JAS 39 Gripen
Encyclopedia
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Griffin
) is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab
. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force
(Flygvapnet). The Gripen features delta wing
s and canard
s, as well as relaxed stability
design and fly-by-wire
technology.
In 1979, the Swedish government
began development studies for an aircraft capable of fighter, attack and reconnaissance missions to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen. One of Saab's designs was chosen, and was developed into the JAS 39. Comparatively small relative to similar fighters, the Gripen has a top speed of Mach
2. Eight hardpoints allow it to carry various bombs and missiles, supplemented by the 27 mm Mauser BK-27
cannon. Its GE F404-derived Volvo-Flygmotor RM12 produces more than 80 kilonewtons (17,984.7 lbf) of thrust with afterburner
, giving the aircraft a thrust-to-weight ratio
of 0.97.
Beset by early problems with its avionics during flight testing, during which a prototype was lost, the aircraft entered service in 1997. Saab has since co-operated with other aerospace companies in marketing the aircraft internationally, and has achieved moderate success in Central Europe, South Africa and Southeast Asia. More than 264 Gripens have been delivered or ordered as of 2011.
(Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolag). In late 1979, the government commenced a study calling for a versatile platform capable of "JAS", which stands for Jakt (air-to-air
), Attack (air-to-surface), and Spaning (reconnaissance
), indicating a multirole
, or swingrole, fighter aircraft that can fulfil multiple roles during the same missions.
A number of Saab designs were accordingly reviewed, with the most promising being "Project 2105" (redesignated "Project 2108" and later, "Project 2110"), which was recommended to the government by the Defence Materiel Administration (Forsvarets Materielverk, or FMV). The aircraft studied would be a single-engine, lightweight single-seater, which embraced fly-by-wire
technology, coupled with an unstable design and canards. The powerplant would be the Volvo-Flygmotor RM12, a licensed-built derivative of the General Electric F404-400; engine development priorities were weight reduction and lowering component-count. On 30 June 1982, with approval from Swedish Parliament
, the FMV issued contracts to prime contractor Saab covering five prototypes and an initial batch of 30 production aircraft. To test several avionics intended for the JAS 39, such as the fly-by-wire controls, a Viggen was rapidly converted to operate as a test aircraft, flying by January 1983. The JAS 39 received the name "Gripen" through a public competition, which was announced in 1982; the griffin is the heraldry
on Saab's logo.
Sweden first ordered the JAS 39 in 1982; this first order was named Batch One and consisted of 30 JAS 39A single-seaters. The first Gripen was rolled out on 26 April 1987, marking Saab's 50th anniversary. Originally planned to fly in 1987, the first prototype (serial number 39-1) took its maiden flight on 9 December 1988 with pilot Stig Holmström at the controls. During the test programme, concern surfaced about the aircraft's avionics, specifically the fly-by-wire flight control system (FCS), and the relaxed stability design configuration. On 2 February 1989, the problem was highlighted with the crash of the prototype while landing at Linköping
; Test pilot Lars Radeström was able to walk way with only a broken arm. The cause of the crash was identified as pilot-induced oscillation
(PIO), caused by problems to the FCS's pitch-control routine.
To rectify the problem, Saab undertook major software improvements in conjunction with Calspan from the United States. A modified Lockheed NT-33A was used to test out these changes, and, within fifteen months after the accident, flight testing resumed. The programme was again hindered when, on 18 August 1993, production aircraft 39102 was destroyed in an accident during an aerial display in Stockholm
. The pilot Radeström lost control of the aircraft during a roll at low altitude, and the aircraft stalled within six seconds, forcing him to eject. The jet impacted into a small island near thousands of onlookers, but no one was hurt. Saab later found the problem to be high amplification of the pilot's quick and significant stick command inputs. The ensuing investigations and rectification of the flaws delayed test flying by several months, resuming in December 1993.
The first aircraft order also included an option for another 110, which became a firm order in June 1992. This was named Batch Two and was made up of 96 one-seat JAS 39As and 14 two-seat JAS 39Bs. The JAS 39Bs were 66 cm (26 in) longer than the A version; the second seat necessitated the deletion of the built-in cannon and a smaller internal fuel load. By April 1994, five prototype Gripens and two series-produced aircraft has been completed; the only major decision left was the selection of a beyond-visual-range missile (BVR) for integration.
A third batch of Gripens was ordered in June 1997. This batch called for 50 upgraded single-seat JAS 39Cs and 14 JAS 39D two-seaters. Batch Three aircraft possess more powerful and updated avionics, in-flight refuelling
capability with the provisions of retractable probes on the aircraft's starboard side
, and an on-board oxygen-generating system for longer missions. To test the viability of in-flight refuelling, Flight Refuelling Ltd outfitted a prototype (39–4), which was successfully tested with a Royal Air Force
VC10
in 1988. Deliveries of this batch ran from 2003 to 2008.
, Saab Military Aircraft and British Aerospace
(BAe, now BAE Systems
) formed the joint-venture company – Saab-BAe Gripen AB – with the goal of adapting, manufacturing, marketing and supporting Gripen worldwide. The deal involved the conversion of the A and B series aircraft to the "export" C and D series, which developed the Gripen for compatibility with NATO standards. This cooperation was extended in 2001 with the formation of Gripen International to promote export sales. In December 2004, Saab and BAE Systems announced that BAE was to sell a large portion of its stake in Saab, and that Saab would take full responsibility for marketing and export orders of the Gripen. BAE Systems sold the remaining 10 per cent of their stake in Saab in June 2011.
On 26 April 2007, Norway signed an agreement on a joint-development programme of the aircraft regarding co-operation in advanced development work on future versions of the aircraft. The value of the deal, which will allow Norwegian companies to take part, is about NOK
150 million over two years. In June of the same year, Saab also entered an agreement with Thales Norway A/S
concerning the development of communications systems for the Gripen fighter. This order for the Norwegian company is the first to be awarded under the provisions of the Letter of Agreement signed by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence
and Gripen International in April 2007.
In December 2007, as part of Gripen International's marketing efforts in Denmark, a deal was signed with Danish technology supplier Terma A/S
which allows them to participate in an industrial co-operation programme over the next 10–15 years. The total value of the programme is estimated at over 10 billion Danish krone
, and is partly dependent on whether Denmark would choose the Gripen.
In 2007, a two-seat "New Technology Demonstrator" was ordered; it was presented on 23 April 2008. It has increased fuel capacity, a more powerful powerplant, increased payload capacity, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The new Gripen NG (Next Generation) is also referred to as the "Gripen Demo", the "Gripen E/F", or MS 21. This version has many new parts and is powered by the General Electric F414G, a development of the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's engine. The engine produces 20 per cent more thrust at 98 kN (22,000 lbf), enabling a supercruise
speed of Mach 1.1 with air-to-air missile
s (AAM).
Compared to the Gripen D, the Gripen NG's maximum take off weight has increased from 14,000 to 16,000 kg (30,900–35,300 lb) with an increase in empty weight of 200 kg (440 lb). Due to relocated main undercarriage, the internal fuel capacity has increased by 40 per cent, with a significant increase in range. Combat radius will be 1300 kilometres (807.8 mi) with six AAMs plus drop tanks, and 30 minutes on station. Ferry range will be 4,070 km (2,200 nmi) with drop tanks. The new undercarriage configuration also allows for the addition of two heavy stores pylons
to the fuselage. Its PS-05/A
radar adds a new AESA
antenna for flight testing beginning in mid-2009.
Gripen Demo's maiden flight
was conducted on 27 May 2008. The test flight lasted about 30 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of about 6,400 meters (21,000 ft). On 21 January 2009, the Gripen Demo flew at Mach 1.2 without reheat to test its supercruise capability.
Saab performed study work on an aircraft carrier based version in the 1990s. In 2009, Saab launched the Sea Gripen project in response to India's request for information on a carrier-borne aircraft. Brazil also has a potential carrier aircraft need. Sweden awarded Saab a four-year contract in 2010 to improve the Gripen's radar and other equipment, and lower its operating costs. In June 2010, Saab stated that Sweden plans to order the Gripen NG under the JAS 39E/F designation. The new variant is to enter Swedish service in 2017 or possibly earlier if export orders are received.
