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EspañolSAAB 37 VIGGEN
(Redirected from Saab Viggen)
:''See also the Saab 9-3 Viggen automobile''
The 'Saab 37 ''Viggen''' (''Thunderbolt'') is a Swedish fighter aircraft manufactured between 1970 and 1990 to replace the Saab J 35 Draken. The Viggen is a single seat (except SK 37), single engine fighter, all weather short-medium range missions.
The first studies aimed at developing a successor to the Draken were carried out between 1952 and 1957 involving the legendary Finnish aircraft designer Aarne Lakomaa. Construction started in 1964, with a first prototype maiden flight on 8 February 1967[1]. The aim was to produce a robust single-engined fighter with excellent STOL performance that could be operated from improvised facilities such as roads and highways in the event of nuclear attacks on major installations. Other requirements included supersonic ability at low level, Mach 2 performance at altitude, and the ability to make short landings at low angles of attack (to avoid damaging improvised runways).
To meet these design goals, Saab selected a radical canard configuration: a conventional delta wing with small, high-set canard wings. Canards have since become common in fighter aircraft, notably with the Eurofighter Typhoon and the IAI Kfir, but more meant as agility, over the STOL capabilities. The air intakes are simple D section models with boundary layer splitter plates. The inlet is fixed and does not have any adjustable geometry for improved pressure recovery.
The canards are behind the inlets and placed slightly higher than the main wing. The main wing is a complex delta with fixed leading edges. The tail (45 degrees in the leading edge) is single and very tall. The Viggen canards are not movable as control surfaces. The canard flaps are, however, deployed in conjunction with the landing gear to provide more lift. To withstand the stresses of no-flare landings, Saab made extensive use of titanium in the construction of the Viggen, especially in the fuselage; and incorporated an unusual wheel arrangement for the main landing gear, which has two tires in tandem. Such layout is common in airliners and cargo planes, but it is rare in fighters. The plane was designed from the beginning to be easy to repair and service, even for personnel without much training. It also features a foldable rear fin to make it easier to store in hangars.[2]
In 1960 the U.S. National Security Council, led by President Eisenhower, formulated a military security guarantee for Sweden. The U.S. promised to help Sweden militarily in case of a Soviet attack against Sweden. As a consequence of this Sweden and the U.S. signed a military-technology agreement. In what was known as the "37-annex" Sweden received access to advanced U.S. aeronautical technology. The access to large amounts of U.S. expertise made it possible to design and produce the Saab 37 Viggen much faster and cheaper than would otherwise have been possible.''Hemliga atomubåtar gav Sverige säkerhetsgaranti'' Framsyn 2005, Nr. 1 (The Swedish Defence Research Agency’s bi-monthly publication)
The reason for this officially unexplained U.S. support was, according to the doctoral research of Nils Bruzelius at the Swedish National Defence College, the need to protect U.S. Polaris submarines deployed just outside the Swedish west coast against the threat of Soviet anti-submarine aircraft.
The Viggen is powered by a single Svenska Flygmotor RM 8 turbofan. This is essentially a licence-built version of the same Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine that powered commercial airliners of the 1960s. An afterburner is added for the Viggen. The engine also incorporates a thrust-reverser to use during landings and land manoeuvers. Only the Viggen and the Panavia Tornado carry both afterburners and thrust-reversers.
A turbofan engine was chosen instead of a turbojet as in the Draken for better fuel economy and available thrust vs. size, in accordance with with the general trend of fighter development at that time.
SAAB had originally wanted the Pratt & Whitney TF30 as the Viggen powerplant. Since the engine was not finished at the time when the airframe vs. engine design size needed to be frozen, the civilian variant of the TF30 -the JT8D was chosen as the basis for a Volvo Aero modification instead.
The AJ, SF, SH and SK 37 models had the first version RM 8A engine with uprated internal components from the JT8D it was based on. Thrust is 65.6 kN dry and 115.7 kN with afterburner.
The weight, (around 2000 kg), and the dimensions (6,1x1,35 m), forced to abandon the slim fuselage of the Draken to host this engine, very powerful but with aroud a volume of 8 m3 [3]. If possible, as displayed also by the further Saab 39 Gripen and previous Saab 35 Draken, Sweden Airforce preferred aircraft as small as possible to reduce the costs and the complexity, but this propulsion unit was to say the least, really bulky[3]. In the fuselage and wings there is around 5,000l. fuel, not a great quantity compared to this big aircraft, a coevus of MiG.23 and Mirage F.1, much slimmers thanks to a smaller turbojet. Al-21F-4, as example, has around 3,000l. volume and 4,8x0,885 m.[4] .Fuel consumption was 17/71 mg/N combat /AB inserted.
