The Saab JAS-39 Gripen is Sweden's most advanced jet fighter aircraft. The Gripen employs a combination of a delta wings and canards which give the fighter excellent slow speed performance and superb high speed maneuverability.
Although the Saab JAS-39 Gripen is far more capable and costs less than earlier generation aircraft models, its operating costs are lower.
In Swedish JAS stands for Jakt (fighter), Attack (attack), and Spaning (reconnaissance). The aircraft was developed to fulfill all three roles in a single airplane.
The Saab JAS-39 Gripen compares favorable with the most advanced and capable fighter aircraft in the world. Initial cost of the aircraft is approximately 30% less than the most modern U.S. aircraft, while lifetime operating costs are also substantially lower.
The Saab JAS-39 Gripen comes in one or two seat configurations. The structure of the aircraft is
composed of almost 30% carbon fibre to reduce weight.
Unlike earlier aircraft models, the Saab JAS-39 Gripen does not use thrust reversing for braking on landings. Instead the canards rotate nearly 90 degrees.
The Saab JAS-39 Gripen aircraft targeting system uses an advanced Ericsson radar that can track numerous targets simultaneously and provide instant tactical assessment for the pilot of the aircraft. The radar is equally effective for both air and ground missions.
The aircraft has an on board APU and the ability to operate from short, unimproved landing strips and roads.
The air forces of Sweden, Czechslovakia and Hungry are all major users of Saab JAS-39 Gripen aircraft.
On the drawing board for future Saab Gripen versions is a more powerful engine, the ability to carry additional ordnance, plus enhanced radar, avionics, and electric warfare systems.
To date over 200 Saab JAS-39 Gripen aircraft of all types have been produced.
