The SAAB Gripen E multi-role fighter has gone supersonic for the first time during flight testing over the Baltic Sea on 18th October. ...
The SAAB Gripen E multi-role fighter has gone supersonic for the first time during flight testing over the Baltic Sea on 18th October.
Gripen E flew at speeds greater than the speed of sound, at over Mach 1, as part of the ongoing flight trials program, which has clocked more than 20 flight hours since first flight on 15 June 2017.
The purpose was to collect data from the aircraft as it achieved and sustained supersonic speed. The flight took place over the Baltic sea and the aircraft sustained supersonic speed for a number of minutes, whilst carrying out maneouvres, demonstrating the successful combination of the aicraft’s fighter design and its powerful engine
The aircraft (designation 39-8) took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden and was piloted by Saab test pilot Marcus Wandt.
“As Gripen pilots we are used to extreme speed but to go through the sound barrier for an aircraft’s first time is still a moment to enjoy. It is important that the aircraft handles the transition smoothly through what we call the transonic zone around the sound barrier and she certainly did, it was very smooth,” said Marcus Wandt, Test Pilot, Saab.
The Gripen E/F (single/twin) seat is an advanced and upgraded variant of the first generation Gripen that entered service in 1997.
Flight testing will continue through next year and first delivery is scheduled from 2019 to Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces.
How does it feel going supersonic? Our pilot Robin lets you know. Read more here: https://t.co/5OvcRjBcet #supersonic #smartfighter pic.twitter.com/b749EtC5Pd— Saab AB (@Saab) October 27, 2017
Gripen E features an overall upgrade to all of its major systems, with major thrust on its avionics. The PS-05 mechanically scanned radar has been replaced with the Selex ES actively Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which can simultaneously and independently track different targets.
The passive IRST electro-optical system mounted on top of the nose, just in front of the canopy, and is looking forward in a wide sector registering heat emissions from other aircraft, helicopters and from objects on the ground and sea surface.
The aircraft has been stretched over 1 m to an overall length of 15.2 m and max take off weight has been increased by 2,500 kg to 16,500 kg.
Weapon and sensor carrying capability has been increased with the addition of two under wing weapon pylons, bringing total six under wing stations and four under fuselage stations.
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. Gripen E can also carry pods and sensors for reconnaissance and special missions. These include Litening, Reccelite, DJRP and MRPS pods.
Engine thrust has also been increased by 18 kN to 98 kN with the GE Aviation F414G turbofan engine variant.
