Saab Gripen fires first IRIS-T air-to-air missile

duotiga83 SG

Saab Gripen fires first IRIS-T air-to-air missile
By Craig Hoyle

Saab conducted the first test firing of a Diehl BGT Defence IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile from a Gripen fighter over Sweden's Vidsel test range on 12 June, during the 6,000th test flight of a JAS39.

Involving high-speed weapon release from a JAS39B test aircraft flying at around 2,000ft (610m), the unguided test was "a complete success", says Saab test pilot Fredrik Müchler.

Saab will perform another unguided release of the IRIS-T and two guided firings against target drones at Vidsel later this year under a national test programme worth SKr150 million ($21.7 million). These are intended to prove the missile's operating envelope across more difficult flight conditions and at a higher load factor, says Müchler.

Also on order for Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway and Spain, the IRIS-T will replace the Swedish air force's inventory of Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The new weapon will be integrated with its frontline Gripens next year as part of the type's so-called "Version 19" software update, says Saab. This will also equip the aircraft with a Link 16 datalink to support international operations.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/06/18/214680/picture-saab-gripen-fires-first-iris-t-air-to-air-missile.html

CM06 SG

Frankly speaking, having Gripens will lower the cost(vs other more costly replacement) while increasing the capabilities of the RSAF when we retire our F-5s. I -think- Gripens will be AESA equipped in the future as well.

The general moot point about Gripens is that their range is pretty small it's a light strike/fighter. I doubt this is much of a factor for a small country like Singapore if it just does the role of the F-5s-CAP. It's ability to land on modified runways (like our F-16s) is very useful. It is able to use missiles of our current arsenal.

It is noted that the Gripen is the plane the EU use to test majority of their upcoming and developing Airforce missiles - Meteor, IRIS-T and i think ASRAAM.

Purchasing them will allow us access to a larger variety of weapons.

The Typhoon is not the test plane of choice currently due to stuff they have to iron out

tankee1981 SG

I agree with you on getting Gripens as F-5S's replacement. We can just get the version more suited for CAP to cut cost. As it is not economical to use the F-15SG or the possible eventual JSF for that purpose.

Since it is multi-role it can easily be reconfigured to take over the by then aging F-16s. So the type of aircraft will still be kept to 3 types, Gripens,
F-15SG and F-35(should anything goes wrong with JSF, we can also consider alternatives such as Typhoon and Rafale) Very Happy

CM06 SG

Thanks for your feedback!

Yeah i'm looking into cost cuts - less taxes Smile

Actually, i believe RSAF wants to have F-16C/Ds to replace the F-5s and JSF to replace the F-16C/Ds when the time comes. Maybe Typhoon then to replace the F-15SGs

However, like what you said. it's better to have 3 types of aircraft. The gripen is actually (while multi role) is still a light fighter its able to use mavericks, Amraam Ashms and rockets. I dont think it can take over the complete role of our Vipers though. It's a little expensive to have so many F-16s doing all the footwork including CAP when a cheaper Gripen can do it too. I mean a F-16(Longrange)/Gripen(short range) CAP will fit better into our AA web than a F16/F16 combi.

Gripen also brings into our wings the use of canards - flight controls that our current planes may/may not have and a good step up to the Typhoon if we ever consider that.

duotiga83 SG

Gripen to get AESA in mid-life upgrade

Keeping pace with the technology trend, Saabs JAS39 Gripen is to be fitted with a multi-channel active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, likely to be introduced under a planned mid-life upgrade (MLU) that could come along as early as 2010.

Development of the AESA radar for Gripen started out under the Saab Ericsson NORA (Not Only a RAdar) programme, and has been underway for several years, including test flying aboard a specially-retained Saab JA-37 Viggen testbed. One of the main benefits of the NORA concept was the provision of improved long-range tracking as a result of the combination of longer detection range and electronically-steered beam control. The AESA radar programme is directly linked to MIDAS (Multifunction Integrated Defensive Avionics System), which will also add electronic attack and advanced datalinking capabilities.

Radar upgrades for in-service Gripens are already underway and the AESA project is planned to follow the current Mk.IV upgrade for the types Saab Ericsson PS-05/A pulse-doppler radar, which adds precision strike modes and improved synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capability.

The AESA developments are being lined up for what is now being dubbed the Next Generation Gripen programme, notably including the proposed variants to meet F-16AM/BM replacement requirements for Norway and Denmark, known as Gripen N and Gripen DK respectively. An AESA version of its current PS-05/A radar, which, can reportedly track airborne targets at distances of up to 120km would provide enhanced multi-mode capabilities for Gripen-NG, as well as extended range for beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles.

Looking further ahead, Saab Microwave Systems, Selex Sistemi Integrati and Elettronica are involved in the development of the next generation of microwave multi-function, multi-role systems under the multi-role active electronically scanned antenna (M-AESA) programme. The introduction of M-AESA technology will greatly increase the potential of microwave system performance, boosting the ability to detect, track and identify small targets even in the most confused battlespace.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/06/19/214853/gripen-to-get-aesa-in-mid-life-upgrade.html

duotiga83 SG

More power and more payload for Gripen demo

By Jon Lake
Saab chose the Paris Air Show to reveal details of its new Gripen Demonstrator programme. The Gripen Demo aircraft will act as a technology demonstrator and testbed for an upgrade configuration for the Swedish air force, and as the prototype for planned Future Gripens, including the Gripen N for Norway, the Gripen DK for Denmark, and perhaps even for a variant to meet Indias MMRCA requirement.

