Contractor/s:
Saab
Description:
The JAS 39 Gripen is a supersonic, multi-role fighter combining high performance, high maneuverability, and fully integrated information and weapon systems. It is being developed by Saab and to date Sweden (204), South Africa (28) and Hungary (14?) have selected the Gripen multi-role fighter for their Air Forces.
The Gripen aircraft employs an advanced delta wing and canard fore planes aerodynamic configuration which ensures maneuverability at all speeds, altitudes and weapon loads. In addition, the flight control system ensures that the aircraft is easier and safer to fly than previous generation fighters. Its radar provides look-down shoot-sown capability and the IR-OTIS sensor provides Infrared search and track capability.
The Gripen can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder or IRIS-T missiles for short range air-to-air engagements, for multiple medium range engagements the AMRAAM missile can be employed. RBS-15, Maverick and DWS 39 weapons are available for air-to-surface missions. In addition, the Brimstone, Taurus and Meteor missiles, as well as new avionics and equipment, could be integrated within years enhancing the Gripen mission options and roles.
The Gripen also features reduced costs of ownership and operation, as well as high availability and reliability. The two-seat JAS 39B Gripen was introduced in 1998 to provide training on the Gripen aircraft. It retains single-seat JAS 39 Gripen fully combat functionality. JAS 39D is a twin-seat fighter aircraft featuring the same functionality of more capable single-seat JAS 39C Gripen.
On 30 March 2006 Saab handed over the first five Gripen aircraft (3C + 2D) from a lease and purchase agreement on 12 single-seat Gripen C and 2 dual-seat Gripen D to the Hungarian Air Force at the Kecskémet air base. The remaining nine Gripen C single-seat aircraft were expected to be delivered progressively until December 2007.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 27 mm
Dimensions: Height 4.5 m, Length 14.8 m, Wingspan 8.4 m
Czech Republic / 2 
Hungary / 2 
South Africa / 9 
Sweden / 28 
Thailand / 4