Saab JAS 39 Gripen

JAS 39A/B Gripen
Description
Role	multirole fighter
Crew	1–2
Passengers	1 (Two Seat versions)
First flight	1988
Entered service	1996
Manufacturer
Produced	202 (as of 2008)
Dimensions
Length	14,10 m	46 ft 3 in
Wingspan	8,40 m	27 ft 7in
Height	4,70 m	14 ft 9in
Wing area	25,54 m²	275 sq ft
Weights
Empty	6800 kg	12,346 lb
Loaded	8,720 kg	19,224 lb
Maximum takeoff	14,000 kg
Powerplant
Engine
Power (each)	5.507 kg st (dry) 8,212 kg st (afterburn)	12,141 lb st (dry) 18,105 lb st (afterburn)
Performance
Maximum speed	2.130 km/h (Mach 2+)
Cruising speed	Mach 1.2–1.4 (Gripen NG)
Range	3000 km
Ceiling	15240 m	50,000 ft
Rate of climb	254 m/s	50,000 ft/min

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a Swedish fourth-generation fighter built by aerospace company Saab. It is a single engine, multirole-fighter designer for a single pilot. The C and D versions feature a longer canopy made for two persons.

History

Development of the JAS 39 began in 1980, with Saab forming Industri Gruppen JAS, to develop an affordable and capable multi-role fighter to replace the various members of the Viggen family. Stig Holmstrom carried out the first flight on 9th December 1988, with the first complete systems prototype, Gripen no. 3, flying in March 1991. However, problems soon emerged with the FBW flight control system, which were not resolved until 1995. Initial operational capability was achieved in 1997, and by the end of 2000, some 100 examples had entered service with Sweden. A further 28 examples for South Africa comprised the first export order.

JAS means Fighter, Attack, Reconnaissance.