Saab J-21R:
Posted on 01/21/2021 7:35:33 AM PST by Onthebrink
Designed to replace the variants of the Saab 35 Viggen and Saab 37 Draken combat aircraft, Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen was first flown in December 1988 and entered operational service with the Swedish Air Force in 1997. Developed as part of a joint effort by an industrial consortium that consisted of Saab, Saab Microwave Systems (formerly Ericsson), Volvo Aero Corporation, Saab Avitronics and FFV Aerotech, the Gripen was the first Swedish multirole combat aircraft – capable of conducting interception, ground-attack, and reconnaissance.
(Excerpt) Read more at 19fortyfive.com ...
Oh, gee...........Another Saab story!........................
I have been pushing this fighter on Free Republic for a while now. Glad to meet someone who feels the same way.
Aw, quitcher Gripen! ;-)
Ah canards. Bitchin.
I’d buy but can’t even afford the down payment on one!
engines won't start?
They have a history of making good aircraft. They used to make good cars until GM destroyed them.
Love it!
I have pics of that aircraft... it is beautiful!!!
Canards are great for flight performance but are a BIG no-no for radar signature; too easy to target and shoot down.
Saab J-21R:
Looks like it would have the radar signature of a 747.
Meh. That’s a gross overstatement, and I’ve flown a 39.
First off, it’s about as stealthy as a metal blimp.
Second, it’s range sucks. It has no reach.
Third, it’s not multi-role, particularly. I suppose you could use it as a F/A on tanks, but it’s really a one trick pony — getting off the ground quickly, in friendly space, and intercepting bad guys (Russians).
And that said, it is exceptionally good at the one trick, which is all they need, as they have zero need to project power beyond their borders.
So it’s a very useful and great interceptor in its role.
But hardly the “greatest” at anything else.
It does.
When John Gardner took over as author of the James Bond franchise in the 80s, he put Bond in a Saab 900 turbo, and Saab didn't hesitate to include it in their ad campaigns.
True, that's one franchise that is a shame they couldn't remain independent. I remember some neat Triumph sport coupes/roadsters as well.
My buddy had a Saab in the ‘60s, which we took on a five day road trip into Canada. It was an odd car to say the least: three cylinders, a two stroke engine requiring you to add a measured amount of oil with the gas when filling up, and a small lever under the dash which disengaged the drive train allowing you to freewheel like a giant roller skate. Although, it did have an outstanding heater.
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