An September 24, the first Brazilian Gripen E, known as the F-39 Gripen by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), completed its first flight in Brazil. The fighter jet flew from the airport in Navegantes to the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto.
As reported Brazil has ordered a total of 36 Gripen E/F from Saab, and about a year ago the first jet destined for the South American country was unveiled in Linköping, Sweden. Now, with the flight in Brazil, the next step has been taken towards series delivery, which is scheduled to begin at the end of 2021. Until then, the Gripen Flight Test Center at Embraer in Gavião Peixoto numerous further flight tests planned. Vor Ort sollen vor allem Tests der Flugsteuerungssysteme und Umweltkontrollsystem sowie Tests unter tropischen Klimabedingungen stattfinden. Außerdem werden die speziell für die brasilianische Luftwaffe integrierten Waffensysteme sowie das Link BR2-Kommunikationssystem getestet, das verschlüsselte Daten- und Sprachkommunikation zwischen den Flugzeugen ermöglicht.
“The arrival of the Gripen in Brazil and its first flight are important milestones in the Brazilian Gripen program,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab. “We are thus sticking to our delivery plan and our long-term commitment to Brazil.” On the occasion of the first flight, Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the close Saab: “Embraer will play a leading role in the execution of the Gripen program in Brazil and will be responsible for the system development, integration, flight testing and final assembly of the aircraft. The technology transfer required for this is a great opportunity to expand our knowledge in the development and manufacture of advanced fighter aircraft.”
In his speech, Brazilian Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva emphasized the importance of the exchange of experience and cooperation between Brazil and Sweden: “Gripen increases the operational capacity of the Brazilian Air Force and at the same time creates a partnership that promotes both research and industrial development in both countries,” explained the Defense Minister. For the Air Force Commander, General Antonio Carlos Moretti Bermudez, the arrival of the first F-39 Gripen aircraft is also an important milestone for the project: “It is an immense satisfaction to finally see this aircraft flying in our country. The F-39 Gripen will form the future backbone of our air force.”
“The F-39 Gripen will form the future backbone of our air force.”
General Antonio Carlos Moretti Bermudez, Brazil’s Air Chief
The Brazilian Gripen E/F fighters will be developed and manufactured in collaboration with Brazilian technicians and engineers. The complete assembly of 15 aircraft will begin locally in 2021. Meanwhile, the development of the two-seater Gripen F will be accelerated at the Design and Development Center (GDDN) in Gavião Peixoto.
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