J.71 Torden

The J.71 Torden (Anglic: Thunder) is a retired Ringeriker single-seat, single-engine, combat aircraft. It is designed to be able to operate from dispersed airfields. The J.71 had a troubled start to its existence, with the first prototypes, delivered in 1966, being so unpopular and fraught with troubles that the project was put under serious threat of cancellation and the Ringerike government set about finding a potential foreign built alternative.

Prototypes

 * KF Eks.66 Torden: Original prototype model delivered for trails, suffered a slew of issues such as an underpowered engine, unfavorable handling characteristics and a series of structural defects. This model saw a series of reworks, resulting in a more useful, yet not up to standard product. This lead to the project's funding being slashed pending review or replacement.

Production Models

 * J.71 Torden: All-Weather Fighter-Interceptor variant armed with radar guided and IR Seeking air to air missiles. Modified without redesignation to carry air to ground missiles in the mid 70s among other improved air to ground capabilities.


 * J.71-88 Torden: The in service Tordens were upgraded between the years of 1988 and 1994, the program included extensive structural rebuild increasing the max takeoff weight to 15,000kg, a new outer wing with an additional hardpoint on each and the fitting of improved systems increasing almost all capabilities, as well as the fitting of two additional hardpoints for sensor pods or short range AAMs under the Air intakes.

General Characteristics

 * Crew: 1
 * Length: 15.35 m (50 ft 4 in)
 * Wingspan: 9.42 m (30 ft 11 in)
 * Height: 3.89 m (12 ft 9 in)
 * Wing Area: 49.2 m2 (530 sq ft)
 * Empty Weight: 7,865 kg (17,339 lb)
 * Gross Weight: 11,000 kg (24,251 lb)
 * Max Takeoff Weight: 11,914 kg (26,266 lb)
 * Powerplant: 1x KF Mk.32B turbofan, 32.4 kN (7,300 lbf) thrust dry, 47.2 kN (10,600 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

 * Ferry range: 2,750 km (1,710 mi, 1,480 nmi) with external drop tanks
 * Maximum speed: Mach 2
 * Maximum speed: 2,450 km/h (1,520 mph, 1,320 kn) at 11,000 m (36,089 ft)
 * Service ceiling: 20,000 m (66,000 ft)
 * Rate Of Climb: 199 m/s (39,200 ft/min)
 * Wing Loading: 231.6 kg/m2 (47.4 lb/sq ft)
 * Power/mass: 0.7

Armament

 * Guns: 1× Stålgilde AK. 14 30mm Revolver Cannon
 * Hardpoints: Six, Four Underwing, Two Ventral