description SAAB 37 Viggen Overview
The Saab 37 Viggen was a Swedish single-seat, single-engine multirole combat aircraft developed to replace the Saab 32 Lansen. First flown in 1967, it features a distinctive canard-delta configuration and utilizes a thrust reverser, a rare feature for a fighter aircraft. This system allowed the Viggen to stop rapidly on short runways, enabling it to operate from dispersed public road bases. The aircraft served primarily with the Swedish Air Force in various roles, including interceptor, ground-attack, and reconnaissance.
insights Ranking position
SAAB 37 Viggen ranks #27 of 155 in the Delta ranking, behind Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, ahead of Rufiji Delta.
help SAAB 37 Viggen FAQ
Why does the Saab 37 Viggen have a thrust reverser?
The Viggen was equipped with a thrust reverser so it could operate from short, dispersed road runways as part of Sweden's Bas 90 airbase dispersal strategy during the Cold War. This allowed the aircraft to land on short stretches of reinforced highway and taxi backwards, a rare capability for any fighter jet.
What engine powered the Saab 37 Viggen?
The Viggen was powered by the Volvo RM8, a licensed, heavily modified version of the Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan fitted with an afterburner and thrust reverser. This gave the aircraft substantial thrust for short-field operations and supersonic interception.
What replaced the Saab 37 Viggen in Swedish service?
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen gradually replaced the Viggen across all its roles, with the last Viggen squadrons retired in the mid-2000s. The Gripen is lighter, uses fly-by-wire controls, and remains the Swedish Air Force's frontline multirole fighter today.
What variants of the Saab 37 Viggen were produced?
The Viggen was built in multiple variants: the AJ 37 attack fighter, SF 37 reconnaissance, SH 37 maritime patrol, JA 37 interceptor, and SK 37 two-seat trainer. The JA 37 interceptor, which entered service in 1979, was the most numerous and served as Sweden's primary air defense fighter for over two decades.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
