In 1947, the first work on a supersonic fighter aircraft began in Sweden, led by engineer Erik Bratt. In 1949, together with the Swedish Air Force command, the tactical and technical requirements for the new fighter were established – it was to achieve supersonic speed, high rate of climb, all-weather capability, range covering the entire territory of Sweden, short takeoff and landing enabling operation from road airstrip sections, ease of maintenance and combat readiness restoration, and small dimensions facilitating transport and hangaring.
The armament was to consist of cannons and guided missiles. In 1951, an innovative double-delta aerodynamic configuration was adopted. The prototype of the J-35 Draken (dragon) was first flown in October 1955. It was powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon 200 engine, manufactured under licence by Volvo Flygmotor under the designation RM6. In 1958, the first production J-35A was flown, which did not have full combat capability due to limited avionics. In 1959, the trainer version Sk 35C and the fully combat-capable J-35B were flown, the latter integrated into Sweden’s STRIL60 automated air defence system. In 1960, the improved J-35D was flown, and in 1963, the reconnaissance S-35E.
In 1965, production of the modernised J-35F began, equipped with a new fire control system, gun armament reduced to a single cannon, increased suspended weapons capacity, the ability to carry new AIM-4C and AIM-26B guided missiles (produced under licence in Sweden under the designations RB-28 and RB-27) and a new afterburner. It was produced until 1977. Between 1987 and 1991, 66 J-35F examples underwent avionics modernisation, adapting them for the use of the AIM-9L Sidewinder guided missile. This version received the designation J35J.
A total of 615 J-35 Drakens of all versions were produced. They were exported to Austria, Denmark and Finland. The J 35 initiated the series of Swedish supersonic fighters. Its successors are the JA-37 Viggen and JAS-39 Gripen.
The museum specimen, donated by the Royal Swedish Air Force in 1998, flew to Krakow under its own power.
| Wingspan | 9.4 m |
| Length | 15.35 m |
| Takeoff weight | 15000 kg |
| Maximum speed | 2125 km/h |
| Ceiling | 20000 m |
| Range | (ferry) 2840 km |
| Armament | Aden 30 mm cannon, AIM-9L air-to-air guided missiles, RB-27 and RB-28, bombs, unguided rocket launchers and auxiliary fuel tanks on eight underwing and underfuselage hardpoints- |
| Engine | RM6C with 7750 kG thrust |
