SAAB JAS39 «Gripen

"Super Fighter" Mel Williams, 2007.

The history of development and flight testing

First took to the air in 1988, the aircraft SAAB JAS39 «Gripen fighter aircraft was the basis of Sweden. Designed in accordance with the requirements of Swedish Air Force as a fighter of the fourth generation Gripen has become a multi-purpose combat aircraft, ie aircraft capable of flying in one to solve several problems. As demonstrated by its operation, the aircraft fully meets the requirements set. During the exercises Quartet "Gripen" in the same flight, for example, strikes on ground targets from low altitude, and then served as intelligence, but on the way back, led the fight to the enemy aircraft.

The program, which led to the birth of Gripen, was born in the early years of the Cold War, when the non-aligned Sweden began to ponder the future of fighter aircraft to replace the "Drakenov" and "Viggenov. Initially evaluated foreign cars, which included the then General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 «Horney. However, the Swedish government decided that the country should create something of their own, providing an opportunity to firm SAAB »(Swenska Aeroplan Aktiebolage - SAAB) from Linköping to continue a long tradition of developing fighters. Country with a population of 8 million people went to great technical and financial risk, began developing the fighter, who, notwithstanding the 1980-1990's problems, still survived.

Firm "SAAB", based on Apr. 2, 1937, during its existence has developed 13 different types of fighters and built more than 4000 aircraft, most of which corresponded to the specific requirements of Swedish Air Force. Sweden's long-standing policy of armed neutrality significantly affected the creation of high performance aircraft industry, not relying on foreign technology. For more than sixty-year history of the firm "Saab has developed all the major military aircraft and missile system, arrived on Air Force Sweden. Among these famous fighters J29 «Tunnan», J32 «Lance», J35 «Draken and J37« Viggo. " Currently, Sweden is probably the smallest country, to create a modern combat aircraft, in no way inferior machines, designed by leading aviation powers.

In late 1979 the Swedish parliament (Riksdag) initiated the development of multi-purpose fighter aircraft, known by the acronym JAS (Jakt / Attack / Spaning, ie, the fighter / bomber / reconnaissance). Firm "SAAB" reviewed a large number of projects, while the logistics department of the Ministry of Defence (FMV) is not recommended to the Government to further develop the project R2105 (later evolved into the projects R2108 and R2110).

R2105 project called for the creation of light single-seat fighters, made on a "duck" with tselnopovorotnym PGO and trapezoidal wing, statically unstable, equipped with one engine and digital FBWCS. As the power plant was chosen RM12 turbofan thrust class, 8,160 kg, which was a modified version of the American Motor General Electric F404-GE-400, which was being built under license by "Volvo Fligmotor. June 30, 1982 Guide FVM has signed with the firm Saab contract to build four experienced fighters and bookmark the production the first 30 production vehicles.

The first flight of the prototype (serial number 39-1) was held on Dec. 9, 1988 piloted by its test pilot Stig Holmstrem who before held in the gym fighter JAS39 over 1000 h. However, during the flight tests had to face serious problems associated with advanced digital FBWCS and statically unstable arrangement of the aircraft. In the sixth test flight (2 February 1989) before landing on the factory airfield in Linköping prototype crashed 39-1. Fortunately, the test pilot Lara Redestrem managed to get out of the cab almost unscathed he was only a broken arm. This accident was the cause of long delays in the program to create a fighter.

Crash investigation revealed that the cause become self-excited oscillation in pitch due to errors in the software FBWCS. Further development of software carried out in close cooperation with the U.S. firm Kalspen ", which provided for testing FBWCS flying laboratory NT-33A, was created on the basis of training aircraft Lockheed T-33. Flight tests of the second prototype Gripen resumed 15 months later and went normally until 18 August 1993 On that day in Stockholm was carried out air celebration, which was attended by the second serial fighter JAS39 «Gripen (number 39102). When performing "barrel" at a low altitude Redestrem lost control and six seconds Gripen entered into a dangerous breakdown. The pilot could do nothing as the catapult.For unknown reasons, none of the thousands of spectators was not injured although the plane crashed into the center of a small island on the lake, located near the center of Stockholm.

Specialists of the company "SAAB" later declared that the accident occurred because of high gain command on the control stick, while her fast moving pilot. Again the flight test fighter was stopped. Only in December 1993 they were resumed, this time with FBWCS problems were solved. Firm "SAAB" had to solve complex problems that had not previously encountered by any other developer. After the first accident "Saab has been able to reproduce its conditions on the flying laboratory NT-33A at the firm" Kalspen. Then the software FBWCS rewrite. The second accident caused a more serious approach to solving the problem. Both cases were associated with self-excited vibrations, which rapidly led to loss of control. To eliminate them in FBWCS introduced filter that limits the pace of the oscillations, and other innovations that are possible to overcome all difficulties.

By 1996, pilot and serial fighter Gripen completed over 2000 flights have been successfully tested on the discharge of missiles, air - air and air - surface ". Performed tests on the exit from the spin and fly at high angles of attack. Since the initial version of the software failed to achieve angles of attack up to 28 °, although this version, they were limited to 20 °. Tests at high angles of attack were carried out on the second prototype aircraft Gripen 39-2, specially painted entirely in black.Since 1997, the operating angles of attack became more and more, which was dictated by the ever-changing customer requirements. Eventually, they succeeded in bringing to nearly 50 °.

Initially, the flight test program was supposed participation of five experienced fighters (numbers 39-1 - 39-5), but when September 10, 1992 flew the first production aircraft (serial 39101), he replaced the machine 39-1 as a pilot. March 29, 1996 to the flight test program has joined the first double Gripen (serial 39800). In 1999, prototypes 39-2 and 39-4 were sent to "retire", but now they are in the aviation museum in Malmslette. Currently, Saab continues to use the prototypes to test new technical solutions, it also periodically leases from the Swedish Air Force fighter serial for test flights.