Su-22/24s have, with Lyulka AL-21F, a specific fuel consumption of 0,9, but have more space for fuel and a more streamined structure. Also, the fuel consumption at maximum AB of an high bypass ratio turbine is very high, opposite to the economy displayed at cruise speed, so it is said that Viggen consumption is around 15kg/sec, or that the internal fuel ends in 7 minuts at maximum AB (the Sukhoy Su-7 is ufficially called for 8 minutes at max. AB, with an almost as powerful engine and 3,000l. internal fuel). The refuelling in the air is not available for swedish fighters as their defensive tasks, even if Sweden is a large country. In every case, the range at low level, 1300kg load, is around 500km, and up to 1000 at altitude[3].
For the JA 37, the RM 8A was modified to an 8B by replacing one LP compressor stage with a fan stage and improved combustor, turbine and afterburner. Thrust is 72.1 kN dry and 125.0 kN with afterburner.
The fuselage and wings hold approximately 5,000 l of fuel. Given that the fuel consumption is 0.7 for cruise speeds, the overall range is not particularly high. Other aircraft with conventional turbojets had similar range using less fuel. Mirage F1 for example, has 4,000 litres of internal fuel and good endurance.
Also, the fuel consumption at maximum AB (afterburner) of a high bypass ratio turbine is very high, opposite to the economy displayed at cruise speed. The Viggen consumption is around 15 kg/sec, which means that the internal fuel ends in seven minutes at maximum AB. Refueling in the air is not available for Swedish fighters as they are designed for defensive tasks. In every case, the range at low level with a 1,300 kg load, is around 500 km, and up to 1,000 km at altitude.
The undercarriage is rather unconventional for fighters, with two bogie wheels, permitting the aircraft to be used in wet and icy conditions. With the wheels in bogie instead of tandem configuration, the use of a thinner wing was permitted.
Compared to other land based fighters/interceptors, the Viggen can do a no-flare landing at at a very high sink rate of 5 m/s, similar to carrier based fighters. All these characteristics and the thrust reverser (up to 3,600 kg) are enough to make operations possible from 500 m airstrips, with minimal support.
The Viggen featured a Datasaab navigational computer, which by Swedish standards was a significant technological achievement for the time. It utilised the STRIL 60 system to be linked with the Swedish defence systems. There was also an RWR system in the wings and the tail, a series of electronic sub-systems and a multirole radar. A 200,000 op/second combat computer, derived by the F-14 Tomcat, was employed. All the electronics weighed 600kg, which was an impressive amount for a single engine, late 1960s fighter.
Weapons are up to 6t in 7 hardpoints. Sidewinders, Falcons, Mavericks, RB 04, 05 and 15 are used, as well 120 fragmentation bombs (Virgo). 135mm rockets, available in five tube launchers and several different warheads, included semi-armour piercing.
Since a fighter version was not initially considered, there was no internal gun on the first versions but external gun pods could be carried. The later JA 37 fighter version got an Oerlikon KCA 30mm internal cannon.
The first operational squadron was established in 1972 at Såtenäs with the ground attack optimized version. 110 of the original 'AJ 37' and 18 'SK 37' two-seat trainers (usually only with one hardpoint for wing), were delivered.
A total of 26 of the 'SH 37' maritime reconnaissance and strike version were built in 1974, replacing the S 32C Saab Lansen. Although fitted with radar and weaponry, the SH 37 Viggen could undertake long range photographic missions.
A further 26 of the 'SF 37' reconnaissance version to replace the S 35 Draken in 1975 were also delivered. These were recognizable by an elongated nose, equipped with cameras.
Although the Viggen was offered for sale worldwide, and regarded as a very competent aircraft, no export sales occurred. Reasons to explain Saab's failure to sell a competitively priced, highly advanced and well-respected aircraft include the Swedish government's relatively strict controls on arms exports to undemocratic countries, potential customers' doubts about continuity of support and supply of spare parts in the event of a conflict disapproved of by Sweden, and strong diplomatic pressure of larger nations. United States blocked an export of Viggen to India in 1978 by not issuing an export license for the RM8/JT8D engine, forcing India to choose the SEPECAT Jaguar instead.[6]
The Viggen saw initial service in natural metal, later on receiving an extremely elaborate disruptive camouflage scheme; and then a light/dark gray on its final days.