By mid-2010 Swedish Air Force's JAS 39C/Ds had received the MS19 upgrade, which provided capability for the long-range MBDA Meteor
missile, the short-range IRIS-T
missile and the GBU-49 500-lb laser guided bomb. The subsequent MS20 upgrade project includes full Meteor missile capability, and is to span from 2011 to 2013. Next the MS21 (Gripen E/F) project is to begin circa 2015, depending on the needs of a possible foreign partner.
In designing the aircraft, several layouts were studied. Saab ultimately selected a delta wing
-canard
design with relaxed stability
. The configuration provides for a high manoeuvrability
along with better takeoff and landing performance. The Gripen also has a low drag
, enabling it to fly faster, have increased range, and carry a larger payload. The totally integrated avionics
make it a "programmable" aircraft, changing the software can provide for additional mission profiles.
The Gripen was designed to provide for a fast sink rate and hard, short landings. While lacking thrust reversers that would allow the engine to aid braking, the aircraft's canards can be angled downwards to act as air brakes. The main wing is also fitted with flaps and elevons to change the flow of air around the wing. In addition to being able to take off with up to 14,330 lb of rockets, bombs, or missiles, the Gripen is also equipped with a single 27 mm Mauser BK-27
cannon. Of the aircraft's content, 67 per cent is sourced from Swedish or European suppliers, and 33 per cent from the United States.
pulse-doppler X-band radar
, developed by Ericsson
and GEC-Marconi, which is based on the latter's advanced Blue Vixen radar for the Sea Harrier (which inspired the Eurofighter's CAPTOR
radar as well). The radar is capable of detecting, locating and identifying targets 120 km (74 mi) away, and automatically tracking multiple targets in the upper and lower spheres, on the ground and sea or in the air, in all weather conditions. It can guide several air to air missiles at beyond visual range to multiple targets simultaneously.
On 27 March 2009, Saab and Selex Galileo
signed an agreement for joint development of the Raven AESA radar based on Selex Galileo's AESA Vixen and PS-05/A. This radar will be able to scan 200° from slightly behind to the left to slightly behind to the right. On 9 September 2009, Gripen International offered the source code of their AESA radar as part of their bid for India's fighter competition. Gripens supplied to South Africa had a large amount of their avionics components, such as the communications and electronic warfare systems, manufactured domestically instead of using standard components.
Starting in 2003, Saab and BAE developed the Cobra Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for both the Gripen and other aircraft, based on the Striker HMDS used on the Eurofighter. By 2008, the Cobra HMDS was fully integrated into the aircraft, available as an option in the export versions and since retrofitted into both Swedish and South African Gripens. Particular attention was paid to the need for rapid and safe detachment of the HMDS in the event of the pilot needing to eject.
The flight controls of the Gripen have been upgraded to use the ADA programming language, which was used on final prototypes and production aircraft from 1996 onwards. The Gripen's software is continuously being improved and changed to add new capabilities, in comparison the Viggen was updated only as per an 18 month schedule. The Gripen was designed to form part of a "networked defence system", large quantities of data are exchanged automatically in real-time
between one aircraft and shared with both other Gripen aircraft and command centres on the ground.
During the Cold War
, the Swedish Armed Forces
were preparing to defend against a possible invasion from the Soviet Union
. Sweden elected to disperse military aircraft over the country to maintain an air defence capacity during an invasion. The JAS 39 was thus, with excellent performance, able to take-off from snow-covered runways of only 800 metres (2,624.7 ft). Another requirement is a short-turnaround time of just 10 minutes by a technician and five conscripts; meaning re-arming, refuelling, necessary inspection and servicing must be carried out in under 10 minutes between flights.
The principle of many parts of the airframe do not require maintenance or are low cost to maintain, as well as the physical structuring of the aircraft, means that that Gripen will have a notably longer life than the preceding Viggen, expected to be around 50 years.
The Swedish Air Force placed a total order for 204 Gripens in three batches. The first delivery occurred on 8 June 1993, when 39102 was handed over to the Flygvapnet during a ceremony at Linkoping; the last was handed over on 13 December 1996. The air force received its first Batch two example on 19 December 1996. Instead of the fixed-price agreement of Batch One, Batch Two aircraft were paid as a "target price" concept, any cost under/overruns would be split between FMV and Saab. The JAS 39 entered service with the F7 Wing (F7 Skaraborgs Flygflottilj) on 1 November 1997. The final Batch three aircraft was delivered to FMV on 26 November 2008. This was accomplished at 10 per cent less than the agreed-upon price for the batch, putting the JAS 39C flyaway cost
at under US$30 million. This batch of Gripens was equipped for in-flight refuelling, and would be refuelled by specially-equipped TP84s (C-130 Hercules) already in service. The SAF has a total of 120 JAS 39s in service in January 2011.
On 29 March 2011, the Swedish prime minister announced that eight Gripens would be deployed to support the UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya. The Swedish fighters are limited to supporting the no-fly zone and will not perform ground attack sorties. Parts of the media speculate that the Gripen's involvement may encourage sales. On 8 June 2011, the Swedish government announced an agreement to extend the deployment of the five Gripens.
, Gripens have flown more than 650 combat missions, almost 2,000 flight hours and delivered approximately 2000 reconnaissance reports to NATO.
and the Hungarian Air Force
operate the Gripen; each currently leases 14 ex-Swedish Air Force aircraft, with the option of eventually acquiring them. In December 2001, the Czech Government announced that the Gripen had been selected; and stated that a major factor in this decision was the provision of a generous financing and offset program by Gripen International. Hungary also received an offset arrangement, valued at 110 per cent of the cost of the 14 fighters. Hungary's decision to lease the Gripen came as a surprise, earlier the government had announced the intention to procure the F-16 instead.
Initially, Hungary had planned to lease aircraft from Batch II, however the inability to conduct aerial refuelling and employ US guided weapons led to an upgraded variant being developed to meet NATO requirements. The export Gripen underwent refuelling tests in 1998 at Boscombe Down, UK, in response to Hungary's needs.
commenced in April 2008. By April 2011, 18 aircraft, nine two-seater aircraft and nine single-seater's had been delivered. In May 2011, as allegations of bribery to prevent a possible cancellation of the Gripen procurement continued, Saab issued strong denials over any payments being made. In the following month, Saab announced that payments of around $3.5 million had been made by partner BAE Systems.
ordered six Gripens (two single-seat C-models and four two-seat D-models) in February 2008 to replace some F-5s, with deliveries beginning in 2011. Six more Gripen Cs were ordered in November 2010 with deliveries from 2013. The Gripens are to be based at Surat Thani Airbase
. The first of the six aircraft were delivered on 22 February 2011. It is believed that Thailand may eventually order as many as 40 Gripens.
(ETPS) in the United Kingdom
has used the Gripen for advanced fast jet training of pilots since 1999.
In October 2008, it was reported that the Brazilian Air Force
had selected three finalists in their F-X2 program. They are Dassault Rafale
, Boeing
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Gripen NG. The number of aircraft involved is 36 and possibly up to 120 later. The decision was expected on 2 October 2009. On 2 February 2009, Saab submitted a tender for 36 Gripen NGs to the Brazilian Air Force Command. On 5 January 2010, it was reported in the media that the final evaluation report by the Brazilian Air Force placed the Gripen ahead of the other two contenders. The decisive factor was apparently the overall cost of the new fighters, both in terms of unit cost, and operating and maintenance costs. Some of the media reported that in early 2010 the Rafale had been chosen by the Defense Ministry, However in February 2011, the president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff
, reportedly selected the F/A-18. The decision has since been delayed to 2012 due to financial constraints.
Croatia
The Croatian Air Force had announced plans to replace their MiG-21 bis aircraft, possibly with either the JAS 39 Gripen or the F-16 Falcon. The final projection calls for 12–18 aircraft. On 27 March 2008, the Swedish Defence Material Administration and Saab responded to Croatia
's request for information regarding the procurement of 12 aircraft. Due to economic and political reasons, the Croatian Air Force postponed the decision and is now looking at a possible joint purchase with Slovenia of 12 aircraft.