Avionics

Fighter JAS39 well can be operated from short runways. Highly mechanized wing and PGO provides mileage is only 500 m. After the touch strip console PGO set almost in a vertical position, turning in the air brake, helping to press tightly against the front wheels to the runway and maximize the effectiveness of the brakes chassis. The aircraft also has a pair of conventional brake flaps. Gripen can operate with a snow-covered runway length of 800 m.

At the heart of the Swedish aviation doctrine FV 2000 is the phrase: "air superiority is achieved excellence in information." Pilot Gripen receives information from three sources: on-board sensors, with the help of communication means and channels of information exchange. The main supplier of information is a multi-mode pulse-Doppler radar centimeter Ericsson PS-05 / A. With its help, the aircraft can compete with air and ground targets. The station has a small flat antenna array with mechanical scanning. To detect targets at long range using the principle of frequency modulation with pulse compression. Almost all of the specifications radar PS-05 / A secret.According to available information, Gripen is capable of detecting target type "fighter" at a distance of 120 km. Pilot can select three modes of viewing area (± 120 °, ± 60 ° and ± 30 °) with scanning speed of 60 deg / sec. Mode of mapping the terrain and the search covered an area 5x5 and 40x40 km.

In combat conditions, the pilot can choose the four modes of target tracking. Maintenance mode with simultaneous scanning allows better know the situation in the air and monitor a large number of targets. Priority maintenance mode allows you to accurately track the target during a missile attack. Maintenance Mode single target is used if you need the highest accuracy when you need the firing of the gun. Finally, air combat mode is used for automatic target designation during the passing of air combat.

The basis of the aviation system JAS39 «Gripen is unique in its kind system and data CDL39, which experts consider the best in the world. Swedish Air Force have a rich experience of using data transmission channels, they began to apply them in 1965 on the fighters J35F «Draken and JA37« Viggo. " During the destruction of targets beyond visual range, where the information and knowledge of the environment play a key role in data transmission system provides undeniable benefits. The system consists of analog radio CDL39 Fr41, a digital radio Fr90, audio information control unit, a ground reinforcement telecommunication system, remote control and display management communications. The last two elements of the system CDL39 on board a fighter pilot and serve as an interface. The most important part of the system is a digital radio CDL39 Fr90, supplied by the U.S. firm Rockwell Collins. " It has a range of 960-1215 MHz, and is protected by the REB in the form of technology, use the "jumping" of frequencies, encryption and encoding. CDL39 system is fully integrated with the new Swedish system of tactical radio communications (TARAS). TARAS system provides secure communication for fighters JA37D «Viggo and JAS39« Gripen, AWACs S-100B «Argus (optional passenger turboprop aircraft SAAB 340) and electronic intelligence aircraft S-102B« Kornev (the American version of the Gulfstream jet aircraft of the administrative Aerospace Gulfstream »IV-SP), as well as ground units, comprising the central command post control (StriC). Using the system CDL39, four planes simultaneously can lead the exchange of information (active), but only receive the information (passive mode) can be an unlimited number of aircraft. According to sources in the headquarters of the Swedish Air Force, the range of the system CDL39 than 500 km, which is due to aircraft transponders can be greatly increased. The main objective of the system is to transfer radar images and data on the status of the aircraft and its weapons systems on the network TARAS. For data transfer pilots should select a radio channel (this is done during the planning of a mission). Test system CDL39 confirmed its invulnerability to interference.

Data transmission system provides a "Gripen" tremendous tactical flexibility. For example, during operation of the shock plane can carry out an attack, receiving radar image area of ​​the goal and send the crew of the next group of aircraft. These crews, thus, get a complete picture of the target area, and will know that there have already been destroyed. The same information can be passed to the command post StriC, where the decision should be taken on the ground operation. In the conduct of air combat radar image of the enemy can be transferred from the board of one Gripen to another. The latter may turn off its radar and quietly closer to the goal. In this case, any rocket launched from it can be controlled from the board of the first fighter and the use of data from the AWACS aircraft will expand the "air picture" and allow other "Gripen" to effectively conduct a dogfight.

For evidence of system capabilities CDL39 Swedish Air Force conducted a series of exercises, during which a total of six interceptors JAS39 «Gripen successfully covered up half of the country. Using the system CDL39, three pairs of "Gripen" during a patrol to monitor the entire eastern coast of Sweden - on the northern tip. Gotland in the Baltic Sea to the airbase Ronneby and up to the southern coast of the country. Every pilot knows where to find his comrades that they are watching and they are going to do. One pilot, a veteran of the Swedish Air Force, a lot of flying off to "Drakenah" and "Viggenah, after a flight on the" Gripen "metaphorically remarked that he" saw the light after 25 years of blindness. "

Delivery fighter Gripen to Swedish Air Force are divided into three parties. Not surprisingly, the process of improving avionics newly-built machines are characterized by the composition of the equipment and combat capabilities. All the fighters were equipped with the first installment of triplex digital FBWCS produced by the American firm "Astroniks Lear", and cabin was equipped with information-control field Ericsson EP-17. It consisted of a wide-angle holographic HUD development of the American firm Hughes and three monochrome display with a screen size 120 x 150 mm, operated by the two processors PP1 and PP2 Ericsson. The company "Ericsson has also developed a central computer SDS80, consisting of several computers D80. This avionics conform Mk.1.

In avionics Mk.2 aircraft second batch made some changes, in particular supplier FBWCS became firm Lockheed Martin. Firm "SAAB" was responsible for the software, and Lockheed Martin has supplied hardware. The second change was associated with the change of supplier ILS: instead of "Hughes" it was another American firm - Kaiser Electronics. Finally, the firm Ericsson has adopted a new processor PP12, which is housed in one unit, not two, as it was for processors PP1 and PP2. Processor PP12 smaller and has a higher power. Were used advanced computers D80E with increased five-fold the amount of memory and 10 times the speed compared to the D80. These changes are gradually introduced into the avionics Mk.1 and have become common for modifications JAS39A and B.

