Swedish Combat Aircraft - Jet Aircraft-2

Jet Aircraft

A jet aircraft is an aircraft powered by one or more jet engines. An older name is reaction plane, i.e. powered by reaction engine. Jet aircraft can travel at high speeds, up to Mach 3. The jet engine was used in fighter aircraft as early as the end of World War II, for example in the Messerschmitt Me 262. Single-engine jets are not common on larger aircraft, but they are common on smaller military aircraft, both on fighter aircraft and school aircraft for basic pilot training.

List of Military Jet Aircraft in the Swedish Air Force

Swedish Military Aircraft - 7

To the List of Swedish Military Jet Aircraft

Source References

1. Flygvapnets historia, överstelöjtnant Lennert Berns 2. Svenska flygvapnets förband och skolor under 1900-talet, Christian Braunstein, 2003 3. Försvarets historiska telesamingar, Flyghistoria från SFF, Flygvapnet 4. Flygvapenmuseum (Swedish Air Force Museum, Linköping) 5. Svenska stridspiloter flög bakom järnridån, artikel i DN 2021-05-27. 6. Wikipedia 7. Digitaltmuseum Top of page

Saab 35 Draken

The Saab 35 Draken (The Dragon) is a single-engine, double delta-wing Swedish fighter developed by Saab for the Swedish Air Force, replacing the earlier fighters J 29, J 32, and J 34. The aircraft was the first true supersonic aircraft to enter service in Western Europe, first flown in 1955, and entering service in 1960. The Saab 35 Draken was withdrawn from Swedish military service in 1998. The Saab 35 was originally developed as a high-altitude interceptor, but because of its configuration, it also became an effective fighter at lower altitudes. It was considered to be a very capable dogfighter for the era. The image shows a Saab 35 Draken S 35E. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVM.149919. In the early 1950s, Sweden realized that it needed a fighter capable of intercepting the new nuclear-armed bombers. The aircraft would be equipped with radar and would be able to fly faster than sound. Furthermore, it would have a very good climbing capability, long-range, endurance, and the ability to carry the weapons required for the mission. In addition, the aircraft would have the ability to take off and land on wartime road air bases (The Air Base 60 system), which was standard for the Swedish Air Force. In 1958, the Swedish Air Force introduced the Air Base 60 system, which was based on the defensive deployment of air forces in the event of war. A large number of war bases were built across the country to deploy the air divisions in a war situation. The system aimed to make it difficult for an enemy to fight the Swedish air force on the ground and thus increase the air force's endurance in the event of war. The idea was to spread out the air units so that one air division (8-12 aircraft) would be stationed per war base. To meet all the requirements of the J 35 fighter, a design with a narrow fuselage with a double delta wing was chosen. The prototype first flew on 25 October 1955 and deliveries of the first variant, J 35A, began in 1959. The J 35 Dragon was designed as a high-altitude interceptor. A reconnaissance variant, S 35E, was added later, as well as a two-seat trainer variant, Sk 35C. The unconventional wing design also had the side effect of making it the first known aircraft to be capable of and perform the Cobra maneuver. The cobra is performed by entering into a controlled super stall state, gaining high alpha, and then quickly negating the angle of attack to counter the stall. This forces the airframe to act as an air brake for a few seconds, which rapidly reduces the speed. The Swedish Air Force is the first air force to have discovered and developed the Cobra maneuver. A skilled J35 pilot could use the maneuver not only to get behind the enemy plane but also to get into a firing position with the automatic cannon. On 15 January 1960, a Swedish jet fighter flew for the first time at twice the speed of sound. A total of 644 J 35 Draken were built, of which 615 were in Swedish service. Variants: • J 35A – 90 fighters of this variant were built and delivered in the years 1959-1961. Starting with the 66th aircraft, the rear section was made longer to accommodate a new afterburner for additional thrust. These aircraft were designated J 34A2 while the initial 65 were designated J 35A1. • J 35B – 73 aircraft were built and delivered between 1962 and 1963. This variant eventually received a better radar and better and more advanced radar gun sights. • SK 35C – Twin-seat trainer variant. A total of 25 J 35A1s with a short rear fuselage were converted to a two-seater trainer variant. • J 35D – This variant was built in 120 copies and delivered between the years 1963-1964. The Saab 35D differed quite a lot compared to previous variants. For one, it was fitted with the much stronger Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.60 engine RM6CS) and a new afterburner. • S 35E – A reconnaissance variant of the J 35D. A total of 59 aircraft in which radar and weaponry gave way to cameras. • J 35F – A total of 230 aircraft of this variant with improved electronics and avionics were built. The J 35F had integrated radar, sighting, and missile systems. The J 35F was delivered between 1965 and 1972. • J 35J – Between 1987 and 1991, 67 J 35Fs (e.g. J 35F2s) were life extended by upgrading to the J 35J standard. The aircraft received modernized electronics, a modernized cannon, and two additional AIM-9 Sidewinder pylons under the air intakes. The J 35J was in service until 1999. Specifications: • Crew 1 • Length 15.34 m • Wingspan 9.42 m • Height 3.89 m • Wing area 49.2 m² • Empty weight 8,250 kg • Max. takeoff weight 12,400 kg (J 35J) • Max. flight altitude 19,995 m • Max. speed Mach 2 • Rate of climb 10,500 m/min • Range 1,763 km • Engine 1 × Volvo Flygmotor RM 6C (Rolls-Royce Avon 300) (D, E, F and J) • Traction power 78,4 kN Armament: 1 - 2 × 30 mm automatic cannon m/55, missiles, rockets. Other countries: The Saab 35 Draken was also used by Denmark, Finland, Austria, and the US National Test Pilot School. Images:

Saab 35 Draken, J 35F in flight. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVM.149901.

