Difference between revisions of "JA37C"

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|code=saab_ja37
 
|code=saab_ja37
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_saab_ja37.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].
+
The JA37C was developed during the 1980s, with the JAS 39 Gripen still far away of being ready, the C variant of the Viggen extended the lifetime of the aircraft. The aircraft received access to countermeasures, a new signal processor, a new PS 46/A radar with the ability to follow multiple targets at once and display them for the pilot. The aircraft served up until the introduction of the JA37D, which was introduced in the 1990s, all JA37Cs were converted to the new D standard.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]]. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a very peculiar aircraft for its BR, it does not have the best weapons, nor the best flight performance or the most amount of weapons. However, it does have a good radar and is a good jack of all trades, being able to dogfight heavier aircrafts such as the F-4 Phantom while having good weapons like the RB-24J and the RB71 (Skyflash). The radar is the PS-46/A having all aspect Pulse Doppler search and track, which is usually found only at higher ranks.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 20:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
A decently fast plane, capable of around Mach 1.4 within a game. Somewhat fast turning, but It cannot hold a fight for long.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 1,920 || 1,874 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.1 || 26.4 || 169.2 || 158.8 || rowspan="2" | 900
+
| 1,923 || 1,877 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.1 || 26.3 || 168.4 || 157.8 || rowspan="2" | 900
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 2,061 || 1,997 || 23.9 || 25.0 || 232.9 || 199.6
+
| 2,061 || 1,997 || 23.9 || 25.0 || 233.7 || 199.6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Features
+
! colspan="7" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute !! Thrust reversal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || {{Annotation|✓*|Only when landed}}     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,536 <!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 400 || ~12 || ~4
+
| 1,536 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || - || 400 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 865 || < 700 || < 520 || N/A
+
| < 865 || < 700 || < 520 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
+
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
+
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* A choice between two presets:
 
* A choice between two presets:
 
** 1 x 30 mm Akan m/75 cannon, belly-mounted (150 rpg)
 
** 1 x 30 mm Akan m/75 cannon, belly-mounted (150 rpg)
−
** 1 x 30 mm Akan m/75 cannon (150 rpg) + 48 x countermeasures
+
** 1 x 30 mm Akan m/75 cannon + 48 x large calibre countermeasures
 +
 
 +
The 30 mm cannon has a low ammo count, and also completely lacks tracers in any of its belts. This can be partially mitigated by using the radar-lock lead indicator.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|RB24|RB24J|RB71|psrak m/70}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
* 2 x RB24 missiles
+
|-
 +
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6 !! width="7%" | 7
 +
| rowspan="6" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_JA37D.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[psrak m/70]] rockets
 +
| || 6 || 6 || || 6 || 6 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[RB24]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[RB24J]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[RB71]] missiles
 +
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! 1,250 l drop tanks
 +
| || || || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 1,250 l drop tank
 +
* 2 x RB24J missiles
 
* 6 x RB24 missiles
 
* 6 x RB24 missiles
 
* 6 x RB24J missiles
 
* 6 x RB24J missiles
 
* 2 x RB71 missiles
 
* 2 x RB71 missiles
−
* 2 x RB71 missiles + 4 x RB24 missiles
 
−
* 2 x RB71 missiles + 4 x RB24J missiles
 
 
* 24 x psrak m/70 rockets
 
* 24 x psrak m/70 rockets
−
* 24 x psrak m/70 rockets + 2 x RB24 missiles
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
* 24 x psrak m/70 rockets + 2 x RB24J missiles
 
−
* 12 x psrak m/70 rockets + 2 x RB71 missiles + 2 x RB24 missiles
 
−
* 12 x psrak m/70 rockets + 2 x RB71 missiles + 2 x RB24J missiles
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
The Viggen is a simple and effective plane to use in Realistic Battles (for the most part). You will notice on take-off she is a bit sluggish and won't accelerate very well, she is heavy, but once you're above 700km/h the thrust and aerodynamics help you accelerate better from here. The viggen performs better compared to most fighters at lower altitudes (3000m and below) for manoeuvrability and top speed and this is where you should stay. Taking advantage of your top speed, supersonic and transonic manoeuvrability and Doppler rader/Skyflash combo. Anything coming to you head on is in for a really bad time. You can be aggressive and hit the battle early and low level to take out any attackers using your doppler radar.
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
 
