Gripen NG and recent developments
Saab Gripen NG demonstrator at RIAT 2010In 2007, a programme 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" or "Gripen Demo" 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 demonstrator serves as the testbed for numerous upgrades for the new Gripen NG, also referred to as Gripen E/F, and 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 missiles (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 1,300 kilometres (810 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. However in 2011 it was revealed that any Swedish purchase of the "Super Gripen" would depend on a foreign order being finalized.
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.[41] 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.
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. As of 24 October 2011 (2011 -10-24), Gripens have flown more than 650 combat missions, almost 2,000 flight hours and delivered approximately 2000 reconnaissance reports to NATO.
Just for the sake of talking...
150.000 flight hours without an engine failure, IS rather good, isn't it? And, the new engine, same as the one in the F-18E/F Super Hornet right, wonder if there was anything up in the Swedes sleves when it was developed, as Volvo Flygmotor was very much involved in that...