| JAS 39 Gripen | |
|---|---|
| Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen | |
| Role | Multirole fighter |
| Manufacturer | Saab AB |
| First flight | 9 December 1988 |
| Introduction | 1 November 1997 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary users | Swedish Air Force South African Air Force Czech Air Force Hungarian Air Force |
| Unit cost | US$ 40–60 million[1][2] |
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (English: Griffin) is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet). The Gripen features delta wings and canards, as well as relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire technology.
In 1979, the Swedish government began development studies for an aircraft capable of fighter, attack and reconnaissance missions to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen. One of Saab's designs was chosen, and was developed into the JAS 39. Comparatively small relative to similar fighters, the Gripen has a top speed of Mach 2. Eight hardpoints allow it to carry various bombs and missiles, supplemented by the 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon. Its GE F404-derived Volvo-Flygmotor RM12 produces more than 80 kilonewtons (18,000 lbf) of thrust with afterburner, giving the aircraft a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.97.
Beset by early problems with its avionics during flight testing, during which a prototype was lost, the aircraft entered service in 1997. Saab has since co-operated with other aerospace companies in marketing the aircraft internationally, and has achieved moderate success in Central Europe, South Africa and Southeast Asia. More than 264 Gripens have been delivered or ordered as of 2011.[3]
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By the late 1970s a replacement for Sweden's ageing Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen was needed.[4] Sweden needed an aircraft with good short field performance for its dispersed basing plan if the nation was invaded. Mach 2 speed was also desired and it had to be affordable. The aircraft also had to be smaller than the Viggen, but with at least the same payload-range characteristics.[5] A number of foreign designs were studied, namely the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F/A-18 Hornet,[6] the Northrop F-20 Tigershark and the Dassault Mirage 2000.[7] In the end, the Swedish government opted to build its own fighter, with the task handed to Saab (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolag).[6] In late 1979, the government commenced a study calling for a versatile platform capable of "JAS", which stands for Jakt (air-to-air), Attack (air-to-surface), and Spaning (reconnaissance), indicating a multirole, or swingrole, fighter aircraft that can fulfil multiple roles during the same missions.[6]
A number of Saab designs were accordingly reviewed, with the most promising being "Project 2105" (redesignated "Project 2108" and later, "Project 2110"), which was recommended to the government by the Defence Materiel Administration (Forsvarets Materielverk, or FMV).[6] The aircraft studied would be a single-engine, lightweight single-seater, which embraced fly-by-wire technology, coupled with an unstable design and canards.[8] The powerplant would be the Volvo-Flygmotor RM12, a licensed-built derivative of the General Electric F404-400; engine development priorities were weight reduction and lowering component-count.[8][9] On 30 June 1982, with approval from Swedish Parliament,[10] the FMV issued contracts to prime contractor Saab covering five prototypes and an initial batch of 30 production aircraft.[8] To test several avionics intended for the JAS 39, such as the fly-by-wire controls, a Viggen was rapidly converted to operate as a test aircraft, flying by January 1983.[11] The JAS 39 received the name "Gripen"[Nb 1] through a public competition, which was announced in 1982;[13] the griffin is the heraldry on Saab's logo.[Nb 2]
Sweden first ordered the JAS 39 in 1982; this first order was named Batch One and consisted of 30 JAS 39A single-seaters.[15] The first Gripen was rolled out on 26 April 1987, marking Saab's 50th anniversary.[16] Originally planned to fly in 1987,[9] the first prototype (serial number 39-1) took its maiden flight on 9 December 1988 with pilot Stig Holmström at the controls.[8] During the test programme, concern surfaced about the aircraft's avionics, specifically the fly-by-wire flight control system (FCS), and the relaxed stability design configuration.[8] On 2 February 1989, the problem was highlighted with the crash of the prototype while landing at Linköping;[8] Test pilot Lars Radeström was able to walk away with only a broken arm. The cause of the crash was identified as pilot-induced oscillation (PIO), caused by problems to the FCS's pitch-control routine.[8]