Later aircraft began to receive the second installment of a better avionics Mk.Z. It was established in the last 20 cars of the party. This complex has a completely new supercomputer Ericsson D96, also known as MACS, made in a modular fashion. He has even greater memory capacity and, through the use of chips "Power PC». The cab has multifunctional color displays.Thus, the second batch of mass-produced fighter Gripen has cars equipped with avionics and Mk.2 Mk.Z.

On all aircraft third party avionics installed Mk.4, which include new large-format LCD MFD active-matrix (screen size 160 x 210 mm) and a digital memory unit, Ericsson - SAAB DiRECT (based on MPEG-2) instead of an analog 8 - mm voice recorder.

Two-seat fighter designed for advanced training and combat missions, depending on it in the rear cockpit can accommodate the second pilot or operator of the onboard systems.

Unlike JAS39B double JAS39D has in its rear cockpit radio communication equipment and a display processor, and both crew members can work independently of each other. This will allow the aircraft to perform specific tasks, for example, perform a leadership role in the group of strike aircraft, to serve as an airborne command post for the task of destroying enemy air defense systems or engage in transactions REP.

In accordance with the plans of Swedish Air Force, only Gripen with avionics Mk.Z will receive in the future Mk.4 complexes, since the first version of the complex Mk.1 and Mk.2 not have the necessary reserves to upgrade. Although the FVM would like to move all the aircraft on a complex Mk.4, funds are not allocated. As a result, the Air Force will be armed with two versions of a fighter Gripen characterized by different sets of avionics and, consequently, different capabilities. The new complex will be installed starting with the production aircraft 39208. The aircraft with the serial number 39207 will give us "SAAB" for use as a prototype JAS39C by assigning numbers 39-6. Double version (serial number 39800) was designated JAS39D and was used as a test.

On airplanes third series of the Party established the system of second-generation electronic warfare HWS39 (on planes of the first two batches used only a transitional version of such a system). This system was developed by Ericsson and Saab Avionics. She is able to locate and determine the coordinates of the radiation source, as well as to classify it. In addition to the existing means of self-defense (radar sensors irradiation located at the wing tips, the modules of the REB, established in the forward fuselage and on the keel, and means shooting chaff and heat traps BOP 403, located in the wing root) in the system HWS39 includes two additional container VOR 402 with chaff and heat traps (set at podkrylnyh pylons), the sensor alerts the laser irradiation, the system of warning of guided missiles and towed radar target BOL 500. Container with the target BOL 500 is placed on the pylon under the right wing. The system will provide aircraft HWS39 JAS39C / D self-defense in its entirety, and enable their use as electronic warfare aircraft in the air accompanied by the percussion group.

Fighters JAS39C / D «Gripen third party will fully comply with NATO standards, which will give them the opportunity to participate in multinational operations around the world. The aircraft will be equipped with a new system of identification, and the pilots will receive night vision goggles.Reviewed and further steps to improve the aircraft. For example, the proposed installation of a passive tracking system and tracking of IR-OTIS (designed by SAAB Daynemiks "and reminding finders of the ball fairing mounted on a Russian fighter in front of a lantern cockpit), helmet-mounted sight-sighting (to choose from two competing systems - Celsius Oden or joint development firms "Ericsson" and "Pilkington"), and radar from AFAR.

The armed Gripen can strike the imagination: that it makes the aircraft completely versatile. It can carry a variety of SD-class air - air »- AIM-9L« Sidewinder "(in Swedish Air Force has a designation Rb74), AIM-120 (Rb99) and IRIS-T (Rb98). Single fighter also has a built-in 27-mm Mauser cannon VK27. To destroy ground and surface targets can be used missiles AGM-65 "Maverick" or PKR RbslSF. In addition, the fighter can carry anti-tank cluster munitions DWS 39 and tactical KR Taurus KEPD-1S0, equipped with an inertial-satellite navigation system GPS / INS, correction system of the terrain and thermal guidance system. Fighter Gripen was created in accordance with the Swedish Air Force, so that it integrate into NATO and in demand on the world market, appropriate refinement.

Armament

Soon after the first flight of an experienced fighter Gripen began testing it with different weapons, but no relief from the suspension. Different combinations of missile and bomb weapons allowed us to determine their effect on the flight characteristics of aircraft, its handling and flutter, as well as fully reveal the load on the airframe. Realistic weapons testing began in 1991, now Gripen, which are in service with the Swedish Air Force, and export versions can be held in eight different weapons hardpoints class "air - air and air - surface". Underway to develop new weapons systems, which will be included in a future arsenal of Gripen.

At the armed single-seat fighters include built-in 27-mm Mauser cannon with VK27 120 ammunition shells. The gun is located on the left side at the bottom of the fuselage. Firm "Saab has developed an original automated system targeting, combined with radar and autopilot. Such a system is well proven on the destroyer JA37 «Viggo." Auto Sight monitors and calculates the distance to and the lead angle. Once the pilot starts shooting, the radar tracks the trajectory of projectiles, while the autopilot keeps the aircraft in position. The system has high reliability and accuracy, it allows you to shoot at long distances, day or night and in bad weather.

Originally fighter Gripen replaced the oldest aircraft "Wiggum" - shock options AJ37 and AJS37.To destroy ground targets used SD class "air - surface" Hughes AGM-65 "Meyvrik" with the Swedish Air Force designation Rb75 («Rb» - an abbreviation of the word «Robot»). The Swedes used the remotely operated versions of missiles and AGM-65A AGM-65B. At launch AGM-65B had the zoom mode ("Zoom") that allows you to capture target at a distance of two times more than it did launch AGM-65A. Missile range 3 km, but representatives of Swedish Air Force argued that the effective range of starting against the target of the "tank" is almost twice as much. Under the wing of Gripen can carry six blocks with 135-mm Bofors M70 PC, which are also used on fighter "Viggo."