+
The Viggen is a simple and effective plane to use in realistic battles. You will notice on take-off it is a bit sluggish and won't accelerate very well, as it is heavy, but once you're above 700 km/h the thrust and aerodynamics help you accelerate better from here. The Viggen performs better compared to most fighters at lower altitudes (3,000 m and below) in terms of manoeuvrability and top speed. Taking advantage of your top speed, Pulse-Doppler radar and Skyflash missiles, you can be aggressive and hit the battle early and at low level to take out any attackers using your useful radar set with your SARH missiles.
−
If you want to be more conservative you can hang with your team and go around the side. The Viggen is very hard to rip and getting some altitude and coming into the fight at a supersonic dive and maintain your speed trying to find targets for your Skylfash missle can be very effective. If in a head on the Skylfash can hit targets about 6km away at sea level if they don't change direction. It is usually very effective and hard to dodge the agile Skyflash if head to head launched at about 3km. The motor will still be burning and your missle will maintain energy to the target. A weakness of the Doppler radar is if a target starts to turn at a 90 degree angle it will no longer track (this is called beaming). The radar will lose lock and the missle will be unable to track if this happens, if you have enough time you can potential switch to the Aim-9J to try get a lock behind the target from here. Last resort is the guns, basically an Aden that has a lot of power it is hard to target with a slower velocity and placed underneath the fuselage. It is best to give a lot of lead and aim above the target (you have to use the force a little bit without tracers) usually within 300m it is most effective but can hit targets out to 600m if you can get the nose in the right position.  
 
  
−
Though you are pretty manoeuvrable at all speeds it won't end well for you in any dogfight with sustained turns, you will just bleed too much energy and getting slow is the last place for a Viggen. You're heavy, slow to accelerate and a big target! Get fast, and stay fast. Make the most of the good radar and two Skyflash missles. 30min of fuel won't last long either with any Afterburner in this thing. There is not much difference taking 45/47 (full fuel) when all you plan to be is speed and not dogfighting anyway! <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
If you want to be more conservative, you can hang with your team and go around the side. The Viggen has very high rip speeds, getting some altitude and coming into the fight at a supersonic dive can be very effective if you maintain your speed trying to find targets for your Skyflash missiles. If in a head-on, the Skyflash can hit targets about 6 km away at sea level if they don't change direction. It is usually very effective and hard to dodge the agile Skyflash if launched in a head-on at around 3km. The motor will still be burning and your missile will maintain energy to the target. If in Pulse-Doppler mode, the radar will no longer track a target if it starts to turn at a 90 degree angle (this is called beaming). The radar will lose lock and the missile will be unable to track if this happens. If you have enough time, you can potentially switch to the AIM-9J to try to get a lock behind the target from here, though keep in mind your enemy's countermeasures. In a last resort, you can use the gun, essentially an Aden, it hits hard, but it is very hard to aim due to its placement (under the fuselage) and the lack of tracers.
  