To rectify the problem, Saab undertook major software improvements in conjunction with Calspan from the United States.[8] A modified Lockheed NT-33A was used to test out these changes, and, within fifteen months after the accident, flight testing resumed.[8] The programme was again hindered when, on 18 August 1993, production aircraft 39102 was destroyed in an accident during an aerial display in Stockholm. The pilot Radeström lost control of the aircraft during a roll at low altitude, and the aircraft stalled within six seconds, forcing him to eject.[8] The jet impacted into a small island near thousands of onlookers, but no one was hurt. Saab later found the problem to be high amplification of the pilot's quick and significant stick command inputs.[8] The ensuing investigations and rectification of the flaws delayed test flying by several months, resuming in December 1993.[8]
The first aircraft order also included an option for another 110, which became a firm order in June 1992.[15][17] This was named Batch Two and was made up of 96 one-seat JAS 39As and 14 two-seat JAS 39Bs.[15] The JAS 39Bs were 66 cm (26 in) longer than the A version; the second seat necessitated the deletion of the built-in cannon and a smaller internal fuel load.[15] By April 1994, five prototype Gripens and two series-produced aircraft has been completed; the only major decision left was the selection of a beyond-visual-range missile (BVR) for integration.[18]
A third batch of Gripens was ordered in June 1997. This batch called for 50 upgraded single-seat JAS 39Cs and 14 JAS 39D two-seaters.[15] Batch Three aircraft possess more powerful and updated avionics, in-flight refuelling capability with the provisions of retractable probes on the aircraft's starboard side, and an on-board oxygen-generating system for longer missions.[15] To test the viability of in-flight refuelling, Flight Refuelling Ltd outfitted a prototype (39–4), which was successfully tested with a Royal Air Force VC10 in 1988.[15] Deliveries of this batch ran from 2003 to 2008.[15][19]
During the 1995 Paris Air Show, Saab Military Aircraft and British Aerospace (BAe, now BAE Systems) formed the joint-venture company – Saab-BAe Gripen AB – with the goal of adapting, manufacturing, marketing and supporting Gripen worldwide.[15][20] The deal involved the conversion of the A and B series aircraft to the "export" C and D series, which developed the Gripen for compatibility with NATO standards.[21] This cooperation was extended in 2001 with the formation of Gripen International to promote export sales.[22] In December 2004, Saab and BAE Systems announced that BAE was to sell a large portion of its stake in Saab, and that Saab would take full responsibility for marketing and export orders of the Gripen.[23] BAE Systems sold the remaining 10 per cent of their stake in Saab in June 2011.[24]
On 26 April 2007, Norway signed an agreement on a joint-development programme of the aircraft regarding co-operation in advanced development work on future versions of the aircraft. The value of the deal, which will allow Norwegian companies to take part, is about NOK 150 million over two years.[25] In June of the same year, Saab also entered an agreement with Thales Norway A/S concerning the development of communications systems for the Gripen fighter. This order for the Norwegian company is the first to be awarded under the provisions of the Letter of Agreement signed by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and Gripen International in April 2007.[25]
In December 2007, as part of Gripen International's marketing efforts in Denmark, a deal was signed with Danish technology supplier Terma A/S which allows them to participate in an industrial co-operation programme over the next 10–15 years. The total value of the programme is estimated at over 10 billion Danish krone, and is partly dependent on whether Denmark would choose the Gripen.[26]
In 2007, a program was started to upgrade 31 of the air force's JAS 39A/B fighters to JAS 39C/Ds.[27]
In 2007, a two-seat "New Technology Demonstrator" was ordered; it was presented on 23 April 2008.[28] It has increased fuel capacity, a more powerful powerplant, increased payload capacity, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The new Gripen NG (Next Generation) is also referred to as the "Gripen Demo",[29] the "Gripen E/F", or MS 21.[30][31] This version has many new parts and is powered by the General Electric F414G, a development of the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's engine. The engine produces 20 per cent more thrust at 98 kN (22,000 lbf), enabling a supercruise speed of Mach 1.1 with air-to-air missiles (AAM).[32]