Fighter aircraft J 35 Draken marked 40 from F 1 Västerås Wing taking off. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVMF.003159.

Saab 37 Viggen

The Saab 37 Viggen (The Bolt [e.g. The Thunderbolt]) is a combat aircraft developed and built by Saab in Linköping, Sweden. The Royal Air Force Material Administration’s requirements for Saab were that the new warplane should have a short take-off and landing distance and be able to use wartime road air bases (The Air Base 60 system). The Saab 37 Viggen met the requirements. The first prototype of the Saab 37 was flown for the first time on 8 February 1967. The Viggen was built in five basic variants for different tasks: AJ, attack aircraft that could also perform fighter tasks; JA, fighter aircraft with some attack capability; SH, reconnaissance and maritime surveillance aircraft; SF, photo-reconnaissance aircraft and Sk, trainer aircraft. The Attack variant AJ 37 was the first variant of the Saab 37 Viggen to be produced. During the 1990s, Saab made modifications to the AJ 37, SF 37, and SH 37 to enable them to operate as so-called multi-role aircraft. The image shows the reconnaissance variant of the aircraft, Saab SF 37 Viggen, from F 13 Bråvalla Wing. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID:FVMF.000287. When the Saab 37 Viggen was introduced in 1971, it was one of the most advanced fighter jets in Europe. It was the first canard design produced in quantity. The Saab 37 Viggen was initially developed as an intended replacement for the Saab 32 Lansen in the attack role and later the Saab 35 Draken as a fighter. From the onset, the Saab 37 was planned as an integrated weapon system, to be operated in conjunction with Sweden's national electronic air defense system of the time, STRIL-60. It was used as Sweden's standard platform, capable of being efficiently adapted to perform all tactical mission roles. The fighter variant: The JA 37 Viggen was a medium fighter aircraft with a secondary role as an attack aircraft designed by Saab AB on the order of FMM, the Swedish Defense Material Administration (formally the Royal Swedish Air Force Material Administration, KFF). The aircraft is based on the basic design Saab 37 Viggen which was designed to be configured as a fighter, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft in separate variants, later also as an advanced trainer aircraft. A total of 149 JA 37s were delivered and the aircraft was in operational service with the Swedish Air Force between 1980 and 2005. The attack variant: The AJ 37 Viggen was a medium ground-attack aircraft with a secondary role as a fighter. The AJ 37 was the first variant of the Viggen series to be delivered. The aircraft was intended for attack strikes against targets on the ground and at sea. The Air Force received its first AJ 37 in July 1971 and it entered service in 1973. It was one of the few combat aircraft outside the United States that was then equipped with a computer. The aircraft was in operational service with the Swedish Air Force between 1973 and 1997 and a total of 106 AJ 37 aircraft were delivered between 1973 and 1978. During the period 1991 to 1994, a modification of the AJ 37 was made. The modified aircraft were designated AJS 37. The reconnaissance variant: The SH 37 Viggen was a medium reconnaissance and maritime surveillance aircraft, equipped with the PS-371A radar. The aircraft is based on the basic Saab 37 Viggen design and was in operational service with the Swedish Air Force between 1975 and 2005. The basic design of the SH 37 is based on the AJ 37. The SH 37 is equipped with a slightly modified radar with a longer range than the radar of the AJ 37 and adapted for the task of maritime surveillance, but is equipped with a radar detector that comes into operation if the aircraft is illuminated by enemy radar. A total of 27 aircraft of the SH 37 were delivered to the Air Force. Between 1995 and 1997, the SH 37 was modified and the modified aircraft were designated AJSH 37 and remained in service until 2005. The SF 37 Viggen was a medium photo reconnaissance aircraft with the radar replaced by several cameras in the nose. Between June 1977 and February 1980, Saab delivered 28 SF 37 aircraft to the Swedish Air Force and these were in service between 1977 and 2005. 13 SF 37 aircraft were part of the modification program that ran between 1995 and 1997 to obtain a limited multi-role (JAS) capability. The modified aircraft were therefore designated AJSF 37 and remained in service until 2005. The trainer variant: The Sk 37 Viggen was an advanced two-seat trainer aircraft for type flying with pilots who would later fly other variants of the Saab 37 Viggen fighter aircraft. The aircraft is based on the basic Saab 37 Viggen design. A total of 17 Sk 37 aircraft were delivered to the Swedish Air Force and the aircraft were in operational service in the Swedish Air Force between 1973 and 2007. The aircraft is basically an AJ 37 modified with a higher fin and an extra driver's seat behind the regular driver's seat. JA 37 vs AJ 37: The differences between the JA 37 and the other Saab 37 aircraft are significant, not least in terms of the engine. The JA 37 was equipped with the further developed RM 8B engine, which provided an increase in power of 9.5 kN (with a lit afterburner). The engine was 9 cm longer than the previous RM 8A engine, so the fuselage was lengthened by the same amount. On JA 37, Ericsson's PS-46/A radar, based on the pulse-doppler principle, was introduced. The radar can distinguish a moving object from the fixed ground background reflections and is also insensitive to possible strip-firing by enemy aircraft. The radar was thus able to distinguish low-flying targets from ground echoes, which was necessary to counter modern attack aircraft that had sufficient range to fly in towards their targets at the lowest altitude. The JA 37 was the only one of the Saab 37 variants to have fixed automatic cannon armament. The gun was the 30 mm m/75 automatic cannon, a 30 mm caliber revolver cannon with a very high muzzle velocity. In addition to the fixed automatic cannon, the JA 37 could also be armed with air-to-air missiles. In the attack role, the JA 37 could carry up to four m/70 rocket pods in addition to its automatic cannon. The electronics of the JA 37 are completely different compared to the other Viggen variants. A new CD-107 central computer was designed for the aircraft, with a capacity five times greater than the central computer in the AJ 37. Variants of the JA 37: • JA 37 - The basic version. Primarily a single-seat all-weather interceptor fighter, with a secondary attack role. • JA 37B – The first modernization program, drawn up in 1990, was supposed to have improved the radar's ability to deal with jamming. The program was never implemented, but instead became part of the next upgrade. • JA 37C – Modernization program introduced in 1993 with better electronics, especially in the radar and control system. The radar received a new signal processor which made it less sensitive to interference and made it possible to track more targets. The radar could now also present virtual targets which were transmitted to the aircraft through the control data link. This made air combat exercises more realistic and cheaper by avoiding the use of target aircraft. • JA 37D – The modernization program introduced in 1997 allowed JA 37 to use the new Rb 99 air-to-air missile. The central computer was replaced by a more modern CD-207. Other improvements include the ability to carry an external jammer in a capsule (ESA U95) and a partially new instrument panel with an LCD screen in place of the older CRT screen. • JA 37DI – Several aircraft modified for international service. Flight instruments graduated in knots and feet instead of km/h and meters. Specifications:

