Free Republic

A Swedish pilot named Per-Olof Eldh, using a Viggen fighter jet, lined up with the Blackbird’s flight path and even gained full missile lock. ___________________________________________________________ The SR-71 Blackbird is a legendary plane, which had a long life that began in the 1960s and ended in the 1990s. The plane, considered the fastest ever to fly, was famously never shot down, although it did once have a close call with a meteor while flying over North Korea in the early 1980s. A recent report looked at another close call the SR-71 had, with an unlikely source: the Swedish Air Force, from...

Sweden has built some fascinating aircraft over the years, but the SAAB 37 Viggen has to be one of the most interesting. The jet was unique—its delta-canard configuration was cutting-edge, and its ability to operate in austere conditions made it quite independent compared to most other western fighters of the era. The Saab's unique engine choice not only resulted in its stout appearance, and also gave it unique performance characteristics—especially when it came to short field operations. In the early 1960s while turbojets still filled the sky SAAB designers pursued a turbofan engine for their new multi-role fighter-attack-reconnaissance-interceptor. The type...

Swedish fighter jet tows sledges – YouTube video A Swedish fighter jet was used to tow three toboggans in a plane crazy stunt. This sledging clip on YouTube has really taken off Yep, it's snow joke - with the Mission Impossible theme playing in the background the jet powers along a snow-covered part of an unnamed airbase pulling three riders who are all dressed in pilots uniforms. What would have happened if the pilot at the controls of the plane – a Saab Viggen - had engaged the afterburners by accident doesn’t bear thinking about. Some seriously quick panning would...