Compared to the Gripen D, the Gripen NG's maximum take off weight has increased from 14,000 to 16,000 kg (30,900–35,300 lb) with an increase in empty weight of 200 kg (440 lb). Due to relocated main undercarriage, the internal fuel capacity has increased by 40 per cent, with a significant increase in range. Combat radius will be 1,300 kilometres (810 mi) with six AAMs plus drop tanks, and 30 minutes on station.[33] Ferry range will be 4,070 km (2,200 nmi) with drop tanks. The new undercarriage configuration also allows for the addition of two heavy stores pylons to the fuselage. Its PS-05/A radar adds a new AESA antenna for flight testing beginning in mid-2009.[32]
Gripen Demo's maiden flight was conducted on 27 May 2008. The test flight lasted about 30 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of about 6,400 meters (21,000 ft).[34] On 21 January 2009, the Gripen Demo flew at Mach 1.2 without reheat to test its supercruise capability.[35]
Saab performed study work on an aircraft carrier based version in the 1990s. In 2009, Saab launched the Sea Gripen project in response to India's request for information on a carrier-borne aircraft. Brazil also has a potential carrier aircraft need.[36][37] Sweden awarded Saab a four-year contract in 2010 to improve the Gripen's radar and other equipment, and lower its operating costs.[38] In June 2010, Saab stated that Sweden plans to order the Gripen NG under the JAS 39E/F designation. The new variant is to enter Swedish service in 2017 or possibly earlier if export orders are received.[31] However in 2011 it was revealed that any Swedish purchase of the "Super Gripen" would depend on a foreign order being finalized.[39]
By mid-2010 Swedish Air Force's JAS 39C/Ds had received the MS19 upgrade, which provided capability for the long-range MBDA Meteor missile, the short-range IRIS-T missile and the GBU-49 500-lb laser guided bomb.[40] The subsequent MS20 upgrade project includes full Meteor missile capability, and is to span from 2011 to 2013.[41] Next the MS21 (Gripen E/F) project is to begin circa 2015, depending on the needs of a possible foreign partner.[40]
In designing the aircraft, several layouts were studied. Saab ultimately selected a delta wing-canard design with relaxed stability. The configuration provides for a high manoeuvrability along with better takeoff and landing performance.[42] The Gripen also has a low drag, enabling it to fly faster, have increased range, and carry a larger payload.[42] The totally integrated avionics make it a "programmable" aircraft, changing the software can provide for additional mission profiles.[43]
The Gripen was designed to provide for a fast sink rate and hard, short landings.[44] While lacking thrust reversers that would allow the engine to aid braking, the aircraft's canards can be angled downwards to act as air brakes.[42] The main wing is also fitted with flaps and elevons to change the flow of air around the wing.[43] In addition to being able to take off with up to 14,330 lb of rockets, bombs, or missiles, the Gripen is also equipped with a single 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon.[43] Of the aircraft's content, 67 per cent is sourced from Swedish or European suppliers, and 33 per cent from the United States.[2]
The Gripen uses the modern PS-05/A pulse-doppler X-band radar, developed by Ericsson and GEC-Marconi, which is based on the latter's advanced Blue Vixen radar for the Sea Harrier (which inspired the Eurofighter's CAPTOR radar as well).[45] The radar is capable of detecting, locating and identifying targets 120 km (74 mi) away,[46] and automatically tracking multiple targets in the upper and lower spheres, on the ground and sea or in the air, in all weather conditions. It can guide several air to air missiles at beyond visual range to multiple targets simultaneously.[47]
On 27 March 2009, Saab and Selex Galileo signed an agreement for joint development of the Raven AESA radar based on Selex Galileo's AESA Vixen and PS-05/A.[48] This radar will be able to scan 200° from slightly behind to the left to slightly behind to the right.[49] On 9 September 2009, Gripen International offered the source code of their AESA radar as part of their bid for India's fighter competition.[50] Gripens supplied to South Africa had a large amount of their avionics components, such as the communications and electronic warfare systems, manufactured domestically instead of using standard components.[51]
Starting in 2003, Saab and BAE developed the Cobra Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for both the Gripen and other aircraft, based on the Striker HMDS used on the Eurofighter.[52] By 2008, the Cobra HMDS was fully integrated into the aircraft, available as an option in the export versions and since retrofitted into both Swedish and South African Gripens.[52] Particular attention was paid to the need for rapid and safe detachment of the HMDS in the event of the pilot needing to eject.[53]
