Saab JA37 Viggen
Photo from Kelly's Aviation Thumbnails -- Viggen
The Swedish SAAB type 37 Viggen or in English "Thunderbolt" has been another completely successful Swedish military aircraft program. The success of the Viggen can be demonstrated in the five different variants developed. The AJ is the most numerous, it performs Attack and Jakt (or fighter). SF: S for "spanning" or reconnaissance performs armed photo recon. SH performs armed sea reconnaissance. SK is a dual seat trainer. The newest version is a highly capable fighter the JA. The JA offers similar performance to the American F-15 Eagle with its look down shoot down capability. The JA carries out long range interception with a centerline drop tank, four Sky Flash,and two Sidewinder AAMs. The Viggen's design reflects Sweden defence philosophy which calls for STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) fighters to operate from highways and other dispersed landing strips. This is because the Swedish government has realized that in event of a nuclear conflict their normal airbases would be targeted and destroyed. So the Viggen uses its big delta wings and canards to gain additional lift this also adds to the Viggen's maneuverability in combat. The only problem with Viggen is that its big engine (incidently the same engine is installed in the Boeing 737-100/200, obviously without the afterburner) is very thirsty on takeoff, but is does allow for STOL.
Specifications
(Data for AJ 37 Viggen)
Origin: SAAB-Scania AB, Sweden
Type: Fighter/Bomber
Crew: Pilot
Powerplant: One Svenska Flygmotor RM8B afterburning turbofan delivering 12 750 kg (28 108 lbs) of thrust
Dimensions
Span: 10.6 m (34' 9.25")
Height: 5.6 m (18' 4.25")
Length: 16.4 m (53' 9.75")
Maximum Loaded Weight: 20 500 kg (45 195 lbs)
Performance
Maximum Speed: Mach 2+ (2 135 kph) (1 320 mph)
Sea Level: Mach 1.2 (1 470 kph) (910 miles)
Climb Rate:
Combat Range: 1 000 km (620 miles)
Service Ceiling:
Armament
One 30 mm Oerlikon KCA cannon & seven harpoints for RB71 (BAe Sky Flash) and RB24 (AIM-9 Sidewinder) AMMs, rockets, etc.
First Flight: November 4, 1977
User(s): Sweden
Production: 149
Unit Cost:
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