Difference between revisions of "AJ37"

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* Gain altitude quickly when using RB 75
 
* Gain altitude quickly when using RB 75
 
* Stay as low and fast as possible when using rockets, bombs, cannons, or the Rb05As
 
* Stay as low and fast as possible when using rockets, bombs, cannons, or the Rb05As
 +
 +
Using the AJ37 for its intended purpose can sometimes be trickier than fighting airplanes, especially due to the prominent threat of SAM systems. The AJ37 is much more potent compared to the earlier A32A in almost every regard, but that does not make it immune to Anti-Air equipment. The best way to counter SAM systems is by flying at high speeds while deploying chaff simultaneously. This forces radar locks to reset, allowing for short timeframes of efficient ground striking. Staying above mach is almost a requirement, unless terrain can be worked with to avoid sightline with the SAM launcher. A more daredevilish tactic is foregoing countermeasures altogether, and focusing on destroying the SAM system before it even locates the aircraft. This allows for more variety in the suspended ordinance, doubling the number of bombs or rockets, or allowing the use of Akans to combat air targets at the same time.
 +
 +
This sort of mentality does not apply to using the RB 75, as this missile allows for much further distance when engaging. With over 20km of launch range, the Maverick missile is able to stay out of range from ground-based SAM equipment, while still engaging ground targets. The optimal strategy here is to gain altitude directly after spawning, trying to separate a great distance from the battlefield. A great way to check for optimal distance is watching the capture-point marker that tells distance, as it gives a rough estimate of your current range. When beyond 12km, the average distance a SAM system can reach, a pilot can begin checking for targets on the ground through the sight. Once a target is acquired, turn back and repeat the process. Due to the limited armament, it can be quite handy to carry a second ordinance option or to simply climb near the airfield for quick rearming.
 +
 +
{{Notice|Remember to check for helicopters when using the Rb05A missile! The proximity fuze is often a guaranteed kill against them.}}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===

Revision as of 11:26, 15 March 2022

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Swedish strike aircraft AJ37. For other versions, see SAAB 37 Viggen (Family).
AJ37
saab_aj37.png
GarageImage AJ37.jpg
AJ37
AB RB SB
10.0 10.3 10.7
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The AJ37 Viggen is a rank VII Swedish strike aircraft with a battle rating of 10.0 (AB), 10.3 (RB), and 10.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Ground Breaking". Being the first Viggen variant produced and intended to replace the A32A, the AJ37 offers the air-to-ground capability that the later JA37C lacks.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 11 000 m1 948 km/h
Turn time25 s
Max altitude14 500 m
EngineSvenska Flygmotor RM8A
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight19 t

Entering service in 1971, the AJ37 is almost 10 years older than the JA37C found in the fighter line beside it. Despite being almost indistinguishable from each other visually, both aircraft differ heavily in flight performance. The AJ37 is noticeably more primitive than its fighter brethren, requiring suspended ordnance to compensate for the lack of internal weapons. This, combined with the weaker powerplant, makes the AJ37 feel a lot heavier when fully kitted out. Despite this, the performance is not something to underestimate, as the Viggen platform still offers almost unmatched 'jack of all trades' performance, with excellent manoeuvrability, acceleration, and top speed.

For better or worse, flying the AJ37 is comparable to the Draken family of fighters preceding it. The overall flight performance is so extreme that most opponents the AJ37 comes across cannot keep up with it. But a trade-off is still the lack of significant energy retention. When flown recklessly, the AJ37 has a hard time keeping its speed up, which can be exploited by more powerful opponents. However, an opponent that does commit to these low speeds is likely to lose due to the low-speed handling of the Viggen. All variants, including the AJ37, come fit with flap systems designed to push air under the main wing, allowing the aircraft to manoeuvre efficiently even when stalling. Because of this, dogfighting often comes down to managing your speed, and ensuring that your manoeuvrability is better than your opponent's, either by forcing an overshoot, or baiting them into committing to a low-speed engagement.

