Technical Supplements
Technical Supplements S1 The IG JAS Investment In this Technical Supplement the JAS 39 Gripen product concept is outlined, the procurement process documented, the Industry Group IG JAS presented and the critical role of the competent public procurement agency, the FMV, highlighted. S1.1 The Procurement of the JAS 39 Gripen Aircraft with Swing-Role Capabilities The JAS 39 Gripen multirole combat aircraft (J stands for fighter, A for Attack and S for Surveillance/reconnaissance) is a fourth generation aircraft that entered operational service in 1997. It replaced the Viggen, the last of which was taken out of service in 2006. JAS 39 Gripen is a combat aircraft with swing-role capabilities that can change mission in flight. This swing-role capability was unique when Gripen was launched but has later been introduced on the French Rafale and the Eurofighter. Other competing multirole aircraft first have to land to reconfigure its information, guidance, and weapons systems for a new role. Gripen was the first “unstable” aircraft in the world which meant that in order for the aircraft to be stable at all speeds and in all maneuvers many more navigation surfaces are needed than the pilot can possibly control himself to minimize air friction at each moment. He needs incredibly sophisticated computer systems support to maneuver the aircraft effectively and safely. Competing fourth generation combat aircraft are F-35/JSF (the USA, not yet (2009) delivered to market), the Eurofighter Typhoon (the UK, etc.) and Rafale (Dassault, France). JAS 39 Gripen also competes with upgraded versions of the third generation aircraft of Lockheed Martin F-16 (the USA, first delivered in 1978), Boeing F/A18 Hornet (the USA, first delivered in 1983), Dassault Mirage 2000 (France, first delivered in 1983), and Mig-29 (the former Soviet Union, first delivered in 1977).
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