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
Try to stay out of any extended dogfight, especially if your opponent has any support. Though it is considerably manoeuvrable at all speeds, the Viggen won't do well in any dogfight with sustained turns, as it will just bleed too much energy and being too slow is almost certainly fatal. It is heavy, slow to accelerate and a big target. So get fast, and stay fast. Bringing a full tank of fuel is generally recommended as the Viggen's afterburner uses incredible amounts of fuel, though the engine is quite strong in a climb.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 171: Line 195:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Very fast at sea level, can accelerate up to Mach 1.21.
+
* High top speed of mach 1.21 at sea level
−
* Good energy retention if not max performing
+
* Competitive turning rate
−
* Great agility - Responsive elevons and a large rudder at high speeds
+
* Agile with responsive elevons at higher speeds and a large rudder
−
* Low stall-speed
+
* Moderately heavy air-to-air payload; able to carry up to six under-wing missiles and has an internally mounted 30 mm cannon
−
* Strong firepower - 30 mm gun shreds everything it hits
+
* Can carry a respectable amount of countermeasures
−
* Agile RB71 missiles
+
* Comfortable to land thanks to a low stall speed, strong landing gear, and the ability to reverse the engine's thrust
−
* Good air-to-air payload - Up to 6 missile pylons
+
* Potent radar set with access to both Pulse-Doppler and track-while-scan modes, with a lengthy search range
−
* Access to countermeasures
+
* Access to the deadly RB71 semi-active radar missile which can out-turn the RB24Js on paper
−
* Easy to land - Strong landing gear and access to reverse thrust
+
* Access to rockets
−
* Strong air-to-air radar with access to pulse doppler tracking
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Very high fuel consumption
+
* Extremely poor energy retention during sustained turns, only made worse by its acceleration at low speeds
−
* Mediocre acceleration
+
* Fuel-thirsty afterburner
−
* Weak air-brakes - Can slow done well pulling G
+
* Lacklustre performance at mid-to-low subsonic speeds and mediocre acceleration
−
* Very Sluggish at lower speeds, poor stall control
+
* Weak airbrakes
−
* Low ammo count and lacks access to tracer munitions
+
* You are facing better-performing missiles at your BR
−
* Unconventional flaps - Mostly useful during landings
+
* Non Pulse-Doppler radar locks onto chaff easily
 +
* Loses control if one aileron is lost
 +
* Low ammo count for the 30 mm cannon
 +
* Unconventional flaps which are mostly only useful during landings
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Latest revision as of 15:17, 7 March 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the Swedish jet fighter JA37C. For other versions, see SAAB 37 Viggen (Family).
JA37C
saab_ja37.png
GarageImage JA37C.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/6/6e/Cockpit_saab_ja37.jpg
JA37C
Sweden flag.png Sweden
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.0 11.3 11.3
Class:
Research:350 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The JA37C was developed during the 1980s, with the JAS 39 Gripen still far away of being ready, the C variant of the Viggen extended the lifetime of the aircraft. The aircraft received access to countermeasures, a new signal processor, a new PS 46/A radar with the ability to follow multiple targets at once and display them for the pilot. The aircraft served up until the introduction of the JA37D, which was introduced in the 1990s, all JA37Cs were converted to the new D standard.

It was introduced in Update "Direct Hit". The JA37C Jaktviggen is a very peculiar aircraft for its BR, it does not have the best weapons, nor the best flight performance or the most amount of weapons. However, it does have a good radar and is a good jack of all trades, being able to dogfight heavier aircrafts such as the F-4 Phantom while having good weapons like the RB-24J and the RB71 (Skyflash). The radar is the PS-46/A having all aspect Pulse Doppler search and track, which is usually found only at higher ranks.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 11 000 m1 998 km/h
Turn time25 s
Max altitude14 500 m
EngineSvenska Flygmotor RM8B
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight19 t

A decently fast plane, capable of around Mach 1.4 within a game. Somewhat fast turning, but It cannot hold a fight for long.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 9,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,923 1,877 14500 26.1 26.3 168.4 157.8 900
Upgraded 2,061 1,997 23.9 25.0 233.7 199.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute Thrust reversal
X X ✓ ✓ X X ✓*
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,536 620 - - 400 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 865 < 700 < 520 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Svenska Flygmotor RM8B 1 12,315 kg 364 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 50m fuel
2,350 kg Afterburning low-bypass turbofan 13,641 kg 14,080 kg 14,963 kg 16,287 kg 16,735 kg 19,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 50m fuel MTOW
Stationary 6,585 kgf 11,025 kgf 0.81 0.78 0.74 0.68 0.66 0.58
Optimal 6,585 kgf
(0 km/h) 		15,990 kgf
(1,250 km/h) 		1.17 1.14 1.07 0.98 0.96 0.84

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear620 km/h

The JA37C, being primarily a fighter-interceptor, is not equipped with any armour plating. Fuel tanks comprise much of the fuselage and wing area, and a fire will usually mean death. The elevons on the wing handle both elevator pitch and roll, so losing even 1 will make the plane nearly uncontrollable. Avoid damage at all costs, as even a damaged non-critical component will likely cause drag, making flight performance worse. As with most top tier fighters, it becomes much more challenging to fly with even a slight amount of damage compared to lower tier planes.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 101 → 4 170 Sl icon.png
RB8 868 → 11 927 Sl icon.png
SB9 091 → 12 227 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications300 000 Rp icon.png
459 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 320 / 600 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
32 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
49 000 Sl icon.png
780 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
32 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
49 000 Sl icon.png
780 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
akan_m75_belt_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods air to air missile.png
RB24
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
m/70
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
akan_m75_new_gun
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
RB24J
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
RB71
Research:
32 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
49 000 Sl icon.png
780 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) Lead indicator
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: Akan m/75 (30 mm)

The JA37C is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 1 x 30 mm Akan m/75 cannon, belly-mounted (150 rpg)
    • 1 x 30 mm Akan m/75 cannon + 48 x large calibre countermeasures

The 30 mm cannon has a low ammo count, and also completely lacks tracers in any of its belts. This can be partially mitigated by using the radar-lock lead indicator.

