NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The origins of the Saab 37 Viggen trace back to 1961 when the Swedish Air Force ordered a replacement aircraft for its aging fighter fleet.
The new aircraft would perform numerous roles, including fighter, interceptor, attack, and reconnaissance. It would need to have STOL abilities to operate from unimproved short airfields.
In addition it would have to be capable of excellent maneuverability, the ability to perform at lower altitudes at speeds in excess of Mach 1, and be able to exceed Mach 2 during its upper altitudes fighter and interceptor roles.
The most distinctive features of the Saab Viggen are its forward canards and delta wing. Unlike the use of canards in modern aircraft which aid in maneuverability, the primary use of the canards on the Viggen was to aid in its STOL capabilities.
Saab began experimenting with the use of non movable forward canards in the early 1950's. They were used in conjunction with the large delta wing design to generate low speed lift, minimizing stall speed.
Engine thrust reversing, the ability of the flap equipped canards to help generate low speed lift, and a large wing area to act as an air brake during high alpha approaches gave the Saab Viggen exceptional stopping abilities.
It was capable of operations on runways as short as 1,640 feet, a Swedish Air Force requirement.
Pilots praised the handling of the Viggen, especially in that it was easier to fly than its predecessor. However, the high alpha landings, necessary for short stops, did take a bit of practice to perfect.
Modular systems, numerous access panels, and a self diagnostic system made the Saab Viggen easy to maintain.
While Viggen aircraft used predominantly Swedish parts, their engines were a U.S. Pratt & Whitney design, built under license. The weapons of the aircraft were also of U.S. origin.
The wrap around single piece forward cockpit canopy provided excellent pilot visibility. It was strengthened to withstand bird strikes. The upper portion of the Viggen vertical stabilizer folded to permit storage in low ceiling underground hangars.
During their service history, Viggen aircraft received analog to digital avionics updates, and more modern weapons systems.
When it first flew in 1967, the Saab Viggen was arguably the most advanced jet fighter produced outside of the United States. The aircraft were long lived, with the last one retiring from active duty with the Swedish Air Force in late 2005.
A total of 338 Saab 37 Viggen aircraft of all types were produced.
Specifications
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Thrust:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Cannon:
Hard Points:
Ordnance:
Length:
Wingspan:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Range:
Ceiling:
First Flight:
Year Deployed:
multi-role
one
Volvo RM8B
28,110 lbs.
21,000 lbs.
44,000 lbs.
1- 30 mm
seven
15,432 lbs.
53' 9"
34' 9"
1,386 mph
40,000 fpm
1,400 miles
59,000 feet
2/8/67
1971
Radio Control Airplane
A rc Saab Viggen from MBS RC Models.
Radio Control Airplanes
Pictured above is the rc Saab Viggen built from a kit for sale by MBS RC Models. It has a 35" wingspan and is 54" long. A MEGA motor driving a 90 mm fan unit is recommended propulsion.
The first picture below is of Jonas Bergstrom and his 1:6 scale rc Saab Viggin. Jonas reported on the RC Universe website that his team is working on an all composites model.
In the next picture below is the rc Saab Viggin scale model airplane built from a Col. Bob Thacker design. Plans are available through Golden Era Model Service Plans. It is of all fiberglass construction with a 45" wingspan and all up weight of about 13 lbs. A Rossi .81 engine turning a Byrojet fan unit powers the aircraft.
The bottom picture on this page is of the rc Saab Viggin scratch built by Mark Wheadon. It has a wingspan of 36" with a Speed 500 type motor powering a EDF unit. Construction is primarily balsa and foam. It has a weight of approximately 3 1/2 lbs.
There is a build thread in RC Groups for a rc Saab Viggen built from Guiseppe Ghislere plans that were published in RCM. It has a 43" wingspan and a 56" length. Power is from a .45 engine turning a 5" fan.
Saab 37 Viggen
