Gripen air-to-air refueling program: on track and ready for airborne trials

Farnborough, England, July 19, 2004: On mid-June 2004 a Gripen C flew for the first time with its retractable probe fully extended. This flight is part of the test and evaluation program to verify Gripen’s air-to-air refueling capability. The test follows on from the flight tests conducted in the UK in 1998, when a Gripen aircraft fitted with a ‘mock-up’ probe conducted initial ‘dry’ in-flight connections with a UK Royal Air Force VC10 tanker.

As part of the verification of the air-to-air refueling capability of a NATO compatible Gripen, a ground connection test was also successfully undertaken between the Gripen, its air-to-air refueling probe and a Swedish Air Force (SwAF) C-130 converted tanker aircraft (TP84) on 6 May at the F7, Såtenäs airbase. The test was undertaken by SAAB and SwAF technicians, as well as representatives from Lockheed Martin Air Mobility Support (AMS), who are working with the SwAF on the TP84 aircraft. In the near future AMS will be preparing for the final phase of tanker modifications that are expected to be completed this summer.

The successful connection tests will, later this summer, be followed by the final phase of the tanker modifications. This will in turn be followed by dry in-flight live connection trials between the Gripen and the SwAF TP84 tanker and then by airborne fuel flow tests.
All Gripen C/Ds are fitted with probes and will have full air-to-air refueling capability. Confirmation of Gripen’s air-air refueling capability will include flight-testing, with and without tanker, to verify parameters such as pressures, fuel flows, handling qualities of the aircraft and safety requirements. Testing will be conducted in accordance with applicable NATO air-to-air refueling standards.

Background

Gripen is the most cost-effective and capable supersonic, multi-role/swing-role fighter aircraft in operational service today. In service with the Swedish Air Force since 1997, it will also equip the South African, Hungarian and Czech Air Forces. Read more about Gripen and Gripen International at www.gripen.com
SAAB AB is one of the world’s leading high-technology companies, with its main operations focusing on defense, aviation and space. The Group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capability in systems integration. Read more about SAAB at www.saab.se

BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around £13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defense products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions. Read more at www.baesystems.com

For further information, please contact:
Owe Wagermark, Senior Vice President Communications
Mobile: +46 734 181 824
owe.wagermark@gripen.com

Marie Aktö, Communications Manager
Mobile: +46 734 184 216
marie.akto@gripen.com

Anders Annerfalk, Communications Manager
Mobile: +46 734 184 815
anders.annerfalk@gripen.com

Adrian Stockwell, Communications Manager
Mobile:+46 734 184 763
adrian.stockwell@gripen.com

For pictures, please contact:
Anne Lewis-Olsson, Communications Coordinator
Mobile:+46 734 181 355, Fax:+46 13 180 055,
anne.olsson@gripen.com