aircraft through its paces in a controlled
environment, assessing and validating
its technical flying characteristics.
Once accepted by and delivered to the
Flygvapnet, all aviation-related ‘kit’ will be tested
by the air force’s Utvecklingsenhet Luftstrid (Air
Warfare Development Department, AWDD).
Based at Linköping-Malmen, it comprises
four individual units, responsible for operational
test of all Flygvapnet combat systems – as
well as the TU JAS there are separate OT&E
units dedicated to helicopters; transports
and special aircraft; and air base systems.
After it’s been validated as ‘fit for operational
service’ by the OT&E responsible, the ‘aerial
system’ will be introduced by its intended
frontline Flygvapnet unit(s) for day-to-day
military (training) service. All initial activities are
closely assisted and monitored by the OT&E
until full operational capability (FOC) is achieved.
Originally created in 1989 at Saab’s main
facility at Linköping, the Gripen OT&E
unit moved to Såtenäs between 1996
and 2001 to assist the introduction of the
first-generation JAS 39A/B with F 7.
Now firmly established at Malmen, the TU
JAS is as vital as ever, serving to streamline the
current JAS 39C/D fleet and pave the way for
the service introduction of the new Gripen E.
Although staffed by only seven pilots, the TU
JAS efficiently manages almost all aspects
of future Gripen flying and development. Its
highly experienced aircrew all have extensive
flying and combat time in the Gripen – and
in some cases also flew the Viggen.
Driven by the demand of the FMV and armed
forces to invest limited budgets as efficiently
as possible, the TU JAS intervenes in almost
all phases of development, design, verification,
acceptance and operational validation.
It can call upon a huge network
of contacts and feedback from
serving Swedish fighter pilots and
increasing exposure to other Western/
NATO air forces (for example during
Swedish participation in Operation
Unified Protector over Libya in 2011).
The FMV also allows the TU JAS to
become involved at the requirement-
definition phase,
increasing its influence
on development,
design and
subsequent
introduction
of Gripen-
relatedweapons systems to the front line.
Once the FMV and industry have
completed the design and manufacturing
phase, the TU JAS writes an in-depth
operational evaluation (OPEVAL) test plan,
which it will use during its OT&E validation
programme prior to operational introduction
of the tested ‘item’ by the Flygvapnet.
By far the unit’s most important mission
is to actually test, evaluate and validate
new Gripen-related weapons systems,
such as radar and missiles, in operational
conditions, by implementing an OPEVAL.
Weapons systems performance evaluation
flights make use of internal and external threat
simulation systems as well as future conflict
scenarios. The unit also assesses the impact
of new systems on current combat tactics and
procedures, the operational organisation of
flying and ground units, the training needs of
personnel and possible future requirements.
After formal completion of the OT&E phase,
an all-aspect initial operational capability
(IOC) initial test report will be written which
will be used as a ‘Gripen Bible’ by the
various squadronsAbove: The gradual introduction of MS20 and
new armament across the frontline JAS 39C/D
squadrons provides a welcome fl ow of technical,
tactical and operational feedback to the TU
JAS that aids the development of minor MS20
upgrades. Right: A TU JAS single-seat Gripen
banks to reveal an air-to-air load-out of two Meteor
and four IRIS-T missiles. Sweden is reassessing its
defence commitments, and, while a land invasion is
deemed highly unlikely, its air power is focused on
deterring or combating an airborne or amphibious
attack, especially against Gotland. Far right: All the
unit’s pilots frequently deploy to the frontline units
for two-week rotations, evaluating at fi rst hand
the various MS20 improvements and keeping up to
speed with daily life in the Gripen units.
50 // APRIL 2018 #361 http://www.airforcesmonthly.com
Flight test focus