Trainer Jet Aims To Speed Combat Readiness

Saab has completed the first flight of Gripen F, the two-seat training variant of Gripen E, designed to accelerate pilot training for advanced combat missions. The aircraft took off at 09:40 local time from Saab's airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and remained airborne for 40 minutes.

The flight was conducted by Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force test pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos. The sortie verified the functionality of the aircraft's core systems and its initial flight performance.

"This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions," says Lars Tossman, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

With this mission, Gripen F enters the airborne phase of its test campaign. The programme will move into a progressive envelope expansion phase, clearing performance limits, including speed, altitude, G-load and angle of attack, step by step. Tactical capabilities and rear cockpit functions specific to the two-seat trainer configuration will also be evaluated.

Gripen F stems from a strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden, including technology transfer under the Brazilian Gripen Programme. More than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians and pilots have taken part in related training activities.

The campaign will be conducted by Saab's Flight Test Centre in Sweden, ahead of delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.