SAAB TUNNAN
AS THIS year’s Southport Air Show approaches, we take a closer look at some of the jets which will be wowing visitors.
Taking place September 6-8, the three-day spectacular will attracts thousands of tourists and residents with a packed line-up of airborne and groundlevel entertainment.
Here are just some of the amazing aircraft which will be on display.
Swedish Air Force Historical Flight
SAAB VIGGEN
The Saab 37 Viggen Thunderbolt is a retired Swedish singleseat, single-engine, shortmedium range combat aircraft.
Development work on the type was initiated at Saab in 1952 and, following the selection of a radical delta wing configuration, the resulting aircraft performed its first flight on February 8 1967 and entered service in June 21 1971.
The Viggen was also the most advanced fighter jet in Europe until the introduction of the Panavia Tornado into operational service in 1981.
Several distinct variants were produced to perform the roles of strike fighter (AJ 37), aerial reconnaissance (SF 37), maritime patrol aircraft (SH 37) and a two-seat trainer (SK 37).
In the late 1970s, the allweather fighter-interceptor aircraft JA 37 variant was introduced.
In November 2005, the Viggen was retired from service by the Swedish Air Force, the only operator, having been replaced by the newer Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
The Saab 29, colloquially called Flygande Tunnan – The flying barrel, is a Swedish fighter that was designed and manufactured by Saab in the 1940s.
It was Sweden’s second turbojet-powered combat aircraft, the first having been the Saab 21R; additionally, it was the first Western European fighter to be produced with a swept wing after WWII, the Me 262 having been the first during the war.
Despite its rotund appearance, from which its name derives, the J 29 was a fast and agile aircraft for its era. It served effectively in both fighter and fighter-bomber roles into the 1970s.
TYPHOON
The Typhoon, also known as the Eurofighter, is the world’s most advanced multi-role/ swing-role combat aircraft.
It is able to reach speeds of Mach 2, or about 1,400mph.
The Typhoon provides the RAF with a multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, from air policing, to peace support, through to high intensity conflict.
The 2019 Typhoon display is flown by Flt Lt Jim Peterson.
This year’s team comprises a specialist from every aircraft trade along with support and management teams to assist both the pilot and the trades, all of whom work closely together to create a dazzling spectacle.
Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron
T-33 SHOOTING STAR
The Canadian T-33 Silver Star was the Canadian licence-built version of the US Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star jet trainer aircraft (T-bird), in service from the 1950s to 2005.
The Canadian version was powered by the Rolls-Royce Nene Turbojet.
The T-33 entered service in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as its primary training aircraft for fighter/ interceptors.
The RCAF named it the “Silver Star” in honour of Canada (and the British Empire’s) first flight of a heavier-than-air craft, the AEA Silver Dart.
The T-33 was reliable and had forgiving flight properties, which was extremely long.
One of the more unusual roles was played as an aerobatic demonstration aircraft, the RCAF’s Red Knight.
The final Canadair Silver Star Mk 3 was retired from the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment after 46 years of service and had 11394.6 flight hours at the time of retirement.
The T-33 Shooting Star was introduced to the Royal Norwegian Air Force as an advanced trainer to take over for the de