Like other
aircraft manufacturers, SAAB does not build its fighter 100% from scratch. They
made ingenious fighter design, integrating parts from their own production and
other manufacturers. This way they can make highly effective fighter in
efficient and timely manner. One of their fighter, Viggen, has performed an
incredible feat: Lock on a Mach 3 SR-71.
Viggen is clearly
not capable of reaching Mach 3, so tail pursuit is not an option. Instead
Sweden successfully integrate Viggen into their air defense network. An
effective air defense system that can detect, track, and predict Mach 3 SR-71
flight path. Viggen launched at a specific timing, perform precise climbing to
intercept SR-71 head on. SR-71 travelling at Mach 3 and Viggen at about Mach 2,
so their relative speed was about Mach 5. At this speed, there are very thin
margin for error. Interception must be done in precise timing and positioning.
And yet Viggen (integrated to advanced air defense network) succeeded.
This
incredible background made me eager to build Viggen kit. The problem is Viggen
kit quite rare. I have seen good Academy 1/144 Viggen, but that amazing little
kit is not available here again. Other alternative was Tarangus 1/48 with
superb detail, available, but unfortunately too expensive for me. And suddenly
a friend sent me Hasegawa 1/72 Viggen, a rare kit, thank you very much. And the
best way to thank him is by building this Hasegawa 1/72 Viggen as best as I
could.