SAAB JAS39 Gripen

The Gripen had to take over the tactical tasks of the Viggen stated in it’s name JAS=Jakt-Attack-Spaning (Swedish for: Fighter-Attack-Reconnaissance) The Gripen is a true multirole aircraft.

Developing nation:

• Sweden.

Manufacturer/designer:

• SAAB Defence and Security.

Type aircraft:

• Multirole fighter.

First flights:

• December 1988 (first prototype).
• May 1990 (Second prototype).

Production aircraft:

• First production aircraft delivery: June 1993 to the Swedish Air Force
• First operational: June 1996 with Skaraborg Wing on Såtenäs AFB.

Produced versions:

• JAS39A:  (Attack) fighter version introduced in 1996 in the Swedish AF
• JAS39B:  (Biplane) Swedish two seats / trainer version
• JAS39C:  (Compatible) Standard NATO Gripen
• JAS39D:  (Double) two seats JAS39C trainer version
• JAS39E/F:  (Extended/Future) development version with improved engine, avionics, armament and fuel capacity.
• JAS39NG:  (Next Generation) The new operational version of the E and F types

Operational:

Sweden:

• Såtenäs AFB – 3 AJ (Attack-Jakt) squadrons from 1998
• Ängelholm – 2 SF (Spaning) en 1 AJ squadron from 2001
• Kallinge – 2 AJ squadrons from 2002
• Luleå – 1 AJ squadron from 2001

Operational other countries:

• Czech republic (from 2004)
• Hungary (from 2001)
• South Africa (from 1999)
• Thailand (from 2007)
• Croatia decided in 2008 to replace their old MiG-21 with Gripen’s

Other potential buyers:

• Denmark
• Switzerland
• Romania
• India
• Bulgaria
• Chili
• Brazil

Number built:

• From 2006 125 Gripen’s are operational
• 250-300 aircraft have been ordered or set as an option

Armament:

• 6 Rb74 (Swedish version of AIM-9 Sidewinder) or Rb98 (Swedish version of German IRIS-T) air to air missiles
• 4 Rb99 (Swedish version of AIM-120 AMRAAM) or Rb71 (Swedish version of English Skyflash) or Meteor (still in development) air to air missiles.
• 4 Rb75 Air to Ground (Swedish AGM-65 Maverick licence built)
• 2 KEPD 350 Swedish/German developed cruise missile
• 2 Rbs15 anti-ship missile Swedish design
• 4 pod’s with unguided missiles
• 4 LGB Laser Guided Bomb, American invention, standard NATO
• 2 BK 90 Cluster bombs
• 1x Mauser BK27 Cannon

Dimensions:

• Length:  14,1 m.
• Hight:  4,5 m.
• Wing Span:  8,4 m.
• Wing area:  25,5 m²

Weights:

• Empty:  6620 kg.
• Takeoff:  8720 kg.
• Max. weight:  14000 kg.

Engine’s:

• 1x RM12 Volvo Aero turbofan
• 54 kN without afterburner
• 80 kN with afterburner

Performance:

• Speed:  Mach 2+
• Range:  12000 Km.
• Service ceiling:  15000 m.