New Gripen variants studied by Saab

Posted on: Jun. 26th, 2006 || Source: flightglobal.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Saab-led Gripen International is studying future development options for its Gripen multirole fighter, including the possible installation of a more powerful engine, increasing the type's overall size and maximum take-off weight, and the potential availability of a carrierborne strike variant.

Intended to boost the long-term export prospects for the single-engined Gripen – as competition increases from rival types over the next decade – the enhancements could result in a modification package similar to the Super Hornet enhancement to Boeing’s baseline F/A-18, say industry sources.

While the Gripen’s current Volvo Aero-supplied RM12 turbofan engine could be further modified to deliver a 10-15% increase in thrust to meet future fighter requirements in Denmark and Norway, company officials say the installation of thelarger General Electric F414 could provide 25% more power, increasing the aircraft’s operating range and payload.

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