SAAB Viggen Specs refer to the specifications and characteristics of the Saab 37 Viggen, a supersonic multirole combat jet developed and manufactured by Saab in Sweden.
The Saab 37 Viggen was known for its advanced design and capabilities, including its delta wing configuration, canard foreplanes, and powerful Volvo RM8 afterburning turbofan engines. These features gave the Viggen excellent performance, including high speed, maneuverability, and a short takeoff and landing capability.
The Viggen served as the backbone of the Swedish Air Force for many years and was also exported to other countries, including Austria, Finland, and Hungary. It was gradually replaced by the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, but some Viggen variants remain in service today in specialized roles.
SAAB Viggen Specs
The Saab 37 Viggen was a supersonic multirole combat jet developed and manufactured by Saab in Sweden. It was known for its advanced design and capabilities, including its delta wing configuration, canard foreplanes, and powerful Volvo RM8 afterburning turbofan engines. These features gave the Viggen excellent performance, including high speed, maneuverability, and a short takeoff and landing capability.
- Speed: Mach 2.2
- Range: 1,000 km (620 mi)
- Armament: 30 mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, bombs
- Dimensions: Length 16.0 m (52 ft 6 in), wingspan 10.6 m (34 ft 9 in), height 5.1 m (16 ft 9 in)
- Weight: 14,000 kg (31,000 lb)
- Service ceiling: 18,000 m (59,000 ft)
- Engine: Volvo RM8 afterburning turbofan engine
The Viggen served as the backbone of the Swedish Air Force for many years and was also exported to other countries, including Austria, Finland, and Hungary. It was gradually replaced by the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, but some Viggen variants remain in service today in specialized roles.
Speed
The Saab 37 Viggen was a supersonic multirole combat jet, and its speed of Mach 2.2 was one of its most important specifications. Supersonic speed gave the Viggen several advantages in combat, including the ability to intercept enemy aircraft, conduct bombing runs, and escape from danger quickly.
The Viggen’s speed was also important for its role as a reconnaissance aircraft. The Viggen could fly at high speeds over enemy territory and collect valuable intelligence without being intercepted.
The Saab 37 Viggen was a highly capable aircraft, and its speed of Mach 2.2 was a key factor in its success. The Viggen served as the backbone of the Swedish Air Force for many years and was also exported to other countries. It remains a popular aircraft among aviation enthusiasts today.
Range
The Saab 37 Viggen had a range of 1,000 km (620 mi), which was a significant factor in its success as a multirole combat jet. This range allowed the Viggen to perform a variety of missions, including:
- Interceptor missions
- Ground attack missions
- Reconnaissance missions
The Viggen’s range was also important for its role in the Swedish Air Force’s defense strategy. Sweden is a large country with a long coastline, and the Viggen’s range allowed it to patrol the country’s airspace and respond to threats quickly.
The Saab 37 Viggen was a highly capable aircraft, and its range of 1,000 km (620 mi) was a key factor in its success. The Viggen served as the backbone of the Swedish Air Force for many years and was also exported to other countries. It remains a popular aircraft among aviation enthusiasts today.
Armament
The Saab 37 Viggen was armed with a variety of weapons, including a 30 mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and bombs. This armament made the Viggen a versatile combat aircraft that could perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
The Viggen’s 30 mm cannon was a powerful weapon that could be used against both air and ground targets. The cannon had a high rate of fire and could inflict significant damage on enemy aircraft, vehicles, and buildings.
The Viggen could also carry a variety of air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the Rb 24 Skyflash. These missiles gave the Viggen the ability to engage enemy aircraft beyond visual range.
For ground attack missions, the Viggen could carry a variety of air-to-ground missiles, including the AGM-65 Maverick and the Rb 04. These missiles allowed the Viggen to attack enemy ground targets with precision.
The Viggen could also carry a variety of bombs, including the Mk 82 and the BL755. These bombs gave the Viggen the ability to attack enemy ground targets with a variety of explosive payloads.
