Swedish Saab rolled out the first next generation JAS-39 Gripen E fighter jet, featuring an vastly improved avionics system, from its’s fac...
Swedish Saab rolled out the first next generation JAS-39 Gripen E fighter jet, featuring an vastly improved avionics system, from its’s facility in Linköping.
Heavier and slightly bigger than the previous version, the latest Gripen variant sports a new engine, that improve performance, payload and range, and a highly integrated and sophisticated sensor suite that include a Selex Raven Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Infra Red Search and Track (IRST) sensor, Electronic Warfare (EW) suite and datalink technology.
The aircraft 39-8 is the first of three flight test aircraft for the Gripen E program that began in 2006. Debut flight of the aircraft is expected later this year, with the other two prototypes in various stages of assembly.
Delivery of the first production aircraft will begin in 2019, with 96 examples ordered by Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces.
The Gripen E is powered by the more powerful GE F414G engine rated at 98 kN, replacing the Volvo RM12 (a license built GE F404) powering the legacy Gripen C/D fleet operated by Sweden, South Africa, Czech, Hungary and Thailand.
The GE F414 offers 20 percent more thrust enabling to supercruise ( going supersonic without engaging afterburner) and carry more payload.
With a maximum operating altitude of 52000 ft, the Gripen E can achieve Mach 2 speed at high altitudes and >1400 kmph at sea level.
Retaining the delta winged design with canards, overall length of the fighter has been increased by 1 m to 15.2 m and the empty weight has increased to 8000 kg, bringing the maximum take off weight to 16500 kg.
The internal fuel capacity was increased by 40 percent to 3400 kg, by relocating the main landing gear, which also freed space for two fuselage weapon hardpoints.
Gripen E can carry weapons for all types of mission. The 10 hardpoints can be armed from guided glide bombs for precision engagement with low collateral damage, to long-range and agile air-to-air missiles and heavy anti-ship armaments.
The single-seat Gripen E is equipped with a 27 mm Mauser BK27 gun. This can be used in air-to-surface attacks against land and sea targets and is suitable for air policing missions.
Air-to-air superiority is guaranteed with METEOR, AMRAAM, IRIS-T, AIM-9 air to air missiles.
It can also carry pods and sensors for reconnaissance and special missions which include Litening, Reccelite, DJRP and MRPS pods.
The new generation Selex Raven AESA radar, in contrast to older generation radars features an array of small antennas, called elements which allows to simultaneously and independently track different targets, and also track targets independently of search volumes.
The passive IRST electro-optical sensor system mounted on top of the nose, just in front of the canopy, can detect and tract heat emissions from other aircraft, helicopters and from objects on the ground and sea surface. Even though have limited range, unlike radars, the IRST sensors does not give off any radiations, and hence improve stealth of aircraft.
The Gripen E has an highly advanced EW system that can function as a passive or active sensor, warning for incoming missiles or radar looking at you. It can also be used for electronic attacks and jamming other radars. Coupled to the countermeasure such as chaff and flares the EW system can enhance the survivability.
Like its predecessors, the Gripen E retains the capability for short take off and landing performance including operating from roads. The aircraft requires a minimum of 500 m for take off and 600 m for landing.
The aircraft can also be quickly armed and refueled for the next mission, within in 10 minutes in air to air mode. The engine can be fully replaced within one hour.
 |
| SAAB Image |
The aircraft 39-8 is the first of three flight test aircraft for the Gripen E program that began in 2006. Debut flight of the aircraft is expected later this year, with the other two prototypes in various stages of assembly.
Delivery of the first production aircraft will begin in 2019, with 96 examples ordered by Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces.
The Gripen E is powered by the more powerful GE F414G engine rated at 98 kN, replacing the Volvo RM12 (a license built GE F404) powering the legacy Gripen C/D fleet operated by Sweden, South Africa, Czech, Hungary and Thailand.
The GE F414 offers 20 percent more thrust enabling to supercruise ( going supersonic without engaging afterburner) and carry more payload.
 |
| SAAB Image |
With a maximum operating altitude of 52000 ft, the Gripen E can achieve Mach 2 speed at high altitudes and >1400 kmph at sea level.
Retaining the delta winged design with canards, overall length of the fighter has been increased by 1 m to 15.2 m and the empty weight has increased to 8000 kg, bringing the maximum take off weight to 16500 kg.
The internal fuel capacity was increased by 40 percent to 3400 kg, by relocating the main landing gear, which also freed space for two fuselage weapon hardpoints.
Gripen E can carry weapons for all types of mission. The 10 hardpoints can be armed from guided glide bombs for precision engagement with low collateral damage, to long-range and agile air-to-air missiles and heavy anti-ship armaments.
The single-seat Gripen E is equipped with a 27 mm Mauser BK27 gun. This can be used in air-to-surface attacks against land and sea targets and is suitable for air policing missions.
 |
| SAAB Image |
It can also carry pods and sensors for reconnaissance and special missions which include Litening, Reccelite, DJRP and MRPS pods.
The new generation Selex Raven AESA radar, in contrast to older generation radars features an array of small antennas, called elements which allows to simultaneously and independently track different targets, and also track targets independently of search volumes.
The passive IRST electro-optical sensor system mounted on top of the nose, just in front of the canopy, can detect and tract heat emissions from other aircraft, helicopters and from objects on the ground and sea surface. Even though have limited range, unlike radars, the IRST sensors does not give off any radiations, and hence improve stealth of aircraft.
The Gripen E has an highly advanced EW system that can function as a passive or active sensor, warning for incoming missiles or radar looking at you. It can also be used for electronic attacks and jamming other radars. Coupled to the countermeasure such as chaff and flares the EW system can enhance the survivability.
Like its predecessors, the Gripen E retains the capability for short take off and landing performance including operating from roads. The aircraft requires a minimum of 500 m for take off and 600 m for landing.
The aircraft can also be quickly armed and refueled for the next mission, within in 10 minutes in air to air mode. The engine can be fully replaced within one hour.
