A_M_W_2015_05_

Airfix Model World
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Airfix Model World

http://www.airfixmodelworld.com

IN FOCUS

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN

IN FOCUS

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN

 This image shows the JAS 39 C's unpainted APU doors, with obvious weathering, and

the painted inlet doors just ahead of the warning triangle. (Jan P. Forsgren)

“Gripen was designed to

be a cost-effective‚ easily

maintained and deployed

multi-role fighter”

extensive use of composite

assemblies for lightness, while

the small size reduces purchase

and operating cost...and gives a

lower radar signature.

The type flew for the first time

on December 9, 1987 but there

were soon concerns about its

fly-by-wire system. After two

spectacular accidents during

testing, Saab found the problem

to be high amplification of the

pilot’s quick and significant

stick command input, which was

corrected, and operationally just

three crashes have occurred

since...and the pilots all ejected

safely. None of the crashes were

related to the Gripen being a

single-engine aircraft, and it has

been flown regularly north of the

Arctic Circle in Winter.

Selling the legend

Saab also chose to enter the

international fighter sales market.

Although a perfect aircraft for

Sweden, the JAS 39A/B versions

proved to be ill-suited for other

countries’ needs. Relatively short

range, and a lack of air-refuelling

capability and sparse weaponry,

did little to boost business.

But then a new version was

developed by Saab, the NATO-

compatible JAS 39 C Gripen, and

introduced in 2002. Changes to

the original ‘A’ airframe included:

• An air-refuelling probe that
  retracts into the top of the
  port-side engine intake


• Extended armament
  capabilities


• New inertial navigation system
  with GPS


• New cockpit labelling in
  English


• New colour multifunction
  displays, also compatible with
  night-vision goggles


• An improved RM12UP engine


• More computing power and
  new radar modes


• Improved electronic warfare
  system


• New auxiliary power unit
  Externally, the visual differences
  are minimal; the APU with inlet
  and exhaust on top (said not to
  make the left side as dirty as the
  old APU; bad for us modellers!),
  new wheels, several antennas
  (horizontal on each side of the
  fin and a small unit below the
  exhaust).

JAS 39 E/F

Moves to ‘future proof’ the Gripen

have been made by Saab, initially

in the shape of its Gripen NG

demonstrator, which then evolved

into JAS 39 E/F sub-types; these

have been ordered by Sweden,

and Brazil.

One technology demonstrator

is flying and Sweden’s Ministry

of Supply has ordered 60 JAS

39 E/Fs for the Flygvapnet, and

just recently Brazil confirmed an

order even though the contract

was signed more than a year ago.

Switzerland was another possible

customer, but politics and a public

referendum have scuppered

purchase as yet.

Saab hopes this improved

Gripen, though, will help to gain

a bigger share of the market for

fighter aircraft. The competition

is tough, but Saab has a good

stronghold in the market for

nimble, capable military aircraft,

and it is still the cheapest in its

class to maintain and fly. ❚

CURRENT AND

FUTURE USERS

Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet):

JAS 39 A/B, and since 2008 the

JAS 39 C/D alone.

United Kingdom: Empire Test Pilots’

School has used Gripen for fast jet

training since 1999.

Czech Republic: Leased 14 and

deliveries began in 2005. This might

be increased to 19.

Hungary: Leased 14, delivered

2006-7.

South Africa: Purchased 26,

delivery began in 2008.

Thailand: Bought 12, delivered from

2011.

Brazil: Signed a deal for JAS 39

E/F (next generation Gripen) in

2013 - 36 for the air force and 24

for the navy.

The business end of the Gripen C's improved

RM12 engine. Note the navigation lights on each

side. (Jan P. Forsgren)

74-75_Gripen Info.CC.indd 75 17/03/2015 14:44