In 1967, the prototype of the SAAB AJ 37 Viggen (thunderbolt, hurled by the Nordic god of war Thor) was first flown, as a successor to the J32 Lansen and J35 Draken aircraft. In 1970, the attack-fighter version AJ 37 entered production, followed by the two-seat trainer version Sk 37. A maritime reconnaissance-patrol version SH 37, a reconnaissance version SF 37 and a fighter version JA37 were also developed. A total of 329 Viggens of all versions were built.
Between 1992 and 1998, 25 SF 37s were upgraded to the AJSF 37 standard, which included a computerised mission planning system and the ability to carry 4 AIM-9 L/M Sidewinder missiles.
Its main equipment consists of 6 cameras manufactured by the French company Matra – 3 SKa-24-120 units, mounted in the nose and on the sides of the fuselage, covering a panorama from horizon to horizon, an SKa-24-57 for wide-angle photography and 2 SKa-24-600 units for high-altitude photography, mounted under the fuselage. It can also carry pods for active and passive electronic countermeasures.
The exhibited aircraft was produced in 1977.
In 2005, the aircraft landed at Balice airport, from where it was towed to the Museum.
| Wingspan | 10.6 m |
| Length | 16.5 m |
| Takeoff weight | 17000 kg |
| Maximum speed | 2195 km/h |
| Ceiling | 18 000 m |
| Range | 2250 km |
| Armament | 4 AIM-9 L/M missiles |
| Engine | Volvo RM8A with 11,788 kg thrust with afterburner |
