South African Gripen Makes its Maiden Flight

Published: Nov 14, 2005
Source: www.primezone.com



STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The first South African dual seat Gripen took to the skies on its maiden flight in Sweden on Friday 11 November 2005.

Painted in South African Air Force grey livery, the aircraft took off at 13.40 from Saab's Flight Test Centre in Linkoping, Sweden. The flight lasted 1 hr 10 min.

South African test pilot Charl Coetzee and Saab test pilot Magnus Olsson were at the controls for the first flight of South Africa's future multi-/swing-role fighter.

During the flight, the test team were able to validate the basic flight control systems, engine, hydraulics and electrics.

"The flight went better than expected and we were able to demonstrate some additional functionalities," explained Charl Coetzee.continue..