JA 37: • Crew 1 • Length 16.43 m • Wingspan 10.6 m • Height 5.9 m • Wing area 46.0 m² • Empty weight 10,731 kg • Max. takeoff weight 22,500 kg • Max. speed >1,450 km/h at low altitude, Mach 2.2 at high altitude • Range 1,000 km • Engine 1 × Volvo Flygmotor RM 8B • Traction power 72 kN, 125 kN with afterburner • Radar PS-46/A Armament: 30 mm automatic cannon m/75, missiles, rockets.

AJ 37: • Crew 1 • Length 16.30 m • Wingspan 10.6 m • Height 5.6 m • Wing area 46.0 m² • Empty weight 11,800 kg • Max. takeoff weight 20,450 kg • Max speed > 1,350 km/h at low altitude, Mach 2 at high altitude • Range 1,000 km • Engine 1 × Volvo Flygmotor RM 8A • Traction power 65 kN, 115 kN with afterburner • Radar PS-37 Armament: 30 mm automatic cannon m/55, bombs, missiles, rockets

Reconnaissance aircraft SF 37 Viggen marked 02 from F 13 Bråvalla Wing. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVMF.000274.

Fighter aircraft JA 37 Viggen marked 68 from F 13 Bråvalla Wing 1993. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVMF.000221.

Images:

