Saab 2012 Annual Report Download - page 12

8 SAAB ANNUAL REPORT 2012
GRIPEN – THE WORLD’S MOST DEDICATED
MULI-ROLE FIGHTER AIRCRAFT
Gripen is a multi-role ghter system. This
category of aircraft is characterised by a
single aircraft being capable of the principal
tasks of air-to-air, air-to-surface and recon-
naissance. The system is noted for its ex-
ible capacities, and it has strong operational
capabilities. Furthermore, the system is the
most cost-effective on the market today.
Networks provide an information advantage
The focus of the pilot in a modern ghter aircraft is on making use
of its tactical capabilities. In order to complete a mission the pilot
must have optimal information superiority to make quick decisions
in lightning-fast situations. For this reason, Gripen is also part of a
network of other aircraft, ships, radar stations and ground units.
The information in the Gripen cockpit is retrieved from its radar,
other sensors, and the aircraft’s own database, as well as data re-
ceived from other coordinated aircraft. Data can also be transmit-
ted to other coordinated aircraft.
By acting in a network, the various aircraft are able to operate
without unnecessarily disclosing their positions. With its radar
activated, an aircraft risks quickly reveals its position, so the pilots
may elect to use the radar of only one aircraft in the group, which
transmits the information to the others.
Designed for easy handling
Gripen is designed to be adaptable. A high level of software is
advantageous since upgrades can be made as the need arises,
without requiring major and costly refurbishment of the aircraft.
Upgrades to Gripen’s software can be compared to upgrades on
a personal computer.
Gripen has high eld capability. This means it is a ghter
designed to be based anywhere from well-equipped air bases to
simple forward operating bases on paved roads. Gripen can be
made operationally ready, i.e. fuelled and loaded with weapons
and ammunition, in a car park. A group of four people can ready
the aircraft in only ten minutes if the sortie is an air-to-air mission,
while an air-to-ground mission requires 20 minutes.
This rapidity is unique to Gripen. Short turnaround times
increase response capacity and contribute to the Gripen system’s
efciency.
The eld capability includes being able to conduct technical
service work outdoors, even at forward operating bases, and the
engine, for example, can be changed in less than one hour.
A cost-effective system
Gripen is a ghter system that uniquely combines high technology
and high operational capabilities with cost effectiveness. This cost-
effectiveness is true of the development and production, purchase
price, operating costs and maintenance – the entire lifecycle.
Operating and maintenance costs throughout the operational
life make up a large part of the cost of a ghter system. A com-
parison between Gripen and its main competitors shows that
Gripen has the lowest cost of operation and maintenance.
Flexible design allows upgrades at
reasonable price and low risk
Future Gripen generations benet from the fundamental design of
previous versions, which means that implementing new sub-
systems such as radar, engines, avionics and advanced tactical
ghter aircraft systems can be done with signicant savings over
creating a whole new combat aircraft from scratch. With the