It was originally established as "Nohab Flygmotorfabriker AB" in 1930 to produce aero engines. The firm became a part of the SAAB during 1937; Volvo later purchased most of the stock, thus it was renamed "Svenska Flygmotor AB" ("SFA") and later "Volvo Flygmotor". It became the major engine supplier of the Swedish Air Force during the post-war period. During the 1970s, Volvo Flygmotor branched into the commercial aerospace sector, offering overhauls and subcomponent production for several international engine manufacturers, as well as into the European space sector.