Latest generation Gripen arrives in Dubai

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Notes and media contacts

Background:
Gripen is in service with the Royal Swedish Air Force and Czech Republic Air Forces and has also been ordered by the South African and Hungarian air forces. It is also now being used by the UK's Empire Test Pilot School - the first test pilot school in the world to operate the new generation aircraft.

The single-seat Gripen C and fully combat-capable, dual-seat Gripen D build on the proven operational capability of the Gripen A/B that already form the backbone of the Swedish Air Force. Furthermore all work on the Gripen C/D variants is applicable not only to the Royal Swedish Air Force but is also directly linked to the export aircraft selected by South Africa, Hungary and, most recently, the Czech Republic, which share the same level of advanced functionality.

The advanced Gripen C/D introduces a host of new systems and capabilities including air-to-air refueling (with a new retractable probe), On Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), English language displays and publications, the EP 17 full-color cockpit (with three large Multi Functional Displays (MFDs) and fully digital cockpit - no conventional analogue instruments), a new central computer (Ericsson's D96/MACS with five bus architecture), Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) engine controls, a higher payload carried on NATO pylons, enhanced 'smart' weapons compatibility (and expanded weapons availability), a new communications suite and self-defense fit, plus the provision for new sensor systems (such as an infra-red search and track system).

The latest generation aircraft also have a more effective Environmental Control System (ECS) and has been re-certified for world wide climate operations, an improved Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and an extended airframe life (8,000 flying hours service life). The Gripen C/D fleet is already flying with the latest edition of the Gripen's avionics software.

The new software is at the heart of the Gripen C/D's further improved cockpit systems and Human Machine Interface (HMI). The Gripen C/D's new all-color large-screen display system is the first in the world to dispense with all conventional mechanical instruments. The additional computing power and data management capabilities of the Gripen C/D are the cornerstones of the Gripen's multi mission flexibility and combat power.

Saab AB:
When Saab AB, which originally was an acronym for 'Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget', (Swedish Aeroplane AB) was founded in 1937, its primary aim was to meet the need for a domestic military aircraft industry in Sweden. After world war two the demand for military aircraft was decreasing and the engineers started to develop a car. 1947 the first Saab car, Saab 92, was ready to be shown. The car was aerodynamically built because of the engineering background from military aircraft. Also, not common was that the car had front-wheel drive. From 1990 the Saab car is developed within the company Saab Automobile AB, today fully owned by GM in US.

In 2000 Saab acquired the defense group Celsius, and with it over 300 years of Swedish defense industry history. Today, Saab's focus on defence, aviation and space is complemented by systems for civil security.

Saab continues to strengthen its international operations. Last year 62 percent of new orders were from outside Sweden. The financial strength gives the opportunity to grow in the international market through acquisitions.

For further information, please don't hesitate to contact:
Owe Wagermark, Gripen International Communications DirectorPhone +46 13 18 18 24, fax +46 13 18 00 55
Anders Annerfalk, Gripen International Communications Manager [Middle East]. Phone +46 13 18 48 15, fax +46 13 18 00 55
Marinette Radebo, Director Marketing Communication
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Saab AB
Phone +46 8 463 02 35, fax: +46 8 563 02 52