National flag graphic of the nation of sweden

Saab JAS.39 "Gripen"


Lightweight Multirole Fighter

Swedish Engineering at its Finest.



Born in the latter part of the 1970s, the JAS.39 'Gripen' ('Griffin') was drawn up as a modern, capable successor to an aging stable of Saab 35 'Draken' and Saab 37 'Viggen; jet-powered fighters. With a first-flight on December 9th, 1988, the Gripen quickly became the spearhead of the Swedish Air Force and one of the more impressive modern offerings as multirole combat warplanes go. With production reaching 300 units and over two decades of excellent service behind it, there is growing interest in the impressive single-engined, delta-winged fighter from Scandinavia.
Image of gripen-front-view-on-runway.jpg


1(+1)
CREW
Speed
1,529
MPH
Ceiling
50,000
FEET
Range
497
MILES
Image of gripen-secondary.png

Mission Roles



AIR-TO-AIR
INTERCEPTION
GROUND ATTACK
STRIKE
ANTI-SHIP
ANTI-RADAR
RECON
TRAINING
Image of gripen-fighter-at-rest-front-right-view.jpg


Gallery



1 / 5
Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
2 / 5
Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
3 / 5
Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
4 / 5
Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
5 / 5
Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.





Qualities





Versatility in Design


The Gripen airframe was developed from the outset to provide a twin-seat derivative to the single-seat form, resulting in an offering that can be used for training, type conversion, and specialized mission roles as needed.


Exceptional Controlling


The Gripen achieves its excellent handling through a combination delta wing mainplane design coupled with all-moving forward canards near the cockpit. The result is strong agility further aided by the all-modern Fly-by-Wire (FbW) system.


Short-Field Performance


In keeping with Swedish invasion doctrine and previous fighter designs, the Gripen has been specifically engineered to operate from strips as short as 2,625 feet. Reaction times are enhanced by its onboard Auxiliary Power Unit.


A2A or A2G Capability


Beyond a 27mm automatic internal cannon, the Gripen boasts four underwing hardpoints (two per wing) supporting various missiles, bombs, rockets, and 'smart' munitions. Wingtip hardpoints are reserved for air-to-air missiles ensuring the fighter can defend itself as needed.


Specifications



Year:
1996
Status
Active, In-Service (28 yrs)
Manufacturer(s)
Saab Group - Sweden
Production
298 Units
7 Total

National flag graphic of BrazilNational flag graphic of CzechiaNational flag graphic of HungaryNational flag graphic of South AfricaNational flag graphic of SwedenNational flag graphic of ThailandNational flag graphic of the United Kingdom

Brazil (ordered); Czech Republic (leased); Hungary; South Africa; Sweden; Thailand; United Kingdom (training)

(List includes former, current, and potential operating nations)
JAS.39C: 1 x Volvo RM.12 afterburning turbofan engine (derived from the General Electric F404 series) developing 12,000lb of thrust dry and 18,100lb thrust with reheat.

(Assuming optimal flying/environmental conditions)
Maximum Speed
1,529 mph | 2,460 kph | 1,328 kts
Service Ceiling
50,000 ft | 15,240 m | 9.47 miles
Operational Range
497 miles | 800 km | 432 nm
(Showcased performance statistics pertain to the JAS.39C production model)
Length
46.26 feet (14.10 meters)
Width
27.56 feet (8.40 meters)
Height
14.76 feet (4.50 meters)
(Showcased measurements pertain to the JAS.39C production model)
Empty
14,991 lb (6,800 kg)
M.T.O.W.
30,865 lb (14,000 kg)
(Showcased weights pertain to the JAS.39C production model)
1 x 27mm Mauser BK-27 revolver internal automatic cannon; 120 x 27mm projectiles typically afforded.

Ordnance and special-mission equipment mounted at 2 x Fuselage hardpoints (single point dedicated for the fitting of a FLIR or similar mission pod), 4 x Underwing hardpoints (2 per wing), and 2 x Wingtip hardpoints (1 per wing). Supported Types:




Close-in Cannon graphic Close-in Gun(s)
Air-to-Air Missile graphic Air-to-Air Missiles
Air-to-Surface Missile graphic Air-to-Surface Missiles
Precision-Guided Bomb graphic Precision-Guided Bombs
Conventional Drop Bomb graphic Conventional Drop Bombs
Attack Rocket graphic Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel Tank graphic Additional Fuel
JAS.39 'Gripen' - Base Series Designation.
JAS.39-1 - First prototype used in development.
JAS-39-2 - Second prototype used in development.
JAS.39A - Initial production variant; model of 1996; single-seat configuration.
JAS.39B - Twin-seat variant of the JAS.39A; lengthened airframe (by 2.1 feet) for second cockpit; sans internal gun as well as one internal fuel store.
JAS.39C - NATO-centric variant; revised interoperability through broader weapons and systems support; in-flight refueling capable.
JAS.39D - Twin-seat variant of C-models; incorporating qualities of the previous B-models.
Gripen NG - Improved 'Next Generation' demonstrator model; Raven ES-05 AESA radar unit; powered by F414G turbofan engine; increased carry performance; two additional hardpoints.
JAS.39E - Single-seat production form of the Gripen NG.
JAS.39F - Twin-seat variant of E-model form; retaining combat capability; improved survivability and data-linking; Battle Management System (BMS).
F-39E - Brazilian Air Force designation of JAS.39E single-seat model.
F-39F - Brazilian Air Force designation of JAS.39F twin-seat model.


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