The SAAB Gripen E multi-role fighter has gone supersonic for the first time during flight testing since first flight in June 2017.
The aircraft (designation 39-8) took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden and was piloted by Saab test pilot Marcus Wandt.
The Gripen E/F (single/twin) seat is an advanced and upgraded variant of the first generation Gripen that entered service in 1997.
Flight testing will continue through next year and first delivery is scheduled from 2019 to Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces.
Gripen E features an overall upgrade to all of its major systems, with major thrust on its avionics. The PS-05 mechanically scanned radar has been replaced with the Selex ES actively Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which can simultaneously and independently track different targets.
The passive IRST electro-optical system mounted on top of the nose, just in front of the canopy, and is looking forward in a wide sector registering heat emissions from other aircraft, helicopters and from objects on the ground and sea surface.
The aircraft has been stretched over 1 m to an overall length of 15.2 m and max take off weight has been increased by 2,500 kg to 16,500 kg.
Weapon and sensor carrying capability has been increased with the addition of two under wing weapon pylons, bringing total six under wing stations and four under fuselage stations.
The single-seat Gripen E is equipped with a 27 mm Mauser BK27 gun. This can be used in air-to-surface attacks against land and sea targets and is suitable for air policing missions. Gripen E can also carry pods and sensors for reconnaissance and special missions. These include Litening, Reccelite, DJRP and MRPS pods.
Engine thrust has been increased by 18 kN to 98 kN with the GE Aviation F414G turbofan engine variant.