Denmark
In 2007, Denmark signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Ministers of Sweden and Denmark to evaluate the Gripen, pending Denmark's future replacement of their fleet of 48 F-16s. Denmark has also requested new variants of Gripens to be developed that will include new avionics, a larger and more powerful engine, larger payload and, most importantly, longer range. This request was the basis for the Gripen NG, which satisfies all Denmark's requirements, such as the more powerful F414G engine. Denmark has since delayed the decision over the purchase several times by 2009.
Netherlands
On 7 July 2008, Dagens Industri reported that the Netherlands announced they will evaluate Gripen NG together with four other competitors and announce the result in the end of 2008. Saab responded on 25 August 2008 to a 'Replacement Questionnaire' issued by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, offering 85 aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force
. The Netherlands evaluated the Gripen NG against the F-35. On 18 December 2008 media reported that the Netherlands evaluated the F-35 ahead of the Gripen NG, citing better performance and lower price. On 13 January 2009, NRC Handelsblad
claimed that, according to Swedish sources, Saab has made an offer to the Dutch to deliver 85 Gripens for 4.8 billion euro, about 1 billion euro cheaper than budgeted for the F-35. This price includes training of pilots and maintenance for the next 30 years.
Switzerland
In January 2008 the Swiss
Defence Material Administration invited Gripen International to submit initial bids for supplying the Gripen NG as a replacement for their old F-5s. Saab responded with an initial proposal on 2 July 2008. Some 22 aircraft are expected to be procured. Other contenders are the Rafale
and Eurofighter Typhoon
fighters. On 30 November 2011, the Swiss government announced its decision to buy 22 Gripen NG fighters.
United Kingdom
Following a meeting with Ministry of Defence
(MoD) officials in May 2011, Saab agreed to establish a development centre in the UK to expand on the Sea Gripen concept. Saab chief executive Håkan Buskhe stated: "The MoD is looking for competition". The decision to proceed to a flight demonstrator will be made in late 2012.
Others
In September 2006, Bulgaria announced they were considering the replacement of ageing Mikoyan MiG-21s, either with 16 JAS 39C/D Gripens, or 16 used F-16s. Other nations that have shown interest in the Gripen include Slovakia
and Oman
.
Around 1994, Austria
sought around 25 aircraft to replace its existing J-35 Drakens. The Gripen competed with the F-16, F/A-18, Mirage 2000, and the MiG-29. After years of delay, Austria announced it was to purchase ex-German Eurofighters to meet its requirements in July 2002.
Finland
In 1989 the Finnish Air Force began to look for a new fighter to replace its fleet of MiG-21
s and Saab 35 Drakens. During 1991 and 1992, the Dassault Mirage 2000, Gripen, F-16, MiG-29
and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet were evaluated; this was the first formal competition the Gripen had participated in. On 6 May 1992, the Hornet was announced as the winner of the fighter competition and a total of 64 aircraft were ordered.
Germany
In the early 1990s Germany considered the costs of the in-development Eurofighter to be excessive, and considered the Gripen as a substitute due to its significantly lower cost to procure and operate. However, Germany chose to pursue a stripped down version of the Eurofighter by 1993.
India
The Gripen was a contender for the Indian MRCA competition
for 126 multirole combat aircraft. In April 2008, Gripen International offered the Next Generation Gripen for India's tender and opened an office in New Delhi in order to support its efforts in the Indian market. On 4 February 2009, Saab announced that it had partnered with India's Tata Group
to develop the new Gripen variant to fit India's needs.
The Indian Air Force
(IAF) conducted extensive field trials and evaluated Gripen's flight performance, logistics capability, weapons systems, advanced sensors and weapons firing. In April 2011, the IAF rejected Gripen's bid in favour of Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale. Senior Indian Air Force officials while happy with the improved capabilities of Gripen NG, identified its high reliance on US-supplied hardware, including electronics, weaponry, and GE F414 engine as a factor that may hamper its export potential.
Poland
The Gripen was one of contenders in competition for 48 new multirole fighters for the Polish Air Force
. On 27 December 2002, the Polish Defence Minister announced the selection of the F-16C/D Block 50/52+. The third candidate was Dassault Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2. According to Stephen Larrabee, the choice to go with the F-16 was heavily influenced by a lucrative offset agreement
by Lockheed Martin
, and the political emphasis placed on the strategic relationship between Poland, the US, and NATO.
According to a former Polish military defence vice-minister, the JAS 39 offer was better. Saab's offer also included participation in fighter research and technologies.
Norway
On 18 January 2008. the Norwegian Ministry of Defence
issued a Request for Binding Information (RBI) to the Swedish Defence Material Administration, who responded on 28 April 2008 with a proposal offering 48 aircraft. The rival Lockheed Martin proposal amassed US diplomatic and political support. On 20 November 2008, the Norwegian government released a statement that they have selected the F-35 Lightning II for the Royal Norwegian Air Force
. Norway stated the F-35 is the only fighter candidate to meet all of its operational requirements. Saab has criticised the selection, stating that there were flaws in Norway's cost calculations for the Gripen NG.
On 10 February 2009, Swedish defence minister Sten Tolgfors
stated that Norway had miscalculated the deal. The offer was for 48 aircraft over 20 years, but Norway had extrapolated it to operating 57 aircraft over 30 years, thus doubling the cost. The Swedish Ministry of Defence has several other objections to Norway's calculations. Among other things, Norway projected the operational costs for their F-16s on both candidates, and did not consider the operational costs of Sweden's Gripens. Norway also calculated with more aircraft losses in accidents than what Sweden considers reasonable based on their operational experience of the type. According to Tolgfors, Norway's decision will make it more difficult to sell the Gripen to other countries. Tolgfors said that the Gripen does not meet the requirements set by the Norwegian government, though some media reports claim those requirements are tilted in favour of the F-35.
Romania
The Romanian Air Force
announced they would replace their MiG-21 LanceR
aircraft beginning in 2008, possibly with JAS 39 Gripen, F-16 Fighting Falcon or Eurofighter Typhoon
. On 23 March 2010, the Romanian Ministry of Defence decided to purchase 24 ex-USAF F-16s. The bids of both the Gripen and the Eurofighter were re-submitted in May 2010, both parties matched the price of the F-16 proposal in the revision.
JAS 39A: Fighter version that first entered service with the Swedish Air Force
in 1996. A modification program has started and 31 of these will be upgraded to C/D standard.
JAS 39B: Two-seat version of the A variant. This variant is 0.66 metre (2 ft 2 in) longer than the single seat version. Rear-cockpit does not have a HUD (an image from the front cockpit HUD can be presented on the rear cockpit flight data display), reduced fuel load and no internal gun.
JAS 39C: NATO-compatible version of Gripen with extended capabilities in terms of armament, electronics, etc. This variant can also be refuelled in flight.
JAS 39D: Two-seat version of the C variant.
Gripen Demo: A two-seat technology demonstrator for improvements slated for the Gripen NG.
Gripen NG/IN: (Next Generation) Proposed version with new engine (F414G), increased fuel capacity, higher payload, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The Gripen IN version was a contender for the Indian MRCA competition
.
Sea Gripen: Proposed carrier-based
version based on the NG variant; currently in development.
There were 163 Gripens in service in January 2011.
: The Czech Air Force
has 14 Gripens on lease, including 2 two-seaters, with all in operation as of January 2011.
: The Hungarian Air Force
has 14 Gripens on a lease-and-buy arrangement, including two two-seaters (C/D versions) in service in January 2011. The final three aircraft were delivered in December 2007.
: The South African Air Force
(SAAF) ordered 26 aircraft (down from 28), 9 two-seater D-models and 17 single-seat C-models. The first delivery, a two-seater, took place on 30 April 2008. The South African Air Force has nine single-seaters and nine two-seaters in inventory as of April 2011.
: The Swedish Air Force
originally ordered 204 aircraft, including 28 two-seaters. Sweden leases 28 of the aircraft, including 4 two-seaters, to the Czech and Hungarian Air Forces. In 2007, the Swedish government stated that only around 100 JAS 39C/D Gripens will be kept in an operational state. The SAF has 120 JAS 39s, including 53 JAS 39As, 10 JAS 39Bs, 45 JAS 39Cs and 12 JAS 39D Gripens in service in January 2011.
: The Royal Thai Air Force
has ordered 12 JAS 39 Gripens (8 single-seat JAS 39C and 4 JAS 39D two-seaters). The first 6 aircraft were delivered in February 2011.
