Part 5/9:
As the need for advanced computing grew, Saab sought to independently develop computers to support its aircraft design processes. The SARA (Saab's Arithmetic Machine) was completed in 1957 and further represented Saab's growing computing capabilities. SARA was notable for employing magnetic tapes for data storage—innovative for its time.
In 1959, Saab embarked on a project with the Swedish Air Force to create an advanced navigation computer for the Saab 37 Viggen fighter jet. The result was the D2, heralded as Europe’s first transistorized computer. The success of D2 led to the founding of Datasaab in 1963, aimed at commercializing their developments.