At the armed also includes cluster munitions Vk90 (DWS39 «Melner"); they have applied since 1997 Vk90 munition is designed in Sweden, the German version of the Cluster Munition DASA DWS24, designed to destroy unarmored targets located in open terrain. Munition weighs 650 kg and has 24 sub-munitions, fired in a lateral direction. Typical sub-munitions are MLS caliber 4 kg, which undermined at a low altitude and hit the soft targets, and MJ2 caliber of 18 kg, capable of engaging armored vehicles. Cluster munition Vk90 planning to bomb looks like; depending on the speed, altitude and flight path the aircraft carrier flight range of the munition is 5-10 km. It has its own inertial navigation system, radar altimeter on-board computer. For trajectory correction are four movable rudder at the rear of the chassis.

Against surface targets using subsonic ASM SAAB Daynemiks Rbs15F, developed on the basis of rocket Rbs15M, who was armed with high-speed patrol boats. The missile weighs 600 kg, including armor-piercing warhead weighing 200 kg. It is equipped with a small turbojet TRI-60-3 production by the French company "Mikrotyurbo. Missile range of 200 km. Launch Rbs15F belongs to a class of precision weapons, it is quite maneuverable, as created specifically for use in a variety of narrow waters, which are abundant in the coast of Sweden. After launching the missile is flying near the water surface, using the INS system for trajectory correction, the final segment of the flight included a radar guidance system. The attack, carried out by a group of four aircraft, leading with his radar determines the purposes and through a data driven reports the coordinates of the selected targets. After that, the crews led by aircraft could independently attack missiles Rbs15F these purposes.

First, to destroy air targets Gripen could carry missile AIM-9L «Sidewinder» (Rb74) with a heat of the GOS, and in the middle of 1999 on arms was adopted SD medium-range AIM-120 (Rb99). The fighter from the very beginning of development was considered as a carrier of AIM-120 missiles, the relevant agreements were signed between the U.S. and Sweden. Airborne radar PS-05 / A was designed for the use of these missiles with active radar guidance system. With aircraft Gripen can simultaneously run rocket attack four targets, namely as AIM-120 missiles it can carry. In this case, radar can be accompanied by a further 10 goals. In the future, the aircraft can carry two AIM-120 missiles on the paired ventral pylon.

The above equipment allows "Gripen" to perform a wide range of tasks. Nevertheless, the leadership of the Air Force is trying to expand the range of weapons. In particular, it planned to purchase laser-guided KAB. To do this, right at the bottom of the fuselage will be located hanging container with thermal sighting and navigation system LITENING, developed by the firms "Raphael" (Israel) and Zeiss Optronic (Germany). This system is able to work together with the system FUR and laser guidance system that usually installed on the KAB "Peyvuey. Preparation of Gripen to the use of CRR began in 2001

Swedish Air Force also plans to acquire tactical KR Taurus KEPD-350, created jointly by German and Swedish designers. This rocket comes in two forms: KEPD-150 with a warhead weighing 1,060 kg and a flight range of 150 km and KEPD-350, has a warhead weighing 1,400 kg and a range of 350 km. Missiles are equipped with a small jet engine, has an inertial-satellite navigation system GPS / INS, a tracking system of the terrain and thermal imaging systems TERNAV terminal guidance. KR KEPD-350 was created for the German Air Force fighter Panaview Tornado and Evrofaiter EF2000, while lighter KEPD-150 was always associated with the Gripen. But it turned out that the mass-dimensional characteristics of the CD KEPD-350 can be successfully applied to it, and the Swedish fighter. In November 2003 he was made the first flight of fighter JAS39C (number 39209) with two rockets KEPD-350.

To replace the future missile AIM-9L (Rb74) is a new generation of missile IRIS-T (Rb98). This rocket created by a group of European countries (Germany, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Italy and Greece) with the participation of firms in Canada. Guided its development of the German company BGT. The design of missile IRIS-T uses a thermal imaging homing system, and to enhance maneuverability - small wings and thrust vector control system of solid propellant. Missile range 12 km. As the warhead can be used warhead from the missile "Sidewinder." Missile IRIS-T can be used against cruise missiles. Managed it can and using helmet-mounted sight-designator.Test missile IRIS-T (Rb98) on the fighter Gripen began in 1999, and in 2004 it had adopted.

Swedish Air Force has recently reviewed the possibility of using the Gripen as a means to destroy SAM radars (abroad such planes are called "Wild Weasley" - "wild weasel"). Such a role, most likely, will perform double JAS39D. With appropriate financing option confusional fighter may appear in 2006-2007.

Most of the Air Force in the world is experiencing a period of contraction. Swedish Air Force is no exception. It was recently announced that the reduction to be not only part of the drill, but the air base. With this in mind in service to a total of eight squadrons of aircraft Gripen, which will be located at four air bases. It is multi-functional fighter played an important role in the formulation of plans to reduce the aircraft fleet.

The Air Force also would like to have a reconnaissance version, the more so in the near future, airplanes and AJSF37 AJSH37 «Viggo" flying reconnaissance tasks, will be decommissioned.Firm "SAAB Tech has developed a grid container reconnaissance system SPK39, which includes optical sensor photoelectron CA270V and digital recording system of the images (instead of traditional cameras). Flight tests of the system SPK39 began in late March 2005 to double the fighter JAS39B (number 39800), owned by FMV. Adopted it will be adopted in 2006, is well known that the Swedish Air Force ordered eight of these containers.

Another important type of weapons will be SD-class "air - air medium-range" Meteor "created by the European consortium MBDA. This rocket is able to overcome the tight barrier of radio interference, and its characteristics, it is substantially superior to the family of missiles AMRAAM."Meteor" has a ramjet sustainer and active radar guidance system. After start-up information about the target comes on board the rocket from an aircraft carrier or from other aircraft, such as another aircraft Gripen, AWACs Boeing E-3 AWACS or SAAB "Eria" that allows you to hit a plane immediately withdraw from the battlefield .