: Empire Test Pilots' School
. ETPS instructor pilots and students undergo simulator training with the Swedish Air Force, and go on to fly the two-seater Gripen at Saab in Linköping, in two training campaigns per year (spring and autumn). The agreement was renewed in 2008.
, resulting in minor injuries. The first two accidents occurred in 1989 and 1993; these were related to flight control software issues. One aircraft was destroyed in a ground accident during engine testing.
Griffin
The griffin, griffon, or gryphon is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle...
) is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force
Swedish Air Force
The Swedish Air Force is the air force branch of the Swedish Armed Forces.-History:The Swedish Air Force was created on July 1, 1926 when the aircraft units of the Army and Navy were merged. Because of the escalating international tension during the 1930s the Air Force was reorganized and expanded...
(Flygvapnet). The Gripen features delta wing
Delta wing
The delta wing is a wing planform in the form of a triangle. It is named for its similarity in shape to the Greek uppercase letter delta .-Delta-shaped stabilizers:...
s and canard
Canard (aeronautics)
In aeronautics, canard is an airframe configuration of fixed-wing aircraft in which the forward surface is smaller than the rearward, the former being known as the "canard", while the latter is the main wing...
s, as well as relaxed stability
Relaxed stability
In aviation, relaxed stability is the tendency of an aircraft to change its attitude and angle of bank of its own accord. An aircraft with relaxed stability will oscillate in simple harmonic motion around a particular attitude at an increasing amplitude....
design and fly-by-wire
Fly-by-wire
Fly-by-wire is a system that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface. The movements of flight controls are converted to electronic signals transmitted by wires , and flight control computers determine how to move the actuators at each control...
technology.
In 1979, the Swedish government
Government of Sweden
The Government of the Kingdom of Sweden is the supreme executive authority of Sweden. It consists of the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers appointed by the Prime Minister. The Government is responsible for their actions to the Riksdag, which is the legislative assembly...
began development studies for an aircraft capable of fighter, attack and reconnaissance missions to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen. One of Saab's designs was chosen, and was developed into the JAS 39. Comparatively small relative to similar fighters, the Gripen has a top speed of Mach
Mach number
Mach number is the speed of an object moving through air, or any other fluid substance, divided by the speed of sound as it is in that substance for its particular physical conditions, including those of temperature and pressure...
2. Eight hardpoints allow it to carry various bombs and missiles, supplemented by the 27 mm Mauser BK-27
Mauser BK-27
The BK 27 is a caliber revolver cannon manufactured by Mauser of Germany...
cannon. Its GE F404-derived Volvo-Flygmotor RM12 produces more than 80 kilonewtons (17,984.7 lbf) of thrust with afterburner
AfterBurner
The AfterBurner is a lighting solution for the Game Boy Advance system that was created by Triton-Labs.Originally, portablemonopoly.net was a website created to petition Nintendo to put some kind of light in their Game Boy Advance system...
, giving the aircraft a thrust-to-weight ratio
Thrust-to-weight ratio
Thrust-to-weight ratio is a ratio of thrust to weight of a rocket, jet engine, propeller engine, or a vehicle propelled by such an engine. It is a dimensionless quantity and is an indicator of the performance of the engine or vehicle....
of 0.97.
Beset by early problems with its avionics during flight testing, during which a prototype was lost, the aircraft entered service in 1997. Saab has since co-operated with other aerospace companies in marketing the aircraft internationally, and has achieved moderate success in Central Europe, South Africa and Southeast Asia. More than 264 Gripens have been delivered or ordered as of 2011.
Origins
By the late 1970s a replacement for Sweden's ageing Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen was needed. Sweden needed an aircraft with good short field performance for its dispersed basing plan if the nation was invaded. Mach 2 speed was also desired and it had to be affordable. The aircraft also had to be smaller than the Viggen, but with at least the same payload-range characteristics. A number of foreign designs were studied, namely the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F/A-18 Hornet, the Northrop F-20 Tigershark and the Dassault Mirage 2000. In the end, the Swedish government opted to build its own fighter, with the task handed to SaabSaab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
(Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolag). In late 1979, the government commenced a study calling for a versatile platform capable of "JAS", which stands for Jakt (air-to-air
Aerial warfare
Aerial warfare is the use of military aircraft and other flying machines in warfare, including military airlift of cargo to further the national interests as was demonstrated in the Berlin Airlift...
), Attack (air-to-surface), and Spaning (reconnaissance
Aerial reconnaissance
Aerial reconnaissance is reconnaissance that is conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles or reconnaissance aircraft. Their roles are to collect imagery intelligence, signals intelligence and measurement and signature intelligence...
), indicating a multirole
Multirole combat aircraft
A multirole combat aircraft is an aircraft designed to act in at least two different roles in combat. The primary role is usually a fighter—hence, it is as often called a multirole fighter—while the secondary role is usually air-to-surface attack. More roles are added, such as air reconnaissance,...
, or swingrole, fighter aircraft that can fulfil multiple roles during the same missions.
A number of Saab designs were accordingly reviewed, with the most promising being "Project 2105" (redesignated "Project 2108" and later, "Project 2110"), which was recommended to the government by the Defence Materiel Administration (Forsvarets Materielverk, or FMV). The aircraft studied would be a single-engine, lightweight single-seater, which embraced fly-by-wire
Fly-by-wire
Fly-by-wire is a system that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface. The movements of flight controls are converted to electronic signals transmitted by wires , and flight control computers determine how to move the actuators at each control...
technology, coupled with an unstable design and canards. The powerplant would be the Volvo-Flygmotor RM12, a licensed-built derivative of the General Electric F404-400; engine development priorities were weight reduction and lowering component-count. On 30 June 1982, with approval from Swedish Parliament
Parliament of Sweden
The Riksdag is the national legislative assembly of Sweden. The riksdag is a unicameral assembly with 349 members , who are elected on a proportional basis to serve fixed terms of four years...
, the FMV issued contracts to prime contractor Saab covering five prototypes and an initial batch of 30 production aircraft. To test several avionics intended for the JAS 39, such as the fly-by-wire controls, a Viggen was rapidly converted to operate as a test aircraft, flying by January 1983. The JAS 39 received the name "Gripen" through a public competition, which was announced in 1982; the griffin is the heraldry
Heraldry
Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound harja-waldaz, "army commander"...
on Saab's logo.
Testing and production
Linköping
Linköping is a city in southern middle Sweden, with 104 232 inhabitants in 2010. It is the seat of Linköping Municipality with 146 736 inhabitants and the capital of Östergötland County...
; Test pilot Lars Radeström was able to walk way with only a broken arm. The cause of the crash was identified as pilot-induced oscillation
Pilot-induced oscillation
Pilot-induced oscillations, as defined by MIL-HDBK-1797A, are sustained or uncontrollable oscillations resulting from efforts of the pilot to control the aircraft and occurs when the pilot of an aircraft inadvertently commands an often increasing series of corrections in opposite directions, each...
(PIO), caused by problems to the FCS's pitch-control routine.
To rectify the problem, Saab undertook major software improvements in conjunction with Calspan from the United States. A modified Lockheed NT-33A was used to test out these changes, and, within fifteen months after the accident, flight testing resumed. The programme was again hindered when, on 18 August 1993, production aircraft 39102 was destroyed in an accident during an aerial display in Stockholm
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
. The pilot Radeström lost control of the aircraft during a roll at low altitude, and the aircraft stalled within six seconds, forcing him to eject. The jet impacted into a small island near thousands of onlookers, but no one was hurt. Saab later found the problem to be high amplification of the pilot's quick and significant stick command inputs. The ensuing investigations and rectification of the flaws delayed test flying by several months, resuming in December 1993.
The first aircraft order also included an option for another 110, which became a firm order in June 1992. This was named Batch Two and was made up of 96 one-seat JAS 39As and 14 two-seat JAS 39Bs. The JAS 39Bs were 66 cm (26 in) longer than the A version; the second seat necessitated the deletion of the built-in cannon and a smaller internal fuel load. By April 1994, five prototype Gripens and two series-produced aircraft has been completed; the only major decision left was the selection of a beyond-visual-range missile (BVR) for integration.