Saab 39 Gripen

Saab 39 Gripen (The Griffin), designated JAS 39 Gripen, is a fourth-generation fighter aircraft manufactured by Saab AB. It is a light single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft and has a delta wing and canard configuration with relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire flight controls. Later aircraft are fully NATO interoperable. As of 2020, more than 271 JAS 39 Gripen of all models, A – F, have been built. The decision on a new aircraft system was taken by the Swedish parliament in 1982 in connection with the 1982 Defense Act. The JAS 39 Gripen is one of the first multi-role aircraft that can be used for fighter, attack, and reconnaissance missions and also switch between them in flight, hence the prefix JAS. JAS stands for Jakt (Fighter aircraft, i.e. air-to- air), Attack (Attack aircraft, i.e. air-to-ground), and Spaning (Reconnaissance aircraft). The aircraft could also be serviced by conscripted personnel and be adapted to Sweden’s air base system of war air bases (the Air Base 90 system). The image shows a Saab 39 Gripen aircraft at the Kaivopuisto Air Show in June 2017. Image: Wikipedia. In 1980, Saab submitted a proposal for a Swedish multi-role aircraft (in Swedish JAS) directly to the then Minister of Defense, Eric Krönmark. On 29 April 1983, the final parliamentary decision on the development of the multi-role aircraft (JAS) was taken. A total of 204 JAS 39 aircraft (A, B, C, and D) have been ordered by Sweden through three different defense acts. The JAS 39 Gripen first flew in 1988. Initially, a two-seat variant of the JAS 39 was not planned as training on the aircraft took place in a simulator, but to export the Gripen, a trainer variant of the aircraft proved to be necessary and so the JAS 39B was developed. Variants: • JAS 39A: The JAS 39A was the first variant to enter service in 1996 by the Swedish Air Force. A total of 104 were produced. • JAS 39B: The JAS 39B is a two-seater trainer variant that entered service in 1996. This variant is 0.7 meters longer than the A variant. A total of 14 were produced. • JAS 39C: The first export version of the JAS 39 arrived in September 2002. Since 2009, the JAS 39C is a fully NATO interoperable version of the JAS 39 Gripen with enhanced capabilities in terms of armament, electronics, etc. This version can also be air refueled. A total of 69 were produced for the Swedish Air Force. On 19 March 2015, the last C version ordered was delivered to the Swedish Air Force. • JAS 39D: The JAS 39D is a two-seat variant of the JAS 39C. This variant is 0.7 meters longer than the C variant. A total of 23 were produced. 12 of these are used by the Swedish Air Force. • JAS 39EBS: JAS 39EBS HU (EBS HU stands for Export Baseline Standard Hungary) is the name of the Hungarian C & D variants since 2006 with NATO Link 16 data network since 2009. A total of 14 JAS 39EBS were produced, which are converted from 12 A and 2 B variants. • Gripen Demo/NG: The Gripen Demo is a modified and upgraded Gripen D (two-seater) equipped with more modern electronics and a more powerful engine (GE f414 - thrust 98kN). Gripen Demo has also been popularly referred to as Gripen NG, Next Generation. The primary purpose of the Gripen Demo is to test and evaluate new technologies, particularly for the future Gripen E & F, but also for future upgrades of existing Gripen C & D. • Gripen NG: Gripen NG (Next Generation), often referred to as the Super Gripen, is the next upgrade for the Swedish Air Force under the designation JAS Gripen 39E (single-seater) and JAS Gripen 39F (two-seater). The variant will feature a larger fuselage, a new engine (F414G, GE), new multi-mode AESA radar, increased fuel capacity, higher payload capacity, new landing gear, and an updated cockpit with head-down displays, improved avionics, and encrypted communications. The E version has modernized sensors and in particular sensor fusion and has more beams, which means that Gripen E can carry more weapons, i.e. more missiles and bombs. The aircraft is scheduled to be operational in Sweden from 2023 and at least until 2040. Of the approximately 100 JAS 39 aircraft in service with the Swedish Air Force, about 40 to 60 existing C & D variants are expected to be "converted" to the E-variant, which means that a completely new fuselage with a new engine is fitted with some components from a 39C/D. On 15 June 2017, the 39-8 Gripen NG test aircraft made its maiden flight from Saab's Linköping airfield. In December 2019, the first production aircraft was delivered to the Swedish Air Force. On 14 February 2020, the first test flight of the JAS 39 Gripen E was conducted for the Swedish Air Force. The Swedish Air Force has ordered 60 aircraft of the single-seat Gripen 39E and delivery to the Swedish Air Force began in mid-2022. A total of 204 Saab 39 Gripen aircraft (A, B, C, and D) were ordered, of which 201 have been delivered and are in the Swedish Air Force under the name JAS 39 Gripen. On 9 June 1996, the Skaraborg Air Wing (F 7) officially became the first air wing to be re-equipped from the AJ 37 Viggen to the JAS 39 Gripen. On 13 December 2012, the very last flight of JAS 39 version A/B was made in the Swedish Air Force, and the Air Force now exclusively uses version C/D. On 29 August 2014, it was reported that the Swedish Armed Forces may purchase 60 new JAS 39 E aircraft. Specifications A/B/C/D: • Crew 1 (A & C), 2 (B & D) • Length 14.1 m (A & B) • Length 14.8 m (C & D) • Wingspan 8.4 m • Height 4,5 m • Wing area 30.0 m² • Empty weight 6,700 / 7,000 kg (A & B), 6,800 / 7,100 kg (C & D) • Max. takeoff weight 12,700 kg (A & B), 14,000 kg (C & D) • Max. speed Mach 2 • Max flight altitude 16,500 m • Range 1,500 – 3,000 km • Engine 1 x Volvo Aero RM 12 (A/B/C/D) • Traction power 54 kN, 81 kN with a lit afterburner • Radar Ericsson PS-05/A Mk2/3 (C & D) • Hardpoints 8 Armament: 1 x 27 mm Mauser BK revolver cannon, missiles, rockets. Specifications E/F: • Crew 1 (E), 2 (F) • Length 15.2 m (E) • Length 15.9 m (F) • Wingspan 8.6 m • Height 4,5 m • Wing area 30.0 m² • Empty weight 8,000 kg • Max. takeoff weight 16,500 kg • Max. speed 2,460 km/h • Max flight altitude 16,000 m • Range 4,000 km • Engine 1 × General Electric RM 16 (F414G) after-burning turbofan engine • Traction power 61,83 kN, 98 kN with a lit afterburner • Radar AESA Selex ES-05 Raven • Hardpoints 10 Armament: 1 x 27 mm Mauser BK revolver cannon, missiles, rockets. Saab 39 Gripen in other countries: In addition to Sweden, the Saab 39 Gripen is also used in the air forces of other countries; Brazil, South Africa, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Thailand. Images:

