Gripen NG Demonstrator flight tests in progress

The flight test program with the Gripen NG Demonstrator continues according to plan at the Saab facilities in Linkoping.The latest flight, number 117 since the flight test programme started, was flown today.

Photo: Stefan Kalm / Saab

We are now testing all the tactical systems, such as the AESA radar and the new communications system. The test programme is very extensive, and the unusually harsh cold and snowy winter here in Sweden has challenged the programme schedule but we are now quickly catching up, says Mattias Bergström, the Gripen NG Demonstrator project manager.

We have finished, and successfully verified, the flight tests of the electro-optical Missile Approach Warning System (MAW) and the new fuel system with larger internal fuel tanks.

The Gripen NG is the next generation of the Gripen fighter, which is in service with the air forces of Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary and South Africa. It is also ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force and is flown by the Empire Test Pilots School, ETPS, in the UK.

(Source)

Royal visit to Brazil

Spotted by signatory at Military Photos Forum

Swedish King Gustav and Queen Silvia are scheduled to travel to Brazil, arriving in the next 23 days, and in between workshops and a dinner with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the real agenda includes a visit to the headquarters of Embraer in Sao José dos Campos.

Although the visit has been scheduled for some time, the Swedish businessmen celebrate the fact that the king will be in Brazil, coincidentally, at the same time it is expected the announcement that billionaire contract involves the purchase of 36 new aircraft.

Full article including interview (in portuguese)
(Google translation)

South African Air Force unveils new IRIS-T missile

The newly delivered IRIS-T air-to-air missile was shown to the public for the first time at the South African Air Force’s 90th anniversary parade held at AFB Swartkop, Pretoria.

 

Photo: Dean Wingrin

In 2008 the SAAF selected the IRIS-T as an interim short range air-to-air missile. It will ultimately be replaced by the indigenously designed and produced A-Darter, which is still under development.

Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, said: “This missile is the state of the art high kill probability short range air missile with unrivalled performance capabilities which, when coupled to a helmet mounted display can engage air threats in the rear quarter of the aircraft as is the case with the SAAF Gripens”.

South Africa has ordered 26 Gripen state-of-the-art fighters which are modernising the SAAF’s fast jet fleet and capability. It currently operates nine dual seat Gripen D aircraft and will soon receive its first of 17 single-seat Gripen C fighters.

(Source)

Gripen development

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FMV (Swedish defence material authority) reports about further development of the Gripen.

Improvements in self-protection, a new light attack weapon and the capacity for data communications with ground units are examples of new capabilities included in the order that FMV added Saab AB today. The order is a step in the further development of Gripen and has a total value of approximately SEK 2 billion.

FMV delivered the last Gripen aircraft to the Swedish Armed Forces over a year ago. Now the maintenance and threat adaptation in accordance with the Armed Forces operational requirements. The work aims to make it possible to operate the JAS 39 Gripen fighter concept to 2040.

(Full source in Swedish)
(Google translation)

Saab receives order for development of Gripen

Defence and security company Saab has received an order from FMV (the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) concerning development of the existing Gripen fleet. The order value amounts to SEK 2 billion for Saab, split over a period of four years.

 

Photo: Pia Ericson/FMV

The capability of the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen C/D aircraft is continuously subject to adjustment and upgrading in order that it can operate and remain effective and advanced also in the future. The order includes further adjustments for increased operational effect, like for instance upgraded countermeasure and communication systems. The order also includes other measures to further reduce the operating costs, based on experience gathered from more than 130,000 flight hours.

Also included is integration of new weapons, and the existing radar is gaining an increased range along with new functions. Improvements are also being introduced to reduce the noise and emissions from test runs during engine maintenance.

Work will mainly take place at Saab’s plants in Linköping, Gothenburg, Järfälla, Kista and Arboga.

(Source)

Gripens Depart Sweden For Trials In India

Shiv Aroor writes on his blog LiveFist that two Gripens are now on their way to India for the final round of the evaluation for the MMRCA (medium multirole combat aircraft) competition.

IAF test pilots have already undergone intensive training on the aircraft and the aircraft have already undergone the first stage of trials in Linkoping in November 2009, which included flight performance, logistics capability, weapons systems, advanced sensors and weapons firing.

(Source)

South African budget woes

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AirForces Monthly reports that the South African Gripens will be mainly grounded due a lack of funds.

South African government’s strategic plan for defence for the next three years will see 550 hours flown by the Gripen fleet this year, but reduce to just 250 hours in 2011 and 2012.

(Source)

Investor acquires 10.2 percent of Saab AB from BAE Systems

Spotted by signatory at Military Photos Forum

Today Investor announces that they will acquire shares in Saab AB from BAE Systems worth SEK 1,066 m. in total, corresponding to 10.2 percent of the capital.

...BAE Systems has also communicated its intention in due course to divest its remaining holding in Saab AB.

In 1995, Saab AB and BAE Systems created a 50/50 Joint Venture to develop and explore the Gripen Export business. Since then, Saab AB has gradually built up internal export sales competence relating to Gripen. In 2004, Saab AB assumed full responsibility for subsequent export campaigns and in 2005 BAE Systems reduced its ownership in Saab AB to 20.5 percent of the capital and 20.3 percent of the votes.
(Source)

Related links:
Investor storhandlar i Saab - DN.se (Swedish)
Investor köper Saab-aktier - NyTeknik (Swedish)

New era for F 7

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About thirteen years ago F7, as the first unit of the Armed Forces, started to fly the JAS 39 Gripen Version A. On Monday 1.div began its operations with the JAS 39 Gripen C. During four weeks, eight pilots were at F21 to train on the new airplane.

Foto: John Lidman/F 7/Försvarsmakten

On the outside, it does not show any significant differences, but they are there. The C-version has, among other things, reinforced landing gear to withstand heavier loads. The new APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) isalso significantly less noisy than the previous A-version.

It is on the inside of the aircraft the most significant differences lies including: the screens have become larger and are now in color. The navigation system now covers the whole earth, and instead of measuring the height and speed in meters and kilometers per hour, feet and knots are now used, something that is a challenge for both pilots and air traffic control personnel.

The reason that it is 1.div that has trained on the new version is that they in turn will train the four Thai pilots coming to F7 on 1th March. Initially, however 3.div is responsible for the training, and then on the A version, until the instructor at 1.div have reached the status required for taking over the education.

In the current situation there are two 39C at F7, one of which is borrowed from F21. These will be expanded to eight (5 C, 3 D) until it is time to school the Thai pilots. A and C versions are single-seaters, while the B and D versions are two-seaters.

Flotilla simulators are also upgraded. The MMT-simulator (multi-mission trainer) was completed a week ago, and the larger FMS Simulator (full-mission simulator) will be completed this summer.

(Source in swedish)