Flight and tactical characteristics

In accordance with the Swedish Air Force, fighter Gripen can operate with a snow-covered runway 800 m long, and its preparation to re-escape (fueling, replacement weapons inspection and maintenance) is 10 min. These operational capabilities are key elements of instruction BAS90, which provides for the use in wartime straight sections of motorways. In developing the aircraft has been tasked to facilitate maintenance in the field. During one exercise after planting Gripen team of three technicians for 45 min removed the still warm engine is RM12, then install it again, after which the fighter went on the second flight.

The chosen scheme with trapezoidal wing aircraft and tselnopovorotnym PGO provides not only high performance but also a very good takeoff and landing characteristics. In the version of the interceptor Gripen can take off from a runway length of less than 500 m. In the run surface PGO set almost vertically, acting as air brakes. In this case, nose landing gear wheel tightly pressed against the surface of the runway, providing a more efficient operation of the brakes. In addition, the rear fuselage has a couple of conventional brake flaps. Before takeoff the engine output to maximum thrust 5450 kgf, then simultaneously with the release of the brakes chassis includes Fast and the Furious, which increases the thrust to 8,220 kgs. With maximum fuel in internal tanks and no external suspensions Gripen takes off after 18 sec at speed 330 km / h (front wheels come off the runway at a speed of 240 km / h). The climb begins with a speed of 550 km / h. Fliers emphasize the high initial rate of climb of a fighter. They are also very pleased with the aircraft flying qualities. For example, the automatic landing aircraft approaching the runway at a speed of 280-300 km / h, and the speed at the moment of contact of the band is 270 km / h at an angle of attack 12 °. If the angle of attack increased to 14 °, then the rate of contact can be reduced to 235 km / h.

Feature of the aircraft is its braking system, which allows the pilot to include pre-brakes before touching the runway. However, the brake system is activated only when the front wheels touched the runway. At this point, all control surfaces, including the CHR, while involved in the process of braking. This delivers a significant reduction in mileage. In particular, the landing angle of attack 14 ° mileage to a full stop is 350-400 m.

Flight performance Gripen optimized version of the interceptor. As claimed by the firm Saab, the aircraft can carry supersonic cruise flight without afterburning in the presence of suspended weapons. This is possible thanks to an extremely small inductive reactance plane. The pilots say that Gripen can easily survive the speed and course, no other compare with him can not.

Gripen, as well as other modern fighter aircraft can fly with an overload 9. In this case, it has a high rate of change, reaching 6 units per second. In this case, the pilot can rapidly deteriorate vision (there is the effect of "tunnel") and receive a ringing in my ears. To avoid this, pilots use a special G-suit, which fully protects the legs and an inflatable antigravity jacket. This combination allows for the actual reloading 9 feel overload no more than 5-6.

Fighting characteristics also affect the fighter. With two pairs of missile AIM-120 (Rb99) and AIM-9L (Rb74) and the two PTB plane can for 2 hours to patrol at a distance of 385 km from the base. Fueling the flight significantly increases during a patrol. With three CRR GBLJ-15 caliber 454 kg when the flight profile of a "small - small - small height" combat radius "Gripen" is nearly 650 km. If he has two such bombs and drop tanks, the combat radius is increased to 830 km. Attack surface targets is performed by the typical profile of the "big - small - high altitude", in which case the fighter carries two PKR Rbs15F, and the flight range is 500 km. Ferry range with Gripen over 2,770 km.

Judging from the comments, Gripen during the operation has exceeded all design parameters. He was much less resistance, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption, range, and climb higher than planned. Time between failures equals 7.6 h. This means that on a flight hour required 10 attendees. / H maintenance - the lowest value among today's frontline fighters. When comparing operating costs with a fighter jet F-16C / D aircraft for Gripen they do not exceed $ 2500 per flying hour (including the cost of fuel and maintenance). According to this index Gripen already complies with the requirements that the Air Force have set ourselves for 2020

Operation

Preparation of Gripen to the operation began in December 1987 when the Swedish Air Force Command has decided that the first will get a new car air wing F7, stationed at the airbase in Satenes. A few months later, it was announced that the Air Wing will also be a place for training future pilots of all aircraft Gripen. Directive of the Air Staff for aviakrylom F7 were assigned the following tasks: a centralized training of pilots, the creation of the simulator base and training.Airbase in Satenese was chosen because of its relatively isolated location, lack of obstacles in the form of high buildings and mountains, an enabling environment for training flights involving weapons. In 1973, for the same reasons AFB was selected for fighter pilot training AJ37 «Viggo." The main problem was the need to upgrade the infrastructure base, not only to take two-equipped squadrons "Gripen", but add about 40 pilots, who will be retrained with Drakenov "and" Viggenov, as well as regularly arriving 5 - 12 students, past the initial training at the Central Air Force flying school. Here in Satenesee will be trained foreign pilots.

Confirmed Flight Center in Satenesee was opened in June 1996 He is now fully equipped with the necessary classrooms and flight stands, has a gym and a service of meteorological observations. Classrooms are located next to the hangars and parking areas, so that pilots can quickly get on a plane or go into the classrooms. Much attention is paid to training pilots on simulators. In the summer the center has two flight stand FMS, allowing fully work out combat missions, and four simulator MMT. Recent serve to teach piloting, they are equipped with a set of flight and navigation instruments and a screen for displaying the environment. Aerobatic displays connected to each other, so that pilots can "fly" a couple or a "fight" against each other. At the direction of Staff Swedish Air Force simulators MMT should be at all air bases that host the Gripen.