1st above, a Saab JAS 39 Gripen at the Czech Air Force. Image: Wikipedia. 2nd: a Saab JAS 39E Gripen, marked 6002. Image: Saab. A Saab JAS 39 Gripen in September 2013 after receiving fuel from a US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker. Image: Wikipedia. A two-seater Saab JAS 39B Gripen. Image: Wikipedia. Saab JAS 39C Gripen. Image: Wikipedia.

Flights System 2020

The Flight System 2020 (Flygsystem 2020) is an ongoing project by the Swedish Air Force to develop a fifth-generation low-observable fighter jet by 2035. Little public information exists about the project.

xxxxx Swegen xxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Swedish

Made with Xara

Swedish Combat Aircraft - Jet

Aircraft-2

Jet Aircraft

List of Military Jet Aircraft in the Swedish

Air Force

Swedish Militry Aircraft - 7

To the List of Swedish Military Jet Aircraft

Source References

Saab 35 Draken

The Saab 35 Draken (The Dragon) is a single-engine, double delta-wing Swedish fighter developed by Saab for the Swedish Air Force, replacing the earlier fighters J 29, J 32, and J 34. The aircraft was the first true supersonic aircraft to enter service in Western Europe, first flown in 1955, and entering service in 1960. The Saab 35 Draken was withdrawn from Swedish military service in 1998. The Saab 35 was originally developed as a high- altitude interceptor, but because of its configuration, it also became an effective fighter at lower altitudes. It was considered to be a very capable dogfighter for the era. The image shows a Saab 35 Draken S 35E. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVM.149919. In the early 1950s, Sweden realized that it needed a fighter capable of intercepting the new nuclear-armed bombers. The aircraft would be equipped with radar and would be able to fly faster than sound. Furthermore, it would have a very good climbing capability, long-range, endurance, and the ability to carry the weapons required for the mission. In addition, the aircraft would have the ability to take off and land on wartime road air bases (The Air Base 60 system), which was standard for the Swedish Air Force. In 1958, the Swedish Air Force introduced the Air Base 60 system, which was based on the defensive deployment of air forces in the event of war. A large number of war bases were built across the country to deploy the air divisions in a war situation. The system aimed to make it difficult for an enemy to fight the Swedish air force on the ground and thus increase the air force's endurance in the event of war. The idea was to spread out the air units so that one air division (8-12 aircraft) would be stationed per war base. To meet all the requirements of the J 35 fighter, a design with a narrow fuselage with a double delta wing was chosen. The prototype first flew on 25 October 1955 and deliveries of the first variant, J 35A, began in 1959. The J 35 Dragon was designed as a high-altitude interceptor. A reconnaissance variant, S 35E, was added later, as well as a two-seat trainer variant, Sk 35C. The unconventional wing design also had the side effect of making it the first known aircraft to be capable of and perform the Cobra maneuver. The cobra is performed by entering into a controlled super stall state, gaining high alpha, and then quickly negating the angle of attack to counter the stall. This forces the airframe to act as an air brake for a few seconds, which rapidly reduces the speed. The Swedish Air Force is the first air force to have discovered and developed the Cobra maneuver. A skilled J35 pilot could use the maneuver not only to get behind the enemy plane but also to get into a firing position with the automatic cannon. On 15 January 1960, a Swedish jet fighter flew for the first time at twice the speed of sound. A total of 644 J 35 Draken were built, of which 615 were in Swedish service. Variants: • J 35A – 90 fighters of this variant were built and delivered in the years 1959-1961. Starting with the 66th aircraft, the rear section was made longer to accommodate a new afterburner for additional thrust. These aircraft were designated J 34A2 while the initial 65 were designated J 35A1. • J 35B – 73 aircraft were built and delivered between 1962 and 1963. This variant eventually received a better radar and better and more advanced radar gun sights. • SK 35C – Twin-seat trainer variant. A total of 25 J 35A1s with a short rear fuselage were converted to a two-seater trainer variant. • J 35D – This variant was built in 120 copies and delivered between the years 1963-1964. The Saab 35D differed quite a lot compared to previous variants. For one, it was fitted with the much stronger Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.60 engine RM6CS) and a new afterburner. • S 35E – A reconnaissance variant of the J 35D. A total of 59 aircraft in which radar and weaponry gave way to cameras. • J 35F – A total of 230 aircraft of this variant with improved electronics and avionics were built. The J 35F had integrated radar, sighting, and missile systems. The J 35F was delivered between 1965 and 1972. • J 35J – Between 1987 and 1991, 67 J 35Fs (e.g. J 35F2s) were life extended by upgrading to the J 35J standard. The aircraft received modernized electronics, a modernized cannon, and two additional AIM-9 Sidewinder pylons under the air intakes. The J 35J was in service until 1999. Specifications: • Crew 1 • Length 15.34 m • Wingspan 9.42 m • Height 3.89 m • Wing area 49.2 m² • Empty weight 8,250 kg • Max. takeoff weight 12,400 kg (J 35J) • Max. flight altitude 19,995 m • Max. speed Mach 2 • Rate of climb 10,500 m/min • Range 1,763 km • Engine 1 × Volvo Flygmotor RM 6C (Rolls-Royce Avon 300) (D, E, F and J) • Traction power 78,4 kN Armament: 1 - 2 × 30 mm automatic cannon m/55, missiles, rockets. Other countries: The Saab 35 Draken was also used by Denmark, Finland, Austria, and the US National Test Pilot School. Images:

