The Saab 37 Viggen is a Swedish jet-powered, single-seat combat aircraft.

Of Sweden defense system contain the spreading from high speedable combat aircraft to times of war on starting and runways of each length, and requires STOL characteristics, i.e., flutter-free landings with rapid descending flight. For these difficult requirements developed the many purpose type, as successors for the Saab 35 Draken, was the Saab Viggen (clap of thunder), with coupled duck slats and the military advancement of a civilian fan engine with a Swedish afterburner and an identical thrust reversing. The first flight took place in February 1967 as offensive airplane.

First studies for the system 37 of the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet), from which the Saab 37 came out, already began 1952. A versatile combat aircraft, which both when hunters and for attacks on ground targets and for the clearing-up be adapted could, was in demand. The actual development of the Viggen began then 1962. Saab selected a very progressive interpretation with large Canards, which supply substantial lift. The airplane is aerodynamically stable contrary to today's Fightern. With the engine one fell back to the then new civilian Pratt & Whitney JT8D, which became to provide from Volvo aircraft engine with an afterburner. Planning in the middle of the 1960er years planned a procurement of 832 airplanes.

The first Viggen (37-1) main headers on 8 February 1967 with Erik in to the maiden flight off. One month later the first order for series for 100 machines, under it 17 coaches, was received. The first production aircraft flew in February 1971. It went to the squadron F7 into which reequipped AJ 37 starting from June on the new sample and 1972 had a first relay operationally. The supply of the hunt version substantially changed from the systems followed 37 starting from 1978.

The interceptor 37 had the trunk of the AJ 37 with the tail of the coach SK of 37, stronger engines and electronics as well as armament, which were cut to the interception mission. First of the 149 37 began 1979 their service. They were then improved in the course of the years to begin for example by the possibility AMRAAM. The electronic heart of this variant is the radar Ericsson UAP-1023 (PS-46/A), which went as the first pulse doppler radar of the world into production. Although considerable armament under the bearing areas can be transported, it is general on RB 71 Sky Flash guided weapons and RB 24/74 Sidewinder IR guidance rockets limits.

With distribution of the last machines in June 1990 the Viggen equipped eight fighter squadrons, three clearing-up relays and five attack relays of the Flygvapnet. In the meantime economy measures left however their traces, and with the introduction of the Saab the Viggen existence might fuse 39 Gripen until 2005 on few airplanes.

The last Viggen interceptors were delivered 1990 to the Swedish Air Force.

The airplane was already submitted to several improvements and changes. The version up-to-date in use is "the D "- model with the same weapon and communication systems as newer Gripen.

The Viggen is comparable with the Israeli Kfir and the French Mirage III/5.

Technical data

See also

• List of types of aircraft
• Interceptor

Articles in category "Saab Viggen"

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