The ground testing of the Saab Gripen E combat jet is in full swing ahead of maiden flight scheduled for second quarter of 2017.
The ground testing of the Saab Gripen E combat jet is in full swing ahead of maiden flight scheduled for second quarter of 2017.
Validation and verification activities such as tests in rigs and simulators have been performed. Since roll-out of first prototype 39-8, in May 2016, major milestones such as powering on the aircraft and engine start were achieved.
Currently the prototype is undergoing engine ground testing of its GE F414G after-burning turbofan engine. The 22,000 lb (98 kN) rated engine have a 20 percent thrust increase over the present F404 engine's thrust.
According to Lars Ydreskog, Saab's Head Aeronautics Operations, what left before maiden take off, is software qualification to formally prove what informally perfected through the extensive testing.
Earlier scheduled for year end, the maiden flight of 39-8 has been delayed by Saab for up to six months to perfect Gripen E's avionics software.
Called the DIMA (distributed integrated modular avionics), this advanced software will make the Gripen E future proof, enabling to integrate new functions without touching the aircraft's flight critical software.
The program is on track to deliver the first Gripen E in 2019. Sweden and Brazil have respectively ordered 60 and 36 of these smart fighter jets. Brazilian delivery will be completed by 2024.
Flight testing will involve four prototypes, of which three are in final stage of assembly. Due to extensive use of ground based test rigs and many technologies proved using the Gripen demonstrator aircraft 39-7, Saab estimates the flight test to require only 1/3 rd the time expended in development of the current Gripen C/D version.
Based on the proven Gripen C/D platform, the Gripen E is a vastly improved aircraft featuring cutting edge avionics system, network centric warfare capabilities, increased weapon payload and a more powerful engine.
Gripen E's superior situation awareness is ensured through an AESA radar, IRST passive sensor, HMD, cutting-edge avionics, next generation data processing and a state-of-the-art cockpit.
Just as the Gripen E programme is going at full speed, the GE F414G engine is doing the same in the test aircraft. Engine on✔️ #smartfighter pic.twitter.com/TBTo09SVFa— Saab AB (@Saab) November 24, 2016