The final Viggen production variant was the 'JA 37' interceptor entering service in 1980. The last of 149 JA 37s was delivered in 1990. Differences from the previous models were; an improved and more powerful engine, a new interception radar, new computers, HUD, ECM and some other subsystems were also fitted. The aircraft had also a new PS-46 interception radar, with lookdown/shootdown capability up to 50km.
In the cockpit, three multi-purpose CRT are fitted; a noticeable achievement for a 1970s fighter.
The new radar is compatible with the Skyflash medium range missiles, for the first time in a Swedish fighter. Two Skyflash missiles can be carried under the wings on hardpoints, as well as four Sidewinder J or L models. Another important improvement was the addition of an internal cannon: an Oerlikon KCA 30mm with 150 rounds of 360 gr projectiles. Firing rate is selectable at 22 or 11 rounds/s. The autopilot is slaved to the radar control to obtain the best precision when firing the cannon. The useful range is up to 2,000 m in aerial combat.
The new version of engine assured better performances for an interceptor fighter, at the expense of a slight heavier weight (5,75:1 kg/t:kg) and a slight better fuel consumption.
Also structural strength is improved, especially for the multi-sparred wings (initially Viggens had an high loss rate, with 21 machines lost in the early years).
Various upgrades have been performed over the years, mainly to cockpit equipment, weapons and sensor fit. In 1985, the "fighter link" went into service which permitted encrypted data communication between four fighters and ground radar based fighter command. This enabled one fighter to "paint" an airborne enemy with guidance radar for Skyflash missiles for the three other fighters in the group while they have their search and guidance radar off. This system was operational ten years before any other country's.[7]
Between 1998 and 2000, ten SK 37 trainers were converted to SK 37E electronic warfare trainers to replace the aging J 32E Lansen.
The Viggen has been phased out in favor of the advanced later generation JAS 39 Gripen.
;AJ 37: Primary a single-seat ground-attack fighter aircraft, with a secondary fighter role. First delivery in 1971. Serial numbers 37001-37108. RM 8A powerplant. PS 37A radar. Decommissioned in 2000.
;JA 37: Primary a single-seat all-weather interceptor fighter, with a secondary attack role. First delivery in 1979. Serial numbers 37301-37449. 10cm (4in.) stretch of AJ 37 fuselage between canard and main wing. PS 46A LD/SD radar
;SF 37: Single-seat photographic reconnaissance aircraft. First delivery in 1975. Radar replaced with four cameras. Serial numbers 37950-37977
;SH 37: Single-seat maritime reconnaissance and strike aircraft. First delivery in 1975. PS-371A radar. Serial numbers 37901-37927
;SK 37: Two-seat trainer aircraft. First delivery in 1973. No radar. Can carry unguided weapons. Serial numbers 37801-37817
;SK 37E: Electronic warfare trainer. Conversion of ten obsolete SK 37 trainers from 1998 to 2000. Serial numbers 37807-37811 & 37813-37817. Decommissioned in 2007.
;AJS/AJSF/AJSH 37: Upgrade of some AJ/SF/SH 37 between 1993 and 1998. Avionics and software upgrade including MIL-STB 1553B databus for carrying RBS-15F, DWS 39 Mjölner and Rb 74.
;JA 37D: Upgrade of older JA 37 between 1993 and 1998. Avionics and software upgrade permits use of Rb 99.
;SAAB 37E Eurofighter: Proposed NATO replacement of F-104 Starfighter in 1975. Never built or sold.
;Saab 37X: Proposed export version. Not built.
★ Burt Rutan named his VariViggen kit aircraft after the Saab Viggen.
★ Viggen, or a "Vigg" is also a tufted duck (''Aythya fuligula''), which is found in Sweden. Coincidentally, "Canard" is French for duck.
★ The name "Viggen" has a mythological background: it is the clap of Mjolnir, Thor's hammer.
★ A high performance model of the SAAB 9-3 car was named the Viggen after the aircraft.
