First Flight with Saab's Recce Pod System on Gripen

Posted on: Mar. 31st, 2005 || Source: defencetalk.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

The Reconnaissance Pod System from SaabTech for the Swedish Gripen fighter made its first flight March 24 at Saab in Linköping, Sweden.

"Excellent handling qualities, the digital flight control system took care of everything it just feels like flying a clean aircraft, says Richard Ljungberg, Saab test pilot and former Swedish Air Force recce pilot. "We even tested camera functions in the pod together with maneuverability of the aircraft during the first flight."

The maiden flight was carried out a couple of months after the first delivery to FMV, the Swedish Defence Material Administration. FMV has designed the reconnaissance system for the Gripen system out of the demands from the Swedish Armed Forces.

Flight tests and evaluation will be ongoing at Saab in Linköping for approximately a year and introduction into Swedish service will be in 2006.

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