Plane Is A Flying Test Platform For New Technologies

On Tuesday morning, Saab conducted the 30-minute maiden flight of its Gripen Demo test bed aircraft, which sports a number of advancements likely to be seen in future generations of the Gripen fighter.

"We're flying what in many aspects is a completely new aircraft a month after Roll-Out. This is quite unique and it shows Gripen's opportunities for further development," said Lars-Erik Svedlund, Saab's project manager for the Gripen demonstrator program. "It also shows our own ability to develop new, more efficient working methods."

As ANN reported, Saab took the wraps off the Gripen Demo last month. Since then, Saab has proceeded with ground trials and evaluations in preparation for the first flight. Tuesday's flight took place in good weather from Saab's airfield in Linkoping, and was conducted according to a well-rehearsed schedule.

"Everything went according to plan," said test pilot Mikael Seidl, who together with Magnus Ljungdahl crewed the first flight. "The Gripen Demo is more powerful compared to earlier versions of Gripen but is just as easily flown. We look forward to continuing the test programme at the same high pace as up to now."

Maximum altitude for the first flight was 21,00 feet, and maximum speed was 320 knots.

The Gripen Demo aircraft is a flying test platform for the next generation of Gripen and for the further development of present versions. The aircraft will test and develop many of the essential systems and capabilities that will be applied to the Gripen NG (Next Generation) design, such as a more powerful engine, active electronically scanned (AESA) radar, and advanced communications gear and weapons.

FMI: www.saabaircraft.com