Suspended armament

The JA37C can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Hardpoints JA37D.png
psrak m/70 rockets 6 6 6 6
RB24 missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
RB24J missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
RB71 missiles 1 1
1,250 l drop tanks 1
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 1,250 l drop tank
  • 2 x RB24J missiles
  • 6 x RB24 missiles
  • 6 x RB24J missiles
  • 2 x RB71 missiles
  • 24 x psrak m/70 rockets

Usage in battles

The Viggen is a simple and effective plane to use in realistic battles. You will notice on take-off it is a bit sluggish and won't accelerate very well, as it is heavy, but once you're above 700 km/h the thrust and aerodynamics help you accelerate better from here. The Viggen performs better compared to most fighters at lower altitudes (3,000 m and below) in terms of manoeuvrability and top speed. Taking advantage of your top speed, Pulse-Doppler radar and Skyflash missiles, you can be aggressive and hit the battle early and at low level to take out any attackers using your useful radar set with your SARH missiles.

If you want to be more conservative, you can hang with your team and go around the side. The Viggen has very high rip speeds, getting some altitude and coming into the fight at a supersonic dive can be very effective if you maintain your speed trying to find targets for your Skyflash missiles. If in a head-on, the Skyflash can hit targets about 6 km away at sea level if they don't change direction. It is usually very effective and hard to dodge the agile Skyflash if launched in a head-on at around 3km. The motor will still be burning and your missile will maintain energy to the target. If in Pulse-Doppler mode, the radar will no longer track a target if it starts to turn at a 90 degree angle (this is called beaming). The radar will lose lock and the missile will be unable to track if this happens. If you have enough time, you can potentially switch to the AIM-9J to try to get a lock behind the target from here, though keep in mind your enemy's countermeasures. In a last resort, you can use the gun, essentially an Aden, it hits hard, but it is very hard to aim due to its placement (under the fuselage) and the lack of tracers.

Try to stay out of any extended dogfight, especially if your opponent has any support. Though it is considerably manoeuvrable at all speeds, the Viggen won't do well in any dogfight with sustained turns, as it will just bleed too much energy and being too slow is almost certainly fatal. It is heavy, slow to accelerate and a big target. So get fast, and stay fast. Bringing a full tank of fuel is generally recommended as the Viggen's afterburner uses incredible amounts of fuel, though the engine is quite strong in a climb.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High top speed of mach 1.21 at sea level
  • Competitive turning rate
  • Agile with responsive elevons at higher speeds and a large rudder
  • Moderately heavy air-to-air payload; able to carry up to six under-wing missiles and has an internally mounted 30 mm cannon
  • Can carry a respectable amount of countermeasures
  • Comfortable to land thanks to a low stall speed, strong landing gear, and the ability to reverse the engine's thrust
  • Potent radar set with access to both Pulse-Doppler and track-while-scan modes, with a lengthy search range
  • Access to the deadly RB71 semi-active radar missile which can out-turn the RB24Js on paper
  • Access to rockets

Cons:

  • Extremely poor energy retention during sustained turns, only made worse by its acceleration at low speeds
  • Fuel-thirsty afterburner
  • Lacklustre performance at mid-to-low subsonic speeds and mediocre acceleration
  • Weak airbrakes
  • You are facing better-performing missiles at your BR
  • Non Pulse-Doppler radar locks onto chaff easily
  • Loses control if one aileron is lost
  • Low ammo count for the 30 mm cannon
  • Unconventional flaps which are mostly only useful during landings

History

Background

During the 1960s, advances in technology occurred rapidly alongside the aviation industry, paving the way for more complex and capable designs. In order to keep up with the rest of the industry, SAAB had to develop aircraft at a constant pace, often coming up with replacements before the predecessor had even entered service. The SAAB Viggen was sought to be the replacement for the A32A and was being considered as early as 1952. The decision of whether to make a fighter or attacker design continued for years. By the end of the '50s, project 1500 started to show potential, with a delta wing design capable of performing multiple roles through different versions. The wing design would allow for short-distance take-off and landings, following the BAS60 roadbase system requirements. These also included all-weather capability and full coverage of the 2,000 km Swedish coastline.

