How good is Saab Gripen E?
With respect to lethality, the Gripen was the first fighter in the world to carry the deadly Meteor air-to-air missile, a beyond visual range (BVR) weapon that can track and kill targets at a range of up to 80 miles. The Gripen does well on lists of both BVR and dogfighting combatants.
Is Gripen E operational?
On 15 June 2017, Saab completed the Gripen E’s first flight. As of May 2018, the Gripen E had attained supersonic flight and was to commence load tests. The development flight test programme with Pre-production Gripen E continues today after the internal deliveries to both the Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces.
Where is the Gripen E stationed in Sweden?
In November, one Gripen E aircraft (designated 6004) flew from Saab to Malmen to be stationed at the airbase and continue the testing from there. As a result, personnel from both FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces will further increase their participation in the test programme.
What kind of plane is the Saab Gripen?
Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (IPA: [¹ɡriːpɛn]; English: griffin) is a light single-engine multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab.
What is joint test programme for validation of Gripen E?
The joint test programme for verification and validation of the Gripen E is a collaboration between Saab, the Swedish Armed Forces and FMV, where the organisations have tested and verified the aircraft and its functions since the beginning of the aircraft’s development, from basic aircraft systems to tactical capability.
What makes the Gripen fighter jet so good?
The Gripen also has good short takeoff performance, being able to maintain a high sink rate and strengthened to withstand the stresses of short landings. A pair of air brakes are located on the sides of the rear fuselage; the canards also angle downward to act as air brakes and decrease landing distance.