosed accommodation for two and has dual controls as standard.

A military version designated originally Saab-MFI 17 was flown on 6 July 1972 and differed from the Safari by being equipped more specifically for use as a military trainer, or for such duties as artillery observation, forward air control and liaison; this version was later named Saab Supporter.

In August 1978 Saab flew a version of the Safari with a 157kW Continental flat-six turbocharged engine; designated Safari TS it did not progress beyond the prototype stage.

Saab built a combined total of about 250 Safari/Supporter aircraft before production ended in the late 1970s. Military Supporters were supplied to the Pakistan air force and army (45), Royal Danish air force (32, which designated it T-17) and Zambian air force (20). Licence-production of this aircraft was started in Pakistan during 1976, initially from kits supplied by Saab, but there has been a gradual change to indigenous manufacture from raw materials. Designated Mushshak in Pakistan, more than 150 have been built.

3-View 
Saab-MFI 15/17 Safari-SupporterA three-view drawing (800 x 684)

Specification 
 MODELSaab-Safari
 ENGINE1 x Avco Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 piston engine, 149kW
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight1200 kg2646 lb
  Loaded weight646 kg1424 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan8.85 m29 ft 0 in
  Length7.0 m23 ft 12 in
  Height2.6 m9 ft 6 in
  Wing area11.9 m2128.09 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed235 km/h146 mph
  Ceiling4100 m13450 ft

Comments1-20 21-40 41-60
Bob Murphie, e-mail, 30.06.2007 04:02

As certified, this aircraft could fit into the new light sport aircraft catagory here in Australia. Basic requirements are that it be factory supplied, not exceed 750 kg AUW and were one to utilise the Australian built Jabiru aircraft engine of 120 HP there would be a market here in Australia.

The self administrating body is the Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus).

The aircraft could easily be assembled here from a kit form and does not need any % builder input. It can be sold as a factory item.

Alternatively, there are moves afoot for a weight increase to 750 Kgs from 550 kgs for registration as a kit / home built / experimental ultralight sport aircraft. The present 550 kgs is a limiting factor however.

reply

ulderico pace, e-mail, 02.01.2021 Bob Murphie

Dear Bob

Do you have Saab or Bolkow drawings?

Best regards

Eng. Aer. Ulderico Esteban Pace
Mendoza Argentina
+54 9 261 5362607 *Whatsapp
Skype: estebanpace

reply

xarsa@ig.com.br, 04.12.2006 03:54

maximo

reply

lin light, e-mail, 21.12.2006 05:59

Would like to build an experimental version of this plane.
Know where I could get some detailed drawing?

reply

ulderico pace, e-mail, 02.01.2021 lin light

Dear Lin

Do you have Saab or Bolkow drawings?

Best regards

Eng. Aer. Ulderico Esteban Pace
Mendoza Argentina
+54 9 261 5362607 *Whatsapp
Skype: estebanpace

reply

Lin Light, e-mail, 28.01.2007 05:31

Would like to construct a smaller version. Just a two place under U.S. experimental rules and some help from EAA.

reply

1-20 21-40 41-60

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