Saab 35 Draken, J 35F in flight. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVM.149901.

Fighter aircraft J 35 Draken marked 40 from F 1 Västerås Wing taking off. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVMF.003159.

Saab 37 Viggen

The Saab 37 Viggen (The Bolt [e.g. The Thunderbolt]) is a combat aircraft developed and built by Saab in Linköping, Sweden. The Royal Air Force Material Administration’s requirements for Saab were that the new warplane should have a short take-off and landing distance and be able to use wartime road air bases (The Air Base 60 system). The Saab 37 Viggen met the requirements. The first prototype of the Saab 37 was flown for the first time on 8 February 1967. The Viggen was built in five basic variants for different tasks: AJ, attack aircraft that could also perform fighter tasks; JA, fighter aircraft with some attack capability; SH, reconnaissance and maritime surveillance aircraft; SF, photo-reconnaissance aircraft and Sk, trainer aircraft. The Attack variant AJ 37 was the first variant of the Saab 37 Viggen to be produced. During the 1990s, Saab made modifications to the AJ 37, SF 37, and SH 37 to enable them to operate as so- called multi-role aircraft. The image shows the reconnaissance variant of the aircraft, Saab SF 37 Viggen, from F 13 Bråvalla Wing. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID:FVMF.000287. When the Saab 37 Viggen was introduced in 1971, it was one of the most advanced fighter jets in Europe. It was the first canard design produced in quantity. The Saab 37 Viggen was initially developed as an intended replacement for the Saab 32 Lansen in the attack role and later the Saab 35 Draken as a fighter. From the onset, the Saab 37 was planned as an integrated weapon system, to be operated in conjunction with Sweden's national electronic air defense system of the time, STRIL-60. It was used as Sweden's standard platform, capable of being efficiently adapted to perform all tactical mission roles. The fighter variant: The JA 37 Viggen was a medium fighter aircraft with a secondary role as an attack aircraft designed by Saab AB on the order of FMM, the Swedish Defense Material Administration (formally the Royal Swedish Air Force Material Administration, KFF). The aircraft is based on the basic design Saab 37 Viggen which was designed to be configured as a fighter, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft in separate variants, later also as an advanced trainer aircraft. A total of 149 JA 37s were delivered and the aircraft was in operational service with the Swedish Air Force between 1980 and 2005. The attack variant: The AJ 37 Viggen was a medium ground-attack aircraft with a secondary role as a fighter. The AJ 37 was the first variant of the Viggen series to be delivered. The aircraft was intended for attack strikes against targets on the ground and at sea. The Air Force received its first AJ 37 in July 1971 and it entered service in 1973. It was one of the few combat aircraft outside the United States that was then equipped with a computer. The aircraft was in operational service with the Swedish Air Force between 1973 and 1997 and a total of 106 AJ 37 aircraft were delivered between 1973 and 1978. During the period 1991 to 1994, a modification of the AJ 37 was made. The modified aircraft were designated AJS 37. The reconnaissance variant: The SH 37 Viggen was a medium reconnaissance and maritime surveillance aircraft, equipped with the PS-371A radar. The aircraft is based on the basic Saab 37 Viggen design and was in operational service with the Swedish Air Force between 1975 and 2005. The basic design of the SH 37 is based on the AJ 37. The SH 37 is equipped with a slightly modified radar with a longer range than the radar of the AJ 37 and adapted for the task of maritime surveillance, but is equipped with a radar detector that comes into operation if the aircraft is illuminated by enemy radar. A total of 27 aircraft of the SH 37 were delivered to the Air Force. Between 1995 and 1997, the SH 37 was modified and the modified aircraft were designated AJSH 37 and remained in service until 2005. The SF 37 Viggen was a medium photo reconnaissance aircraft with the radar replaced by several cameras in the nose. Between June 1977 and February 1980, Saab delivered 28 SF 37 aircraft to the Swedish Air Force and these were in service between 1977 and 2005. 13 SF 37 aircraft were part of the modification program that ran between 1995 and 1997 to obtain a limited multi-role (JAS) capability. The modified aircraft were therefore designated AJSF 37 and remained in service until 2005. The trainer variant: The Sk 37 Viggen was an advanced two-seat trainer aircraft for type flying with pilots who would later fly other variants of the Saab 37 Viggen fighter aircraft. The aircraft is based on the basic Saab 37 Viggen design. A total of 17 Sk 37 aircraft were delivered to the Swedish Air Force and the aircraft were in operational service in the Swedish Air Force between 1973 and 2007. The aircraft is basically an AJ 37 modified with a higher fin and an extra driver's seat behind the regular driver's seat. JA 37 vs AJ 37: The differences between the JA 37 and the other Saab 37 aircraft are significant, not least in terms of the engine. The JA 37 was equipped with the further developed RM 8B engine, which provided an increase in power of 9.5 kN (with a lit afterburner). The engine was 9 cm longer than the previous RM 8A engine, so the fuselage was lengthened by the same amount. On JA 37, Ericsson's PS-46/A radar, based on the pulse-doppler principle, was introduced. The radar can distinguish a moving object from the fixed ground background reflections and is also insensitive to possible strip-firing by enemy aircraft. The radar was thus able to distinguish low-flying targets from ground echoes, which was necessary to counter modern attack aircraft that had sufficient range to fly in towards their targets at the lowest altitude. The JA 37 was the only one of the Saab 37 variants to have fixed automatic cannon armament. The gun was the 30 mm m/75 automatic cannon, a 30 mm caliber revolver cannon with a very high muzzle velocity. In addition to the fixed automatic cannon, the JA 37 could also be armed with air-to-air missiles. In the attack role, the JA 37 could carry up to four m/70 rocket pods in addition to its automatic cannon. The electronics of the JA 37 are completely different compared to the other Viggen variants. A new CD-107 central computer was designed for the aircraft, with a capacity five times greater than the central computer in the AJ 37. Variants of the JA 37: • JA 37 - The basic version. Primarily a single-seat all- weather interceptor fighter, with a secondary attack role. • JA 37B – The first modernization program, drawn up in 1990, was supposed to have improved the radar's ability to deal with jamming. The program was never implemented, but instead became part of the next upgrade. • JA 37C – Modernization program introduced in 1993 with better electronics, especially in the radar and control system. The radar received a new signal processor which made it less sensitive to interference and made it possible to track more targets. The radar could now also present virtual targets which were transmitted to the aircraft through the control data link. This made air combat exercises more realistic and cheaper by avoiding the use of target aircraft. • JA 37D – The modernization program introduced in 1997 allowed JA 37 to use the new Rb 99 air-to-air missile. The central computer was replaced by a more modern CD-207. Other improvements include the ability to carry an external jammer in a capsule (ESA U95) and a partially new instrument panel with an LCD screen in place of the older CRT screen. • JA 37DI – Several aircraft modified for international service. Flight instruments graduated in knots and feet instead of km/h and meters. Specifications:

