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.
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Aug. 25th, 2008 | The Netherlands shows interest in Gripen
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Aug. 18th, 2008 | Saab/Gripen team completes Hungarian offset contract
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Aug. 18th, 2008 | South African Gripen deliveries on track
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Aug. 11th, 2008 | Switzerland puts Gripen to the test
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- Gripen Demo makes its maiden flight
- Hungary considers alternatives to Gripens
- Saab offers Gripen to the Indian Air Force
- Gripen proposal to Norway delivered
- Saab Unveils Next Generation Gripen Demonstrator
- Czech and Hungarian Air Force technicians training in Sweden
- Gripen agreement between Sweden and Thailand signed
- Ceremony for Gripen in Hungary
- Swedish government approves Thailand deal
- Norway requests Sweden to bid for F-16 fleet replacement
- Switzerland invites Gripen team to bid for F-5 Tiger replacement
- US concerned over Norway's $8bn fighter selection programme, Saab's Gripen may be favoured
- Gripen in-flight re-fuels with French KC135
- Sweden delivers final 3 Gripen fighter aircraft to Hungary
- "Saab offers Danish industry great opportunities"
- Gripen team responds to Denmark's requirements
- Gripen team on target in South Africa
- Thailand selects Gripen and Erieye
- Sweden commits to Gripen's future
- Thais may pick Swedish fighters over F-16s
Specifications
| Version | JAS-39 A |
| Length | 14.1m 46.3ft |
| Height | 4.70m 15.5ft |
| Wingspan | 8.4m 26.3ft |
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JAS-39 Gripen Videos | 445 Videos Available!
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This page was last updated on: 2006-02-01