In the summer the center of training was conducted on the so-called system FUS39. It consisted of two distinct cycles. The first cycle of concerned pilots flew on fighter "Draken" and "Wiggum" and who needed retraining while the other was connected with the pilots, who had just finished the courses of initial training and had a duration 200 hours of training on the aircraft SAAB SK60.Retraining for Gripen took two courses - TIS39: A and TIS39: Y. The abbreviation «TIS39» meant «Typinskolning 39", ie 'Re on a plane JAS39 ». The letter "A" meant that in this course are retrained skilled fliers (the initial letter of the word «Aldre» - «older), and the letter« Y »said that the course involved young drivers (the initial letter of the word« Yngre "-" young "). The courses took place in four stages, which were dedicated to flight training, the study of avionics, weapons systems and combat use.

Now for flights on "Gripen" is prohibited, except those pilots who were six-month course TIS39: A, ie, it flew at least 60 h and trained for 40 hours at the gym. Active use of simulators FMS and IMT virtually eliminates the learning process for two-seater JAS39B; experienced pilots after 15 hours 'flight' on the trainers go to the independent flights on single-seat fighters JAS39A.

The first issue of young pilots who completed the course TYS39: Y, was held in November 2001, the learning process took a year, during which the pilots were flying two-seater (30% of the time) and singles (70% of the time). After that, the pilots in 12 months raised the qualification in line units within the course GFSU JAS39, after which they were allowed to fly on "Gripen" without limitation.

The first fighter aircraft Gripen, Swedish Air Force received in 1994 were transferred to the center of military and tactical training TU JAS39. Originally it was located at an air base in Malmspette. It was very convenient, as were a number of testing facilities, owned by FMV, and the city of Linköping, where there is a factory firm "SAAB." Now the center is located in TU JAS39 Satenese. Its specialists are involved not only in the operational and tactical training of pilots, they are also involved in further improvement of the fighter Gripen, in particular the creation of new types of weapons and sensors, command and information systems and aerobatic displays.They also assist in planning combat missions.

Naturally, the first in the Swedish Air Force have been retrained on fighters Gripen squadrons of CVW F7, before this had on board "Viggo." This has made the first 2 Squadron ("Gustav Blais) October 31, 1997 A year later, this level went 1-Squadron (Gustav Red"). Then retrained wing F10, stationed at the airbase in Engelholme. This two squadrons - 2-I (Johann Blais) and 1-I (Johan Red ") - have completed the retraining course on TIS39: A Satenese in, respectively, in January 2000 and January 2001, the squadron" Johann Blais became first peresevshey immediately with fighter J35A «Draken" Built 1950 to modern Gripen.

According to initial plans, the Air Force by 2006 for service to be taken 204 fighter aircraft Gripen, of which six will be formed aviakrylev (12 squadrons). However, in March 2000 the Swedish Parliament decided to reduce the number of squadrons to eight. Suggested to remove aviakrylya F10 (Engelholm) and F16 (Uppsala). It is extremely costly, given that the F10 wing already completed the process of retraining and F16 wing was to be the third in the Air Force switched to the Gripen. Parliament's decision shocked many, but the government considered it the best solution to the current economic situation. Thus, in the Swedish Air Force remaining eight squadrons, summarized in four wing - F4 (Ostersund), F7 (Satenes), F17 (Ronneby) and F21 (Lulea). At the same time, it was decided to increase the number of fighters in the squadron from 16 to 24, so that the number of ordered aircraft remained unchanged. But this did not happen.The fact that there were no funds to bring up to date the first production fighter aircraft Gripen, which decided to grant a lease or sell the foreign customer.

Despite the decision of the parliament, the BBC decided to complete the re-Wing F10 in Engelholme, after which two of his squadron to transfer into the F17 Wing at Ronneby. This wing is made up of squadrons "Quintus Red" (1 st) and Quintus Blais (2-I). Meanwhile, pilots 2 Squadron ("Urban Blais") from the F21 Wing was completed in summer centers in Satenese retraining course TIS39: A and underwent further training at the rate of GFSU: A JAS39 at the airbase in Engelholme. In January 2002 the squadron Urban Blais arrived at the base in Lulea and the beginning of a normal service. Squadron "Urban Red" wing of the F21 before 2004 continued to fly airplanes AJS37 «Viggo, performing reconnaissance tasks, and then began to be used for these purposes again received Gripen. F4 wing at Östersund was the last aircraft Gripen. In July 2002 the squadron was formed, "David Red" (1 st), and in April 2003 - Squadron 'David Blais' (2-I).

By February 2002 the Swedish Air Force received more than 100 single-seat fighters and 10 double JAS39A JAS39B. The total flight time by the end of 2001 exceeded 20000 hours among these fighters have been selected four cars that participated in the program PRI39, whose purpose was to determine the resource capabilities of airframe design. Two aircraft (serial numbers 39121 and 39122) were from the first production batch, and two more (serial numbers 39131 and 39142) - from the second. By the beginning of 2002, each of them flew 800 hours in the program PRI39 they should swoop in 1600 h. In the future this program will join two fighters from the third series of the Party.

We have already mentioned that the basis of exploitation "Gripen" the concept BAS90, providing an opportunity based on the dispersed airfields. While in many countries to protect aircraft built thousands of shelters (caponiers), Sweden expressed a preference to protect equipment in the open air due to dispersal. The Gulf War in 1991 showed that the Iraqi Air Force planes stationed in caponier were destroyed them with precision air weapons. This, according to Swedish experts, confirms the correctness of the chosen concept BAS90. According to her, in case of war, all fully air bases are empty, and each wing to disperse their aircraft at small venues in different parts of the country, for their take-off will serve as a straight section of the motorway. Curiously, this idea is realized by 1930.

Requirements of the "highway-based" have a strong influence on the choice of appropriate equipment and methods of operation. All developed in Sweden aircraft (combat or transport) must take off and land on a runway length

no more than 800 m and a width of 15 m. Pre-training should be performed in relatively primitive conditions, but it should be simple and quick. Fulfill this condition for the fourth-generation fighter seemed impossible, but the "SAAB" successfully coped with the task. Another feature of the concept BAS90 lies in the fact that all the necessary ground equipment must be mobile and maintain aircraft at the time of their dispersal.