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 1,869 1,825 14500 26.2 26.3 157.1 145.8 900
Upgraded 2,017 1,948 23.9 25.0 225.4 190.0

Details

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

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Svenska Flygmotor RM8A 1 11,015 kg 309 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 51m fuel
2,350 kg Afterburning low-bypass turbofan 12,341 kg 12,727 kg 13,583 kg 14,867 kg 15,435 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 51m fuel MTOW
Stationary 6,386 kgf 10,520 kgf 0.85 0.83 0.77 0.71 0.68 0.55
Optimal 6,386 kgf
(0 km/h)
15,255 kgf
(1,250 km/h)
1.24 1.20 1.12 1.03 0.99 0.80

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

Although designed with air-to-ground missions in mind, the AJ37 does not come equipped with pilot protection. Despite its size, the AJ37 is not well-suited for handling incoming damage. The fuselage is noticeably tanky, but due to the large engine and control surfaces, the likelihood of surviving hits without consequence is fairly small.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 269 → 4 396 Sl icon.png
RB9 220 → 12 400 Sl icon.png
SB10 731 → 14 433 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications227 000 Rp icon.png
353 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
aden_belt_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
m/71
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
m/70
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods agm missile.png
Rb05A
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
RB75
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: RB24, RB24J, RB 75, Rb05A

The AJ37 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons (150 rpg = 300 total)
  • 2 x RB24J missiles

The two stock loadouts on the AJ37 allow for either two gun pods, or two RB24J missiles. The performance of the RB24J often allows two guaranteed air kills, which can be important when spading the aircraft. However, more skilled pilots might find more use out of the Akan gun pods as they can down significantly more aircraft in one go and still engage ground targets if needed. They can be somewhat tricky to get used to, however, as they are spaced out from the center of the aircraft, both horizontally and vertically.

  • 24 x psrak m/70 rockets
  • 12 x psrak m/70 rockets + 48 x countermeasures

The m/70 rockets are the only air-to-ground ordnance shared with the JA37C. The rockets allow for great precision attacks from far range thanks to the ballistic computer, and due to the large explosive filler, a single accurate hit is more than enough to deal with any armoured threat. The rocket placement can be somewhat tricky as they are not centred with the aircraft, similar to the gun pods.

  • 2 x Rb05A missiles
  • 2 x Rb05A missiles + 48 x countermeasures

The Rb05A is unique in its class, as this manually guided air-to-ground missile features a proximity fuze for attacking airborne threats. Although very unconventional to use, this missile is highly potent in ground battles, as the explosive can kill any tank it hits, while also destroying helicopters with ease if needed.

  • 2 x RB 75 missiles

The RB 75 is identical to the AGM-65A found on other aircraft and performs equally well. This air-to-ground missile uses optical guidance to distinguish targets, allowing it to guide itself after launch. Since the missile is capable of gliding up to 20 km of distance, altitude is preferred when deploying for the best distance and target visibility. When employed correctly, the AJ37 can safely stay away from SAM systems while engaging ground vehicles.

  • 48 x countermeasures + 2 x RB 75 missiles
  • 48 x countermeasures + 2 x RB24 missiles
  • 48 x countermeasures + 2 x RB24J missiles

The countermeasures used by the AJ37 are carried in two pods, one on each wing. Both come equipped with 24 slots each, dispensing in unison when activated. These flares require some manoeuvring and throttle management to deploy efficiently, especially since the direction they dispense is straight behind the nozzle. Cutting afterburner and banking slightly is always optimal when flaring, and will throw off most heat-seeking missiles.

  • 16 x 120 kg m/71 bombs (1,920 kg total)
  • 8 x 120 kg m/71 bombs + 48 x countermeasures (960 kg total)

The 120 kg m/71s are the only type of bombs found on this aircraft. Carried in groups of four, these bombs are dispensed singularly starting from the left. Their limited explosive mass makes them fairly inefficient at destroying bases in air battles. However, the precision offered by the ballistic computer allows for plenty of stopping power against ground vehicles. These bombs are also a lot safer to use than unguided rockets, as they do not require the pilot to look directly at the target.

  • 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons + 2 x Rb05A missiles
  • 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons + 2 x RB 75 missiles
  • 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons + 12 x psrak m/70 rockets
  • 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons + 2 x RB24J missiles
  • 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons + 2 x RB24 missiles

The Akan-paired loadouts give a lot more flexibility when engaging both ground and air targets. The RB24J missiles paired with the 30 mm Akan pods is the most optimal setup for air battles, as it essentially combines the two stock loadouts found early on.

Usage in battles

Air Realistic Battles

  • Use flares when uptiered
  • Always carry RB24J missiles
  • Take as much fuel as possible
  • Avoid higher altitudes
  • Stay as fast as possible when engaging aircraft

The AJ37 has no limitations when it comes to flight performance. The acceleration, manoeuvrability, and top speed outclasses almost any aircraft it faces, giving it plenty of wiggle room for engaging anything it wants. The downside lies in the suspended weaponry, which is very limited for a plane its size. Being unable to carry more than two missiles, and having to choose between countermeasures or gun pods makes engaging air targets in this aircraft troublesome. These downsides are entirely dependent on the opponents a pilot is going against, as some aircraft might have even less to work with than the AJ37, making them easy prey. In downtiers, the AJ37 can become unstoppable as the armament becomes secondary. Since the AJ37 is one of the best handling supersonic aircraft, facing subsonic and transonic opponents is a walk in the park. When facing these sorts of aircraft, firepower should always be prioritized to maximize the amount of damage the plane can put out. Here, a pilot should focus on going straight in, keeping opponents busy for allied teammates.