The 37-1 prototype took to the skies in February of 1967. The design still had to go through extensive modifying before the plane could reach the production line. The canards were angled, the wing adjusted, and the fuselage bent slightly. Much of the unorthodox appearance of the Viggen arrived from the extensive testing done on the first prototypes. When finalized, an order of AJ37 Viggens was handed over to F7 Skaraborg, becoming the first division utilizing the aircraft.

JA37

JA37 Prototype airborne, carrying Rb71 Skyflash missiles.

With the Viggen successfully replacing ageing attack and reconnaissance aircraft, the focus shifted towards the replacement of the J35 Draken. This required extensive modifying of the Viggen as a whole, as the requirements for an interceptor wouldn't be met with the powerplant and avionics used in the already existing variants. The project was extensive, redesigning most areas of the plane to fit these specifications. SAAB had to fit an internal gun, an air-to-air radar, and a new flight computer which allowed a real-time data-feed between ground stations and flight groups. One of the more complicated adjustments was the powerplant, where the engineers had to install an additional fan stage. This helped counteract the compressor stall the RM8 engine often experienced at high angles of attack, allowing the JA37 to dogfight more comfortably. These modifications were expensive, exceeding the set budget several times. But SAAB pressed on with the design until the version was fully developed.

The first completed JA37 flew on November 4th, 1977. The first service variants were delivered to F13 Bråvalla in June of 1980, while F17 Blekinge and F21 Luleå received theirs in 1981 and 1982 respectively. The JA37 would go on to be the most produced variant of the Viggen, with 147 aircraft delivered between eight different divisions. The JA37 was highly appreciated by those who flew it, and saw many modifications that extended its lifespan.

JA37C

As the 80s came to an end, the Viggen platform began to require an overhaul to bring the capabilities closer to that of other countries. The Gripen project was still years away from being completed, so an upgrade program began that would involve all JA37 in continued service being upgraded to the JA37C standard. This package introduced countermeasures, and a new signal processor, allowing the radar to track more efficiently against enemy jamming. The radar could now follow multiple targets simultaneously and also display virtual targets to enhance pilot training. This variant of the JA37 would see use up until the end of the decade, still being a capable platform for its time.

Devblog

The requirements for a new aircraft with very high performance to replace the SAAB 35 Draken emerged in the early 1960s. In 1962, the design team of the SAAB company prepared a draft design of the SAAB 37 aircraft, built according to an exotic double delta wing. The project seemed interesting for military authorities , and SAAB received funding to fully develop a new fighter in four basic configurations. The last and most advanced version was the SAAB JA37 Jaktviggen fighter-interceptor, the development of which continued until the mid-1970s, which was associated with the improvement of the engine and the development of modern electronic equipment. The first flight of the experimental JA37 interceptor fighter took place in June 1974, and in 1979 the fighter began to be supplied for service. Until 1990, 149 JA37 Jaktviggen units were produced. The specific appearance made the aircraft of the J37 family a "calling card" of the Royal Swedish Air Force for a long time.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #271 - Metal Beasts section at 01:07 discusses the JA37C.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Swedish Aeroplane Company Ltd. (SAAB)
  Pre-SAAB: SA / ASJA
SA 'Jaktfalken'  J6B
SAAB 17  B17A · B17B · S17BS
SAAB 18  B18A · B18B · T18B · T18B (57)
SAAB 21  J21A-1 · J21A-2 · A21A-3 · J21RA · A21RB
SAAB 29 'Tunnan'  J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F
SAAB 32 'Lansen'  J32B · A32A · A32A Röd Adam
SAAB 35 'Draken'  J35A · J35D
SAAB 37 'Viggen'  JA37C · JA37D · JA37DI · JA37DI F21 · AJ37 · AJS37
SAAB 39 'Gripen'  JAS39A · JAS39C
SAAB 105  SK60B · SAAB-105G
License Production  B3C (Ju 86K)
Export  SAAB-105OE · J35XS · ▄JAS39C · ◔JAS39EBS HU C

Sweden jet aircraft
Fighters  J21RA
  J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F
  J32B
  J34
  J35A · J35D
  JA37C · JA37D · JA37DI · JA37DI F21
  JAS39A · JAS39C
Strike aircraft  A21RB
  A32A · A32A Röd Adam
  A28B
  AJ37 · AJS37
  SK60B · SAAB-105G
Export  SAAB-105OE
Finland  ▄Vampire FB 52A · ▄MiG-21bis · Saab J35XS

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