New-generation Gripen ( Gripen-NG) Enters Final Assembly Phase At SAAB

Saab has lifted the joined fuselage section for its first Gripen NG prototype into final assembly, and says its programme is on track to deliver advanced capability to Sweden and export customer Brazil.

Revealing the advance at the Dubai air show on 10 November, Ulf Nilsson, head of Saab’s aeronautics business area, said the fighter’s three main sections required only one minor adjustment before they could be joined. “We had less [production line] feedback on the first aircraft than we have on the running production of the [Gripen] C/D,” he notes, attributing this to the new model’s all-digital design.

Saab

Nilsson confirms that lead prototype aircraft 39-8 is on schedule to enter flight-testing during 2016, but will not reveal a target date.

He also highlights the progress being made with the manufacturer’s Gripen E/F deal with Brazil. A first group of 50 Embraer engineers and their families recently arrived in Linköping, with a total of 300 to spend up to two years in Sweden to build the Brazilian company’s design and production expertise on the type. “It’s full-speed ahead – a real long-term partnership,” he says, adding: “they call it a Brazilian aircraft; they are committed to the programme.”

With Saab holding contracts to produce 60 new-generation aircraft for Sweden and 36 for Brazil, Nilsson says the company is looking to build on its success. It is looking with interest at emerging requirements in Finland and Belgium, and also hopes to meet the needs of nations including Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovakia through deals supported by the Swedish government.

Noting that Saab already has the Czech Republic and Hungary as operators, he quips: “Maybe Gripen will be the true ‘Euro fighter’!”

Longer-term opportunities could also lie with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and potentially in southern Africa, but Saab notes that it is not promoting the aircraft to nations in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Saab last month delivered its new MS20 operating standard software for the Gripen C/D to its Swedish customer, with final flight testing now under way. The enhancement – which will soon enter operational service – includes the addition of MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.

The company also took advantage of the Dassault-led Neuron unmanned combat air vehicle’s recent visit to the Vidsel test range in Sweden, by flying its Gripen NG demonstrator in partnership with the stealthy type.

Pia Ericsson/FMV

Nilsson declines to provide details of the test activity conducted by the Gripen, but confirms: “we can feel comfortable that we have the right performance for the future in this area.”

Source: Flight Global 

Saab looks for additional Thai Gripen sale

Saab is in discussions with Thailand for six additional Gripen C/D fighters, the Swedish company says.

In a press briefing, Saab Asia-Pacific president and chief executive Dan Endstedt said talks are ongoing. He did not give a timeframe for the possible acquisition, but says that he hopes the deal “happens soon”.

 Thailand already operates 12 Gripens, two Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and two Saab 340 transports.

Endstedt adds that Saab has played a key role in helping Thailand create a highly integrated defence capability that connects aircraft, ships and ground units.

Source: Flightglobal.com 

17 Firms Vie To Supply Tank, Vehicles to Poland

Seventeen foreign and Polish defense companies have applied to participate in the technical dialogues to supply new light tanks and tracked infantry fighting vehicles to Poland’s Army.

 

The procurements are being carried out by the Polish Defense Ministry’s Armament Inspectorate.

The local companies include Polish Defense Holdings subsidiary OBRUM, PCO S.A., KenBIT, Huta Stalowa Wola, WB Electronics, Etronika, ZM Tarnow, IMS-Griffin, M.K. Szuster, Aycomm and Radiotechnika Marketing. Foreign manufacturers and their subsidiaries include the UK’s BAE Systems, France’s Nexter and Thales, Germany’s Rheinmetall and PSM Projekt System & Management, Rheinmetall’s joint venture with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, and Sweden’s Saab.

The technical dialogue for the light tank program is expected to take about two months, and the prototype is scheduled for completion in 2016, local news site Defence24.pl reported. The Polish military is aiming to acquire about 300 tanks with a weight of up to 35 tons to replace the country’s outdated T-72s.Under the technical dialogue terms, the new infantry fighting vehicles are to be offered in a combat support and technical support variant, according to the Armament Inspectorate.

Saab still taking part in Brazil’s FX-2 Program

The [FX-2] tender process for Brazil has been going on since June 2008. The Brazilian Air Force has now clarified that the process will continue according to plan.

“Saab welcomes the opportunity to propose the Gripen fighter in a transparent tender,” says Saab CEO Åke Svensson.

Gripen is a very competitive fighter aircraft on the market, both regarding price and performance. Gripen NG will provide a long term partnership between Brazil and Sweden in a well established fighter programme that continues to develop. Gripen will maintain its position at the cutting edge of technology for the next 30-40 years.

In February 2009, Saab handed over a tender for 36 Gripen Next Generation (NG) to the Brazilian Air Force Air Command. Saab has a competitive offer, providing a complete solution for Brazil. In addition, Saab offers a strong industrial co-operation package, with positive effects on the national defence industry, such as the direct involvement in the development, production, and maintenance of the aircraft.

Gripen NG will also generate transfer of key technology, which will allow full involvement in future capability development supplying Brazil strategic long term national security and technology superiority.

About Gripen Next Generation Gripen NG is the next generation Gripen, an enhanced version of the well established multirole fighter which has proven low acquisition, operation, and support costs. The Gripen NG programme covers development of avionics and all major sensors, including AESA radar. The aircraft will have increased thrust, increased payload, and extended range.