Air RB / Aircraft Database / Profile
Saab F-35
Sweden · Rank VII · Strike aircraft
- Acquisition Type
- Squadron
- Air RB battle rating
- 10.3Observed October 8, 2026
Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.
Aircraft overview
Saab F-35 rewards choosing the job before takeoff. For Air RB, decide whether you are supporting the fighters or making a ground-attack run, then carry for that job. Do not arrive at the merge with a strike load and no plan for the enemy fighters.
How to fly it
Set up the first engagement
Accelerate and approach beside the friendly push. Let the first contacts show you where the enemy team is committing before you close.
Make the attack count
Make one purposeful pass and check the sky on the way out. A second ground target is not worth circling beneath an approaching fighter.
Know when to break off
Leave when more enemies arrive, the target draws you away from support, or another turn costs the speed you need to escape. A teammate nearby is more useful than a duel you cannot finish.
Common mistakes
- Forcing the original plan. Following the same target after the first opportunity has gone and the surrounding fight has changed.
- Ignoring the next attacker. Look outside the target chase between attacks. The enemy arriving from behind is often the one who decides whether you get home.
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
Punish the occupied target
AIM-9B Sidewinder is an infrared option. A target chasing a teammate is a better opportunity than an opponent already flaring and turning away from you.
Make the first burst count
With 2 × 30 mm Akan m/55 cannon, line up the shot before you close. Fire a short burst as the target crosses the sight, then look outside the gunsight before deciding to follow.
Limitations
The strike load changes the fight
Extra ordnance costs weight and drag. If fighters reach you before the release, defend immediately instead of trying to finish the original run first.
The approach still matters
A missile in the loadout does not make a long straight pursuit useful. If the target is opening the distance or already defending, change the angle or look for another opportunity.
Recommended Air RB loadouts
AIM-9B Sidewinder
Use the infrared option against a target with little time to react. Judge the angle, closure and countermeasures before firing; a seeker lock alone is not a good reason to launch.
Leave the strike load behind
Take the air-combat fit with the missiles you intend to use when you are hunting aircraft. Bombs and rockets add weight; carry them for a planned ground attack rather than on every sortie.
Radar & defenses
React to warnings in time
A radar warning matters even when you nearly have your own shot. Make room to defend, and keep looking for infrared launches that the RWR cannot announce.
Check the countermeasure fit
Fit the available countermeasures for the threats you expect. For an infrared attack, cut afterburner if in use, flare and change the missile’s view of the aircraft. For radar threats, combine the appropriate defensive turn with chaff where fitted.
Ground attack & CAS
Choose the target before diving
For 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb, choose the target before the run and allow room to pull out clear of the blast. Turn away after release; watching the hit leaves you flying a predictable line over the target.
Set the sight before the run
Select the fitted weapon and its supported impact or release cue before entering the target area. Make the correction on the approach; do not circle over the target trying to work out the controls.
Handling & fuel
Keep speed for the next decision
Ease off the pull when the shot is gone. Recover speed and separation before deciding to turn back; holding maximum input through every reversal leaves fewer options.
Plan the return
Check fuel after the opening fight, especially if you have spent the approach on high power. Allow for the flight back and landing rather than using the hangar endurance as an afterburner timer.
Battle Rating History
| Observation | Battle rating |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2026 · Archive | 10.3 |
Unchanged on . Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 10.3.