★
★
★ Swedish Air Force
★ F 4 Östersund
★
★ 2 squadrons JA 37 1983-2003
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37 1999-2003
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37E 1999-2003
★ F 6 Karlsborg
★
★ 2 squadrons AJ 37 1978-1993
★ F 7 Såtenas
★
★ 3 squadrons AJ 37 1972-1998
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37 1972-1974
★ F 10 Ängelholm
★
★ 1 squadron AJ/SF/SH 37 (combined) 1993-2001
★ F 13 Norrköping
★
★ 1 squadron SF/SH 37 (combined) 1977-1993
★
★ 1 squadron JA 37 1980-1993
★ F 15 Söderhamn
★
★ 2 squadrons AJ 37 1974-1998
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37 1974-1998
★ F 16 Uppsala
★
★ 2 squadrons JA 37 1986-2003
★ F 17 Kallinge
★
★ 1 squadron JA 37 1981-2002
★
★ 1 squadron SF/SH 37 (combined) 1979-1993
★
★ 1 squadron JA 37 1993-2002
★ F 21 Luleå
★
★ 2 squadrons JA 37 1983-2004
★
★ 1 squadron SF/SH 37 1979-2002
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37E (combined) 2003-2007
1. Donald 1996, p.366
2. [1]
3. Nativi
4. Nativi 1996
5. Nativi
6. "Nuclear Stability and Arms Sales to India: Implications for U.S. Policy", ''Arms Control Today'', Vol. 27, no. 5, 1997
7. http://www.militartekniska.se/mtt/include/archive/200104/MTT401_Viggen.pdf
★ Donald, David and Lake, Jon (editors). ''Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft''. Single Volume Edition, 1996. Aerospace Publishing. London. ISBN: 1 874023 95 6.
★ Nativi, Andrea, Viggen, il caccia venuto dal freddo, RID magazine, June 1993, page 20-36.
★ Nativi, Andrea, Il cacciabombardiere Su-24 Fencer, RID october 1996
★ Website with links to Two Pages of Viggen Pictures
★ [2]
★ SAAB 37 Viggen webpage
★ Vigg, The Tufted Duck (in Swedish)
★ Detailed photos of cockpit and weapons
★ SAAB 37 Viggen webpage in Dutch
★ SAAB 37 Viggen webpage
:''See also the Saab 9-3 Viggen automobile''
The 'Saab 37 ''Viggen''' (''Thunderbolt'') is a Swedish fighter aircraft manufactured between 1970 and 1990 to replace the Saab J 35 Draken. The Viggen is a single seat (except SK 37), single engine fighter, all weather short-medium range missions.
| Contents |
| Design and development |
| Powerplant |
| Airframe |
| Avionics |
| Weapons |
| Operational history |
| Variants |
| Trivia |
| Operators |
| Operational Units |
| Specifications (JA 37 Viggen) |
| References |
| External links |
| Related content |
Design and development
The first studies aimed at developing a successor to the Draken were carried out between 1952 and 1957 involving the legendary Finnish aircraft designer Aarne Lakomaa. Construction started in 1964, with a first prototype maiden flight on 8 February 1967[1]. The aim was to produce a robust single-engined fighter with excellent STOL performance that could be operated from improvised facilities such as roads and highways in the event of nuclear attacks on major installations. Other requirements included supersonic ability at low level, Mach 2 performance at altitude, and the ability to make short landings at low angles of attack (to avoid damaging improvised runways).
The cockpit and air intake of JA 37 Viggen
The canards are behind the inlets and placed slightly higher than the main wing. The main wing is a complex delta with fixed leading edges. The tail (45 degrees in the leading edge) is single and very tall. The Viggen canards are not movable as control surfaces. The canard flaps are, however, deployed in conjunction with the landing gear to provide more lift. To withstand the stresses of no-flare landings, Saab made extensive use of titanium in the construction of the Viggen, especially in the fuselage; and incorporated an unusual wheel arrangement for the main landing gear, which has two tires in tandem. Such layout is common in airliners and cargo planes, but it is rare in fighters. The plane was designed from the beginning to be easy to repair and service, even for personnel without much training. It also features a foldable rear fin to make it easier to store in hangars.[2]
In 1960 the U.S. National Security Council, led by President Eisenhower, formulated a military security guarantee for Sweden. The U.S. promised to help Sweden militarily in case of a Soviet attack against Sweden. As a consequence of this Sweden and the U.S. signed a military-technology agreement. In what was known as the "37-annex" Sweden received access to advanced U.S. aeronautical technology. The access to large amounts of U.S. expertise made it possible to design and produce the Saab 37 Viggen much faster and cheaper than would otherwise have been possible.''Hemliga atomubåtar gav Sverige säkerhetsgaranti'' Framsyn 2005, Nr. 1 (The Swedish Defence Research Agency’s bi-monthly publication)
The reason for this officially unexplained U.S. support was, according to the doctoral research of Nils Bruzelius at the Swedish National Defence College, the need to protect U.S. Polaris submarines deployed just outside the Swedish west coast against the threat of Soviet anti-submarine aircraft.
