Reading up a bit in preparation for my Lansens, I found this sketch in a book about the Viggen origins. Among several other project ideas, a VTOL delta build around the Pegasus engine was looked at.

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Apparently, the delta wing had adverse effects in relation to the ground at start and landing which was the main reason for dropping the project. However - in whifworld...

It doesn't seem too difficult to build. Maybe one should start from that old Airfix Harrier hull that's lingering in the scrap box. And maybe that delta wing was replaced with something different later on in the programme..? 

Interesting.  Imagine you would definitely want the control authority and stability with a horizontal stabilizer, especially in the transition.  Puffer jets can only do so much...but as you say in WHIF world magic can happen. 

Quote from: sandiego89 on December 29, 2023, 12:40:17 PMInteresting.  Imagine you would definitely want the control authority and stability with a horizontal stabilizer, especially in the transition.  Puffer jets can only do so much...but as you say in WHIF world magic can happen. 

On the other hand, the Boeing JSF project, the X-32 was a pure delta..

It is interesting indeed.

The old Airfix 1/72 HS P.1127 might be a good starting pointing, if you can find one for a reasonable price.

+1 for interesting.

Quote from: Pellson on December 29, 2023, 12:46:20 PMOn the other hand, the Boeing JSF project, the X-32 was a pure delta..

It is interesting indeed.

And the production version fo the F-32 would have had a conventional stabilizer, the X-32 was purely a technology demonstrator, and not as close to a production version as was the X-35 JSF demonstrator (and perhaps a factor in why it was not selected).  I also imagine the X-32 had a bit more computer logic than the SAAB!   

Quote from: Mossie on December 29, 2023, 02:27:56 PMThe old Airfix 1/72 HS P.1127 might be a good starting pointing, if you can find one for a reasonable price.

Some chance! 

I've got one in a plastic bag in The Loft actually.............

Interesting! 

Having dug out an old Harrier corpse and a few wings, there's two ways of going about this. Either do a delta, and may the devil take the aerodynamics, or go with alternative and less "Camm-ish" wing/fin. Both ways have their benefits. While the delta might be more close to the RW project, the SAAB 29 Tunnan wings actually fit "bolt on. Now - isn't that a coincidence..?

I'll read up on actual Harrier GR.1/GR.3 operations before deciding, methinks. Were they really flown fully VTOL in the field, or was it more a matter of limiting runway demands rather than annulling them, i.e STOL?

If I remember correctly, Harrier ops were usually Normal takeoff/landing when training or operating from runways, STOVL when in the feild. Vertical Take Off severely limited the range/payload.

Gondor

Quote from: Pellson on December 29, 2023, 12:46:20 PMOn the other hand, the Boeing JSF project, the X-32 was a pure delta..

   I knew the plan view reminded me of something. Looks like the love child of a Kestrel and a X-32.

Quote from: Gondor on December 30, 2023, 02:59:28 AMIf I remember correctly, Harrier ops were usually Normal takeoff/landing when training or operating from runways, STOVL when in the feild. Vertical Take Off severely limited the range/payload.

That's how I remember it as well.
I shall mull further on this - and also on more wings from the spares box.

Would the outer wings of a Draken be too small?

Quote from: perttime on December 30, 2023, 04:28:26 AMWould the outer wings of a Draken be too small?

Yes, by about 30% areawise.

The X-32 isn't a four-poster lift design like the Harrier, it has a 2-D rotating nozzle like the F-35 and the Yak-141. The SAAB delta design wouldn't have worked because of the standard Pegasus four nozzle configuration. The biggest problem being trying to push all of that flat area straight-up, there's a reason the Harrier had small wings, the trapped exhaust efflux would cause all kinds of problems. 

Quote from: jcf on December 30, 2023, 10:26:39 AMThe X-32 isn't a four-poster lift design like the Harrier, it has a 2-D rotating nozzle like the F-35 and the Yak-141. The SAAB delta design wouldn't have worked because of the standard Pegasus four nozzle configuration. The biggest problem being trying to push all of that flat area straight-up, there's a reason the Harrier had small wings, the trapped exhaust efflux would cause all kinds of problems.

That's about where I'm getting to as well.
Now - build one anyway, neglecting physics, or changing to something that might have worked? That's the question..