In August 1980, Sweden took delivery of its first Sabreliner from Rockwell in the USA. The aircraft in question was a 1965 built Sabreliner 40A (c/n 282-49) which was given the Swedish designation ‘Tp86’ and registered 86001. Two years later, another 40A was acquired (c/n 282-91) and was provided with the serial 86002. Sweden continued to fly two Sabreliner up until 2005, when 86002 was retired and became an instructional airframe at Malmen, leaving just 86001 to perform all test and evaluation flights over the next 20 years to June 2025. Throughout the years, both aircraft have provided FMV with a test and evaluation platform for various taskings, including the testing of radar warning systems for early SAAB Gripen models, meteorological investigations and the testing of the ‘CARABAS’ radar system amongst other roles.

A decision was made in 2023 to keep the aircraft operational until 2025, in order to maintain and have a test platform available until the aircraft’s replacement (Learjet 60) was ready. Over the past 2 years Tp86 86001 flew less than 10 hours per annum until its eventual retirement and final flight on the 18th June 2025, where it performed one final mission on behalf of FOI on its 60th year of flight. Since 1980, the Tp86 Sabreliner 40A has been a crucial asset for Sweden’s Defence Material Administration (FMV) in projects such as the development of Electronic Warfare System testing for the Gripen and validation of FOI’s SAR research. The Sabreliner will be missed by all including pilots Dan & Michael and engineer Peter. The mission will now continue with a more modern platform from Malmen, which is expected to serve until at least 2035.