The Saab 37 Viggen’s armament made it a versatile and effective combat aircraft that could perform a variety of missions. The Viggen served as the backbone of the Swedish Air Force for many years and was also exported to other countries. It remains a popular aircraft among aviation enthusiasts today.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the Saab 37 Viggen are an important part of its specifications. The length of 16.0 m (52 ft 6 in), wingspan of 10.6 m (34 ft 9 in), and height of 5.1 m (16 ft 9 in) give the Viggen its distinctive shape and contribute to its performance and capabilities.
The Viggen’s length is important for its speed and range. The longer the aircraft, the more fuel it can carry, which gives it a longer range. The Viggen’s wingspan is important for its maneuverability. The wider the wingspan, the more lift the aircraft can generate, which allows it to turn and climb more quickly. The Viggen’s height is important for its stealth capabilities. The lower the aircraft, the less visible it is to enemy radar.
The Viggen’s dimensions make it a versatile and effective combat aircraft. Its length gives it a long range, its wingspan gives it excellent maneuverability, and its height makes it difficult for enemy radar to detect.
Weight
The Saab 37 Viggen’s weight of 14,000 kg (31,000 lb) is a significant part of its specifications. The weight of an aircraft is a major factor in its performance, and the Viggen’s weight gives it several advantages.
First, the Viggen’s weight gives it a high thrust-to-weight ratio. This means that the Viggen’s engines are powerful enough to overcome its weight and give it excellent acceleration and climb performance. The Viggen’s thrust-to-weight ratio also gives it a short takeoff and landing distance, which is important for operating from short runways.
Second, the Viggen’s weight gives it a high level of structural strength. This means that the Viggen can withstand high levels of stress and strain, which is important for a combat aircraft. The Viggen’s structural strength also allows it to carry a heavy payload of weapons and equipment.
Third, the Viggen’s weight gives it a high level of stability. This means that the Viggen is difficult to maneuver, which is important for a combat aircraft. The Viggen’s stability also makes it a good platform for weapons delivery.
Overall, the Viggen’s weight of 14,000 kg (31,000 lb) is a significant part of its specifications. The weight gives the Viggen several advantages, including a high thrust-to-weight ratio, a high level of structural strength, and a high level of stability. These advantages make the Viggen a versatile and effective combat aircraft.
Service ceiling
The Saab 37 Viggen’s service ceiling of 18,000 m (59,000 ft) is a significant part of its specifications. The service ceiling is the maximum altitude at which an aircraft can maintain level flight. The Viggen’s high service ceiling gives it several advantages.
First, the Viggen’s high service ceiling allows it to operate above most threats. This gives the Viggen a significant advantage in combat, as it can avoid enemy aircraft and ground-based air defenses. The Viggen’s high service ceiling also allows it to conduct reconnaissance missions at high altitudes, where it is difficult for enemy radar to detect.
Second, the Viggen’s high service ceiling gives it a long range. The higher an aircraft flies, the less drag it experiences. This means that the Viggen can fly longer distances at high altitudes than it can at low altitudes. The Viggen’s long range makes it ideal for long-range strike missions and reconnaissance missions.
Third, the Viggen’s high service ceiling gives it a high level of maneuverability. The higher an aircraft flies, the thinner the air becomes. This means that the Viggen can maneuver more easily at high altitudes than it can at low altitudes. The Viggen’s high maneuverability makes it a difficult target for enemy aircraft.
Overall, the Saab 37 Viggen’s service ceiling of 18,000 m (59,000 ft) is a significant part of its specifications. The high service ceiling gives the Viggen several advantages, including a high level of protection from threats, a long range, and a high level of maneuverability.
Engine
The Volvo RM8 afterburning turbofan engine is a crucial component of the Saab 37 Viggen’s specifications. It is a powerful and efficient engine that gives the Viggen its impressive performance capabilities. The RM8 engine is a two-spool, axial-flow design with an afterburner. It produces 15,000 lbf of thrust dry and 22,000 lbf with the afterburner engaged. This gives the Viggen a top speed of Mach 2.2 and a range of 1,000 km.
The RM8 engine is also very reliable and easy to maintain. This makes the Viggen a cost-effective aircraft to operate. The engine is also very fuel-efficient, which gives the Viggen a long range.
The Saab 37 Viggen is a versatile and capable combat aircraft. Its performance is due in large part to the powerful and efficient Volvo RM8 afterburning turbofan engine.