Powerplant
The Viggen is powered by a single Svenska Flygmotor RM 8 turbofan. This is essentially a licence-built version of the same Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine that powered commercial airliners of the 1960s. An afterburner is added for the Viggen. The engine also incorporates a thrust-reverser to use during landings and land manoeuvers. Only the Viggen and the Panavia Tornado carry both afterburners and thrust-reversers.
A turbofan engine was chosen instead of a turbojet as in the Draken for better fuel economy and available thrust vs. size, in accordance with with the general trend of fighter development at that time.
SAAB had originally wanted the Pratt & Whitney TF30 as the Viggen powerplant. Since the engine was not finished at the time when the airframe vs. engine design size needed to be frozen, the civilian variant of the TF30 -the JT8D was chosen as the basis for a Volvo Aero modification instead.
The AJ, SF, SH and SK 37 models had the first version RM 8A engine with uprated internal components from the JT8D it was based on. Thrust is 65.6 kN dry and 115.7 kN with afterburner.
The weight, (around 2000 kg), and the dimensions (6,1x1,35 m), forced to abandon the slim fuselage of the Draken to host this engine, very powerful but with aroud a volume of 8 m3 [3]. If possible, as displayed also by the further Saab 39 Gripen and previous Saab 35 Draken, Sweden Airforce preferred aircraft as small as possible to reduce the costs and the complexity, but this propulsion unit was to say the least, really bulky[3]. In the fuselage and wings there is around 5,000l. fuel, not a great quantity compared to this big aircraft, a coevus of MiG.23 and Mirage F.1, much slimmers thanks to a smaller turbojet. Al-21F-4, as example, has around 3,000l. volume and 4,8x0,885 m.[4] .Fuel consumption was 17/71 mg/N combat /AB inserted.
Su-22/24s have, with Lyulka AL-21F, a specific fuel consumption of 0,9, but have more space for fuel and a more streamined structure. Also, the fuel consumption at maximum AB of an high bypass ratio turbine is very high, opposite to the economy displayed at cruise speed, so it is said that Viggen consumption is around 15kg/sec, or that the internal fuel ends in 7 minuts at maximum AB (the Sukhoy Su-7 is ufficially called for 8 minutes at max. AB, with an almost as powerful engine and 3,000l. internal fuel). The refuelling in the air is not available for swedish fighters as their defensive tasks, even if Sweden is a large country. In every case, the range at low level, 1300kg load, is around 500km, and up to 1000 at altitude[3].
For the JA 37, the RM 8A was modified to an 8B by replacing one LP compressor stage with a fan stage and improved combustor, turbine and afterburner. Thrust is 72.1 kN dry and 125.0 kN with afterburner.
The fuselage and wings hold approximately 5,000 l of fuel. Given that the fuel consumption is 0.7 for cruise speeds, the overall range is not particularly high. Other aircraft with conventional turbojets had similar range using less fuel. Mirage F1 for example, has 4,000 litres of internal fuel and good endurance.
Also, the fuel consumption at maximum AB (afterburner) of a high bypass ratio turbine is very high, opposite to the economy displayed at cruise speed. The Viggen consumption is around 15 kg/sec, which means that the internal fuel ends in seven minutes at maximum AB. Refueling in the air is not available for Swedish fighters as they are designed for defensive tasks. In every case, the range at low level with a 1,300 kg load, is around 500 km, and up to 1,000 km at altitude.
Airframe
The undercarriage is rather unconventional for fighters, with two bogie wheels, permitting the aircraft to be used in wet and icy conditions. With the wheels in bogie instead of tandem configuration, the use of a thinner wing was permitted.
Compared to other land based fighters/interceptors, the Viggen can do a no-flare landing at at a very high sink rate of 5 m/s, similar to carrier based fighters. All these characteristics and the thrust reverser (up to 3,600 kg) are enough to make operations possible from 500 m airstrips, with minimal support.