Reconnaissance aircraft SF 37 Viggen marked 02 from F 13 Bråvalla Wing. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVMF.000274.

Fighter aircraft JA 37 Viggen marked 68 from F 13 Bråvalla Wing 1993. Image: Flygvapenmuseum, ID: FVMF.000221.

Images:

Saab 39 Gripen

Saab 39 Gripen (The Griffin), designated JAS 39 Gripen, is a fourth-generation fighter aircraft manufactured by Saab AB. It is a light single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft and has a delta wing and canard configuration with relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire flight controls. Later aircraft are fully NATO interoperable. As of 2020, more than 271 JAS 39 Gripen of all models, A – F, have been built. The decision on a new aircraft system was taken by the Swedish parliament in 1982 in connection with the 1982 Defense Act. The JAS 39 Gripen is one of the first multi-role aircraft that can be used for fighter, attack, and reconnaissance missions and also switch between them in flight, hence the prefix JAS. JAS stands for Jakt (Fighter aircraft, i.e. air-to-air), Attack (Attack aircraft, i.e. air-to-ground), and Spaning (Reconnaissance aircraft). The aircraft could also be serviced by conscripted personnel and be adapted to Sweden’s air base system of war air bases (the Air Base 90 system). The image shows a Saab 39 Gripen aircraft at the Kaivopuisto Air Show in June 2017. Image: Wikipedia. In 1980, Saab submitted a proposal for a Swedish multi-role aircraft (in Swedish JAS) directly to the then Minister of Defense, Eric Krönmark. On 29 April 1983, the final parliamentary decision on the development of the multi-role aircraft (JAS) was taken. A total of 204 JAS 39 aircraft (A, B, C, and D) have been ordered by Sweden through three different defense acts. The JAS 39 Gripen first flew in 1988. Initially, a two-seat variant of the JAS 39 was not planned as training on the aircraft took place in a simulator, but to export the Gripen, a trainer variant of the aircraft proved to be necessary and so the JAS 39B was developed. Variants: • JAS 39A: The JAS 39A was the first variant to enter service in 1996 by the Swedish Air Force. A total of 104 were produced. • JAS 39B: The JAS 39B is a two-seater trainer variant that entered service in 1996. This variant is 0.7 meters longer than the A variant. A total of 14 were produced. • JAS 39C: The first export version of the JAS 39 arrived in September 2002. Since 2009, the JAS 39C is a fully NATO interoperable version of the JAS 39 Gripen with enhanced capabilities in terms of armament, electronics, etc. This version can also be air refueled. A total of 69 were produced for the Swedish Air Force. On 19 March 2015, the last C version ordered was delivered to the Swedish Air Force. • JAS 39D: The JAS 39D is a two-seat variant of the JAS 39C. This variant is 0.7 meters longer than the C variant. A total of 23 were produced. 12 of these are used by the Swedish Air Force. • JAS 39EBS: JAS 39EBS HU (EBS HU stands for Export Baseline Standard Hungary) is the name of the Hungarian C & D variants since 2006 with NATO Link 16 data network since 2009. A total of 14 JAS 39EBS were produced, which are converted from 12 A and 2 B variants. • Gripen Demo/NG: The Gripen Demo is a modified and upgraded Gripen D (two-seater) equipped with more modern electronics and a more powerful engine (GE f414 - thrust 98kN). Gripen Demo has also been popularly referred to as Gripen NG, Next