Farewell to the Viggen

The Saab Viggen is in the twilight of its career with the Svenska Flygvapnet (Swedish Air Force). Accordingly F21, based at Lulea-Kallax in northern Sweden, played host to a photocall (organised by Aircraft Illustrated) on 6-7th April 2005. This was an opportunity to photograph this beautiful aircraft in action that simply could not be missed. Story and pictures by Sean Wilson, with additional material from Berry Vissers Click here for air to air pictures of Viggens.

We (the 40 people from Aircraft Illustrated Photo Tours and a handful others, including me) were greeted at the main gate by Stefan von Below and Louise Levin, members of the Public Affairs Office. To be honest they seemed as excited to see us as we were to be there!! Our arrival was marked by a sample of things to come – two Viggens taking off, one to be scrapped and one to be preserved. That meant that only 14 active Viggens remained - so quickly let me see them!! After a short briefing about safety Stefan informed us of his plan for the two day trip. This was basically an access all areas event!! Coaches had been organised for us, we were split into three groups and off we went. As we had a little time to spare before the first mission of the day was due to depart we headed to the Viggen simulator. Luckily I had a pocket full of coins for the coolest computer game I had ever seen!! .

Next stop for my group was the middle of the runway for some take-off shots. The sun was out (now there’s something I don’t see too often in Aberdeen) and the new lens was ready. First to be snapped were two recce birds, one in the amazing splinter camouflage scheme. As I had never seen a Viggen in this scheme before my trip was already an instant success. Next stop a JAS-39A Gripen sitting outside its hanger then quickly back to our original spot to catch the morning mission returning. We were soon to learn that we were celebrities in Sweden. The local press were waiting to interview the crazy foreigners who had come all this way to photograph “some aircraft”. Personally I was hiding away – I was supposed to be ill and couldn’t afford to be seen gallivanting around in Sweden!! Next stop - a mini static display of three Viggens, including an SK-37E two-seater trainer/electronic warfare machine. Another first for me. Pleasure overload. After about ten minutes the hanger doors opened and out rolled an AJSF-37 that F21 had painted up in a special colour scheme for us. A wolf’s head on the tail with “AKKTU STAKKI” (lonely wolf) written across the fuselage. Unfortunately it had developed an oil problem and was not able to fly. Later on though we would have the opportunity to photograph it sitting on the apron with a nice backdrop of trees. Next on our itinerary was a visit to the control tower in time for mission number two. This provided us with an opportunity to get some excellent shots. We did however have to contend with a “minor” obstacle – namely the old control tower which was being dismantled right in front of the new one!! Our final photo spot for the day was at the threshold of runway 32. If only every day could be like this.

The second day was spent much as the first day was only this time we had “swapped” our control tower spot for the flightline. The aircraft were now taking off from runway 14. Oh and one other thing, the weather was looking a little more familiar now – snow, snow and more snow!! This gave us an opportunity to visit the Viggen hanger and a chance to see all of the remaining Viggens. A visit upstairs to the squadron provided some much needed antifreeze in the form of coffee. This warmed us up nicely just in time to make a quick stop at the technical school. This is located next to the civilian terminals on the opposite side of the airfield and it was here that we were able to photograph the Draken, SK-60 and of course the Viggens. To finish off it was a visit to the photo processing lab to see some of the photo reconnaissance images that had just been taken.