Segertoft highlighted that Saab generates up to 10 system configurations weekly due to their high work rate. Developers produced 12 iterations in eight weeks for the ground proximity warning system alone.
Flight testing has evolved as well. “[In] flight tests it is now more of the production team that answers questions," Segertoft stated. "We aim to fly an idea in four weeks. It’s better to fail early and we learn.”
Current capabilities are grouped into Mission System 21 software load but engineers continue developing it under major program goals identified by MS22. This new software expands air-to-ground capabilities and enhances electronic warfare for wide-band electronic attack capability.
A significant hardware change since its first flight in 2017 involved adding area to wing trailing edges and moving canard foreplanes forward slightly due to heavy external store requirements like stand-off missiles.
Most test fleet aircraft now incorporate these modifications fully into production lines while another change optimized airflow into cooling intake at fin base through added strakes aft cockpit area.
The test fleet has performed over 2,000 sorties completing main trials including hot humid tests recently conducted Brazil where shortly joining fleet will be first completed final assembly fit-out factory Linköping specialist instrumentation role two-seat testbed second advancing process schedule slipped later than planned customer Brazil revised prioritize single-seaters service quickly possible revising all eight ordered built assembled Sweden originally planned instead being done locally initially intended
Saab's Linköping assembly line produces up twenty-four annually holds capacity meet additional demand Brazilian final assembly line Gavião Peixoto remains works scheduled delivery next year components enter production feed both lines
Gripen E entered Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB) Flygvapnet (Swedish Air Force) service 2019 received military type certification November 2022 FAB had seven aircraft designated F-39E “Jaguar” Squadron Ala Anápolis another within standing later month undergoing preparation participation Cruzex exercise single continues duties operated joint Saab/Embraer team
Sweden plans operations JAS Såtenäs training unit base prepare defense material administration FMV Malmen integrated conduct developmental operational tests evaluation T&E received November taken three May expects summer five six access JAS serve sensor chase radar targets simulation scenarios versus combats concerned sensitive electronic capabilities operational combat potential forging tactics employment combining maximizes benefits each sortie developing training syllabus forthcoming conversion experienced pilot typically takes ten simulator eight air regular requires few more squadron pilots
Plans buy sixty equip squadrons bases Luleå Ronneby bring aviation Uppsala serve GlobalEye early warning aircraft response tensions Russia decided keep several operational until least upgrading maintain relevance Block approach likely beyond current iterations include electronically scanned based PS-05/A mechanically recognizes other arms might long retired
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