|
GE F414 engine powers Gripen Demonstrator through 1st flight |
|
Tuesday, 03 June 2008 |
|
The Saab Gripen Demonstrator has completed its first flight, after 30 minutes of airtime.
Powered by a General Electric (GE) F414FG engine, Saab's Gripen Demonstrator aircraft completed its first flight last week, at Saab's facility in Linkoping, Sweden.
The flight lasted for 30 minutes, during which time the Gripen Demonstrator completed all goals to get the team off to a strong start as it embarks upon further flight and demonstration testing over the next two years.
Tonyn Mathis, GE vice president of the F414/404 programme, said: "This flight is a major milestone for the Saab and GE propulsion integration team, which adapted the Gripen aircraft and the F414 engine.
"This is the first adaptation of an F414 for a single-engine application. This team was able to meet all the integration and flightworthiness requirements while holding an accelerated schedule."
Saab will continue to work closely with GE and Volvo Aero, which has also joined in the development programme.
The Saab Gripen Demonstrator was first unveiled in April 2008, and features an increased fuel capacity, more powerful powerplant, a larger payload and upgraded avionics, compared to the JAS 39 Gripen which is currently in service with air forces all over the world.
 |
