The 2000 was a follow on to the Saab 340 but it was much like the Lockheed Electra in that it got caught in the transition period between fast turboprops and RJs. The airplane was in fact much more advanced than many of the RJs but the public didn't want to see those swingy things in the air.. they assumed that swingy things were throw backs when in fact, the 2000 was fast, economical, could haul a load and had numerous advances including anti-noise or active noise where you analyze the noise and create the same wave but 180 out of phase.

SAAB used multiple Cray computers to study noise and how it was transmitted both airborne and structure borne. The props were shaped by studies and the engines were located after CRAY computers showed noise paths. BUT.. SAAB ran into problems with feel...control feel. The control feel changed significantly with configuration and speed. So while they were much ahead of everyone else initially, they fell behind and were overtaken by the RJs while the solved their problems.

First was a MECs which wa a Mechanical Elevator Control system which was replaced by a PECs which was a Powered Elevator Control. By the time they got it sorted out, the RJs had passed them by and everyone wanted JETS although the JETS could carry people and fuel, bags and fuel, people and bags but NOT people, bags AND fuel. SAAB decided to fold the tent unfortunately.

One thing... never drink with the Swedes. They will have you blind in an hour with all their toasts and good will... but they can build airplanes. Although they are not a front line show, their Tunan was a good machine followed by the radical Draken and then the Viggen and now the Gripen.. a very nice little machine that can operate essentially off your country road.