JA-37 Viggen

JA-37 Viggen
- Multirole Strike Fighter -

ORIGIN: (Real World)
Sweden

GAMES FEATURED IN:
Ace Combat 2
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Ace Combat: Joint Assault

OPERATORS:
Aurelian Air Force
Leasath Air Force
Martinez Security
Usean Rebel Force
Vahalia Terrorist Group

ACE SQUADRONS/PILOT
Sabre / LAF (ACX)

VARIANTS:
SF-37

WEAPONS:
Gun / 1 x 30mm Oerlikon Cannon
MSSL / 2 x AIM-9M Sidewinder
UGB / Mk.82 (ACX)
LASM / AGM-84 Harpoon (ACX)
SAAM / AIM-7M Sparrow (ACX)

OVERVIEW:
The SAAB Viggen (Thunderbolt) was developed as a successor to the J 35 Draken (Kite). The first studies aimed at replacing the Draken were carried out in 1952 and 1957; construction began in 1964 with the very first prototype taking flight in 1967. The goal was to produce an aircraft with excellent STOL performance that would enable it to operate from improvised facilities, such as roads and highways.

Other requirements included supersonic ability at low level, Mach 2 performance at altitude and the ability to make short landings at low angles of attack (to avoid damaging most runways). The Viggen, like its predecessor the Draken, was intended to perform various roles; the initial AJ 37 was a dedicated attack aircraft, the SK 37 training aircraft, the SF 37 reconnaissance variant, SH 37 maritime reconnaissance, and finally the JA 37 interceptor. Despite its exceptional performance; the Viggens were slowly phased out in favour of the more advanced JAS 39 Gripen, which could perform virtually all of the Viggen's roles, with a single aircraft. As of 2007, the Viggen is no longer in service with the Swedish Air Force.

SOURCES:
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (In-Game Data)
Wikipedia.org
Namco.ch / Ace Combat X site

QUOTE (infernal @ Sep 1 2009, 10:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I noticed that too, maybe it has a dual benefit of channeling thrust for speed and for landings.

Though, if I recall right, the JA-37 has some kind of door to close off the engine exhaust on landings, similar to the Tornado models. Instead of having the engine exhaust just piling up in an enclosed space, it might go through that opening before the extension, which is what it could be for.

That extension of the exhaust is a thrust reverser. The JAS-37 Viggen and Panavia Tornado are the only production fighter designs to ever employ thrust reversers. They reduce landing roll and extend the life of the wheel brakes. Most all commercial jet aircraft use them. I dunno how it is on the Viggen and Tornado, but on commercial aircraft, the thrust reversers can engage once around 70% of the aircraft's weight is on the wheels.