'Gripen E' - Saab JAS-39E Gripen - Royal International Air Tattoo 2023

The SAAB JAS 39 Gripen is a light-weight multi-role fighter indigenously developed by Sweden to replace the legendary Draken and Viggen with the Swedish Air Force. The Gripen is powered by the Volvo RM12 turbofan which is a licence-built version of the General Electric F404, the same engine that powers the original versions of the F-18 Hornet. In 2008 a technology demonstrator first flew known as the "Gripen Demo" fitted with a new Raven AESA radar and powered by the General Electric F414 engine from the Super Hornet. This demonstrator proved the concept of a more advanced version of the Gripen known as the Gripen NG which would later be referred to as the Gripen E.

The JAS-39E differs from the earlier JAS-39A and C by utilising the F414 engine and the new advanced Raven AESA radar, InfraRed Search and Track System (IRST), highly advanced electronic warfare and communication systems, more advanced avionics plus a revised undercarriage and fuselage layout creating space for additional fuel and 10 hard points - two more than earlier models. Gripen E can conduct air-to-air, air-to-surface and reconnaissance missions. Air supremacy is achieved with the carriage of up to seven Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles and two Within Visual Range IRIS-T missiles.
Gripen E can operate in extreme climates and from dispersed and unprepared road bases or airstrips. It takes less than 20 minutes with only a limited number of ground crew and equipment to refuel and rearm Gripen for an air-to-air mission, which ensures rapid re-engagement.
The development of the Gripen E has been co-funded by Sweden and Brazil who have both ordered the type, with Brazil assembling the majority of their aircraft in country. The Gripen E conducted its first flight in 2017 and Brazil received their first aircraft during December 2022. Brazil have also ordered eight two-seat Gripen F variants that can be used both for training and for SEAD/Jamming activities.

SAAB sent a pair of Gripen Es to the 2023 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) marking the types debut at the show. One aircraft was on static and this one performed a flying display flown by SAAB test pilot André Brännström.
The Paul Bowen Trophy (in memory of RIAT’s co-founder for the Best Solo Jet Demonstration) was presented to André Brännström for his displays with the SAAB Gripen E during the show.

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