Posted on 09/10/2007 9:07:14 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Saab to fly Future Gripen by late 2008
By Craig Hoyle
Saab, meanwhile, expects to fly a two-seat demonstrator for an increased-size Future Gripen by late 2008, with risk-sharing partners including General Electric, Honeywell, Terma and Thales now onboard.
The aircraft's outer mould line has not yet been frozen, but windtunnel tests have recently been conducted by Switzerland's Ruag. The design features a relocated and strengthened main undercarriage, two additional stores pylons and a 35-40% increase in internal fuel capacity. "We have been very pleased with what we have seen, and with the performance of the [GE] F414 engine," says Lehander.
Hungary's last three of 14 Gripens will be delivered by year-end, while the second of 28 to be produced for launch export customer South Africa will fly for the first time in December. The latter nation's first example will enter service next March.
Is this “SuperGripen” too late for the India RFP?
Looks a lot like the Rafale.
The RFPs were issued only 2 weeks ago & the companies have to respond with their proposals by the 1st half of next year.So I don’t think it’s too late-It’s probably just in time.
Any idea what the gismo on the vertical fin is? It looks like they forgot to remove the gust-lock before flight. I’ve seen it before on older fighters and often wondered if it was an antenna.........
Mean looking machine, though.
Yep- probably some sort of antenna.
You’re right; its some sort of ECM or ECCM antenna. A Grippen expect will come along shortly and tell us all the technical details.
expect=expert
My expert opinion is that it is a beer keg opener.
A bit of a generous radar cross section, eh?
But it might be just the thing for bombing civilians.
Hmmmn - has Janet Reno put in her order yet?
Thansk for the news Suky. As you klnow, I really like Grippens. Any dope on the STOL characteristics on the stretched version? I wonder if they are sacrificing STOL for the increased range.
How would it stand up against our equivalent, all things being equal?
This is an actual photo of the Grippen cockpit and controls. Makes you want to push the AB detent eh?
The perfect toy for the older boy, IF the boy is still a video gamer.
I do fly, but I prefer seaplanes. After two Republic RC-3’s, and being aware that if I had been able to stay in AFROTC (bad eyes), I might have flown single engine, but someone else would have decided what I would fly against, etc.
Too bad America signed a treaty against Letters Of Marquise and Reprisal. Otherwise, the wealthy could amuse themselves happily blasting undesirables like the Janjaweed whackos, and assorted, sordid socialists.
I have a neighbor with two GE mini-guns. All he needs is a surplus Cobra and he could do some real good in places like Africa.
No clue-we’ll have to wait for 2 years to find out.This was developed for the export market primarily.
The current versions of the Gripen(A to D) are smaller than all current American jets,with a smaller payload & range.They are more agile than the F-16/18 in addition to having a smaller radar cross section & highly advanced electronics.Armament is actually much the same as on American aircraft.According to the Swedes,it’s beaten F-16s & 18s in European exercises.
The new Gripen is primarily meant to compete in the market of the F-35 & Eurofighter .Barring for little stealth,it compares pretty well with the F-35 in other parameters.
I flew with Sea planes and Bush planes a lot as a much younger man, doing mineral exploration work in Canada in the 1970s, mostly Otters, Beavers and Cessna float planes. Many interesting stories.
I really like seaplanes. We used t have Canso Flying boats for water bombers in Newfoundland, and I once say a Sunderland Flying Boat land in Gander lake , on its way to a museum. That was in effect , a two story flying boat, and what a racket it made during take off, which took a long run into the wind!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.