M609 - Viggen - Payload/Range
Saab didn't forget, they got it exactly right for the theatre and perceived threat. The Viggen goes a long way, very fast, with a big weapon load. It was the sales teams of the competition who spread the rumour that it was a short range artillery aircraft. Saab provided the ground attack variant with a full range of forward-firing weapons and the recce variant with a sensor suite that was light years ahead of any other tactical system. The JA-37 weapons/radar/data link suite was operational in 1984; has it been bettered?
Charlie-55 . With reference to the Gripen, bear in mind that it is available now as a credible system. Other aircraft beat it hands down on paper, but do they work?
Ali Barber, we need to talk, preferably with a case of cold Makol to compare notes about this fantastic aircraft...