Saab JAS 39 Gripen

Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Tuomo Salonen / SIMFinnish Aviation Museum · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Type	Multirole combat aircraft
Manufacturer	Saab AB
First flight	9 December 1988
Introduction	9 June 1996
Status	In service
Primary user	Swedish Air Force
Number built	300+ (all variants)

Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine, light multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab AB. Developed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force, it is renowned for its advanced fly-by-wire system, excellent short takeoff and landing capabilities, and relatively low operating costs. The name "Gripen," meaning "Griffin," reflects its role as a agile and powerful defender of Swedish airspace, and it has become a significant export success for the Swedish defense industry.

Development and origins

The Gripen's origins lie in the late 1970s when the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) initiated studies for a new generation fighter to counter advanced Soviet aircraft like the Mikoyan MiG-29. The program, known as *JAS* (an acronym for *Jakt*, *Attack*, *Spaning*, meaning "Fighter," "Attack," "Reconnaissance"), sought a single platform capable of all three roles. Saab AB was selected as the prime contractor, leading a consortium that included Volvo Aero (engine) and Ericsson (radar). A key partnership was formed with General Electric for the core of the Volvo RM12 engine, derived from the General Electric F404. The project faced significant challenges, including a high-profile crash during a 1989 demonstration for Royal Norwegian Air Force officials, but rigorous testing and development led to its entry into service.

Design and features

The Gripen is a compact, lightweight aircraft utilizing a delta wing and canard configuration, providing exceptional agility and stability at high angles of attack. Its central design philosophy emphasizes network-centric warfare, achieved through the highly integrated PS-05/A pulse-Doppler radar from Ericsson and Leonardo S.p.A., and the TIDLS (Tactical Information Datalink System) for secure communication with other Gripens and assets like the S 100D Argus AEW&C aircraft. The cockpit features a sophisticated glass cockpit with three large multi-function displays and a wide-angle head-up display. Later models, such as the JAS 39E, incorporate a more powerful General Electric F414 engine, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar from Leonardo S.p.A., and increased payload capacity.

Operational history

The Swedish Air Force declared initial operational capability with the Gripen in 1997. Its first major international deployment was in 2011 as part of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 enforcement during the 2011 military intervention in Libya, where Swedish Gripens performed reconnaissance and fighter missions. The aircraft has been a cornerstone of Swedish defense and NATO partnership exercises, such as Arctic Challenge Exercise. Beyond Sweden, the Gripen saw combat with the South African Air Force during the 2013 Central African Republic conflict. The Czech Air Force, Hungarian Air Force, and Royal Thai Air Force also operate the type in air policing and training roles. In 2023, the Brazilian Air Force began receiving its F-39E Gripen (local designation).

Variants

The initial production model was the JAS 39A single-seat and JAS 39B two-seat trainer. The enhanced JAS 39C and D variants introduced in-flight refueling probes, NATO interoperability upgrades, and helmet-mounted display systems. The latest generation comprises the JAS 39E single-seat and JAS 39F two-seat models, featuring the General Electric F414 engine, RAVEN ES-05 AESA radar, and 10 hardpoints. Specific export versions include the Gripen NG (Next Generation) demonstrator, the Gripen Maritime variant proposed to the Indian Navy, and the Gripen for Canada offering. The Gripen JAS 39E is also designated F-39E by the Brazilian Air Force.

Operators

The primary operator is the Swedish Air Force. Current export customers include the Brazilian Air Force (F-39E/F), the Czech Air Force (leased), the Hungarian Air Force (leased), and the Royal Thai Air Force. The South African Air Force operates the C/D variant. Past lease agreements were held by the United Kingdom's Empire Test Pilots' School. The aircraft has been a finalist in several major procurement competitions, including those for the Finnish Air Force (HX Fighter Program), the Swiss Air Force (Air2030 program), and the Indian Air Force (MMRCA).

Specifications (JAS 39E Gripen)

* **Crew:** 1 or 2 * **Length:** 15.2 m (49 ft 10 in) * **Wingspan:** 8.6 m (28 ft 3 in) * **Height:** 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) * **Empty weight:** 8,000 kg (17,637 lb) * **Powerplant:** 1 × General Electric F414-GE-39E afterburning turbofan * **Maximum speed:** Mach 2 * **Combat range:** 1,500 km (930 mi) * **Ferry range:** 4,075 km (2,532 mi) * **Service ceiling:** 16,000 m (52,000 ft) * **Armament:** 1 × Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon; Hardpoints for AIM-120 AMRAAM, IRIS-T, Meteor (missile), AGM-65 Maverick, GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, and various other air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. * **Avionics:** RAVEN ES-05 AESA radar (Leonardo S.p.A.), Skyward-G infrared search and track, TIDLS datalink.

Category:Military aircraft of Sweden Category:Cold War fighter aircraft Category:Canard aircraft