Participates In Evaluation Trials For Combat Aircraft In India

The Gripen NG demo made its International debut last week by taking part in the last phase of the Indian evaluation trials for the MMRCA (Medium Multi- Role Combat Aircraft) tender in India. To date the aircraft has flown some 135 test flights in Sweden and is now testing its wings abroad, showing the international arena that next generation Gripen fighter development is on track.

"This achievement just shows the expertise and high technology capability that Sweden boasts in developing and manufacturing a fighter aircraft of this calibre. Several International pilots have already flown and evaluated the Gripen NG demo in Sweden, including pilots from Brazil and India and we are confident that this aircraft meets, or exceeds every operational requirement raised by the Indian Air Force," says Eddy de la Motte, Gripen Campaign Director, India.

The fighter cleared the high altitude trials at the Leh air base, which is in the Himalayas at an elevation of over 9,000 feet.

The Gripen NG demo is the flying platform which is being used to train and develop the new technologies and features incorporated into the Gripen NG. The Gripen NG has been specifically developed to meet the operational requirements of countries such as India and Brazil, which requires a next generation fighter with significantly increased combat range and endurance, increased payload and super cruise capability.

Meanwhile, Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop an avionics system for the Gripen. The order is valued at $56 million, divided over 2 years.

The order means that work will begin on a new avionics system, including new computers and displays, which will enter into service 10 years from now.

"Gripen is under continuous development. Computers with the best performance possible today will be viewed as inadequate for the tasks facing Gripen in ten years, when the aircraft must remain modern for a further twenty years. Few high-tech products have a service life as long as Gripen," says Lennart Sindahl, Vice President at Saab and head of the Aeronautics business area.

Saab says the new avionics system will enhance Gripen's capacity to handle large quantities of complex information with different security classification levels. A new avionics system also makes it possible in the future to introduce new sensors that require altered system architecture.

FMI: www.gripen.com