Aircraft

Saab is to roll out the Gripen Demo - listen to live webcast

By Barbara Cockburn

Saab is to roll out the Gripen Demo today which is to be "a new flying development platform for current and future generations of Gripen".

The flying test platform, Gripen Demo, will be used to introduce new technology and functions to Gripen. The new capabilities could be the basis for a new version and will be completely or partially integrated into current versions of Gripen.

© Saab

The aircraft will feature a new stronger engine, a new modular avionics system, greater payload, longer range and the company has been working with Thales to create a new radar with the most advanced AESA radar technology (Active Electronically Scanned Array).

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Åke Svensson, chief executive of Saab says: "The development will mean that Gripen will be able to maintain its position at the cutting edge of development for the next 30 - 40 years. Gripen Demo will fly for the first time during 2008."

Saab has also worked in collaboration with General Electric, Volvo Aero, Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, APPH, Terma, Martin-Baker and Meggitt to produce the Gripen.

Related content:

• VIDEO: A day in the life of a Gripen
• Pictures and video: South African air force Saab Gripen flies over Cape Town
• Images on AirSpace

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