In peacetime Swedish Air Force have 22 air bases - the six main operating in peacetime, and 16 reserve in case of war. Until 2000, there were 24 air bases. Each Reserve Air Base, in accordance with the concept BAS90, covers an area measuring 20x30 km. It should have one main runway length of 2000 m and three to four auxiliary runway 800 m long, which are mainly used rectification and advanced sections of motorways. All runways are connected good roads.On the sides of these roads are located up to 100 smaller sites, carefully camouflaged from the air for aircraft parking. In northern Sweden are used shelters made of rocks. Airbases stored on backup fuel reserve, and there are underground bunkers for command and control centers, also reserve bases BAS90 concept provides for the deployment of aircraft in 50 other places, such as airfields, which are usually based civilian light airplanes.

BAS90 concept implies that the aircraft must often change their place of home and, ideally, never to return there, from where it departed. According to its developers, this will complicate the definition of the coordinates of the enemy reserve airfield. Dispersal system to operate smoothly, it must be extremely effective to provide all necessary facilities. To this end, the structure of Swedish Air Force provided 16 special battalions BASBat85, which are engaged in maintenance and replacement fighter weapons.

As part of a battalion of eight mobile teams, with six technicians. Might be an option group, consisting of one highly skilled engineering and five soldiers who, after several weeks of training fully master all the operations. Each team has three cars for transport fuel, ammunition and all sorts of tools you need to prepare for the departure of one aircraft. Immediately after landing, the fighter group leaves carefully camouflaged hiding place and begin their work. After takeoff the aircraft, it immediately returns. If necessary, the battalion BASBat85 with the attached equipment can be transported military transport aircraft Lockheed P-130N Hercules (in Swedish Air Force is designated Tr84). Often, such a flight is performed at extremely low altitudes.

To prepare for the departure of the re-interceptor takes less than 10 minutes, and the shock option - 20 min. However, such time is achievable in ideal conditions. In developing the aircraft Gripen preparation for re-reach, reliability and ease of maintenance were on the list of basic requirements. Create a new generation of advanced fighter aircraft without compliance with its concept BAS90 was pointless. To confirm this correspondence aircraft Gripen regularly participate in exercises. Typically, they last one - two weeks, of which one day is exploitation in conditions of dispersal.

Troubleshooting onboard Gripen is quite simple: it is necessary only to include APU as one of the displays in the cockpit is automatically included a list of failures. Therefore, technicians can immediately begin to remove them, rather than engage in many hours of searching. During the flight the pilot automatic alerts of any serious problems of non-essential, he is not informed. As soon as there is a serious problem, the pilot on the display receives information about a failed system. He can immediately apply to the electronic directory, which lists ways to avoid complications, for example, "to fly without a sharp maneuver," "convert the engine to idle power", "exclude icing conditions," etc. All this is recorded in computer. After planting techniques immediately climbs into the cockpit and is on display all the information about failures for detailed acquaintance with them, and then begins to address them.

Currently, the Air Force is the replacement of 16 battalions BASBat85 eight battalions BASBat04, one for each wing fighter Gripen. The transition to the new structure is part of an overall plan for transformation of Swedish Air Force, which provides for a departure from the traditions of the Cold War, when the country was preparing to resist the forces of invasion, to a modern and more flexible organizational structure. Battalion BASBat04 be more mobile and independent of other units wing, it also can be delivered anywhere in Sweden or any other country. If the activities of the battalions BASBat85 covers a vast area, the battalion BASBat04 will be more concentrated. He is able to sustain combat operations conducted simultaneously in two places. Overseas battalion BASBat04 be able to operate autonomously for 30 days.

Mass production

Total Swedish Air Force ordered 204 fighters Gripen, which were supplied by three serial batches. The contract for the first batch of 30 single aircraft JAS39A (serial numbers 39101-39130) was signed in late June 1982 simultaneously with the order for the construction of five experimental machines. The first Gripen was handed over to the Swedish Air Force June 8, 1993 during a ceremony at the plant firm SAAB in Linköping. This was an airplane under the number 39102 (serial copy of 39,101 remained at the firm as a test). The last fighter from the first batch was delivered on Dec. 13, 1996, ie after three and a half years after the start of deliveries. The first contract involved the construction of 30 aircraft at a fixed price that almost ruined the company "SAAB", as had extra spending money on "treatment" of the aircraft from the various "ills", especially related to the management system. For the construction of the first Gripen took six hundred and four days, but by the time the construction of the first installment of the assembly time a fighter has managed to reduce to 200 days. One fighter JAS39A of this party was never built, as it began to adapt to the double variant JAS39B a serial number of 39800. The result was that the number 39130 was not assigned to any "Gripen".

26 June 1992 a contract was signed on the second installment of the 110 series of fighters. It consisted of 96 single-seater (numbers 39131-39226) and 14 double rooms (rooms 39 801 -39 814). Two-seat fighter JAS39B differed from the single lengthened by 0.66 m fuselage and the lack of built-in gun VK27, since its place is the rear cockpit. Fuel capacity on JAS39B slightly smaller, but the composition of the equipment and flight data, he was no different from the single.Delivery fighters began the second installment of 19 December 1996 and was completed in late 2003

In the section devoted to avionics, there were differences between the aircraft first and second parties. Another difference is the use of the new APU produced by the American firm "Hamilton Sandstrend" instead of the French installation Mikrotyurbo TGA15, which, as it turned out, did not meet new environmental requirements (particularly noise) and had low fatigue life. U.S. MAT was less noisy, produce more power and require less maintenance. She began to establish a production aircraft 39207. Later MAT firm Hamilton Sandstrend "will stand at all" Gripen ".