Generation. The primary purpose of the Gripen Demo is to test and evaluate new technologies, particularly for the future Gripen E & F, but also for future upgrades of existing Gripen C & D. • Gripen NG: Gripen NG (Next Generation), often referred to as the Super Gripen, is the next upgrade for the Swedish Air Force under the designation JAS Gripen 39E (single-seater) and JAS Gripen 39F (two-seater). The variant will feature a larger fuselage, a new engine (F414G, GE), new multi-mode AESA radar, increased fuel capacity, higher payload capacity, new landing gear, and an updated cockpit with head-down displays, improved avionics, and encrypted communications. The E version has modernized sensors and in particular sensor fusion and has more beams, which means that Gripen E can carry more weapons, i.e. more missiles and bombs. The aircraft is scheduled to be operational in Sweden from 2023 and at least until 2040. Of the approximately 100 JAS 39 aircraft in service with the Swedish Air Force, about 40 to 60 existing C & D variants are expected to be "converted" to the E-variant, which means that a completely new fuselage with a new engine is fitted with some components from a 39C/D. On 15 June 2017, the 39- 8 Gripen NG test aircraft made its maiden flight from Saab's Linköping airfield. In December 2019, the first production aircraft was delivered to the Swedish Air Force. On 14 February 2020, the first test flight of the JAS 39 Gripen E was conducted for the Swedish Air Force. The Swedish Air Force has ordered 60 aircraft of the single-seat Gripen 39E and delivery to the Swedish Air Force began in mid-2022. A total of 204 Saab 39 Gripen aircraft (A, B, C, and D) were ordered, of which 201 have been delivered and are in the Swedish Air Force under the name JAS 39 Gripen. On 9 June 1996, the Skaraborg Air Wing (F 7) officially became the first air wing to be re-equipped from the AJ 37 Viggen to the JAS 39 Gripen. On 13 December 2012, the very last flight of JAS 39 version A/B was made in the Swedish Air Force, and the Air Force now exclusively uses version C/D. On 29 August 2014, it was reported that the Swedish Armed Forces may purchase 60 new JAS 39 E aircraft. Specifications A/B/C/D: • Crew 1 (A & C), 2 (B & D) • Length 14.1 m (A & B) • Length 14.8 m (C & D) • Wingspan 8.4 m • Height 4,5 m • Wing area 30.0 m² • Empty weight 6,700 / 7,000 kg (A & B), 6,800 / 7,100 kg (C & D) • Max. takeoff weight 12,700 kg (A & B), 14,000 kg (C & D) • Max. speed Mach 2 • Max flight altitude 16,500 m • Range 1,500 – 3,000 km • Engine 1 x Volvo Aero RM 12 (A/B/C/D) • Traction power 54 kN, 81 kN with a lit afterburner • Radar Ericsson PS-05/A Mk2/3 (C & D) • Hardpoints 8 Armament: 1 x 27 mm Mauser BK revolver cannon, missiles, rockets. Specifications E/F: • Crew 1 (E), 2 (F) • Length 15.2 m (E) • Length 15.9 m (F) • Wingspan 8.6 m • Height 4,5 m • Wing area 30.0 m² • Empty weight 8,000 kg • Max. takeoff weight 16,500 kg • Max. speed 2,460 km/h • Max flight altitude 16,000 m • Range 4,000 km • Engine 1 × General Electric RM 16 (F414G) after-burning turbofan engine • Traction power 61,83 kN, 98 kN with a lit afterburner • Radar AESA Selex ES-05 Raven • Hardpoints 10 Armament: 1 x 27 mm Mauser BK revolver cannon, missiles, rockets. Saab 39 Gripen in other countries: In addition to Sweden, the Saab 39 Gripen is also used in the air forces of other countries; Brazil, South Africa, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Thailand. Images: