Gripen Demo has flown for the first time
[Updated 4] View the Gripen demo first flight video! Today Saab conducted the first flight with the Gripen Demo in Linköping, Sweden. The flight lasted for 30 minutes and went totally according to plan.
Image: Today Gripen Demo conducted the first flight. The flight took place in good weather from Saab’s airfield in Linköping and was conducted according to a well-rehearsed schedule. Photo Stefan Kalm.
5/27/2008 | Only a month after the roll-out ceremony, the Saab test pilots Mikael Seidl and Magnus Ljungdahl, crewed the first flight with Gripen Demo. Maximum altitude for the first flight was 6,400 meters and maximum speed was 320 knots.
- The flight went completely according to plan and Gripen Demo has functioned in an exemplary fashion from the very start. Now we’re going to carry on in the same spirit, says Mikael Seidl.
The Gripen Demo aircraft is a flying test platform for the next generation of Gripen and for the further development of present versions. The aircraft will test and develop many of the essential systems and capabilities that will be applied to the Gripen NG (Next Generation) design, such as:
- a more powerful engine
- an active electronically scanned (AESA) radar
- communication systems
- electronic warfare and
- weapons development
Image: Saab test pilots Magnus Ljungdahl and Mikael Seidl crewed the first flight with Gripen Demo. - I’m proud and pleased to have conducted the maiden flight of the Gripen Demo. It’s a privilege, says Mikael Seidl. Photo Per Kustvik, Condesign.
Driving the development of new technology
The Gripen Demo is not just the first step towards a new Gripen – it is driving the development of new technology for existing Gripen customers and for other applications. The Demo aircraft is a platform for technology insertion for the whole Gripen family. It reassures any customer buying Gripen today that they will be able to upgrade and enhance their aircraft when needed.
Partnership with world leading companies
The Gripen test platform has been achieved in partnership with several of the world’s leading companies within the aviation industry: General Electric, Thales, Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, APPH, Terma, Martin-Baker and Meggitt.