June 26, 1997 signed a contract to build the third installment in the number of fighters 64 units - 50 single JAS39C (numbers 39227-39276) and 14 double JAS39D (numbers 39815-39828).Delivery is planned to be implemented in 2003-2007. These aircraft are distinguished by better avionics, a sliding bar toplivopriemnika for refueling in flight (located on the right side of the front of the fuselage) and on-board oxygen generation system, which would increase the duration of the flight. At the end of 1988 on an experimental aircraft Gripen 39-4 tested the system in-flight refueling, developed by British company "Flight Refyuling. In 2003, several military transport aircraft Swedish Air Force Tr84 Hercules have been equipped with systems for charging podkrylnymi "Gripen" in flight. At one time the possibility of using the "Grip-no" option EJ200 turbofans Evrodzhet with SUVT, but due to financial constraints to implementation is not reached.

In 1995, during the Paris Air and Space exhibition between firms Saab and British Aero-Space "(now BAE Systems") was signed a partnership agreement in the field of marketing, manufacturing and after sales service fighter Gripen to international market. Joint venture was formed Gripen International. The Swedish side is believed that the British would help reach the external market, as they have extensive marketing network. The fighter is almost completely built in Linköping, firm BAE Systems has been producing the main landing gear. At one time it was about an assembly of some parts of the fuselage for the export of machinery at the plant firm BAE Systems in Brough.Great success of the Swedish-British partnership to no avail. From 1 January 2005 SP Gripen International has ceased to exist.

Export version of Gripen was the symbol JAS39X. In fact, it was a plane that corresponds to produce cars JAS39C / D third series of the Party. He retained all the basic features of the original options: digital FBWCS, low ESR and data transmission systems. In addition, it is installed in-flight refueling, airborne system for obtaining oxygen, suspended container with a laser designator and FLIR system and nashlemnyi sight, all the inscriptions in the cockpit are made in English. Provides for the use of night vision goggles and podkrylnyh pylons for suspension of arms in accordance with standards of NATO. Nevertheless, the specific equipment export version of the aircraft Gripen will be determined by the customer. If now the firm "SAAB" a year produces 18 fighters, in the presence of export orders the rate of production can be increased to 28. At one time, the joint venture Gripen International has held that the foreign market can be delivered around 400 aircraft.

The first success of the "Gripen" on the international market have come from not expecting.Specialists of JV "Gripen International has been assured that most potential buyers of the aircraft are the countries of former Eastern Europe and South America, and the first contract is expected from these regions. Instead, in November 1998 a contract for the supply of 28 "Gripen" was signed with the South African Air Force, according to which in 2007-2009. will be delivered to nine double planes JAS39D, and in 2009-2012. - 19 aircraft in a single embodiment JAS39C.Fighter Gripen will replace obsolete machines "Cheetah C and D, representing a licensed version of the French fighter Mirage» INEZ. Gripen will be equipped with some of the onboard systems and armament, developed by South Africa, in particular, will be used helmet-mounted sight-sighting manufacturing firm Denel, which will be compatible with the SD air-to-air "" A-Darter, also created in South Africa. Learning process for refueling in flight in March 2005 in Linköping arrived tanker South African Air Force Boeing 707-328S. In November 2005 the second buyer Gripen has become Hungary. Protocol was signed ten-year lease 14 fighter with the ability to purchase additional machines in the future. In early February 2003 was signed a formal agreement to lease fighter for 2006-2016. Place-based fighter was selected in Kecskemet air base, where they become part of the 59 th Tactical Wing. Intended for the aircraft in Hungary belong to the machine the first production batch, which as a result of restructuring of the Swedish Air Force were on conservation. The first Hungarian single JAS39C (number 39301) was prepared in late January 2005 and February 16, 2005, he made its first flight. The first Gripen Hungarian Air Force should receive in March 2006 and last - in December 2007

In December 2001 the Czech Republic (which also became a member of NATO) has announced its intention to adopt a 20 single and four double fighter Gripen to replace the old Soviet MiG-21.In mid-December 2003 the Czech government approved, however, the acquisition of only 14 fighters (12 single and two JAS39C "Sparky» JAS39D). Sweden proposed to the Czechs to take them on lease for 10 years, and to provide training of crews and after-sales service. The lease agreement was signed in June 2004, the entire transaction is valued at $ 801 million All aircraft will be fully consistent with NATO standards. To lease Gripen previously destined for the Swedish Air Force. They already existed in the live form, and therefore were carried out fairly quickly - within, April - August 2005

Active negotiations for the purchase of aircraft Gripen fought with Austria, Poland and Brazil.Austrian Air Force gather in 2005-2012. to retire old planes Swedish J350E «Draken", instead of which will be purchased 32 new fighter. The list of candidates including various aircraft, among which were Gripen, MiG-29 and Rafale. But the victory was gained by Eurofighter Typhoon.Poland announced plans to buy 60 new aircraft to replace the obsolete Soviet-made aircraft. But even here, "Gripen" is not lucky: the way he passed the American fighter Lockheed Martin F-16C. Brazilian Air Force fighters are looking for easy replacement of Northrop F-5 and plan to purchase 24 new machines. Brazil has several times announced an international tender for new fighter FX, but it still did not come to an unambiguous choice. Among potential buyers, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Pakistan, and the Baltic countries.

Being sought buyers in the countries of Southeast Asia, some of which are collected in the near future to replace old aircraft. For example, in October 2004, Air Force Commander of Thailand said that it is not ruled out buying the party "Gripen" to replace old machines Northrop F-5. It should be noted that in this region Gripen faces strong competition from the F-16 fighters, F/A-18 and Mirage 2000-5. According to the firm "SAAB", a great opportunity to sell Gripen in these countries are represented in the period 2005-2010. By this time most of the fighters are in service have exhausted the resources, and a serious competitor as a fighter Lockheed Martin F-35 still will not be ready for export.