FAQs on SAAB Viggen Specs
This section addresses frequently asked questions and misconceptions regarding the specifications and capabilities of the Saab 37 Viggen.
Question 1: What is the top speed of the Saab 37 Viggen?
Answer: The Saab 37 Viggen has a top speed of Mach 2.2, making it one of the fastest combat aircraft of its time.
Question 2: What is the range of the Saab 37 Viggen?
Answer: The Saab 37 Viggen has a range of 1,000 km (620 mi), which allows it to perform a variety of missions, including long-range strike and reconnaissance missions.
Question 3: What type of engine does the Saab 37 Viggen use?
Answer: The Saab 37 Viggen is powered by a Volvo RM8 afterburning turbofan engine, which provides it with excellent performance and fuel efficiency.
Question 4: What is the armament of the Saab 37 Viggen?
Answer: The Saab 37 Viggen is armed with a variety of weapons, including a 30 mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and bombs, making it a versatile and effective combat aircraft.
Question 5: What is the service ceiling of the Saab 37 Viggen?
Answer: The Saab 37 Viggen has a service ceiling of 18,000 m (59,000 ft), which allows it to operate above most threats and conduct reconnaissance missions at high altitudes.
Question 6: Is the Saab 37 Viggen still in service?
Answer: No, the Saab 37 Viggen is no longer in service with the Swedish Air Force. It was gradually replaced by the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, although some Viggen variants remain in service today in specialized roles.
Summary: The Saab 37 Viggen was a highly capable combat aircraft with impressive specifications and performance. It served as the backbone of the Swedish Air Force for many years and remains a popular aircraft among aviation enthusiasts today.
Transition: To learn more about the Saab 37 Viggen and its historical significance, please proceed to the next section.
Tips on Understanding SAAB Viggen Specs
To fully grasp the specifications and capabilities of the Saab 37 Viggen, consider the following tips:
Tip 1: Understand the Significance of Speed: The Viggen’s top speed of Mach 2.2 made it one of the fastest combat aircraft of its time. This speed advantage allowed it to intercept enemy aircraft, conduct bombing runs, and escape danger quickly.
Tip 2: Consider Range and Endurance: The Viggen’s range of 1,000 km (620 mi) enabled it to perform long-range missions, including strike and reconnaissance operations, without the need for refueling.
Tip 3: Examine Armament Capabilities: The Viggen’s diverse armament, including a 30 mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and bombs, made it a versatile combat aircraft capable of engaging various targets.
Tip 4: Note the High Service Ceiling: The Viggen’s service ceiling of 18,000 m (59,000 ft) allowed it to operate above most threats and conduct reconnaissance missions at high altitudes, providing a significant tactical advantage.
Tip 5: Appreciate the Engine’s Performance: The Volvo RM8 afterburning turbofan engine provided the Viggen with excellent thrust and fuel efficiency, contributing to its high speed and maneuverability.
Tip 6: Recognize Historical Context: The Saab 37 Viggen played a crucial role in the Swedish Air Force’s defense strategy during the Cold War, serving as the backbone of its aerial combat capabilities.
Tip 7: Explore Variant Differences: Different variants of the Viggen were developed, each tailored to specific roles, such as the AJ 37 attack variant and the SF 37 reconnaissance variant.
By considering these tips, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Saab 37 Viggen’s specifications and appreciate its significance as a remarkable combat aircraft.
Conclusion: The Saab 37 Viggen’s impressive specifications and capabilities made it a formidable force in aerial combat. Its speed, range, armament, and high service ceiling contributed to its success as a multirole combat aircraft, playing a vital role in the defense of Sweden.
Conclusion
The Saab 37 Viggen, with its exceptional specifications and capabilities, stands as a testament to Swedish engineering prowess. Its impressive speed, range, armament, and high service ceiling made it a formidable multirole combat aircraft, playing a pivotal role in the defense of Sweden.
The Viggen’s legacy extends beyond its military service. It remains a symbol of Swedish innovation and aviation excellence, inspiring future generations of engineers and aviators. Today, the Viggen continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts worldwide, serving as a reminder of the remarkable achievements in aviation history.