A third batch of Gripens was ordered in June 1997. This batch called for 50 upgraded single-seat JAS 39Cs and 14 JAS 39D two-seaters. Batch Three aircraft possess more powerful and updated avionics, in-flight refuelling
Aerial refueling
Aerial refueling, also called air refueling, in-flight refueling , air-to-air refueling or tanking, is the process of transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight....
capability with the provisions of retractable probes on the aircraft's starboard side
Port and starboard
Port and starboard are nautical terms which refer to the left and right sides, respectively, of a ship or aircraft as perceived by a person on board facing the bow . At night, the port side of a vessel is indicated with a red navigation light and the starboard side with a green one.The starboard...
, and an on-board oxygen-generating system for longer missions. To test the viability of in-flight refuelling, Flight Refuelling Ltd outfitted a prototype (39–4), which was successfully tested with a Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
VC10
Vickers VC10
The Vickers VC10 is a long-range British airliner designed and built by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd, and first flown in 1962. The airliner was designed to operate on long-distance routes with a high subsonic speed and also be capable of hot and high operations from African airports...
in 1988. Deliveries of this batch ran from 2003 to 2008.
Teaming agreements
During the 1995 Paris Air ShowParis Air Show
The Paris Air Show is the world's oldest and largest air show. Established in 1909, it is currently held every odd year at Le Bourget Airport in north Paris, France...
, Saab Military Aircraft and British Aerospace
British Aerospace
British Aerospace plc was a UK aircraft, munitions and defence-systems manufacturer. Its head office was in the Warwick House in the Farnborough Aerospace Centre in Farnborough, Hampshire...
(BAe, now BAE Systems
BAE Systems
BAE Systems plc is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, that has global interests, particularly in North America through its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. BAE is among the world's largest military contractors; in 2009 it was the...
) formed the joint-venture company – Saab-BAe Gripen AB – with the goal of adapting, manufacturing, marketing and supporting Gripen worldwide. The deal involved the conversion of the A and B series aircraft to the "export" C and D series, which developed the Gripen for compatibility with NATO standards. This cooperation was extended in 2001 with the formation of Gripen International to promote export sales. In December 2004, Saab and BAE Systems announced that BAE was to sell a large portion of its stake in Saab, and that Saab would take full responsibility for marketing and export orders of the Gripen. BAE Systems sold the remaining 10 per cent of their stake in Saab in June 2011.
On 26 April 2007, Norway signed an agreement on a joint-development programme of the aircraft regarding co-operation in advanced development work on future versions of the aircraft. The value of the deal, which will allow Norwegian companies to take part, is about NOK
Norwegian krone
The krone is the currency of Norway and its dependent territories. The plural form is kroner . It is subdivided into 100 øre. The ISO 4217 code is NOK, although the common local abbreviation is kr. The name translates into English as "crown"...
150 million over two years. In June of the same year, Saab also entered an agreement with Thales Norway A/S
Thales Group
The Thales Group is a French electronics company delivering information systems and services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets...
concerning the development of communications systems for the Gripen fighter. This order for the Norwegian company is the first to be awarded under the provisions of the Letter of Agreement signed by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence
Norwegian Ministry of Defence
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence is a Norwegian government ministry in charge of the formation and implementation of national security and defence policy, and for the overall management and control of the activities of subordinate agencies. The ministry is located at Glacisgata 1, Oslo,...
and Gripen International in April 2007.
In December 2007, as part of Gripen International's marketing efforts in Denmark, a deal was signed with Danish technology supplier Terma A/S
Terma A/S
Terma A/S is a Danish company that develops and markets high-tech solutions, systems, and products for civilian and military applications.From making thermometers to producing star trackers, Terma has evolved into a global supplier of high-tech products and technology to the defense and aerospace...
which allows them to participate in an industrial co-operation programme over the next 10–15 years. The total value of the programme is estimated at over 10 billion Danish krone
Danish krone
The krone is the official currency of the Kingdom of Denmark consisting of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. It is subdivided into 100 øre...
, and is partly dependent on whether Denmark would choose the Gripen.
Gripen NG and recent developments
In 2007, a program was started to upgrade 31 of the air force's JAS 39A/B fighters to JAS 39C/Ds.In 2007, a two-seat "New Technology Demonstrator" was ordered; it was presented on 23 April 2008. It has increased fuel capacity, a more powerful powerplant, increased payload capacity, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The new Gripen NG (Next Generation) is also referred to as the "Gripen Demo", the "Gripen E/F", or MS 21. This version has many new parts and is powered by the General Electric F414G, a development of the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's engine. The engine produces 20 per cent more thrust at 98 kN (22,000 lbf), enabling a supercruise
Supercruise
Supercruise is sustained supersonic flight of an aircraft with a useful cargo, passenger, or weapons load performed efficiently and without the use of afterburners ....
speed of Mach 1.1 with air-to-air missile
Air-to-air missile
An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled...
s (AAM).
Compared to the Gripen D, the Gripen NG's maximum take off weight has increased from 14,000 to 16,000 kg (30,900–35,300 lb) with an increase in empty weight of 200 kg (440 lb). Due to relocated main undercarriage, the internal fuel capacity has increased by 40 per cent, with a significant increase in range. Combat radius will be 1300 kilometres (807.8 mi) with six AAMs plus drop tanks, and 30 minutes on station. Ferry range will be 4,070 km (2,200 nmi) with drop tanks. The new undercarriage configuration also allows for the addition of two heavy stores pylons
Hardpoint
A hardpoint, or weapon station, is any part of an airframe designed to carry an external load. This includes a point on the wing or fuselage of military aircraft where external ordnance, countermeasures, gun pods, targeting pods or drop tanks can be mounted.-Rail launchers:Large missiles and...
to the fuselage. Its PS-05/A
PS-05/A
The PS-05/A is a pulse-doppler radar currently used by the JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft. It weighs 156 kg and has been developed by Ericsson and GEC-Marconi, based on the latter's advanced Blue Vixen radar for the Sea Harrier .The PS-05/A works in the 8-10 GHz band and has 1 kW energy output...
radar adds a new AESA
Active Electronically Scanned Array
An Active Electronically Scanned Array , also known as active phased array radar is a type of phased array radar whose transmitter and receiver functions are composed of numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules . AESAs aim their "beam" by broadcasting radio energy that interfere...
antenna for flight testing beginning in mid-2009.
Gripen Demo's maiden flight
Maiden flight
The maiden flight of an aircraft is the first occasion on which an aircraft leaves the ground of its own accord. This is similar to a ship's maiden voyage....
was conducted on 27 May 2008. The test flight lasted about 30 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of about 6,400 meters (21,000 ft). On 21 January 2009, the Gripen Demo flew at Mach 1.2 without reheat to test its supercruise capability.
Saab performed study work on an aircraft carrier based version in the 1990s. In 2009, Saab launched the Sea Gripen project in response to India's request for information on a carrier-borne aircraft. Brazil also has a potential carrier aircraft need. Sweden awarded Saab a four-year contract in 2010 to improve the Gripen's radar and other equipment, and lower its operating costs. In June 2010, Saab stated that Sweden plans to order the Gripen NG under the JAS 39E/F designation. The new variant is to enter Swedish service in 2017 or possibly earlier if export orders are received.
By mid-2010 Swedish Air Force's JAS 39C/Ds had received the MS19 upgrade, which provided capability for the long-range MBDA Meteor
MBDA Meteor
Meteor is an active radar guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile being developed by MBDA. It is to equip the Eurofighter Typhoons of the UK's Royal Air Force , Germany's Luftwaffe, Spain's Ejército del Aire and Italy's Aeronautica Militare Italiana, the British and Italian F-35s , the...
missile, the short-range IRIS-T
IRIS-T
The IRIS-T is a German-led program to develop a short-range air-to-air missile to replace the venerable AIM-9 Sidewinder found in some of the NATO member countries...
missile and the GBU-49 500-lb laser guided bomb. The subsequent MS20 upgrade project includes full Meteor missile capability, and is to span from 2011 to 2013. Next the MS21 (Gripen E/F) project is to begin circa 2015, depending on the needs of a possible foreign partner.
Overview
Delta wing
The delta wing is a wing planform in the form of a triangle. It is named for its similarity in shape to the Greek uppercase letter delta .-Delta-shaped stabilizers:...
