JAS-39 Gripen
Gripen is one of the world's best light weight multi role combat aircraft in production. It is now fully operational with the Swedish air force with more than 115 delivered.
As of January 2002 more than 25 000 missions have been flown resulting in more than 20 000 flying hours.
JAS 39A is the single-seater version of the Gripen. A two-seater JAS 39B operational trainer variant of Gripen is available. The JAS 39B is equipped with the same avionics and weapons suite as the JAS 39A, with the exception of the gun. JAS 39C is the single seat Batch 3 and export standard version, which was first delivered to the Swedish Air Force in September 2002. JAS 39C has colour cockpit displays, on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS) and in-flight refuelling capabilty. JAS 39D will be a similarly upgraded two seater.
Deliveries of series aircraft to the Swedish air force are in progress. 204 aircraft, including 28 two seaters, are on order.
By June 2002, more than 120 have been delivered. Two squadrons at F 7 are equipped and two at F 10, and they're being introduced at F 21 and F 17.
In November 1998, the South African Air Force ordered 28 Gripen multi-role aircraft. Denel Aviation of South Africa will produce part of the centre fuselage. In November 2001, Hungary signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the lease of 14 aircraft; 12 JAS 39A single-seat and two JAS 39B. This agreement was revised in February 2003 and the single seat aircraft will be upgraded to the JAS 39C configuration. Deliveries began in 2006.
Export
The export version, being marketed jointly by BAE Systems and Saab, will not be identical to the Swedish air force version. Exactly how it will be configured of course depends on customers' needs, but it can be assumed it's close to JAS 39C in configuration.
As with all major weapon systems, there does not exist a "dollars per airframe" price tag. It's much more complicated than that, possibly with payment in a basket of currencies, to different schedules and with different offset deals included.
A NATO-compatible prototype has been readied. Apart from making it NATO-compatible in general, with connectors and so on, it has got a retractible aerial refuelling probe, which could be fitted without removing any other system. As missions can last much longer, this version also has an on board oxygen generating system.
In March 1998, Ericsson Saab Avionics was selected as the supplier of the export Gripen integrated countermeasures system, EWS 39, including warning, jamming and expendable countermeasures systems.
In May 1999, Denel Aviation was chosen to supply the NATO compatible stores pylons for all export Gripens.
Gripen is designed for the high demands put on flying performance, flexibility, effectiveness, survivability and availability the future air combat environment will put.
The designation JAS stands for Jakt (Fighter), Attack (Attack) and Spaning (Reconnaissance) and means every Gripen can fullfill all three mission types.
Flying properties and performance are optimised for fighter missions with high demands on speed, acceleration and turning performance. The combination of delta wing and canards gives the JAS 39 Gripen very good take off and landing performance and superb flying characteristics.
The totally integrated avionics makes it a "programmable" aircraft. With the built in flexibility and development potential the whole JAS 39 Gripen system will retain and enhance its effectiveness and potential well into the 21st century.
Recent developments (news)
Gripen NG Demo returns to the skies
Posted at: Thu Nov 5th, 2009
Gripen NG Demonstrator started flight testing again on October 27 following a modification which includes the installation of an AESA radar.11/5/2009 | The Gripen NG Demonstrator has been modified with a number of tactical systems: AESA radar,...
Brazil Muddles F-X2 Fighter Downselect
Posted at: Mon Sep 14th, 2009
Brazil has taken two steps forward and one step back in its potential purchase of the Dassault Rafale fighter, but the details of France’s associated aid in development of the Embraer KC-390 tanker/transport remain unclear.
Gripen policing the Baltic States' airspace
Posted at: Mon May 25th, 2009
The Czech Air Force is now responsible for protecting the airspace of the Baltic countries. Czech Gripens are therefore policing the skies over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.The NATO members Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia do not have their own ...
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