The flight controls of the Gripen have been upgraded to use the ADA programming language, which was used on final prototypes and production aircraft from 1996 onwards.[54] The Gripen's software is continuously being improved and changed to add new capabilities, in comparison the Viggen was updated only as per an 18 month schedule.[55] The Gripen was designed to form part of a "networked defence system", large quantities of data are exchanged automatically in real-time between one aircraft and shared with both other Gripen aircraft and command centres on the ground.[56]
During the Cold War, the Swedish Armed Forces were preparing to defend against a possible invasion from the Soviet Union. Sweden elected to disperse military aircraft over the country to maintain an air defence capacity during an invasion.[57] The JAS 39 was thus, with excellent performance, able to take-off from snow-covered runways of only 800-metre (2,600 ft).[42] Another requirement is a short-turnaround time of just 10 minutes by a technician and five conscripts;[58] meaning re-arming, refuelling, necessary inspection and servicing must be carried out in under 10 minutes between flights.[42]
The principle of many parts of the airframe do not require maintenance or are low cost to maintain, as well as the physical structuring of the aircraft, means that Gripen will have a notably longer life than the preceding Viggen, expected to be around 50 years.[55]
The Swedish Air Force placed a total order for 204 Gripens in three batches.[59] The first delivery occurred on 8 June 1993, when 39102 was handed over to the Flygvapnet during a ceremony at Linkoping; the last was handed over on 13 December 1996.[15][17] The air force received its first Batch two example on 19 December 1996.[15] Instead of the fixed-price agreement of Batch One, Batch Two aircraft were paid as a "target price" concept, any cost under/overruns would be split between FMV and Saab.[15] The JAS 39 entered service with the F7 Wing (F7 Skaraborgs Flygflottilj) on 1 November 1997.[60][61] The final Batch three aircraft was delivered to FMV on 26 November 2008.[19] This was accomplished at 10 per cent less than the agreed-upon price for the batch, putting the JAS 39C flyaway cost at under US$30 million.[19] This batch of Gripens was equipped for in-flight refuelling, and would be refuelled by specially-equipped TP84s (C-130 Hercules) already in service.[15] The SAF has a total of 120 JAS 39s in service in January 2011.[62]
On 29 March 2011, the Swedish prime minister announced that eight Gripens would be deployed to support the UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya. The Swedish fighters are limited to supporting the no-fly zone and will not perform ground attack sorties.[63] Parts of the media speculate that the Gripen's involvement may encourage sales.[64] On 8 June 2011, the Swedish government announced an agreement to extend the deployment of the five Gripens.[65] As of 24 October 2011[update], Gripens have flown more than 650 combat missions, almost 2,000 flight hours and delivered approximately 2000 reconnaissance reports to NATO.[66]
The Czech Air Force and the Hungarian Air Force operate the Gripen; each currently leases 14 ex-Swedish Air Force aircraft, with the option of eventually acquiring them.[67] In December 2001, the Czech Government announced that the Gripen had been selected; and stated that a major factor in this decision was the provision of a generous financing and offset program by Gripen International.[68] Hungary also received an offset arrangement, valued at 110 per cent of the cost of the 14 fighters.[69] Hungary's decision to lease the Gripen came as a surprise, earlier the government had announced the intention to procure the F-16 instead.[70]
Initially, Hungary had planned to lease aircraft from Batch II, however the inability to conduct aerial refuelling and employ US guided weapons led to an upgraded variant being developed to meet NATO requirements.[71] The export Gripen underwent refuelling tests in 1998 at Boscombe Down, UK, in response to Hungary's needs.[72]
In 1999, South Africa signed a contract with BAE/Saab for the procurement of 26 Gripens (C/D standard) with minor modification to meet their requirements.[21] Deliveries to the South African Air Force commenced in April 2008.[73] By April 2011, 18 aircraft, nine two-seater aircraft and nine single-seater's had been delivered.[74] In May 2011, as allegations of bribery to prevent a possible cancellation of the Gripen procurement continued, Saab issued strong denials over any payments being made.[75] In the following month, Saab announced that payments of around $3.5 million had been made by partner BAE Systems.[76]
The Royal Thai Air Force ordered six Gripens (two single-seat C-models and four two-seat D-models) in February 2008 to replace some F-5s, with deliveries beginning in 2011.[77] Six more Gripen Cs were ordered in November 2010 with deliveries from 2013.[78] The Gripens are to be based at Surat Thani Airbase.[79] The first of the six aircraft were delivered on 22 February 2011.[80] It is believed that Thailand may eventually order as many as 40 Gripens.[81]
The Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) in the United Kingdom has used the Gripen for advanced fast jet training of pilots since 1999.[82]
In October 2008, it was reported that the Brazilian Air Force had selected three finalists in their F-X2 program. They are Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Gripen NG.[83] The number of aircraft involved is 36 and possibly up to 120 later. The decision was expected on 2 October 2009. On 2 February 2009, Saab submitted a tender for 36 Gripen NGs to the Brazilian Air Force Command.[84] On 5 January 2010, it was reported in the media that the final evaluation report by the Brazilian Air Force placed the Gripen ahead of the other two contenders. The decisive factor was apparently the overall cost of the new fighters, both in terms of unit cost, and operating and maintenance costs.[85] Some of the media reported that in early 2010 the Rafale had been chosen by the Defense Ministry,[86] However in February 2011, the president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, reportedly selected the F/A-18.[87][88] The decision has since been delayed to 2012 due to financial constraints.[89]
The Croatian Air Force had announced plans to replace their MiG-21 bis aircraft, possibly with either the JAS 39 Gripen or the F-16 Falcon.[90] The final projection calls for 12–18 aircraft. On 27 March 2008, the Swedish Defence Material Administration and Saab responded to Croatia's request for information regarding the procurement of 12 aircraft.[91] Due to economic and political reasons, the Croatian Air Force postponed the decision and is now looking at a possible joint purchase with Slovenia of 12 aircraft.[92]
In 2007, Denmark signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Ministers of Sweden and Denmark to evaluate the Gripen, pending Denmark's future replacement of their fleet of 48 F-16s. Denmark has also requested new variants of Gripens to be developed that will include new avionics, a larger and more powerful engine, larger payload and, most importantly, longer range.[26] This request was the basis for the Gripen NG, which satisfies all Denmark's requirements, such as the more powerful F414G engine.[93] Denmark has since delayed the decision over the purchase several times by 2009.[94]
On 7 July 2008, Dagens Industri reported that the Netherlands announced they will evaluate Gripen NG together with four other competitors and announce the result in the end of 2008.[95] Saab responded on 25 August 2008 to a 'Replacement Questionnaire' issued by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, offering 85 aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.[96] The Netherlands evaluated the Gripen NG against the F-35.[97] On 18 December 2008 media reported that the Netherlands evaluated the F-35 ahead of the Gripen NG, citing better performance and lower price.[98][99] On 13 January 2009, NRC Handelsblad claimed that, according to Swedish sources, Saab has made an offer to the Dutch to deliver 85 Gripens for 4.8 billion euro, about 1 billion euro cheaper than budgeted for the F-35.[100] This price includes training of pilots and maintenance for the next 30 years.[101]
In January 2008 the Swiss Defence Material Administration invited Gripen International to submit initial bids for supplying the Gripen NG as a replacement for their old F-5s.[102] Saab responded with an initial proposal on 2 July 2008.[103] Some 22 aircraft are expected to be procured. Other contenders are the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon fighters.[104] On 30 November 2011, the Swiss government announced its decision to buy 22 Gripen NG fighters.[105][106][107]
Following a meeting with Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials in May 2011, Saab agreed to establish a development centre in the UK to expand on the Sea Gripen concept. Saab chief executive Håkan Buskhe stated: "The MoD is looking for competition". The decision to proceed to a flight demonstrator will be made in late 2012.[108]
In September 2006, Bulgaria announced they were considering the replacement of ageing Mikoyan MiG-21s, either with 16 JAS 39C/D Gripens, or 16 used F-16s.[109] Other nations that have shown interest in the Gripen include Slovakia[110][111] and Oman.[112]
Around 1994, Austria sought around 25 aircraft to replace its existing J-35 Drakens. The Gripen competed with the F-16, F/A-18, Mirage 2000, and the MiG-29.[113] After years of delay, Austria announced it was to purchase ex-German Eurofighters to meet its requirements in July 2002.[114]
In 1989 the Finnish Air Force began to look for a new fighter to replace its fleet of MiG-21s and Saab 35 Drakens. During 1991 and 1992, the Dassault Mirage 2000, Gripen, F-16, MiG-29 and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet were evaluated; this was the first formal competition the Gripen had participated in.[115] On 6 May 1992, the Hornet was announced as the winner of the fighter competition and a total of 64 aircraft were ordered.[116]