-canard
Canard (aeronautics)
In aeronautics, canard is an airframe configuration of fixed-wing aircraft in which the forward surface is smaller than the rearward, the former being known as the "canard", while the latter is the main wing...
design with relaxed stability
Relaxed stability
In aviation, relaxed stability is the tendency of an aircraft to change its attitude and angle of bank of its own accord. An aircraft with relaxed stability will oscillate in simple harmonic motion around a particular attitude at an increasing amplitude....
. The configuration provides for a high manoeuvrability
Supermaneuverability
Supermaneuverability is the quality of aircraft defined as a threshold of attitude control exceeding that which is possible by pure aerodynamic maneuverability; in other words, a controlled loss of control beyond normal abilities...
along with better takeoff and landing performance. The Gripen also has a low drag
Drag (physics)
In fluid dynamics, drag refers to forces which act on a solid object in the direction of the relative fluid flow velocity...
, enabling it to fly faster, have increased range, and carry a larger payload. The totally integrated avionics
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
make it a "programmable" aircraft, changing the software can provide for additional mission profiles.
The Gripen was designed to provide for a fast sink rate and hard, short landings. While lacking thrust reversers that would allow the engine to aid braking, the aircraft's canards can be angled downwards to act as air brakes. The main wing is also fitted with flaps and elevons to change the flow of air around the wing. In addition to being able to take off with up to 14,330 lb of rockets, bombs, or missiles, the Gripen is also equipped with a single 27 mm Mauser BK-27
Mauser BK-27
The BK 27 is a caliber revolver cannon manufactured by Mauser of Germany...
cannon. Of the aircraft's content, 67 per cent is sourced from Swedish or European suppliers, and 33 per cent from the United States.
Avionics and systems
The Gripen uses the modern PS-05/APS-05/A
The PS-05/A is a pulse-doppler radar currently used by the JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft. It weighs 156 kg and has been developed by Ericsson and GEC-Marconi, based on the latter's advanced Blue Vixen radar for the Sea Harrier .The PS-05/A works in the 8-10 GHz band and has 1 kW energy output...
pulse-doppler X-band radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
, developed by Ericsson
Ericsson
Ericsson , one of Sweden's largest companies, is a provider of telecommunication and data communication systems, and related services, covering a range of technologies, including especially mobile networks...
and GEC-Marconi, which is based on the latter's advanced Blue Vixen radar for the Sea Harrier (which inspired the Eurofighter's CAPTOR
Euroradar CAPTOR
The Euroradar CAPTOR is a next generation mechanical multi-mode pulse doppler radar designed for the Eurofighter Typhoon.The radar is produced by the Euroradar consortium and is a development of the BAE Systems Blue Vixen radar which had been developed for the BAE Sea Harrier...
radar as well). The radar is capable of detecting, locating and identifying targets 120 km (74 mi) away, and automatically tracking multiple targets in the upper and lower spheres, on the ground and sea or in the air, in all weather conditions. It can guide several air to air missiles at beyond visual range to multiple targets simultaneously.
On 27 March 2009, Saab and Selex Galileo
SELEX Galileo
SELEX Galileo is a major defence electronics company that specialises in surveillance, protection, tracking, targeting, navigation and control, and imaging systems. It is owned by the Italian company Finmeccanica....
signed an agreement for joint development of the Raven AESA radar based on Selex Galileo's AESA Vixen and PS-05/A. This radar will be able to scan 200° from slightly behind to the left to slightly behind to the right. On 9 September 2009, Gripen International offered the source code of their AESA radar as part of their bid for India's fighter competition. Gripens supplied to South Africa had a large amount of their avionics components, such as the communications and electronic warfare systems, manufactured domestically instead of using standard components.
Starting in 2003, Saab and BAE developed the Cobra Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for both the Gripen and other aircraft, based on the Striker HMDS used on the Eurofighter. By 2008, the Cobra HMDS was fully integrated into the aircraft, available as an option in the export versions and since retrofitted into both Swedish and South African Gripens. Particular attention was paid to the need for rapid and safe detachment of the HMDS in the event of the pilot needing to eject.
The flight controls of the Gripen have been upgraded to use the ADA programming language, which was used on final prototypes and production aircraft from 1996 onwards. The Gripen's software is continuously being improved and changed to add new capabilities, in comparison the Viggen was updated only as per an 18 month schedule. The Gripen was designed to form part of a "networked defence system", large quantities of data are exchanged automatically in real-time
Real-time data
Real-time data denotes information that is delivered immediately after collection. There is no delay in the timeliness of the information provided. Real-time data is often used for navigation or tracking....
between one aircraft and shared with both other Gripen aircraft and command centres on the ground.
Performance
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
, the Swedish Armed Forces
Swedish Armed Forces
The Swedish Armed Forces is a Swedish Government Agency responsible for the operation of the armed forces of the Realm. The primary task of the agency is to train, organize and to deploy military forces, domestically and abroad, while maintaining the long-term ability to defend the Realm in the...
were preparing to defend against a possible invasion from the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. Sweden elected to disperse military aircraft over the country to maintain an air defence capacity during an invasion. The JAS 39 was thus, with excellent performance, able to take-off from snow-covered runways of only 800 metres (2,624.7 ft). Another requirement is a short-turnaround time of just 10 minutes by a technician and five conscripts; meaning re-arming, refuelling, necessary inspection and servicing must be carried out in under 10 minutes between flights.
The principle of many parts of the airframe do not require maintenance or are low cost to maintain, as well as the physical structuring of the aircraft, means that that Gripen will have a notably longer life than the preceding Viggen, expected to be around 50 years.
Sweden
Flyaway cost
Flyaway cost is one measure of the cost of an aircraft. It values the aircraft at its marginal cost, including only the cost of production and production tools immediately accruing to the building of a single unit...
at under US$30 million. This batch of Gripens was equipped for in-flight refuelling, and would be refuelled by specially-equipped TP84s (C-130 Hercules) already in service. The SAF has a total of 120 JAS 39s in service in January 2011.
On 29 March 2011, the Swedish prime minister announced that eight Gripens would be deployed to support the UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya. The Swedish fighters are limited to supporting the no-fly zone and will not perform ground attack sorties. Parts of the media speculate that the Gripen's involvement may encourage sales. On 8 June 2011, the Swedish government announced an agreement to extend the deployment of the five Gripens.
, Gripens have flown more than 650 combat missions, almost 2,000 flight hours and delivered approximately 2000 reconnaissance reports to NATO.
Other operators
NATO users
The Czech Air ForceCzech Air Force
The Czech Air Force is the air force branch of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic. The Air Force, with the Land Forces, comprises the Joint Forces, the main combat power of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic...
and the Hungarian Air Force
Hungarian Air Force
The Hungarian Air Force is the air force branch of the Hungarian Army.- 1918 to Pre–World War II :Following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in 1918, a small air arm was established operating surviving aircraft from Hungarian factories and training schools...
operate the Gripen; each currently leases 14 ex-Swedish Air Force aircraft, with the option of eventually acquiring them. In December 2001, the Czech Government announced that the Gripen had been selected; and stated that a major factor in this decision was the provision of a generous financing and offset program by Gripen International. Hungary also received an offset arrangement, valued at 110 per cent of the cost of the 14 fighters. Hungary's decision to lease the Gripen came as a surprise, earlier the government had announced the intention to procure the F-16 instead.
Initially, Hungary had planned to lease aircraft from Batch II, however the inability to conduct aerial refuelling and employ US guided weapons led to an upgraded variant being developed to meet NATO requirements. The export Gripen underwent refuelling tests in 1998 at Boscombe Down, UK, in response to Hungary's needs.
South Africa
In 1999, South Africa signed a contract with BAE/Saab for the procurement of 26 Gripens (C/D standard) with minor modification to meet their requirements. Deliveries to the South African Air ForceSouth African Air Force
The South African Air Force is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra...
commenced in April 2008. By April 2011, 18 aircraft, nine two-seater aircraft and nine single-seater's had been delivered. In May 2011, as allegations of bribery to prevent a possible cancellation of the Gripen procurement continued, Saab issued strong denials over any payments being made. In the following month, Saab announced that payments of around $3.5 million had been made by partner BAE Systems.