The programme is planned to keep Gripen at the leading edge of fighter aircraft performance and capability, well beyond 2040, according to Gripen Internationals managing director, Johan Lehander.

The Gripen Demo aircraft will have a revised configuration, with a new forward-retracting main landing gear that frees up internal volume for extra fuel, and with distinctive bulged wingroot fairings underwing providing further increases in internal volume. The use of these fairings replaces the upper fuselage conformal tanks seen on previous studies, and will provide an extra 38% of internal fuel, taking the total to 3,130 kg.

The relocated and beefed-up undercarriage will allow a 2-tonne increase in maximum take off weight, to 16t. This in turn will allow the aircraft to carrier heavier warloads (up to 6,000kg), and to facilitate this, the Gripen Demo will have new side by side under-fuselage pylons (augmenting the single centreline pylon) and underwing hardpoints capable of carrying twin pylons.

The aircraft will be powered by a new 22,000lb engine, provisionally dubbed the F414G. This is based on the General Electric F414-GE-400 engine that powers the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with full authority digital electronic control software for enhanced safety and reliability.

The F414 engine is a derivative of the original F404 - the existing Gripen engine, the RM-12, is a variant and combines proven reliability, maintainability and operability with advanced technology. The F414G will deliver some 4,000lb more thrust than the RM-12, giving a useful boost in performance. Some sources give the new engine a 26,000lb thrust rating doubling the advantage.

The aircraft will also be fitted with an AESA radar, probably based on Ericssons long-running NORA and Saab/Selex M-AESA programmes.
Sweden has a requirement to upgrade some 31 early Gripens to C/D standards, but it may now leapfrog a generation and be upgraded to a standard similar to the Gripen Demo.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/06/21/215035/more-power-and-more-payload-for-gripen-demo.html

CM06 SG

Nice news…..anyone else has comments on whether this is a good replacement for our F-5s?

Beard SG

I know, that Saab JAS 39 Grippen built by SMA, and marketed by Saab and BAE systems.

Video Saab JAS 39 Gripen introduction, and firing missiles.
http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/jas_39_gripen.htm

Shotgun SG

I highly doubt that the RSAF would want to replace the F-5S with the gripen. IMO, the F-16Cs, (not Ds, reserved for strike) will take over the role. It may not be cost efficient if we examine the number of purchases that maybe in the works.

1. F-15SG, we will likely see more Strike Eagles in the works.
2. Apaches, possibly more of them? In response to our neighbours' new armor acquisition and formation of Armored Brigade.
3. Phalcons!
4. Potential purchase of JSF?

I don't think its likely we'd add Gripens to the account.

Joe Black SG

Just have sufficient T-50 to replace the current F-5 fighter/interceptor role Smile

duotiga83 SG

T-50 is more likely replacement for TA-4SU for AJT role rather than F-5S/T, F-5 more high chances of getting more F-15SG or if a miracle, Typhoon/Rafale.

duotiga83 SG

DATE:27/06/07
SOURCE:Flight International
Sweden to approve Saab's Gripen upgrade
By Craig Hoyle

The Swedish government is poised to approve a key demonstration programme that will support the continued development of the Saab Gripen for the nation's air force and potential future export customers.

Due to be considered by the Swedish parliament last week, the project will lead to test flights between next year and 2010 of an improved two-seat JAS39B equipped with a new engine, redesigned undercarriage, 40% increase in internal fuel capacity and a 2t growth in maximum take-off weight to 16t.

The enhancements were outlined last year as part of an effort to support operations of the Gripen until around 2040 (Flight International, 27 June-3 July 2006).

A key element of the project will be the integration of a new F414G engine developed by General Electric in conjunction with Sweden's Volvo Aero.

Derived from the propulsion system for Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the design is to deliver more than 22,000lb (96kN) of thrust, marking a 35% increase over the Gripen's current F404 powerplant.

The engine - two test examples of which are already being produced - will also enable the aircraft to achieve supercruise performance, says Gripen International managing director Johan Lehander.

Additional companies already signed up to support the wider demonstration project include APPH, Honeywell, Martin-Baker, Rockwell Collins and Terma, and Lehander says a partner will be selected later this year to collaborate with Saab Microwave Systems on the development of an active electronically scanned array radar for the aircraft.

It will also be equipped with new weapons, potentially including the US Small Diameter Bomb and an air-launched development of the Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Naval Strike Missile,

In addition to supporting export campaigns in nations including Denmark, India and Norway, the programme will serve as a risk-reduction effort for a proposed deal to rebuild 31 of Sweden's current JAS39A/Bs to a Future Gripen configuration, says Saab chief executive Ake Svensson.

The new standard should be available from the middle of the next decade, the company says.

The demonstrator and future development efforts will be conducted without the involvement of Gripen International stakeholder BAE Systems. "Now it's time for Saab to take more responsibility," says Svensson.