![]() ![]() This is important because it enables rapid modifications to be made to the overall system without the need for fresh flight testing each time.įive years ago, while working as project manager for the Gripen E’s avionics backbone, Segertoft described Saab’s approach – initiated in 2009 – as being “naively brave”, but he is no doubt that it was the right strategy for delivering success. “Model-based design” is a popular buzzword in the fighter industry today, but Saab claims to be the first manufacturer to have achieved it.Ī software engineer by trade who joined the company in 2010 from the automotive sector, Segertoft points to another fundamental design philosophy for the Gripen E, which separates the architecture for its flight-critical and non-critical software. We have finalised 100% and sent in 84% or so,” he says.įlight-test activities supporting certification campaign are drawing to an end at Linkoping siteĪs the total number of sorties flown has passed 1,100, Segertoft says that what was a technically very challenging development process is now reaping clear benefits. “Today will be some of the last test sorties we will do,” he tells FlightGlobal, with the airframer to formally apply for military type certification “in the summer”.Īlready, “the authorities have approved over 50% of the documentation package. Johan Segertoft, Saab’s programme director, Gripen E/F, says the new fighter is nearing the completion of its type certification campaign, with data-gathering flights almost at an end. While the aircraft might look much like its older C-model sibling, the increased power – and noise – from the larger jet’s 22,000lb-thrust (98kN) powerplant clearly sets it apart. It was a cool, crisp, clear morning on the last day of March, and the calm of spring was briefly interrupted as one of the Swedish air force’s future assets – tail number 6012 – departed Linkoping for a test flight, with a thunderous roar from its GE Aviation F414 engine. The Brazilian air force’s lead pair of serial production examples arrived in the Latin American nation by ship on 1 April, and further transfers to the service and the Swedish air force will be made in the coming months.įlightGlobal was recently given exclusive access to review the fighter’s development and production status, and to try out one of Saab’s development simulators for the type. Less than a decade after the company in 2013 received a 60-unit launch order from Stockholm, and five years since first flight, its Linkoping site is now firmly in delivery mode with the all-new model. Airline Business special: CEOs to watch in 2021Īll-new combat aircraft was launched on back of 60-unit order for Swedish air force.FlightGlobal Guide to Business Aviation Training and Safety 2021. ![]()
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