JAS 39 Gripen
by Staff EditorThe Gripen was developed as a replacement for Sweden's aging Viggen and Draken fighters. It is a fourth generation, multi-role combat aircraft combining knowledge-based, software-controlled avionics systems, fly-by-wire flight controls, lightweight composite materials, an advanced aerodynamic delta-wing and canard design and a well-proven powerful engine. Gripen is supersonic at all altitudes, and is highly agile with low environmental signatures. The Gripen is the first Swedish aircraft that can be used for interception, ground-attack and reconnaissance. The Gripen has already proven a commercial success having been ordered by South Africa, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
JAS-39A Specifications
| Manufacturer: | Saab |
| First Flight: | 12/1988 |
| Wingspan: | 27.6 ft. (8.4 m) |
| Height: | 14.8 ft. 4.5 m) |
| Length: | 46.3 ft. (14.1 m) |
| Max Take-off Weight: | 27,560 lb. (12,500 kg) |
| Thrust: | 18,100 lbs. (80.5 kN) w/ afterburner |
| Top Speed at Altitude: | Mach 2.0 |
| Ceiling: | 50,000 ft. (15,240 m) |
| Range: | 860 nm (1,600 km) |
| Crew: | One |