Thailand
The Royal Thai Air ForceRoyal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
ordered six Gripens (two single-seat C-models and four two-seat D-models) in February 2008 to replace some F-5s, with deliveries beginning in 2011. Six more Gripen Cs were ordered in November 2010 with deliveries from 2013. The Gripens are to be based at Surat Thani Airbase
Surat Thani Airport
Surat Thani Airport is situated in the Phunphin district, Surat Thani province, Thailand. The airport, which is located 21 km west of Surat Thani, is also the Wing 7 Airforce base...
. The first of the six aircraft were delivered on 22 February 2011. It is believed that Thailand may eventually order as many as 40 Gripens.
Fighter Training Schools
The Empire Test Pilots' SchoolEmpire Test Pilots' School
The Empire Test Pilots' School is a British training school for test pilots and flight test engineers of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, England. It was established in 1943, the first of its type...
(ETPS) in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
has used the Gripen for advanced fast jet training of pilots since 1999.
Potential and future operators
BrazilIn October 2008, it was reported that the Brazilian Air Force
Brazilian Air Force
The Brazilian Air Force is the air branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the three national uniformed services. The FAB was formed when the Army and Navy air branch were merged into a single military force initially called "National Air Forces"...
had selected three finalists in their F-X2 program. They are Dassault Rafale
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine delta-wing multi-role jet fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Introduced in 2000, the Rafale is being produced both for land-based use with the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations with the French Navy...
, Boeing
Boeing
The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Gripen NG. The number of aircraft involved is 36 and possibly up to 120 later. The decision was expected on 2 October 2009. On 2 February 2009, Saab submitted a tender for 36 Gripen NGs to the Brazilian Air Force Command. On 5 January 2010, it was reported in the media that the final evaluation report by the Brazilian Air Force placed the Gripen ahead of the other two contenders. The decisive factor was apparently the overall cost of the new fighters, both in terms of unit cost, and operating and maintenance costs. Some of the media reported that in early 2010 the Rafale had been chosen by the Defense Ministry, However in February 2011, the president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff
Dilma Rousseff
Dilma Vana Rousseff is the 36th and current President of Brazil. She is the first woman to hold the office. Prior to that, in 2005, she was also the first woman to become Chief of Staff of Brazil, appointed by then President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva....
, reportedly selected the F/A-18. The decision has since been delayed to 2012 due to financial constraints.
Croatia
The Croatian Air Force had announced plans to replace their MiG-21 bis aircraft, possibly with either the JAS 39 Gripen or the F-16 Falcon. The final projection calls for 12–18 aircraft. On 27 March 2008, the Swedish Defence Material Administration and Saab responded to Croatia
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
's request for information regarding the procurement of 12 aircraft. Due to economic and political reasons, the Croatian Air Force postponed the decision and is now looking at a possible joint purchase with Slovenia of 12 aircraft.
Denmark
In 2007, Denmark signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Ministers of Sweden and Denmark to evaluate the Gripen, pending Denmark's future replacement of their fleet of 48 F-16s. Denmark has also requested new variants of Gripens to be developed that will include new avionics, a larger and more powerful engine, larger payload and, most importantly, longer range. This request was the basis for the Gripen NG, which satisfies all Denmark's requirements, such as the more powerful F414G engine. Denmark has since delayed the decision over the purchase several times by 2009.
Netherlands
On 7 July 2008, Dagens Industri reported that the Netherlands announced they will evaluate Gripen NG together with four other competitors and announce the result in the end of 2008. Saab responded on 25 August 2008 to a 'Replacement Questionnaire' issued by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, offering 85 aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force
Royal Netherlands Air Force
The Royal Netherlands Air Force , Dutch Koninklijke Luchtmacht , is the military aviation branch of the Netherlands Armed Forces. Its ancestor, the Luchtvaartafdeling of the Dutch Army was founded on 1 July 1913, with four pilots...
. The Netherlands evaluated the Gripen NG against the F-35. On 18 December 2008 media reported that the Netherlands evaluated the F-35 ahead of the Gripen NG, citing better performance and lower price. On 13 January 2009, NRC Handelsblad
NRC Handelsblad
NRC Handelsblad, often abbreviated to NRC, is a daily evening newspaper published in the Netherlands by NRC Media. The newspaper was created on October 1, 1970, from merger of the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant and Algemeen Handelsblad . In 2006 a morning newspaper, nrc•next, was launched...
claimed that, according to Swedish sources, Saab has made an offer to the Dutch to deliver 85 Gripens for 4.8 billion euro, about 1 billion euro cheaper than budgeted for the F-35. This price includes training of pilots and maintenance for the next 30 years.
Switzerland
In January 2008 the Swiss
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
Defence Material Administration invited Gripen International to submit initial bids for supplying the Gripen NG as a replacement for their old F-5s. Saab responded with an initial proposal on 2 July 2008. Some 22 aircraft are expected to be procured. Other contenders are the Rafale
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine delta-wing multi-role jet fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Introduced in 2000, the Rafale is being produced both for land-based use with the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations with the French Navy...
and Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
fighters. On 30 November 2011, the Swiss government announced its decision to buy 22 Gripen NG fighters.
United Kingdom
Following a meeting with Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)
The Ministry of Defence is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces....
(MoD) officials in May 2011, Saab agreed to establish a development centre in the UK to expand on the Sea Gripen concept. Saab chief executive Håkan Buskhe stated: "The MoD is looking for competition". The decision to proceed to a flight demonstrator will be made in late 2012.
Others
In September 2006, Bulgaria announced they were considering the replacement of ageing Mikoyan MiG-21s, either with 16 JAS 39C/D Gripens, or 16 used F-16s. Other nations that have shown interest in the Gripen include Slovakia
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
and Oman
Oman
Oman , officially called the Sultanate of Oman , is an Arab state in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the...
.
Missed contracts
AustriaAround 1994, Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
sought around 25 aircraft to replace its existing J-35 Drakens. The Gripen competed with the F-16, F/A-18, Mirage 2000, and the MiG-29. After years of delay, Austria announced it was to purchase ex-German Eurofighters to meet its requirements in July 2002.
Finland
In 1989 the Finnish Air Force began to look for a new fighter to replace its fleet of MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
s and Saab 35 Drakens. During 1991 and 1992, the Dassault Mirage 2000, Gripen, F-16, MiG-29
Mikoyan MiG-29
The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other...
and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet were evaluated; this was the first formal competition the Gripen had participated in. On 6 May 1992, the Hornet was announced as the winner of the fighter competition and a total of 64 aircraft were ordered.
Germany
In the early 1990s Germany considered the costs of the in-development Eurofighter to be excessive, and considered the Gripen as a substitute due to its significantly lower cost to procure and operate. However, Germany chose to pursue a stripped down version of the Eurofighter by 1993.
India
The Gripen was a contender for the Indian MRCA competition
Indian MRCA Competition
The Indian Air Force Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft Competition, also known as the MRCA tender, is an ongoing competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force . The Defence Ministry has allocated for the purchase of these aircraft, making it India's single largest...
for 126 multirole combat aircraft. In April 2008, Gripen International offered the Next Generation Gripen for India's tender and opened an office in New Delhi in order to support its efforts in the Indian market. On 4 February 2009, Saab announced that it had partnered with India's Tata Group
Tata Group
Tata Group is an Indian multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Tata Group is one of the largest companies in India by market capitalization and revenue. It has interests in communications and information technology, engineering, materials, services, energy,...
to develop the new Gripen variant to fit India's needs.
The Indian Air Force
Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict...
(IAF) conducted extensive field trials and evaluated Gripen's flight performance, logistics capability, weapons systems, advanced sensors and weapons firing. In April 2011, the IAF rejected Gripen's bid in favour of Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale. Senior Indian Air Force officials while happy with the improved capabilities of Gripen NG, identified its high reliance on US-supplied hardware, including electronics, weaponry, and GE F414 engine as a factor that may hamper its export potential.
Poland
The Gripen was one of contenders in competition for 48 new multirole fighters for the Polish Air Force
Polish Air Force
The Polish Air Force is the military Air Force wing of the Polish Armed Forces. Until July 2004 it was officially known as Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej...
