Czech Air Force Gripen Solo Display
About the Aircraft
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a light single-engine multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab AB. The Gripen has a delta wing and canard configuration with a relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire flight controls. Various versions have been built, grouped as A-, C- and E-series.
Specifications
Crew
1 JAS 39C / 2 JAS 39D
Length
14.9 m (48 ft 11 in) JAS 39C / 15.6 m (51 ft) JAS 39D
Wingspan
8.4 m (27 ft 7 in)
Height
4.5 m (14 ft 9 in)
Max Speed
Mach 2 (2,100 km/h; 1,300 mph; 1,100 kn) at 15,240 m
Combat Range
800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi)
Service Ceiling
15,240 m (50,000 ft)
Armament Capacity
5,300 kg (11,700 lb)
Historical Development
In 1979, the Swedish government began development studies for an aircraft capable of fighter, attack, and reconnaissance missions to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force. A new design from Saab was selected and developed as the JAS 39, first flying in 1988, delivery of first serial production aircraft occurred in 1993, and entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. Upgraded variants, featuring more advanced avionics and adaptations for longer mission times, began entering service in 2003.
Did You Know?
- The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is designed for multirole capabilities, allowing it to perform air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
- The Gripen features a relaxed stability design, which enhances maneuverability and is compensated for by its fly-by-wire flight control system.
- Saab has formed international partnerships with various aerospace companies to enhance the Gripen’s capabilities and expand its market reach.
- The latest variants of the Gripen, such as the JAS 39E/F, are equipped with advanced avionics, including sophisticated radar and electronic warfare systems, significantly improving situational awareness.
- The Gripen’s single-engine configuration and advanced aerodynamics contribute to its fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to twin-engine fighter jets.
Test Your Knowledge
Performer Information
The Czech Gripen solo display is an exhilarating aerial performance that showcases the incredible agility and capabilities of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet. With a skilled pilot at the controls, the display features dynamic maneuvers, from slow high alpha passes to fast high G turns that leave audiences in awe.
One of the standout moments in this demo is the spectacular “dump and burn.” During a negative G maneuver, fuel is forced up to the fin vent, igniting when the afterburner catches it, creating an eye-catching visual effect that thrills spectators.
Unlike their Swedish and Hungarian counterparts, the Czech team does not use smoke winders, allowing the focus to remain on the raw performance of the aircraft. The display is flown by a single pilot, who is typically replaced every few years, ensuring a fresh approach while maintaining the high standards of the performance. The show is further enhanced by the deployment of flares that simulate defensive countermeasures, adding dramatic bursts of light to the performance.
