On August 28, the JAS 39F Gripen successfully completed its maiden flight. Developed jointly by Sweden and Brazil, the two-seat fighter jet now moves on to the next stages of production with the goal of achieving initial operating capability in the near future.
The “F” version of the Gripen is the two-seat version of the Gripen E, which is the most advanced version of the fourth-generation fighter jet. The addition of a second crew member enhances the advanced aircraft’s electronic warfare capabilities, while maintaining its impressive fighter jet capabilities.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force,” Lars Tossman, head of Saab business area Aeronautics, stated in a company press release.
“Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” the senior Saab executive added.
The aircraft took off from the company’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and flew for approximately 40 minutes. SAAB’s chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force test pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos flew the aircraft.
After its successful first flight, the JAS 39F Gripen enters the airborne phase.
“With this mission, Gripen F enters the airborne phase of its test campaign. Following the initial production acceptance flights, the programme will move into a progressive envelope expansion phase, in which the aircraft[‘s] full performance limits – including speed, altitude, G-load and angle of attack – will be cleared step by step,” Saab stated.
At the same time, SAAB will evaluate and develop the aircraft’s tactical capabilities and rear cockpit functions, which are specific to the “F” variant.
The Swedish Air Force has ordered 28 “F” variants, while the Brazilian Air Force expects to add at least eight of two-seat aircraft to its roster.
Related: Saab wants to future-proof the Gripen E through the power of software
A powerful aircraft
The JAS 39E/F Gripen is an all-weather multirole aircraft that can carry a multitude of weapon systems.
Specifically, the fighter jet has 10 external hardpoints and the ability to carry more than 12,000lbs of munitions, including the best of the American and European markets.
Some of the weapon systems that the Swedish-made fighter jet can carry include the U.S.-made AIM-9 Sidewinder and German-made IRIS T heat-seeking air-to-air missiles; the European-made Meteor and U.S.-made AIM 120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) radar-guided, beyond-visual range missiles; and the U.S.-made AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile. In addition, the fighter jet can carry a range of cruise missiles, smart air-to-ground munitions, and conventional bombs.
Although the “E” version packs a Mauser BK 27mm cannon for dogfights and close air support, the “F” variant will not carry the cannon to make up for the addition of another seat.
One of the most important features of the JAS 39 Gripen is its quick combat turnaround. Indeed, SAAB and the Swedish Air Force take pride in their ability to refuel and rearm a Gripen quickly: for the “F” version, the combat turnaround can be as little as 15 minutes. The jet also only requires a small crew to be serviced and can take off from small, austere airfields.
The Gripen line, as a whole, was built with Russia in mind and its electronic warfare suite is allegedly tailored to Russian systems.
Once the JAS 39F Gripen becomes operational, the Swedish Air Force will be better armed to fend off potential Russian aggression in NATO’s northern flank.
Feature Image: The Gripen F takes off for its first flight. (Saab)
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