. On 27 December 2002, the Polish Defence Minister announced the selection of the F-16C/D Block 50/52+. The third candidate was Dassault Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2. According to Stephen Larrabee, the choice to go with the F-16 was heavily influenced by a lucrative offset agreement
Offset agreement
Defense offset agreements are legal trade practices in the aerospace and military industries. These commercial practices do not need state regulations but, since the purchasers are mostly military departments of sovereign nations comparable to the US Defense Department, many countries have offset...
by Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
, and the political emphasis placed on the strategic relationship between Poland, the US, and NATO.
According to a former Polish military defence vice-minister, the JAS 39 offer was better. Saab's offer also included participation in fighter research and technologies.
Norway
On 18 January 2008. the Norwegian Ministry of Defence
Norwegian Ministry of Defence
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence is a Norwegian government ministry in charge of the formation and implementation of national security and defence policy, and for the overall management and control of the activities of subordinate agencies. The ministry is located at Glacisgata 1, Oslo,...
issued a Request for Binding Information (RBI) to the Swedish Defence Material Administration, who responded on 28 April 2008 with a proposal offering 48 aircraft. The rival Lockheed Martin proposal amassed US diplomatic and political support. On 20 November 2008, the Norwegian government released a statement that they have selected the F-35 Lightning II for the Royal Norwegian Air Force
Royal Norwegian Air Force
The Royal Norwegian Air Force is the air force of Norway. It was established as a separate arm of the Norwegian armed forces on 10 November 1944. The RNoAF's peace force is approximately 1,430 employees . 600 personnel also serve their draft period in the RNoAF...
. Norway stated the F-35 is the only fighter candidate to meet all of its operational requirements. Saab has criticised the selection, stating that there were flaws in Norway's cost calculations for the Gripen NG.
On 10 February 2009, Swedish defence minister Sten Tolgfors
Sten Tolgfors
Sten Sture Tolgfors is a Swedish Moderate Party politician, Member of the Riksdag and Swedish Minister for Defence and former Minister for Foreign Trade in the Cabinet of Fredrik Reinfeldt since 24 October 2006. He is a conscientious objector, meaning that he refused to carry arms when called to...
stated that Norway had miscalculated the deal. The offer was for 48 aircraft over 20 years, but Norway had extrapolated it to operating 57 aircraft over 30 years, thus doubling the cost. The Swedish Ministry of Defence has several other objections to Norway's calculations. Among other things, Norway projected the operational costs for their F-16s on both candidates, and did not consider the operational costs of Sweden's Gripens. Norway also calculated with more aircraft losses in accidents than what Sweden considers reasonable based on their operational experience of the type. According to Tolgfors, Norway's decision will make it more difficult to sell the Gripen to other countries. Tolgfors said that the Gripen does not meet the requirements set by the Norwegian government, though some media reports claim those requirements are tilted in favour of the F-35.
Romania
The Romanian Air Force
Romanian Air Force
The Romanian Air Force is the air force branch of the Romanian Armed Forces. It has an air force headquarters, an operational command, four air bases and an air defense brigade...
announced they would replace their MiG-21 LanceR
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
aircraft beginning in 2008, possibly with JAS 39 Gripen, F-16 Fighting Falcon or Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
. On 23 March 2010, the Romanian Ministry of Defence decided to purchase 24 ex-USAF F-16s. The bids of both the Gripen and the Eurofighter were re-submitted in May 2010, both parties matched the price of the F-16 proposal in the revision.
Variants
Swedish Air Force
The Swedish Air Force is the air force branch of the Swedish Armed Forces.-History:The Swedish Air Force was created on July 1, 1926 when the aircraft units of the Army and Navy were merged. Because of the escalating international tension during the 1930s the Air Force was reorganized and expanded...
in 1996. A modification program has started and 31 of these will be upgraded to C/D standard.
JAS 39B: Two-seat version of the A variant. This variant is 0.66 metre (2 ft 2 in) longer than the single seat version. Rear-cockpit does not have a HUD (an image from the front cockpit HUD can be presented on the rear cockpit flight data display), reduced fuel load and no internal gun.
JAS 39C: NATO-compatible version of Gripen with extended capabilities in terms of armament, electronics, etc. This variant can also be refuelled in flight.
JAS 39D: Two-seat version of the C variant.
Gripen Demo: A two-seat technology demonstrator for improvements slated for the Gripen NG.
Gripen NG/IN: (Next Generation) Proposed version with new engine (F414G), increased fuel capacity, higher payload, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The Gripen IN version was a contender for the Indian MRCA competition
Indian MRCA Competition
The Indian Air Force Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft Competition, also known as the MRCA tender, is an ongoing competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force . The Defence Ministry has allocated for the purchase of these aircraft, making it India's single largest...
.
Sea Gripen: Proposed carrier-based
Carrier-based aircraft
Carrier-based aircraft are military aircraft designed specifically for operations from aircraft carriers. The term is generally applied only to fixed-wing aircraft, as naval helicopters are able to operate from a wider variety of aviation-capable ships. Carrier-based aircraft must be relatively...
version based on the NG variant; currently in development.
Operators
: The Czech Air Force
Czech Air Force
The Czech Air Force is the air force branch of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic. The Air Force, with the Land Forces, comprises the Joint Forces, the main combat power of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic...
has 14 Gripens on lease, including 2 two-seaters, with all in operation as of January 2011.
: The Hungarian Air Force
Hungarian Air Force
The Hungarian Air Force is the air force branch of the Hungarian Army.- 1918 to Pre–World War II :Following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in 1918, a small air arm was established operating surviving aircraft from Hungarian factories and training schools...
has 14 Gripens on a lease-and-buy arrangement, including two two-seaters (C/D versions) in service in January 2011. The final three aircraft were delivered in December 2007.
: The South African Air Force
South African Air Force
The South African Air Force is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra...
(SAAF) ordered 26 aircraft (down from 28), 9 two-seater D-models and 17 single-seat C-models. The first delivery, a two-seater, took place on 30 April 2008. The South African Air Force has nine single-seaters and nine two-seaters in inventory as of April 2011.
: The Swedish Air Force
Swedish Air Force
The Swedish Air Force is the air force branch of the Swedish Armed Forces.-History:The Swedish Air Force was created on July 1, 1926 when the aircraft units of the Army and Navy were merged. Because of the escalating international tension during the 1930s the Air Force was reorganized and expanded...
originally ordered 204 aircraft, including 28 two-seaters. Sweden leases 28 of the aircraft, including 4 two-seaters, to the Czech and Hungarian Air Forces. In 2007, the Swedish government stated that only around 100 JAS 39C/D Gripens will be kept in an operational state. The SAF has 120 JAS 39s, including 53 JAS 39As, 10 JAS 39Bs, 45 JAS 39Cs and 12 JAS 39D Gripens in service in January 2011.
: The Royal Thai Air Force
Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
has ordered 12 JAS 39 Gripens (8 single-seat JAS 39C and 4 JAS 39D two-seaters). The first 6 aircraft were delivered in February 2011.
: Empire Test Pilots' School
Empire Test Pilots' School
The Empire Test Pilots' School is a British training school for test pilots and flight test engineers of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, England. It was established in 1943, the first of its type...
. ETPS instructor pilots and students undergo simulator training with the Swedish Air Force, and go on to fly the two-seater Gripen at Saab in Linköping, in two training campaigns per year (spring and autumn). The agreement was renewed in 2008.
Accidents and incidents
As of July 2011, the Gripen has been involved in eight incidents, including five hull-loss accidentsAviation accidents and incidents
An aviation accident is defined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation Annex 13 as an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, in which a...
, resulting in minor injuries. The first two accidents occurred in 1989 and 1993; these were related to flight control software issues. One aircraft was destroyed in a ground accident during engine testing.
Specifications (JAS 39 Gripen C/D)
See also
External links
- Official Saab Gripen fighter page
- FMV – Swedish Defence Material Administration – official Gripen page
- Gripen page on Czech Armed Forces site
- Saab JAS 39 Gripen page on Vectorsite.net
- "The JAS-39 Gripen: Sweden's 4+ Generation Wild Card" on Defense Industry Daily site
- Czech Air Force JAS-39 Gripen photos on czechairspotters.com