When facing more potent opponents, however, especially those at higher tiers, the lacklustre weaponry becomes apparent. The AJ37 carries half the expected amount of missiles and has no all-aspect capability. On top of this, opponents at this tier often carry potent missiles that require flares to properly avoid. This forces a decision to be made before battle. Since the AJ37 is unable to carry flares and guns simultaneously, a pilot has to decide between having better defensive options, or more offensive capability. This often boils down to pilot skill and playstyle, as flying around without countermeasures requires careful planning and split-second decision-making to avoid incoming missiles. In these matches, especially when playing without flares, the AJ37 should stay behind teammates, flanking towards the sides in hope of catching opponents off-guard or by themselves.

Ground Realistic Battles

  • Use countermeasures when facing SAM systems
  • Use suspended weaponry of your choice
  • Gain altitude quickly when using RB 75
  • Stay as low and fast as possible when using rockets, bombs, cannons, or the Rb05As

Using the AJ37 for its intended purpose can sometimes be trickier than fighting airplanes, especially due to the prominent threat of SAM systems. The AJ37 is much more potent compared to the earlier A32A in almost every regard, but that does not make it immune to Anti-Air equipment. The best way to counter SAM systems is by flying at high speeds while deploying chaff simultaneously. This forces radar locks to reset, allowing for short timeframes of efficient ground striking. Staying above mach is almost a requirement, unless terrain can be worked with to avoid sightline with the SAM launcher. A more daredevilish tactic is foregoing countermeasures altogether, and focusing on destroying the SAM system before it even locates the aircraft. This allows for more variety in the suspended ordinance, doubling the number of bombs or rockets, or allowing the use of Akans to combat air targets at the same time.

This sort of mentality does not apply to using the RB 75, as this missile allows for much further distance when engaging. With over 20km of launch range, the Maverick missile is able to stay out of range from ground-based SAM equipment, while still engaging ground targets. The optimal strategy here is to gain altitude directly after spawning, trying to separate a great distance from the battlefield. A great way to check for optimal distance is watching the capture-point marker that tells distance, as it gives a rough estimate of your current range. When beyond 12km, the average distance a SAM system can reach, a pilot can begin checking for targets on the ground through the sight. Once a target is acquired, turn back and repeat the process. Due to the limited armament, it can be quite handy to carry a second ordinance option or to simply climb near the airfield for quick rearming.

Msg-info.png Remember to check for helicopters when using the Rb05A missile! The proximity fuze is often a guaranteed kill against them.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 30 mm guns in gun pods
  • Excellent top speed, especially at lower altitudes
  • Access to RB 75 air-to-ground missiles (AGM-65A equivalent)
  • Access to RB24J (AIM-9P equivalent performance)
  • Incredible manoeuvrability at all speeds
  • Powerful radar
  • Easy to land - Access to thrust reversing

Cons:

  • Limited armament options - Only able to carry up to two weapon types, on four pylons
  • Poor energy retention at lower speeds
  • Countermeasures require weapon pylon, and cannot be equipped with cannons
  • Only small bombs are available
  • Limited burst mass and range on 30 mm Akan - Outclassed by 20 mm Vulcan
  • Awkward cannon placement - Suspended gun pods are spread out and low mounted
  • No radar missiles are available
  • Afterburner drains fuel quickly (1:10 ratio)

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Swedish Delta-winged Aircraft

Comparable aircraft

External links


Swedish Aeroplane Company Ltd. (SAAB)
Pre-SAAB: ASJA  J6B
Fighters  J21A-1 · J21A-2 · A21A-3
Jet fighters  A21RB · J21RA · J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F · J32B · J35A · J35D · JA37C · JA37D · JAS39A
Jet attackers  A32A · A32A Röd Adam · AJ37 · AJS37 · SAAB-105G · SK60B
Bombers  B17A · B17B · S17BS
Dive-bombers  B3C · B18A · B18B · T18B · T18B (57)
Export  SAAB-105OE · Saab J35XS · JAS39C · ◔JAS39EBS HU C

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