Saab 340

Designed by Saab-Scania and Fairchild Industries, the Saab-Fairchild 340 was a unique aviation collaboration between European and US partners. Fairchild produced the tail unit and wings (complete with engine nacelles) while Saab was responsible for 75% of the development costs, system integration and certification. First deliveries were to launch customer Crossair in July 1984 and by 1995 Fairchild withdrew from the program due to financial difficulties.

Saab's assembly line ceased production in 1998. Sales had dropped dramatically as the demand for regional turboprops diminished with the emergence of regional jets. The last two SF-340s were sold to Hokkaido Air System and Japan Air Commuter on May 21 and 4 June 1999.

SPECIFICATION

First flight: 25 January 1983
Wingspan: 70 ft. 4 in. / 21.44 m
Length: 64 ft. 9 in. / 19.73 m
Height: 22 ft. 11 in. / 6.97 m
Ceiling: 12,140 ft.
Range: 785 nm / 1,450 km
MTOW: 17,945 lbs / 8,140 kg
Power plant: Two General Electric CT7-9B2
Speed: 280 knots / 519 km/h / 0.42 mach
Crew: 2
Accommodation: 30-37 in one or two class configuration