+JonathanRL 974 Posted January 3, 2016 (edited) A 40 Valkyrie As the Development of the A-10 Warthhog was concluded by Fairchild, there where real fears at the company that the airplane would be a mere stopgap in order to make room for the planned A 16 Falcon, a dedicated attack version of the Fighting Falcon. As such, Fairchild begun looking for possible export customers - at first against the wishes of the Department of Defence. While some countries - mainly West Germany and Israel - expressed some interest no deal was ever concluded despite negotiations going well. As both the Air Force and the Army started to feel like they would rather just keep their new ugly Warthogs, Fairchild got an offer from Sweden for 26 Aircraft to complement their new JAS Program of Fighters who would suffer from most of the usual swing and multi role issues - mainly lack of "toolbox" armament and loiter time - but also the fear that the Gripens would be seen as fighters first by their pilots. As such, the Air Force considered a cadre of veterans from the AJ 37 Viggen and new recruits who would form an elite anti-surface and CAS support group. Due to Swedens secret NATO connections, the deal was approved despite the Prime Minister of Sweden Olof Palme being openly against it with some commentators suggesting this is why Sweden was allowed to be the only export customer of the Warthog - because it would annoy Palme.In 1985, the first of the newly christened A 40 Valkyrie arrived at the Swedish Airbase of Tullinge to begin duty and deliveries was concluded at the end of 1987. They proved popular with pilots and planespotters due to their ability to fly low. The morale of the army also improved with this new addition that was purchased by the Air Force simply to assist their efforts in battle.As of 2015, the A 40, upgraded to A 40B Status and painted in new, black paint jobs to replace their splinter camos are still in service with no plans to replace - or even reduce their numbers - yet. Edited January 3, 2016 by JonathanRL 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+KnightWolf45 1,147 Posted January 3, 2016 Honor the Gods!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,258 Posted January 3, 2016 what no Dragon nose art? seems a natural for a scandinavian aircraft that spits that much flame out the from end..... that and you didnt mentions the Army's nickname for it.....Mjolnir that cannon does make a very distinctive sound in person! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+JonathanRL 974 Posted January 3, 2016 Mjolnir is a weapon system in Sweden - a Ranged Cluster Munition; perfect for this bird but since its already on something, the bird cannot be named that. And no, no Dragon noseart. Swedes usually keep their art on the fin or below the cockpit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,258 Posted January 3, 2016 didnt know bout the CBU but still a good name. shame bout the noseart, you gotta admit it would be perfect Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+KnightWolf45 1,147 Posted January 4, 2016 does not Tyr the god have a sword whit a name? i dont know much about nord mithis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+JonathanRL 974 Posted January 4, 2016 Valkyrie felt better since they rode on flying horses with the troops and decided who would live and who would die... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+KnightWolf45 1,147 Posted January 4, 2016 ok sound better! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Hans Topp 115 Posted January 4, 2016 Maybe Wagner "Ride of Valkiries" added to soundlist.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
