During the height of the Cold War, Sweden needed a fast, agile, and technologically advanced fighter jet to defend its airspace from potential threats. The result? The Saab 37 Viggen, a revolutionary multi-role combat aircraft that was lightyears ahead of its time. It became one of the most sophisticated aircraft of its era, showcasing Sweden’s engineering excellence, advanced avionics, and cutting-edge design.
The Viggen was not just another fighter jet. It introduced groundbreaking features, such as a canard-delta wing configuration, STOL (short takeoff and landing) capability, and an integrated computerized flight control system. Powered by the massive RM8B turbofan engine, the Saab 37 Viggen could outperform many NATO and Soviet aircraft in terms of maneuverability, speed, and electronic warfare capabilities.
This article dives deep into the history, design, capabilities, and legacy of the Saab 37 Viggen, a technological marvel that remains legendary in aviation history.
The Birth of the Saab 37 Viggen: A Swedish Masterpiece
Why Was the Viggen Created?
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Sweden’s military doctrine emphasized self-reliance. The Swedish Air Force needed a multi-role aircraft that could:
- Intercept enemy bombers and fighters.
- Perform ground attack missions.
- Land and take off from short and improvised runways.
- Operate in harsh Nordic conditions.
Thus, Saab—Sweden’s premier aerospace company—was tasked with designing a fighter jet that could meet these demands. The result was the Saab 37 Viggen, which officially entered service in 1971.
Revolutionary Design: Ahead of Its Time
The First Canard-Delta Wing Fighter
One of the most defining characteristics of the Viggen was its canard-delta wing configuration. This was the first time in history that a combat jet was designed with this layout, and it would later influence aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale.
- The canards (small forward wings) provided increased lift and maneuverability.
- The delta wings allowed for higher speeds and improved aerodynamic efficiency.
- Together, these features gave the Viggen exceptional handling characteristics, especially at low speeds.
Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) Capabilities
The Viggen was designed to operate from short, makeshift airstrips in the event of war. This meant it could land on highways and take off in under 500 meters. To achieve this, Saab implemented:
- Reverse thrust capabilities – A feature normally seen on commercial jets, but almost unheard of in fighter aircraft.
- Heavy-duty landing gear – Designed to handle rough terrain.
- Advanced aerodynamic flaps – Allowed for low-speed control.
This unique capability gave Sweden the ability to disperse its air force in times of war, making it harder for enemy forces to target airbases.
Powerhouse of an Engine: The RM8B Turbofan
At the heart of the Saab 37 Viggen was the RM8B engine, a modified version of the Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan used in commercial aircraft.
Incredible Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.1 (1,386 mph or 2,232 km/h)
- Thrust: 28,100 lbf with afterburner
- Service ceiling: 59,000 feet (18,000 meters)
This powerful engine made the Viggen one of the fastest fighter jets in the world at the time.
An Afterburner Unlike Any Other
The RM8B engine featured a massive afterburner, which gave the Viggen superior acceleration and climb rates. This allowed it to:
- Outclimb enemy aircraft.
- Engage or disengage from combat quickly.
- Achieve sustained high speeds.
Advanced Avionics and Radar
The Viggen was more than just a fast aircraft; it was one of the most technologically advanced jets of its time.
PS-37/A Radar
- One of the first computerized radars ever installed in a fighter jet.
- Allowed pilots to track multiple targets at once.
- Capable of ground mapping for strike missions.
Integrated Digital Flight Control System
- The Viggen was one of the first jets in the world to feature an integrated flight control computer.
- This made flight adjustments easier and reduced pilot workload.
- The system would later pave the way for modern fly-by-wire technology.
Electronic Warfare Suite
- Equipped with jamming capabilities.
- Featured countermeasures against radar-guided missiles.
- Made the Viggen an extremely difficult aircraft to target.
Variants of the Saab 37 Viggen
The Viggen was developed into several variants, each designed for different combat roles:
- AJ 37 Viggen – Strike and attack version.
- JA 37 Viggen – Dedicated fighter-interceptor variant.
- SK 37 Viggen – Two-seat training variant.
- SF 37 Viggen – Reconnaissance version with advanced cameras.
- SH 37 Viggen – Maritime strike variant for anti-ship missions.
Combat Performance and Global Influence
Despite being one of the most advanced fighters of its time, the Viggen never saw combat. However, it was frequently used to intercept Soviet aircraft during the Cold War.
The Viggen vs. Soviet Fighters
- The Viggen routinely intercepted MiG-25 Foxbats, some of the fastest aircraft ever built.
- Swedish pilots used their advanced radar systems to track Soviet incursions over the Baltic Sea.
- In several cases, Viggens successfully escorted rogue Soviet aircraft out of Swedish airspace.
Global Interest
Due to its advanced capabilities, several countries—including India and Switzerland—expressed interest in purchasing the Viggen. However, due to U.S. political pressure, Sweden was not allowed to export the aircraft.
The Legacy of the Saab 37 Viggen
Although the Viggen was retired in 2005, its influence can still be seen in modern fighter jets.
Impact on Modern Fighter Jets
- The Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale both use canard-delta wing configurations, first pioneered by the Viggen.
- Many modern fighter jets incorporate advanced computerized radar systems, something the Viggen introduced decades earlier.
- The Viggen’s STOL capabilities inspired modern aircraft designs for rough-terrain operations.
Replacement: The Saab JAS 39 Gripen
The Saab 37 Viggen was eventually replaced by the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a next-generation Swedish multi-role fighter that continues Sweden’s tradition of cutting-edge aerospace innovation.
Conclusion
The Saab 37 Viggen was not just another fighter jet. It was a technological marvel that was ahead of its time, featuring radical design choices, cutting-edge avionics, and impressive performance. Even today, the Viggen remains one of the most respected and admired aircraft in aviation history.
Its legacy lives on in modern fighter jets, and it continues to be a symbol of Swedish aerospace engineering excellence.
