Gripen is a new generation, highly agile, multi-role combat aircraft designed to undertake an extensive range of operational missions. First flown in December 1988, Gripen is now in operational service with the Swedish Air Force and will ultimately replace all current versions of Viggen and Draken combat aircraft. A two-seat Gripen is also available.

Advanced aerodynamics and structure

The advanced aerodynamic layout of Gripen combines a delta wing and canard, and makes extensive use of advanced materials and construction techniques. For reduced weight and increased durability some 20% by weight of the airframe structure is fabricated from carbon fibre composites.

Fully integrated avionic systems

For greater operational efficiency, and to significantly reduce pilot workload, the Gripen employs fully-integrated avionic systems operating via three MIL-STD-1553B digital databuses. A triplex, digital fly-by-wire Flight Control System also ensures optimum combat agility at all speeds and altitudes.

Multi-role capability

As a result of its high-power radar, stealthiness properties and TIDLS, Gripen has superior Beyond Visual Range air-to-air performance. Similarly, in close combat the Gripen can out-maneuver the competition due to its outstanding agility. The Gripen has all-weather, day and night low level attack capabilities with provision for FLIR-pod integration and its cockpit is adapted for the use of Night Vision Goggles (NVG). Fully NATO interoperable, Gripen can undertake a wide variety of operational missions and is equipped to carry an extensive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry.

The already competitive payload/range performance can be further extended by the provision for air-to-air refueling and an On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS).

For the future, Gripen's software-controlled systems architecture also provides significant development potential, thereby ensuring that the Gripen remains at the forefront of combat aircraft technology for decades to come.

Development work on the multi-role Gripen began in 1982 and was completed in December of 1996. The last aircraft of the 30 in Batch 1 was delivered on December 13th. Furthermore, the first two aircraft in Batch 2, including the first production two-seater, were also delivered to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in 1996.

Batch 2 Gripens are equipped with upgraded avionics software and new flight control system hardware. The two cockpit display processors have been combined into a single unit, PP12, with increased growth potential, lower weight and reduced production cost. Gripens in Batch 2 also have provision for the new TARAS communication system which will be introduced to the Swedish Air Force at the turn of the century.

On December 13 of 1996, the Swedish Parliament announced that the Swedish Air Force will, in the future, consist of 13 squadrons, 12 of them equipped with Gripen. Production Batches 1 and 2 of Gripen (140 aircraft) will equip eight of the squadrons and following the December 13 decision, Batch 3 will equip a further four squadrons.

This brings the total number of Gripens to the Swedish Air Force to some 200 aircraft. Production of Batch 3 Gripens will be carried out between 2003 and 2007, guaranteeing at least a further ten years of Gripen production.

Gripen is the first fourth-generation multi-role fighter in service. To date, 45 Gripen aircraft have been delivered to the Swedish Air Force. Saab and British Aerospace are jointly marketing, adapting and supporting the Gripen on the export market.

Winning the "Information War" will be the key to success in future conflicts. For the Gripen pilot, information is obtained through an air-to-air Tactical Information Data Link System (TIDLS). This permits real-time exchange of data both within and between cooperating tactical units.

TIDLS significantly enhances overall situational awareness and enables the pilot to make optimum use of his weapon systems.

Integrating man and machine has been accorded the highest priority in the design of the Gripen weapon systems. The ergonomic grouping of all radar and weapon aiming controls using the HOTAS (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick) principle greatly reduces cockpit workload.

This has the effect of increasing the amount of time available for the tactical operation of the aircraft. The multi-role capability of the Gripen, with its ability to change roles in the air by the single press of a button, results in unique mission flexibility.

Its advanced aerodynamic configuration, employing a delta wing plus canard , ensures optimum agility at all speeds and altitudes, even when heavily armed.

Mission flexibility is further enhanced by Gripen's ability to operate from dispersed sites, including ordinary roads. The capability for air-to-air refueling further extends the already competitive range.

To ensure high sortie generation rates, considerable emphasis has been placed on reducing the time required for routine maintenance and weapon loading. High levels of component reliability coupled with ease of access to major aircraft systems result in rapid turn-arounds, with a minimum of personnel. Extensive use of Built-In-Test and monitoring systems, and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), reduce still further the time required for routine maintenance and trouble-shooting.

An on-board Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides rapid reaction times under operational conditions. The APU also reduces dependence on external Ground Support Equipment (GSE) which is of considerable benefit when operating from dispersed sites.

To date the Swedish Air Force has confirmed a requirement for over 200 Gripen aircraft. The first Gripen wing (F7) was formally inaugurated in June 1996 and the first Gripen squadron will be declared operational during 1997.

Radar

Long-range, Multi-mode, Pulse-Doppler Radar

The primary sensor in the Gripen target acquisition/weapon aiming system is the long-range Ericsson PS-05/A multi-mode Pulse-Doppler radar. This system offers outstanding operational performance and reliability with low maintenance requirements. Radar operation modes include:

Air-to-air mode

• Long-range search
  
• Multiple target track-while-scan
  
• Multiple priority target tracking
  
• Single target tracking
  
• Raid assessment
  
• Radar missiles midcourse update
  
• Close combat search and auto-acquisition

Air-to-surface mode

• Long-range search/surveillance
  
• Surface moving target indication
  
• Priority tracking of multiple ground and sea targets
  
• Real beam mapping
  
• High resolution mapping with DBS and SAR
  
• Air-to-ground ranging
  
• Velocity vector calculation
  

Fully programmable signal and data processors enable the radar to handle all these types of air defense, attack and reconnaissance missions and offer excellent ECCM performance as well as growth potential to meet future requirements.

High resolution in mapping target ranging and target velocity is obtained by: Doppler beam-sharpening (DBS) processing, pulse compression, narrow Doppler filters and PRF switching . High clutter rejection is obtained by: high transmitter spectral purity, wide receiver dynamic range and low antenna sidelobe levels.

High degree of ECCM is obtained by: Monopulse technique, High power output, Low sidelobe levels, Wide RF bandwidth and frequency agility and special functions. Flexible waveforms also make it possible to avoid ambiguities and allow performance characteristics to be optimized for each operational mode. The PS-05/A also meets the datalink requirements imposed by radar-guided missiles.

Dimensions

Wingspan (including launchers)    8.4m (27ft 6in)
Length (excluding pitot tube)    14.1m (46ft 3in)
Length (Two-Seat variant)    14.8m (48ft 6in)
Height Overall    4.5m (14ft 9in)
Wheel Track    2.4m (7ft 10in)
Wheel Base    5.2m (17ft)
Wheel Base (Two-Seat variant)    5.9m (19ft 4in)




Weights and Performance 



T/O Weight (basic fighter configuration)    approx. 8.5 tonnes (18,745lb)
Max Take-Off Weight    approx. 14 tonnes
Max Speed    supersonic at all altitudes

Volvo Aero Corporation has developed and produces the engine in cooperation with General Electric. The engine, SAF designation RM12, is a further developed version of the proven F404 turbofan.

Sea Level Static performance data:

Power setting Thrust (lb.)Max Rating 18,100 (afterburner lit)
Intermediate ratio 12,140 (military power)