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On 11 July 1969 Saab flew the prototype (SE-301) of a two/three-seat civil/military trainer or general utility aircraft to which it had allocated the designation Saab-MFI 15. As then flown it was powered by a 119kW Avco Lycoming IO-320-B2 flat-four engine and had a conventional low-set tailplane, but this was modified subsequently to T-tail configuration to minimise damage when operating from rough airfields.
The prototype was flown on 26 February 1971 with a more powerful Avco Lycoming engine, which became the standard powerplant for the production version, which was re-designated Saab Safari. A braced shoulder-wing monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear, available optionally with tailwheel landing gear, it provides side-by-side enclosed accommodation for two and has dual controls as standard.
A military version designated originally Saab-MFI 17 was flown on 6 July 1972 and differed from the Safari by being equipped more specifically for use as a military trainer, or for such duties as artillery observation, forward air control and liaison; this version was later named Saab Supporter.
In August 1978 Saab flew a version of the Safari with a 157kW Continental flat-six turbocharged engine; designated Safari TS it did not progress beyond the prototype stage.
Saab built a combined total of about 250 Safari/Supporter aircraft before production ended in the late 1970s. Military Supporters were supplied to the Pakistan air force and army (45), Royal Danish air force (32, which designated it T-17) and Zambian air force (20). Licence-production of this aircraft was started in Pakistan during 1976, initially from kits supplied by Saab, but there has been a gradual change to indigenous manufacture from raw materials. Designated Mushshak in Pakistan, more than 150 have been built.
 | A three-view drawing (800 x 684) |
| MODEL | Saab-Safari |
| ENGINE | 1 x Avco Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 piston engine, 149kW |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 1200 kg | 2646 lb |
| Operating empty weight | 646 kg | 1424 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 8.85 m | 29 ft 0 in |
| Length | 7.0 m | 22 ft 12 in |
| Height | 2.6 m | 8 ft 6 in |
| Wing area | 11.9 m2 | 128.09 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 235 km/h | 146 mph |
| Ceiling | 4100 m | 13450 ft |
mwenya, kabgiy(@)yahoo.com, 09.07.2008
What do you do when throttle linkage disconnect whilst airborne
Tony, anthony.vandenheuvel(@)standardbank.co.za, 27.05.2008
I am rebuilding a MFI15 serial number 004, originally from Sierra lione air force. Aircraft TT950 hours and no damage.
I am looking for a canopy and sun screen. Lift strut upper fairings and original set of seat belts, fuel tank sender units. Any help will be appreciated. I live in South Africa.
Stephen Sauger, flyman2(@)cfl.rr.com, 20.05.2008
-Are there any photographs available? Am planning on building an R/C model of it.
Jan Sundin, sundin(@)ljusdal.net, 11.05.2008
I have one of the latest MFI 15-200A build by SAAB. A friend of mine brought it back from Ethiopia and I with good help of a mechanic i Trollhattan rebuild it. It was then in Normal category. Now I have got it over to experimental which helps a lot when you have to intstall new gadgets. EASA for sure dont make thing easy. I have now flown my plane for nerly 2000 hours and I can assure you it is a very nice plane to fly.
ED, bvillerock(@)juno.com, 02.05.2008
I was involved in the NGT (next generation trainer) program in the 1980s while employed by Schweizer Aircraft. We were supplied with a Safari (SE-FIT) which we installed a six cylinder continental of 250 HP. With this engine it was the only aircraft to meet and exceed the performance specs desired by the Air Force. The specs were subsequently lowered because you can't have a competition with only one aircraft. The aircraft was wonderful to fly! Rate of climb was impressive, stalls were gentle, and aerobatics were great! Schweizer lost the competition due to politics. The NGT was awarded to Slingsby. All of those aircraft were later destroyed by the Air Force as being too dangerous to fly. This never would have happened with the Safari. I too would love to have one of these planes!
Arne Kallenberg, arne.kallenberg(@)bredband.net, 18.03.2008
I was involved building the aircraft in the mid.70"s, and
I worked as a forman on the front fuselage building/ assembling rear fuselage. (Connected upside down).
I was involved in 25 aircraft to 6 or 7 diffrent countries.
It was SAAB Supporter 17 we made. I still have original blueprints in my wardrobe. Very strong aircraft.
Unfortunately there were not build so many planes.
It was a very highquality aircraft. Ther was no restriction
what you could perform in the air, eccept backing from a loop, they said.Sweden never bought the plane.
My reg. Arne.
Antoine Bussat, abussat(@)bluewin.ch, 04.03.2008
Hello,
I'm very very interested by the Saab aircraft Safari MFI 15 / 200 and would like know if there is a club or a site where it could be possible to acquire one of those beautiful bird. Thank you so much for any help!
Roger, scratchdeeper(@)aol.com, 21.02.2008
This airplane exist in a smaller version. Originally it was called MFI Junior, It was Malmo Flyg Industry that built it, later the german company Bolkow built it. It was a two seater, and smaller, but exactly the same concept.
Michael, mgrabbe1890(@)comcast.net, 23.11.2007
Would love to see this aircraft in the US, either as a certified machine or as a kit.
Bob Murphie, scud.murphie(@)bigpond.com, 30.06.2007
As certified, this aircraft could fit into the new light sport aircraft catagory here in Australia. Basic requirements are that it be factory supplied, not exceed 750 kg AUW and were one to utilise the Australian built Jabiru aircraft engine of 120 HP there would be a market here in Australia.
The self administrating body is the Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus).
The aircraft could easily be assembled here from a kit form and does not need any % builder input. It can be sold as a factory item.
Alternatively, there are moves afoot for a weight increase to 750 Kgs from 550 kgs for registration as a kit/ home built/ experimental ultralight sport aircraft. The present 550 kgs is a limiting factor however.
Lin Light, linlight(@)comcast.net, 28.01.2007
Would like to construct a smaller version. Just a two place under U.S. experimental rules and some help from EAA.
lin light, linlight(@)comcast.net, 21.12.2006
Would like to build an experimental version of this plane.
Know where I could get some detailed drawing?
xarsa@ig.com.br, 04.12.2006
maximo
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Do you have any comments concerning this aircraft ?
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