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JAS 39 GRIPEN READY FOR COMBAT
by Karl Schwarz
After three days of intensive exercise operations, Wing Commander Jan Wahlgren of the F7 Base Battalion of the Swedish Flygvapnet was more than satisfied. " The exercise has gone better than hoped. Some sceptics thought that we would be unable to operate a high-tech system like the Gripen from our street bases in the forest, but we proved them wrong without a doubt!"
As they do with the Viggen, the Swedish Air Force are using a lot of conscripts to operate the JAS 39. Among the thousand soldiers who were taking part in the first large scale off-base exercise for the new multi-role fighter, were 650 reservists, who were up until then only trained to maintain the Viggen.
After two weeks' retraining they felt that the JAS 39 was "even more simple. We basically do the same jobs but need less equipment and there is less to do. For example, the fighter recognises for itself which weapons we have attached to the pylons", says Stefan Nyberg, who is a metalworker in his civilian job. The Gripen can be fuelled and armed in ten minutes, ready for action in the air defence role.
The battalion exercise around the F7 base in Satenäs in West Sweden, in which other components of the "Air Force 2000" concept were also tested, was the final trial for the operational readiness of the JAS 39. This was officially confirmed on October 31, 1997. Thus the Wing F7 of Flygvapnet is the first unit world-wide, which has fully operational fighters of the fourth generation at its disposal. Countries like Germany, Italy or Great Britain will have to wait for this for at least another five years.
After the contract for the third series was signed last July, the Swedish Air Force is preparing to take delivery of 204 before the year 2007. Among them are 24 two-seaters in full combat configuration. Twelve squadrons will be equipped with these. There will be four less than originally planned, however, as cost cutting and restructuring has been inevitable following the new Air Force plan in December 1996. After the F7 in Satenäs, the last Draken Unit and the AJS-37 squadron at F10 in Ängelholm is supposed to receive the Gripen, followed by the F16 Flight in Uppsala starting in the year 2000.
Although the introduction of the JAS 39 has only just begun and the machines are probably the most modern in-service fighters in the world at the moment, the Flygvapnet and Saab are already thinking about modernisation. A large range of possible upgrades is studied for introduction with batch 3, retrofit to the whole fleet or long-term technology insertion. Among them are:
- The Ericsson PS-05/A-Radar will be equipped with new, much more powerful, computers each with two billion floating point operations per second. This will enhance the plane's capability, especially in difficult ECM environments. In addition, reliability is improved by 50 per cent.
- Ericsson has been working on an aerial with active electronic scanning, which is suitable for the PS-05/A. The firm has managed to reduce the transmission/reception modules to a length of 10 cm. Tests are currently in progress with an aerial using 100 modules. However, for this application the aerial would have to carry 1,200 to 1,300 modules. There is money available for the first flight tests in 1999. Co-operation with other firms would make sense in the long run. Serial production will not take place before the year 2010.
- In the cockpit three existing black and white screens are exchanged for bigger colour displays (15 x 20 cm). These are compatible with night vision glasses.
- Tests for the use of helmet displays were started. This is relevant for the targeting of the new generation of especially nimble air-to-air missiles. Sweden is involved in the development of Iris-T from BGT which is intended for the replacement of Sidewinders.
- The D-80 Computers, which have up to now been used for various tasks in the avionics system will be changed for MACS (Modular Airborne Computer System). These are based on Power PC processors which are used in civilian life and produced by Motorola. Their use is no problem according to Ericsson thanks to the efficient cooling system.
- The recording system, which currently uses Hi-8 Video Cameras (for radar data, head-up display camera, weapons and communications information) is exchanged for digital equipment with removable disk storage.
- A air refuelling system is being offered for export customers. A mock-up of a retractable probe, in the left fuselage behind the cockpit, will be tested for the first time in 1998.
- Changes are intended to the RM12 engine, which is built by Volvo and is a version of the General Electric F404. These include the use of single crystal turbine-blades as well as life prolonging modifications to the flame holder of the afterburner. The engine control will be exchanged for an entirely digital control (FADEC).
- In the long run Saab is interested in the installation of Thrust Vector Control. This is why talks were resumed with Germany and the USA about the revival of the X-31 program. However, the Gripen prototype might be used as a test carrier after the year 2000.
- The contract to develop and qualify the new auxiliary power unit (APU) was given to Sundstrand Power Systems. It will be based on the APS 1000, that is installed in the Saab 2000 and should most of all fulfil the very strict noise limitations. First tests are planned for 1998 and the test flights will start in 1999. Curently the Gripen is equipped with an APU (manufactured by Microturbo) which sadly is not satisfactory.
- For reconnaissanse a camera container is needed. This will contain electro-optical sensors to make it possible to store images digitally and transmit them rapidly via a data link.
Saab and BAe market the Gripen Internationally
The Gripen was developed in part to the very specific demands of the Flygvapnet. However, the combination of modern systems, a comparatively good price, (similar to that of the F-16) and low life-cycle costs make the fighter interesting for export as well. In order to take full advantage of the potential Saab secured British Aerospace's support in 1995. Both firms can envisage good sales prospects (possibly 250 fighters in the next 20 years).Intensive marketing campaigns are currently in progress in those countries in central Europe that will be admitted to NATO in 1999.
- Amongst them are Poland, which has the biggest need with 50 to 100. Correspondingly the competitors offer partial assembly and the possibility of a complete assembly line for aircraft and engines with PZL Mielec and PZL Rzeszow respectively. Last November the head of the Airforce General Kazimierz Dziok went to Linköping and was the first Polish pilot to fly the Gripen.
- Hungary wants to substitute roughly 30 MIG-21. In 1995 Saab signed detailed offset contracts, which were renewed in early 1997. The aim is to compensate the buying price by over 100 per cent. According to Saab investments and exports amount to 75 million US Dollars (140 million DM) to date.
- The Czech Republic needs 36 new fighters to compliment the light fighter L-159. An Air Force team went to Linköping last Autumn for test flights. The deciding factor for the Prague government are the offset offers for the ailing airline industry, especially Aero. Boeing intends to become a partner; this was countered by the Gripen team, with a licensed manufacturing offer. It is difficult to foresee how quickly these countries will commit themselves to any acquisitions. However, in the last few months it could be heard in NATO circles that it would be preferred if the scarce financial means were first of all used to improve communication systems and the training of officers.
- Austria needs about 30 aircraft to substitute for its Saab Draken. Pilots of the Austrian Air Force have already flown the Gripen. There are already some contracts in place for the manufacture of parts in anticipation of possible orders; e.g. Böhler Schmiedetechnik is supplying components for the undercarriage.
- Chile will purchase 16 to 24 aircraft initially. Long term there is the requirement for 80 fighters to substitute for its Mirage 5 and F-5. After President Clinton lifted the export embargo on US Fighter planes to South America, F-18 and F-16 are competing here as well as the Mirage 2000. The results of the technological ratings are expected shortly. However, the head of the Air Force General Fernando Rojas Vender has already explained that economic considerations are just as important. These will have to be resolved by the Government.
- Brazil is looking for a substitute for its Mirage III and F-5. Around 50 fighters are needed. A decision may still take some time.
- The Philippines are requesting offers for the F-18C/D, the Mirage 2000-5, the Kfir 2000, the F-16C/D, the MIG-29 and the Gripen. 24 fighters might be purchased, possibly fewer following the recent economic problems. A decision will probably be made in 1998.
- South Africa received the offer of an extensive weapons deal from the UK, which included submarines and frigates. There is talk of 40 Gripen as well.
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Last updated February 5, 1998
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