Avionics
The CK37 computer
The Viggen featured a Datasaab navigational computer, which by Swedish standards was a significant technological achievement for the time. It utilised the STRIL 60 system to be linked with the Swedish defence systems. There was also an RWR system in the wings and the tail, a series of electronic sub-systems and a multirole radar. A 200,000 op/second combat computer, derived by the F-14 Tomcat, was employed. All the electronics weighed 600kg, which was an impressive amount for a single engine, late 1960s fighter.
Weapons
Weapons are up to 6t in 7 hardpoints. Sidewinders, Falcons, Mavericks, RB 04, 05 and 15 are used, as well 120 fragmentation bombs (Virgo). 135mm rockets, available in five tube launchers and several different warheads, included semi-armour piercing.
Since a fighter version was not initially considered, there was no internal gun on the first versions but external gun pods could be carried. The later JA 37 fighter version got an Oerlikon KCA 30mm internal cannon.
Operational history
The first operational squadron was established in 1972 at Såtenäs with the ground attack optimized version. 110 of the original 'AJ 37' and 18 'SK 37' two-seat trainers (usually only with one hardpoint for wing), were delivered.
A total of 26 of the 'SH 37' maritime reconnaissance and strike version were built in 1974, replacing the S 32C Saab Lansen. Although fitted with radar and weaponry, the SH 37 Viggen could undertake long range photographic missions.
A further 26 of the 'SF 37' reconnaissance version to replace the S 35 Draken in 1975 were also delivered. These were recognizable by an elongated nose, equipped with cameras.
Although the Viggen was offered for sale worldwide, and regarded as a very competent aircraft, no export sales occurred. Reasons to explain Saab's failure to sell a competitively priced, highly advanced and well-respected aircraft include the Swedish government's relatively strict controls on arms exports to undemocratic countries, potential customers' doubts about continuity of support and supply of spare parts in the event of a conflict disapproved of by Sweden, and strong diplomatic pressure of larger nations. United States blocked an export of Viggen to India in 1978 by not issuing an export license for the RM8/JT8D engine, forcing India to choose the SEPECAT Jaguar instead.[6]
The Viggen saw initial service in natural metal, later on receiving an extremely elaborate disruptive camouflage scheme; and then a light/dark gray on its final days.
The final Viggen production variant was the 'JA 37' interceptor entering service in 1980. The last of 149 JA 37s was delivered in 1990. Differences from the previous models were; an improved and more powerful engine, a new interception radar, new computers, HUD, ECM and some other subsystems were also fitted. The aircraft had also a new PS-46 interception radar, with lookdown/shootdown capability up to 50km.
In the cockpit, three multi-purpose CRT are fitted; a noticeable achievement for a 1970s fighter.
The new radar is compatible with the Skyflash medium range missiles, for the first time in a Swedish fighter. Two Skyflash missiles can be carried under the wings on hardpoints, as well as four Sidewinder J or L models. Another important improvement was the addition of an internal cannon: an Oerlikon KCA 30mm with 150 rounds of 360 gr projectiles. Firing rate is selectable at 22 or 11 rounds/s. The autopilot is slaved to the radar control to obtain the best precision when firing the cannon. The useful range is up to 2,000 m in aerial combat.
The new version of engine assured better performances for an interceptor fighter, at the expense of a slight heavier weight (5,75:1 kg/t:kg) and a slight better fuel consumption.
Also structural strength is improved, especially for the multi-sparred wings (initially Viggens had an high loss rate, with 21 machines lost in the early years).
Various upgrades have been performed over the years, mainly to cockpit equipment, weapons and sensor fit. In 1985, the "fighter link" went into service which permitted encrypted data communication between four fighters and ground radar based fighter command. This enabled one fighter to "paint" an airborne enemy with guidance radar for Skyflash missiles for the three other fighters in the group while they have their search and guidance radar off. This system was operational ten years before any other country's.[7]
Between 1998 and 2000, ten SK 37 trainers were converted to SK 37E electronic warfare trainers to replace the aging J 32E Lansen.
The Viggen has been phased out in favor of the advanced later generation JAS 39 Gripen.
Variants
;AJ 37: Primary a single-seat ground-attack fighter aircraft, with a secondary fighter role. First delivery in 1971. Serial numbers 37001-37108. RM 8A powerplant. PS 37A radar. Decommissioned in 2000.
