Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Griffin)

History

Saab JAS 39 "Gripen" ("Gripen") constituted (among other things) the main fighter squadron of the Swedish Air Force. The type is a highly sophisticated air platform that incorporates the latest digital controls and weapons while being manufactured in a modest and highly streamlined package to meet the stringent requirements of the Swedish Air Force.

The JAS 39 has been in service since 1997, and after a relatively long development period, export interest increased as Sweden's usually strict export rules (and its historically neutral stance) were relaxed. To date, the JAS 39 is stocked with several air forces around the world, and more than 240 single-seat and two-seat versions have been produced. The Gripen remains a major global player in the advanced light fighter space, capable of performing a variety of mission roles, from air defense to interception, from ground attack to armed reconnaissance and training.

The Saab Gripen is comparable on the world stage to General Dynamics' F-16 Fighting Falcon and Russia's Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum series.

In the late 1970s, the Swedish Air Force sought to improve its front-line combat capabilities against the aging Saab Drakes and Viggens. Featuring a unique dual-delta wing and single-engine design, the Draken was introduced in March 1960 and flew successfully with several Air Forces, with 644 produced from 1955 to 1974. The Draken was developed to replace the outgoing Saab J29 Tunnan fighter. In contrast, the Viggen appeared in June 1971, with 329 of them produced from 1970 to 1990.

Developed as a broader solution for intercept, attack and reconnaissance missions, the type features a more traditional delta wing profile with forward canards and a single-engine design. Work to replace her began in 1979 and research was conducted in 1980 to produce a modern end product that would meet the needs of the Swedish Air Force and be able to perform a large number of required battlefield roles.

In 1981, Saab, Volvo Airlines, Ericsson/GEC-Marconi and FFV Aerotech formed a consortium to design, develop and produce various parts of the aircraft program - the group collectively known as "IG JAS" (IG = "Industrie Gruppe" ). In 1982, the Swedish government formally approved funding for the project, resulting in an order for five evaluation prototypes and another 30 production-grade aircraft.

To expand its overseas appeal to marine customers, Saab is also developing a marine version of the land-based Gripen. This particular design will be based on project data collected as part of the aforementioned Gripen NG program, and will incorporate several features common to modern carrier-based utility aircraft, including reinforced landing gear, folding wings and suitable radar facilities.

The JAS 39E/F series models are proposed (now realized) next-generation multi-role (single- and two-seat) variants designed to connect aircraft within Sweden's "broad spectrum operations" vision (" wisdom"). These will include data planned based on the Gripen NG model described above.

Gripen is used worldwide by only a few countries outside the Swedish Air Force, including 14 C/D prototypes leased to the Czech Air Force, 14 C/D prototypes leased to the Hungarian Air Force, 18 purchased C/D Prototype/D Copy/D Copy to South African Air Force (26 on order), 6 from Royal Thai Air Force (12 on order) (all figures are 2012). Under a long-standing arrangement with Sweden, the UK operates several Gripen models exclusively for training through the Imperial Test Pilot School in Wiltshire.

Other nations are considering upgrades to their front-line fighters and may find the JAS 39 to meet their modern multi-role needs.

The Gripen was used under the UN flag during the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya during the 2011 rebellion. While not directly involved in the ground attack mission, the Gripen assumes an air defense role to meet required mission parameters designed to limit the deployment of the Libyan Air Force. This action showed the Gripen its first true combat role and proved it to be a successful modern fighter. Additionally, the Gripen has yet to see any major direct combat action, as its direct export competitor remains General Dynamics' F-16 Fighting Falcon - which has been extensively serviced and modernized since its introduction in 1978 Retrofit.

4,500 of these mounts were produced for several available Gripen. The Russian Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum is an eastern alternative to the F-16 for customers who do not wish to do business with the United States. Under the guidance of a well-trained JAS 39 mechanic and five assistants, the Gripen undoubtedly enjoys a quick turnaround time (reportedly only ten minutes).

Onboard diagnostic systems also aid maintenance, creating a highly available weapons platform, which in turn helps control operating and repair costs.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Some twenty German CH-53Gs were upgraded in the late 1990s to become the CH-53GS fitting external fuel tanks, improved navigation and communication systems as well as the addition of a missile countermeasures suite. These were also given the uprated T64-100 series turboshaft engines and fielded with provisions to support German MG3 and M3M series general purpose machine guns.

German CH-53GE models (formally as the CH-53GSX) are relatively recent upgraded CH-53GS models numbering 26 examples for use in the desert environment of Afghanistan. These platforms have been given improved Search & Rescue (SAR)) functionality.

The German CH-53GA designation represents about forty CH-53G models from another modernization initiative. These have seen revised and improved navigation and communications suites, advanced auto pilot functions, new flight control systems and a redesigned flight deck.

Additionally, FLIR is being added as is more internal fuel storage to complement the inherent stores as well as the external fuel load. First flight of this model occurred in February of 2010 with the program expected to wrap up in its entirety sometime in 2013.

Amazingly, it is expected that the CH-53 line - owing to its strong natural capabilities - will remain in service for some of these fighting forces up until 2030 - a strong testament to the successful nature of this quality rotary-wing system.

Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion Specification

BASICS

MANUFACTURING

ROLES

DIMENSIONS

WEIGHTS

POWER

PERFORMANCE

ARMAMENT

VARIANTS