The Saab JAS-39 "Gripen" (Griffin) is a fighter aircraft from Sweden, manufactured by Saab.

Already in operational service with the Swedish Air Force, which has ordered 204 aircraft (including 28 dual-seater), Gripen has also been ordered by the South African Air Force (28 aircraft). Hungary and the Czech Republic have each ordered 14 Gripens.

Characteristics

• Role: single seat multi-role fighter aircaft
• Powerplant: Volvo Flygmotor RM12 tubofan with 54 kN military thrust and 80.5 kN maximum thrust
• Size:
  • Length: 14.1 m
  • Height: 4.5 m
  • Wingspan: 8.4 m
  • Wing area: 25.54 m²
• Weight:
  • Empty: 6,620 kg
  • Normal Takeoff: 8,720 kg
  • Maximum: 14,000 kg
• Speed:
  • Maximum: Mach 2.2 at altitude, supersonic at low level
• Ceiling: about 15 km.
• Range:
  • Air Combat (10 minute loiter): 800 km
  • Ferry: ? km
• Wing Loading: 341 kg/m² at normal takeoff weight
• Thrust/weight ratio: 0.94 at normal takeoff weight
• Armament:
  • 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon
  • 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAM; or MICA
  • air-to-ground weapons include: ?

• Cost: 1998USD 25 m
• First flown: 1989
• In service date: 1996
• Users (on order): Sweden (204), South Africa (28), Czech Republic (14), Hungary (14)

• Saab Gripen - Official site
• Saab Gripen links - dmoz