In the early 1990s Germany considered the costs of the in-development Eurofighter to be excessive, and considered the Gripen as a substitute due to its significantly lower cost to procure and operate. However, Germany chose to pursue a stripped down version of the Eurofighter by 1993.[117]
The Gripen was a contender for the Indian MRCA competition for 126 multirole combat aircraft.[118] In April 2008, Gripen International offered the Next Generation Gripen for India's tender[119] and opened an office in New Delhi in order to support its efforts in the Indian market.[120] On 4 February 2009, Saab announced that it had partnered with India's Tata Group to develop the new Gripen variant to fit India's needs.[121]
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted extensive field trials and evaluated Gripen's flight performance, logistics capability, weapons systems, advanced sensors and weapons firing.[122] In April 2011, the IAF rejected Gripen's bid in favour of Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale.[123] Senior Indian Air Force officials while happy with the improved capabilities of Gripen NG, identified its high reliance on US-supplied hardware, including electronics, weaponry, and GE F414 engine as a factor that may hamper its export potential.[124]
The Gripen was one of contenders in competition for 48 new multirole fighters for the Polish Air Force. On 27 December 2002, the Polish Defence Minister announced the selection of the F-16C/D Block 50/52+.[125] The third candidate was Dassault Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2. According to Stephen Larrabee, the choice to go with the F-16 was heavily influenced by a lucrative offset agreement by Lockheed Martin, and the political emphasis placed on the strategic relationship between Poland, the US, and NATO.[71]
According to a former Polish military defence vice-minister, the JAS 39 offer was better. Saab's offer also included participation in fighter research and technologies.[126][127]
On 18 January 2008. the Norwegian Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Binding Information (RBI) to the Swedish Defence Material Administration,[128] who responded on 28 April 2008 with a proposal offering 48 aircraft.[129] The rival Lockheed Martin proposal amassed US diplomatic and political support.[130][131] On 20 November 2008, the Norwegian government released a statement that they have selected the F-35 Lightning II for the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Norway stated the F-35 is the only fighter candidate to meet all of its operational requirements.[132] Saab has criticised the selection, stating that there were flaws in Norway's cost calculations for the Gripen NG.[133]
On 10 February 2009, Swedish defence minister Sten Tolgfors stated that Norway had miscalculated the deal. The offer was for 48 aircraft over 20 years, but Norway had extrapolated it to operating 57 aircraft over 30 years, thus doubling the cost. The Swedish Ministry of Defence has several other objections to Norway's calculations. Among other things, Norway projected the operational costs for their F-16s on both candidates, and did not consider the operational costs of Sweden's Gripens. Norway also calculated with more aircraft losses in accidents than what Sweden considers reasonable based on their operational experience of the type. According to Tolgfors, Norway's decision will make it more difficult to sell the Gripen to other countries.[134] Tolgfors said that the Gripen does not meet the requirements set by the Norwegian government,[135] though some media reports claim those requirements are tilted in favour of the F-35.[136]
The Romanian Air Force announced they would replace their MiG-21 LanceR aircraft beginning in 2008, possibly with JAS 39 Gripen, F-16 Fighting Falcon or Eurofighter Typhoon.[137] On 23 March 2010, the Romanian Ministry of Defence decided to purchase 24 ex-USAF F-16s.[138] The bids of both the Gripen and the Eurofighter were re-submitted in May 2010, both parties matched the price of the F-16 proposal in the revision.[139]
There were 163 Gripens in service as of January 2011[update].[62]
As of July 2011[update], the Gripen has been involved in eight incidents, including five hull-loss accidents, resulting in minor injuries.[145] The first two accidents occurred in 1989 and 1993; these were related to flight control software issues.[146] One aircraft was destroyed in a ground accident during engine testing.[147]
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| A detailed and labeled cutaway drawing of the Gripen from Saab. | |
Data from Saab Gripen,[148][149] Operators data,[150] Books[61][151]
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