Saab 2012 Annual Report Download - page 13

SAAB ANNUAL REPORT 2012 9
What distinguishes Gripen E/F from Gripen C/D?
There can be two versions of the new
generation Gripen: the single-seater E
and the two-seater F. Although the future
Gripen E/F will be slightly larger than the
current Gripen C/D version, it may be dif-
ficult to perceive the difference between
them. The innovations enabling the
significant performance improvement for
Gripen E/F are found primarily on
the inside.
The aircraft has a more powerful engine,
increased internal fuel capacity, greater
weapons capacity, an upgraded cockpit
display system and more advanced
avionics (aviation electronics).
replacement of both hardware and software, Gripen E also has a
new and modern system that will be easy to develop in the future.
This is how Saab has been able to develop Gripen E at lower
cost than the C/D and A/B versions. Test ights began in spring
2008 of a demonstrator aircraft, called the Gripen Demo, and later
with the Gripen NG (New Generation). This aircraft has a more
powerful engine and AESA* radar based on the latest radar tech-
nology, as well as a new positioning of the landing gear. A variety
of avionics and communications equipment have also been ight-
tested in the aircraft. During the test period, the aircraft has been
own in Sweden, India and Switzerland.
Major technical advancement has been proven over the Gripen
C/D version during the demonstrator programme. This means that
the path to Gripen E becoming fully operational can be regarded
as fully quality assured, on time and within budget.
* AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar: This radar technology simultane-
ously scans in multiple directions. Gripen version C/D currently uses a traditional
radar, where an antenna sweeps all or part of a search area.
Gripen 2012 and 2013
On 24 August, the Swedish Defence and Security Export
Agency (FXM) and Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Depart-
ment of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, signed a
framework agreement on Switzerland’s procurement of
22 Gripen aircraft. The agreement builds further on the
declaration of intent signed by the two countries earlier in
the summer, which represented an important step in the
subsequent political decision-making process.
A series of important events for the next-generation
Gripen followed during the autumn. After a hearing in the
parliament’s Defence Committee on 8 November, Sweden’s
elected representatives voted on 12 December in favour of
allowing the Government to take a decision on a new ver-
sion of JAS 39 Gripen during 2013. This was a historically
important decision for Saab and the future of Gripen, and
provides support for the process in Switzerland.
The next-generation Gripen was also demonstrated to
the Swiss public for the rst time in 2012, with its participa-
tion in the Swiss Air Force’s Axalp exhibition. The two-seat-
er demonstrator aircraft was own by a Swiss pilot in the
front seat, with a Swedish pilot in the rear seat.
FXM submitted an offer to Croatia in October for the pur-
chase of eight Gripen C/Ds. The contract with Hungary was
extended during the year, and Gripen participated in Czech
Air Force patrols over the Baltic States under the authority
of NATO.
In February 2013, Saab announced that an agreement
had been concluded with FMV for Gripen E. The agreement
covers the development and modication of Gripen E for
Sweden during the period 2013-2026 and a possible order
for newly built Gripen E aircraft from Switzerland. FMV also
placed an initial development order worth SEK 2.5 billion
for operations in 2013-2014. The remaining orders from
Sweden are expected in 2013-2014. In total, the agreement
covers potential orders totalling SEK 47.2 billion.
Cost per hour of flight calculations (CPFH) USD, (2012)
Gripen E Gripen C
Length:15.2 metres 14.1 metres
Wingspan: 8.6 metres 8.4 metres
Maximum take-off
weight:
16.5 tonnes 14 tonnes
Thrust: >22,000 lbs. >18,000 lbs.
Weapons stations: 10 8
Max speed: Mach 2 (plus Super-Cruise
Capability)
Mach 2
Turnaround-time:
(i.e., the time it takes for
an aircraft to land, fill up
fuel, change cargo and
take off again)
Less than 10 minutes
with weapons for air-to-air
combat; less than 20
minutes with weapons for
air-to-ground combat.
Less than 10 minutes
with weapons for air-to-air
combat; less than 20
minutes with weapons for
air-to-ground combat.
35 000
28 000
21 000
14 000
7 000
0
Difference of USN Projected B/C model cost by 2029
RAAF-F-35A estimated cost over 30 year operational
service at 200 hours per year per aircraft
Jane’s estimated EuroFigheter supplies
and scheduled maintenance cost
Austrailan CPFH gures
aircraft not at full
operational capability
* The EuroFighter cost given UK Parliament appears to cover fuel usage only per hour
F-35 Euro
Fighter* Rafale F-18 E/F F-16 JAS 39
Source: IHS Jane’s, 2012