Sjösala viggen
To help facilitate the policy, Stockholm also adhered to a strict policy of indigenous design, development, and production of its frontline military equipment — notably aircraft. Moreover, the new fighter needed to be easy to refuel and rearm by conscript-level troops. It was also the first canard-designed aircraft to be mass-produced, and at its introduction, it was the most advanced fighter jet in Europe and remained so until the Panavia Tornado entered service in Several distinct variants of the Saab S37 Viggen were produced and these include the AJ37, which was designed to fulfill a strike fighter role; the aerial reconnaissance SF37; the SH37 maritime patrol version; a two-seat trainer SK37 version; and the JA37 all-weather fighter-interceptor.
From to some of the Viggens were produced, and Sweden was the only operator. In November , the platform was retired.
Meet the Saab S37 Viggen: The Fighter Jet Built for One Mission
An afterburner was added to the S37, while the airframe also featured a thrust-reverser, which could be used during landings. It was the first aircraft to feature both an afterburner and thrust-reverser — a feature later seen in the Tornado and the Concorde commercial airliner. With its limited short take-off and landing STOL abilities, the Viggen could operate from airstrips that were around meters.
The aircraft had a maximum speed of Mach 2. The RM 8 engine provided a rate of climb of meters per second. Designed as a single-seat aircraft, the Viggen featured advanced avionics, which included a central computer and heads-up display to replace a human navigator. Saab had initially marketed the aircraft around the world, but Swedish export laws were an issue — while the United States also blocked a potential sale to India by not granting an export license for the engine, as it used American technology, thus giving Washington a say.
Saab 37 Viggen – Sweden’s Thunderbolt in the Sky
While the Saab S37 Viggen was never used in combat, this aircraft would have been like a thunderbolt from the heavens had any pilot of the Saab S37 Viggen taken to the skies in anger. Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites.
He regularly writes about military small arms and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress , which is available on Amazon. Expert Biography: A Senior Editor for , Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3, published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism.
He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, and international affairs.
SAAB 37 Viggen
Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes. You can follow him on Twitter: PeterSuciu. Original Reporting. Privacy Policy The Embassy. Connect with us. Hi, what are you looking for? Written By Peter Suciu. Recent Posts. Share Tweet.