;JA 37: Primary a single-seat all-weather interceptor fighter, with a secondary attack role. First delivery in 1979. Serial numbers 37301-37449. 10cm (4in.) stretch of AJ 37 fuselage between canard and main wing. PS 46A LD/SD radar
;SF 37: Single-seat photographic reconnaissance aircraft. First delivery in 1975. Radar replaced with four cameras. Serial numbers 37950-37977
;SH 37: Single-seat maritime reconnaissance and strike aircraft. First delivery in 1975. PS-371A radar. Serial numbers 37901-37927
;SK 37: Two-seat trainer aircraft. First delivery in 1973. No radar. Can carry unguided weapons. Serial numbers 37801-37817
;SK 37E: Electronic warfare trainer. Conversion of ten obsolete SK 37 trainers from 1998 to 2000. Serial numbers 37807-37811 & 37813-37817. Decommissioned in 2007.
;AJS/AJSF/AJSH 37: Upgrade of some AJ/SF/SH 37 between 1993 and 1998. Avionics and software upgrade including MIL-STB 1553B databus for carrying RBS-15F, DWS 39 Mjölner and Rb 74.
;JA 37D: Upgrade of older JA 37 between 1993 and 1998. Avionics and software upgrade permits use of Rb 99.
;SAAB 37E Eurofighter: Proposed NATO replacement of F-104 Starfighter in 1975. Never built or sold.
;Saab 37X: Proposed export version. Not built.
Trivia
★ Burt Rutan named his VariViggen kit aircraft after the Saab Viggen.
★ Viggen, or a "Vigg" is also a tufted duck (''Aythya fuligula''), which is found in Sweden. Coincidentally, "Canard" is French for duck.
★ The name "Viggen" has a mythological background: it is the clap of Mjolnir, Thor's hammer.
★ A high performance model of the SAAB 9-3 car was named the Viggen after the aircraft.
Operators
★
★
★ Swedish Air Force
Operational Units
★ F 4 Östersund
★
★ 2 squadrons JA 37 1983-2003
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37 1999-2003
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37E 1999-2003
★ F 6 Karlsborg
★
★ 2 squadrons AJ 37 1978-1993
★ F 7 Såtenas
★
★ 3 squadrons AJ 37 1972-1998
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37 1972-1974
★ F 10 Ängelholm
★
★ 1 squadron AJ/SF/SH 37 (combined) 1993-2001
★ F 13 Norrköping
★
★ 1 squadron SF/SH 37 (combined) 1977-1993
★
★ 1 squadron JA 37 1980-1993
★ F 15 Söderhamn
★
★ 2 squadrons AJ 37 1974-1998
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37 1974-1998
★ F 16 Uppsala
★
★ 2 squadrons JA 37 1986-2003
★ F 17 Kallinge
★
★ 1 squadron JA 37 1981-2002
★
★ 1 squadron SF/SH 37 (combined) 1979-1993
★
★ 1 squadron JA 37 1993-2002
★ F 21 Luleå
★
★ 2 squadrons JA 37 1983-2004
★
★ 1 squadron SF/SH 37 1979-2002
★
★ 1 squadron SK 37E (combined) 2003-2007
Specifications (JA 37 Viggen)
Orthographically projected diagram of the Saab JA 37 Viggen.
References
1. Donald 1996, p.366
2. [1]
3. Nativi
4. Nativi 1996
5. Nativi
6. "Nuclear Stability and Arms Sales to India: Implications for U.S. Policy", ''Arms Control Today'', Vol. 27, no. 5, 1997
7. http://www.militartekniska.se/mtt/include/archive/200104/MTT401_Viggen.pdf
★ Donald, David and Lake, Jon (editors). ''Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft''. Single Volume Edition, 1996. Aerospace Publishing. London. ISBN: 1 874023 95 6.
★ Nativi, Andrea, Viggen, il caccia venuto dal freddo, RID magazine, June 1993, page 20-36.
★ Nativi, Andrea, Il cacciabombardiere Su-24 Fencer, RID october 1996
External links
★ Website with links to Two Pages of Viggen Pictures
★ [2]
★ SAAB 37 Viggen webpage
★ Vigg, The Tufted Duck (in Swedish)
★ Detailed photos of cockpit and weapons
★ SAAB 37 Viggen webpage in Dutch
★ SAAB 37 Viggen webpage
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psst.. try this: add to faves
