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Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the Innovators Community Meeting 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 March. Copyright: World Economic Forum/Marc Bader
Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the Innovators Community Meeting 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 March. Copyright: World Economic Forum/Marc Bader
The Saab Viggen is one of the most innovative and original designs in the history of aviation. It also happens to be one of my personal favorites, so here it is, my latest model of JA-37 Viggen.
About the jet
The history of the Viggen can be traced back to the late 50’m when the Flygvapnet started looking for a replacement for their highly successful platforms, namely A 32 Lansen (air-to-ground) and J-35 Draken (air-to-air). However, due to the defensive doctrine of neutral Sweden, heavily based on the dispersed system of road air bases, and a large percentage of conscript soldiers, the requirements set upon the new design were very unique, requiring STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities and extreme ease of maintenance, all while delivering adequate performance in a wide range of missions. As a result, the design finalized in 1962 sported a number of features previously unseen in a supersonic fighter jet, including canards, a canted delta wing, a state-of-the-art CK 37 central computer, one of the very first of its kind, and thrust-reverser in an engine equipped with an afterburner. The prototype of the first generation Viggen was flown in February 1967 and subsequently was developed into a number of more specialized versions: AJ-37 (strike/fighter), Sk 37 (training), SF 37 (reconnaissance), and SH 37 (sea reconnaissance). The second-generation Viggens were exclusively fighter JA-37s. In comparison to the previous versions, the JA-37 utilized a new, more powerful RM8B engine, a slightly elongated fuselage to accommodate it (by 8 cm), a tail of increased area (taken from the Sk 37), and a brand new avionics, including the PS-46/A radar, capable of guiding the BVR, Sky Flash missiles (Rb.71). Over the years the JA-37, as well as other versions of the plane, were subsequently updated. In the case of Jakt-Viggen, the following updates should be mentioned: Mod A (1982-85, introduction of the datalink capability), Mod B (addition of Rb.74 – AIM-9L, expansion of the datalink), Mod C (1992, addition of the auto-gun capability), Mod D (2001, new avionics architecture centered around new CD 207 central computer, glass cockpit, addition of Rb.99 – AIM-120B), and finally Ja-37Di, which featured additional changes for increased interoperability with NATO forces. Thanks to those upgrades, the Viggen remained a very capable aircraft until the very last day of its service, which was the 25th of November 2005, and even then, its retirement was forced mainly by economic factors, rather than inadequate performance.
About the building process
The JA-37 was one of my very first “favorite fighters” I can remember, and even though later it was replaced in my mind by MiG-29/F-14/Tornado, I have been always very fond of it. Also, it is such a unique aircraft, and having the opportunity to see it in person dozens of times, it always strikes me as a very original design, truly one of a kind. Surprisingly, there are only a few LEGO models of it, which might result from the fact that Sweden was its sole user, and as a result, it was never a "mainstream" jet. Among my favorites models of it are without a doubt Viggens by Stefan Johansson and a recent model of JA-37 by SIGEZO. Still, both present a bit different approach to mine, so there were quite a few things I had to figure out on my own.
I have been thinking about building a Viggen for a long time, however, I had no idea how to approach the cockpit section, which is quite tricky but essential to give the model a true, “Viggen vibe”. The problem with it is two-fold: first, its cross section has a distinctive, double curvature, which transitions smoothly into the windscreen. Secondly, there is a very strong sloping of the windscreen itself. For years I was not able to get around those things, but finally, the experience gained during building the F-4 provided me with a much-needed breakthrough. The next problematic part are cranked delta wings, with 3 different angles: 45, 57, and 63 degrees. It took a lot of optimizing, to make the leading edge look acceptable. The next challenge, was the main landing gear, as its tandem arrangement is extremely difficult to capture in LEGO, not to mention incorporating the necessary functionality. Even its final form the main landing gear is very much a compromise, and I had to look for especially tight-fitting combinations of the elements, to make it sturdy enough. The last thing was to get the fuselage right, and here, similarly as in my Phantom, the 2x1x3 arches combined with hinges proved invaluable. I would say that the final result is not bad, especially considering that I didn’t have very high expectations.
About the model
The model represents a SAAB JA-37 Viggen Mod C in a 1/33 scale. The camouflage is based on the JA-37 serial number 37410, which served in the F 16 unit until it was retired on 08.10.2003 with 1943 flying hours. It was one of the last JA-37 Mod C in service and currently is preserved at Osterlens Flygmuseum in Sweden. As usual, the model possesses a number of features: an openable cockpit, working flaps on both wings and canards (a unique feature for Viggen), working and folding vertical tail (another rare feature, enabling easy storing in hangars), retractable landing gear, and working thrust reverser. The loadout comprises one centerline 1500 liters tank, 2 Rb.71 BVR missiles (Sky Flash), and 2 Rb.74 (AIM-9L) WVR, infra-red missiles. Originally, I was thinking about the splinter camo, which was commonly featured on JA-37C (but never on JA-37D), but it would have required too many building compromises and extensive sticker work, for which I was not prepared. Still, as I didn't want to make a boring, all-grey model, I opted for the “Red fin” Viggen, which turned out to be pretty ok.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center welcomed Steven Johnson, author of How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World, to the Innovative Initiatives workshop on Thursday, November 13, 2014
Credit: NASA/Goddard/Bill Hrybyk
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.
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Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the Innovators Community Meeting 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 March. Copyright: World Economic Forum/Marc Bader
Friday Five is back again and this week, we've chosen our favourite fun billboards from around the world:
1. Mr Kipling
Why use paper when you can use cake? Mr Kipling created a billboard made entirely of edible treats - definitely the most delicious ad on our list.
2. British Airways
Piccadilly Circus is known for its bright lights and billboards - this Cannes Lion winner was an interactive real-time ad that pointed out BA planes as they flew overhead.
3. Glad Cling Wrap
680 orange slices were placed on an outdoor billboard with just a select few wrapped in cling film. Embodying the tag line ‘Fresher Longer’, the wrapped oranges stayed fresh, while the others rotted away.
4. BBC World
A more thoughtful ad, which saw BBC World use clever perspective and angles to let viewers 'see both sides of the story'.
5. Adidas
And finally, goalkeeper Petr Cech 'supported' Vienna's Prater Ferris Wheel on a very ambitious billboard.
Let us know what you think of our list and tell us if you'd nominate any other creative billboards.
This shot was taken at evening time. You can notice the sunset light was reflecting on the statue.
How do you feel, Should i do more post production work?
Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the Innovators Community Meeting 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 March. Copyright: World Economic Forum/Marc Bader
Anna’s blog is an online journal or information website that displays information in reverse chronological order, with the most recent articles appearing first. It is a place where a writer or a group of writers can exchange ideas on an individual subject.
Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the Innovators Community Meeting 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 March. Copyright: World Economic Forum/Marc Bader
Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the Innovators Community Meeting 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 March. Copyright: World Economic Forum/Marc Bader
Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the Innovators Community Meeting 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 March. Copyright: World Economic Forum/Marc Bader