Saab Viggen

[Archangel]

Not to certain that a profile or two hasnt gone before but I was thinking of just how easy it would have been for theUnited States Air Force to have replaced the F-102 or even the F-106 with the AJ-37 Viggen. The advantage would be that like the Swedish Air Force the US could have their own aircraft operating from roads and such during an attack which probably would appeal to the Pentgon of the 60's and 70's. The weapons used would not even be a point of contention since the AJ-37 used falcons,sidewinders and their version of sparrows as well. It would probably be an easy whiff to do.

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Almost goes without saying that it would look beautiful in the overall ADC grey with really bright (Michigan ANG ??) unit markings.

Ian

[elmayerle]

Wouldn't the JA-37 make more sense than the AJ-37?  Go with the optimized fighter version.

[Archibald]

Wouldn't the JA-37 make more sense than the AJ-37?  Go with the optimized fighter version.

Good point - J meaning Jakt, Fighter    

Interesting idea! Add to this the fact that Viggen engine was a derivative of the DC-9 one, maybe airlines mecanicians could do the maintenance job ?

[elmayerle]

Well, the basic engine, possibly.  I rather doubt airline mechanics are used to dealing with afterburners.  Still, there is potential in that idea, esp. for Air Guard squadrons.

One thought for an evolved version, keep the same diameter and bypass ratio for the engine, but pick up the aerodynamics of the later, 200-series JT8Ds.

[Archibald]

Well, the basic engine, possibly.  I rather doubt airline mechanics are used to dealing with afterburners.  Still, there is potential in that idea, esp. for Air Guard squadrons.

That' s the idea.
I can imagine an old mecanician, former Air Force employee now working for an airline, saying "Hmmm that's engine sounds familiar to me"    

Another interesting thing is the Drakken - AIM-4 connection. Maybe these ADC Viggen could have this improved Falcon variant of the 70's ?
Or even better a Viggen with a pair of AIM-47 and a big nose    

[Mossie]

I'd been thinking along similar lines some time ago for the Airfix 1/48 Viggen in the stash.  I was thinking more of a F-21 alternative, say for instance the US had trouble sourcing Kfir's.  I thought as a single engined delta it might prove attractive (I'm pretty sure the US was thinking of countering the Mirage when they bought the F-21) & as it wouldn't have been used as a weapons systems the Sweedish might have been willing to let it through their strict neutrality policies.

Slightly OT, but I did this 'Super-Viggen' re-work a little while ago for Carlos:

[retro_seventies]

Viggen at sea?

RN Viggen would be great - would have been able to operate from carriers without much trouble. (have you SEEN the sink rate on their landings? Built like TANKS i tell you).  

Other navies?  USN possible but doubtful, but Marines would be perfect.  French? Brazilian? RAN?


There's no denyng how great a RNZAF viggen  would look, and the same obviously goes for RAAF.  Marineflieger would look good too, as would Luftwaffe.

Would be an obvious choice for Finland too.

[Zen]

Their sink rate is good, but have you seen how high the nose is for a short landing?

[GTX]

Viggen at sea?

Already underway - see here   (I've decided to go with the name 'Cyclone' in RAN service.)

Also see here (includes quite a few Viggen whiff profiles).

Regards,

Greg

[anthonyp]

Viggen at sea?

I did one a long time ago

(muzak plays...)

Ah, here it is!

[retro_seventies]

Good work both - i must confess though, along with thoughts of a COIN gannett and soviet naval aviation, a naval Viggen was one of my fondest ponderings on this forum.  Well, on the last one before the server move...

Wow.   When was that...2002?  2003?

Never built anything mind (no surprise, eh?)

Again, love your Viggen comrade.

         

[Archangel]

Wouldn't the JA-37 make more sense than the AJ-37?  Go with the optimized fighter version.

Sorry got my letters turned around.

[Maverick]

It's entry into service would have a great impact as to whether the JA was even available.  Australia's initial interest pre-F/A-18 would most likely preclude the JA's production and be centred around the AJ.

Mav

[Archangel]

Almost goes without saying that it would look beautiful in the overall ADC grey with really bright (Michigan ANG ??) unit markings.

Ian

The EW verson in SEA Camo for escorting F-105s up north during the Vietnam war could be easily done too.