A Swedish Pilot Flew Alongside a Crippled SR-71 That Hit Mach 3 While Russian MiGs Were In Pursuit — Here Is What Happened Next

A Swedish Pilot Flew Alongside a Crippled SR-71 That Hit Mach 3 While Russian MiGs Were In Pursuit — Here Is What Happened Next

How the SR-71 Blackbird Was Saved: The Saab JA-37 Viggen was a highly capable, advanced Swedish Cold War fighter active from 1980–2007. The Viggen was known for its incredible low-level acceleration, pioneering digital avionics, and short-field takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, which allowed it to operate from reinforced highways. It excelled in high-speed, look-down intercepts. SR-71 Blackbird Rear Image. Credit: Taken on September 26, 202…