The multi-role fighter aircraft Saab Gripen E/F JAS 39, developed by the Swedish company Saab, is the most advanced version of the Gripen, created under the Gripen NG (Next Generation) program. The term ‘NG’ signifies a new generation plane, distinguishing it from its predecessors. Development began in 2007, and the prototype made its first flight in 2008. In 2009, it achieved super cruise at a speed of Mach 1.2. Limited production commenced in 2013, and the first Saab Gripen E was rolled out in 2016. The aircraft’s first flight took place in 2017, and deliveries to Sweden and Brazil started in 2021.As a Next Generation plane, the Saab Gripen E/F features numerous advancements compared to its predecessors including:
- More efficient engines
- New avionics
- Advanced radar and electronic warfare suite
- An improved cockpit design
- Integration of advanced weapons
- Enhanced data-sharing capabilities
Design of Saab Gripen E/F JAS 39:
This is a delta canard winged aircraft with a stable airframe. The total wingspan of aircraft is 8.6 m and approximately 28 feet, and its height is 4.5 meters. It uses its canard wings to increase its maneuverability. The canard wings are near to cockpit .Unlike other aircrafts Saab Gripen E/F has very compact size which makes it able to take off and land on short runways.Compared to its predecessors, this plane is significantly larger, with a length of 50 feet for the single-seater version and 52 feet for the dual-seater version. The aircraft is installed with a fly-by-wire flight control system and has the capability of aerial refueling. Air brakes are present in the back area of the aircraft, and apart from that, the aircraft can also use its canard wings as brakes. As it canard wings can be lift upwards and increase drag to reduce speed of aircraft. According to the company, the aircraft can take off from an angle of 70 to 80 degrees, while the service life of its airframe is fifty years. Other than that, it is compatible with all NATO systems, and any weapon of NATO standards can easily be integrated onto it.
Fuel capacity of Saab Gripen E/F JAS 39:
The Gripen E/F has a fuel capacity of 4,500 liters which is 40% more as compared to block C/D version .The aircraft has a payload capacity of 100 kg. It is powered by a General Electric F414G engine, producing 92 kilo newtons of thrust, which enables the aircraft to reach speeds of up to Mach 2. Its combat radius is 1,500 km, and with three external fuel tanks, its range extends to 4,000 km. The aircraft has ability to fly at Mach 1.2 without after burner which increases aircraft mission endurance and efficiency .Saab Gripen E/F has also air refueling capbaility.
The aircraft can operate at altitudes up to 52,000 feet and withstand gravitational forces from -3 to +9 g. Its exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.04 ensures finest maneuverability. The Gripen E/F requires a runway length of 500 meters for takeoff and 600 meters for landing.
Payloads and Armaments of Gripen E/F JAS 39:
The Gripen E/F JAS 39 aircraft can accomplish a variety of missions, allowing it to be installed with weapons for every type of role. The aircraft can fire short-ranged IRIS-T, AIM-9 Sidewinder, and A-Darter air-to-air missiles. Within Beyond Visual Range (BVR), the aircraft can fire missiles such as Meteor and AIM-120 AMRAAM. For the anti-ship role, the aircraft can fire the RBS-15 anti-ship missile, while for the air-to-ground role, it can fire the KEPD-350 cruise missile, GBU-12 Paveway laser-guided munition, MK-82 unguided bomb, and GBU-39 small diameter bomb. Apart from that, a machine gun is also installed, which can fire 27mm caliber bullets.
Electronic warfare suite of Saab Gripen E/F JAS 39 :
Saab Gripen E/F JAS 39 is integrated with modern electronic jammer which is used to misguide and jam enemy radars and missiles. The aircraft is also integrated with radar warning receiver which alerts the pilot if the enemy’s radar detects the aircraft. The platform is also equipped with DRFM which is digital radio frequency memory which creates mimic or identical signal to confuse or mislead enemy aircrafts. The aircraft is also equipped with missiles approach warning system which informs the pilot about the position of fired missiles. Chaff and flare dispenser system which are used to dodge enemy missiles and decoy launcher which creates fake targets to evade enemy missiles.The aircraft is also integrated with Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) & Voice Control HOTAS enables pilot to control all functions by using throttle and control stick.Voice control system allows pilot to give commands using voice.The aircraft also uses Tactical Data Link (TDL) – Link 16 & Saab’s TIDLS which enhances its communication with other NATO assets.The aircraft can get the data of enemy targets with help of link 16 without activating its own radar.
Radar technology of Saab Gripen E/F JAS 39:
The Saab Gripen is integrated with state of the art Raven ES-05 AESA(Active electronically scanned array ) radar with swashplate design that has ability to rotate mechanically to give 200° view unlike F35 or Rafale.The aircraft is also equipped with Skyward-G Infrared Search and Track (IRST) which can detect hostile aircrafts using infrared emissions.
Pilot safety features of Saab Gripen E/F:
Saab Gripen E/F is equipped with advance AGCAS (Automatic Ground Collision avoidance system) The system automatically get activated in case pilot loss consciousness due to G LOC or due to any other circumstances . AGCAS continuously monitors altitude ,speed, flight path and terrain data of aircraft and in case of sudden ground collision it lifts the aircraft upward by using rapid pull up system.The aircraft also have on-board oxygen generators, eliminating the need for external oxygen supply
Multi role capabilites of Saab Gripen E/F JAS 39:
The aircraft is capable of operating in various roles, including Anti-ship and land attack Air-to-air combat missions SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) and DEAD (Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses) missions in enemy anti-access areas
Operators of Saab Gripen E/F:
Currently, the Swedish and Brazilian air forces operate this aircraft.Brazil ordered total of 36 aircrafts 28 single-seat Gripen E and 8 two-seat Gripen F.Swedish airforce operates almost 60 Gripen E aircrafts.
Read out our blog related to air warfare contest between Russia and United states.
https://battletechinsider.com/aircrafts/russia-vs-west-in-air-warfare/
Follow our facebook page for latest updates related to modern warfare.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Battle-Tech-Insider/100093541134057/?mibextid=ZbWKwL
