This past week I ran into a few pictures of the Saab 900, Saab Group's one of the most popular automobile models...(Side Note: Saab 900 production ceased in 1998). I recall, years ago, I used to occasionally ride-share with a colleague who owned a Saab 900...it had felt like a sleek and nice car...compared to my run-of-the-mill generic mode of transportation...🙂...and, when I caught sight of these Saab 900 pictures, also, I could not help remembering the (iconic) Saab (car) Advertisement by Tony Scott...it was a breathtaking Ad in its own right, at least when, I'd seen it the first time. If you wish to be reminded of it, please search for the 1m:48s video clip "SAAB - 'Nothing On Earth Comes Close'". Notice at the end, how the (Saab) fighter jet, a 37 Viggen, I believe, speeding down the Rwy center line, catches up with the Saab 900, and then lifts off majestically just over it casting a sweeping shadow on its fuselage...all this, a bit too much maybe, but a masterful piece of direction, nonetheless....

And, Top Gun fans might know that this Ad has been (unofficially) credited with winning for Tony Scott the coveted Director Role for the film Top Gun (you'll see why when you see the Ad). Tony Scott's Saab commercial had appeared in 1984, and the (original) Top Gun was released in 1986, making the protagonist of the film, a household name...🙂...

Since the 1930s, Saab has been making planes (mostly military - you may wish to take a look at pictures of e.g. 1940's Saab 17, and the modern Gripen/Draken/Viggen). Saab a/c are known for their remarkable design and innovation. For the civilian market, Saab produced the Saab 340 and Saab 2000, which were also their very last civilian models (the final Saab 2000 was delivered to Crossair in April 1999). The 340, a versatile, economical, and reliable turboprop, was a favorite among (regional) airlines, across the world, from the Hawaiian islands to the Swiss Alps. The Saab 2000 was a stretched derivative of the Saab 340. Unlike the 340 (which had GE engines, see close-ups below), the 2000 was powered by Allison Engines, the same engine brand that powered the (legendary) Lockheed C-130 Hercules, (and was considered good enough to be acquired by, and carry the prestigious (twin R) symbol of, Rolls-Royce).

For locale, of my post, I'm using two cities in Sweden's neighboring country, Norway, (Alesund/ENAL and Oslo/ENGM). I've included, below, images of both the Saab 2000 and the Saab 340. The two sets are separated by a couple of twilight (aerial) shots, one each of Alesund and Oslo airports. The Saab 2000, below, is in the "old" SAS livery (1980s color, one of my favorites, with the (composite) Scandinavian flag, less commonly seen here vs. the newer SAS liveries e.g. the traditional paint with those unmistakable red engines or the latest paint without the red, but blue-rimmed engines)...

The Saab 2000 is lifting off Alesund (ENAL) off the coast of Norwegian Sea, and the Saab 340 is nearing Oslo (ENGM) and banking for ILS Rwy 19R...the (short) 200nm flight spans west-to-southeast across Southern Norway (please see GTN750 Map screenshot for geographical orientation of route)...

The Saab 340 is in the (fictitious reg.) color of Norwegian Air Shuttle. The Tail Fin Hero depicted, in the S340 repaint, below, is Edvard Munch, a Norwegian painter, best known for his work, The Scream: "Munch recalled that he had been out for a walk at sunset when suddenly the setting sun's light turned the clouds "a blood red". He sensed an "infinite scream passing through nature". Scholars have located the spot to a fjord overlooking Oslo..."

Oh well...Am I glad...I'm nearing the source of his inspiration, Oslo, in my virtual flight, here,....🙂...

Hope you enjoy these SAAB images...!! Thanks for your interest...!!

[Vcol (Saab 2000), Carenado (Saab 340), Orbx (Norway)]

Edited October 9, 20214 yr by P_7878

Nice pictures and welcome information. Always liked the Saab 340. And I made it a point to trudge over to the Munch Museum on the one occasion I was in Oslo. So your post hits all the right marks for me.🙂

John

Great shots! 😉 

Another great set of shots, thanks for showing. 👍🏽

cheers 😉

***Wonderful Series***

John, Alaska738, pmplayer, Patrick, and folks:

Many thanks...!!

 

John: Must have been wonderful to visit the Munch Museum in Oslo...!

Patrick: Looks like Top Gun: Maverick...is not released yet...🙂....