Saab Gripen NG - The Brazilian Air Force's New Supersonic Aircraft
Video from the channel Aero Por Trás da Aviação about Saab, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 10:40. Language: Portuguese. Video type: News.
What is announced
At the 2018 Greenk Tech Show, the Brazilian Air Force displayed a full-scale replica of the Gripen NG, the Swedish fighter chosen to renew its fleet. At the time the prototype had not yet flown. A FAB lieutenant colonel explains the program: Brazil will receive 36 aircraft and will be the only country with the two-seat version. The first prototype was expected to fly in Sweden in 2019, with the first aircraft reaching Brazil in 2021.
Context
The original Gripen was designed for a small country like Sweden. The Brazilian version was adapted to a contract requirement: greater range, with a larger fuel tank. It can also refuel in flight. It will complement the modernized F-5s in air defense, strike, interception and beyond-visual-range combat missions. The tour of the replica shows the forward canards, the cockpit's large multifunction display, the head-up display and helmet-mounted data display. The pilot can operate weapons and systems without letting go of the controls.
What it means
The officer highlights the technology transfer, as previously happened with the AMX. Saab will invest more than 150 million dollars in a new plant in São Bernardo do Campo. In addition, Brazilian pilots are taking part in development work in Sweden.