Recently, the foreign and Russian press circulated statements by the Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Air Force, Major General Mats Helgesson. In his recent speech, he praised the latest Swedish Saab JAS 39E Gripen fighters, and compared them in an interesting way with Russian Su-planes. The harsh statements of the commander-in-chief did not go unnoticed.
On February 6, General Helgesson announced that the Gripen fighters - especially the newer “E” modification - were designed to kill Sukhoi aircraft. In this case, according to the commander-in-chief, they have a "black belt". Such statements look very interesting, and are quite capable of becoming a topic of controversy. Let's try to figure out why the Swedish general allowed himself such statements, and also determine how his words correspond to reality.
Circumstances and prerequisites
First of all, it is necessary to take into account the place of action and the circumstances under which Major General M. Helgesson made a loud statement about the JAS 39E fighters. All this can transparently hint at the reasons and prerequisites for harsh language. It appears to be purely about commercial interests and advertising.
Experienced fighter JAS 39E
Since 2015, the Finnish Air Force has been looking for a new fighter to upgrade its fleet. It is planned to purchase foreign-made equipment that meets the requirements. In 2019, several foreign machines are to undergo comparative tests. In 2021, the command will select the winner of the competition and conclude a supply contract.
One of the participants in the Finnish tender is the Swedish company Saab, which presented the JAS 39E and JAS 39F Gripen multirole fighters. In early February, the Swedish delegation arrived in Finland for the next talks, and it was during these events that M. Helgesson made the statements of interest to us. The Swedish delegation argued that it was their bid that was the best. However, Stockholm - at least in words - does not plan to put pressure on Helsinki. It is up to Finland to choose the best fighter for its air force.
Gripen E prototype during assembly
Thus, the statements about the JAS 39E as the "killer of the Sukikhs" can be viewed solely as an advertisement for their aircraft, claiming a lucrative contract. These statements simply do not have any other subtext. Apparently, M. Helgesson does not plan to fight the Russian planes - unless, of course, Sukhiye join the current tender.
Two modifications
Nevertheless, the latest modifications of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter are of great interest and worthy of consideration, regardless of how they are advertised on the international market. The development of an upgraded version of the Gripen started in 2007, and by 2013, the design was completed and the construction of the first prototype aircraft began. An experienced fighter JAS 39E (Gripen E) made its maiden flight on June 15, 2017; tests are still ongoing. The prototype of the Gripen F aircraft has not yet been built.
The ceremony of rolling out the experienced "Gripen", May 18, 2016
According to the current plans of Saab and the Swedish Air Force, in the near future, two new modifications of the Gripen aircraft will appear at once. The JAS 39E will be a deeply modernized fighter with a single cockpit. The JAS 39F project is also being created, repeating the "E" as much as possible, but differing from it in a two-man crew. In the early twenties, Sweden plans to order both new-built vehicles and the modernization of existing Gripenes.
Even at the design and construction stage of the prototype, the JAS 39E fighter was presented to the Finnish Air Force, which is in the process of choosing new technology. This year, the Swedish prototype will have to show potential customers all its capabilities. If the comparative tests in the Finnish Air Force competition are successful, Saab will receive a second order. Under the contract, the Finnish side will be able to receive 52 Gripen E and 12 Gripen F.
Benefits on board
According to known data, the JAS 39E / F modernization project uses well-known and proven principles. The existing airframe, without undergoing fundamental changes, should receive a new turbojet engine of higher power, as well as modern electronic equipment. It is expected that as a result of this upgrade, the aircraft will retain its flight performance and its radar signature will remain the same. At the same time, its own potential for detecting targets and countering enemy equipment will increase.
The active phased array of the Leonardo Raven ES-05 radar will be located under the nose cone of the "E" and "F" fighters. The 215 kg station operates in the X-band and provides a 200 ° wide view of the space. Tracking the air and ground situation is possible. A significant increase in the range and reliability of target detection is declared in comparison with the standard radar of older aircraft modifications. The detection range of targets with low RCS has also been increased.
An additional detection tool is the Leonardo SkyWard-G infrared optical location station. This product is intended for viewing the front hemisphere and detecting warm-contrast air or ground targets. The OLS is planned to be used as an addition to the main radar. It can also be used as the main observation means that does not unmask the carrier aircraft with its own radiation.
Since 2014, an ESTL (Enhanced Survivability Technology) suspended container equipped with electronic warfare equipment has been tested. Its main task is to protect the carrier aircraft from enemy missiles. According to some sources, the new projects involve the use of advanced electronic warfare stations integrated into the aircraft structure. However, exact data on this score are not yet available.
Saab offers an original way of gradual modernization of aircraft, including those in service. It is proposed to increase the potential of technology through constant software updates. The manufacturing company intends to release software update packages for onboard equipment every two years. This will allow you to timely correct errors and shortcomings, as well as introduce new functions. The electronics itself will be replaced as needed.
Engine tests on a closed bench
According to the results of the proposed modernization, the JAS 39 fighter becomes slightly larger. Dry weight increases from 6, 7 to 8 tons; maximum - from 14 to 16, 5 tons. Due to the use of a more powerful General Electric F414-GE-39E engine, it is planned to compensate for the increase in weight and maintain the original flight performance.
Increased ammunition
During the refinement of the JAS 39E / F airframe, the number of external suspension points was brought to 10 versus 8 for the JAS 39C / D. Four points are placed under the fuselage, one of which is intended only for a hanging container. There are four pylons under the wing, two more girders are integrated into the wingtips. Maximum ammunition weight increased to 6 tons.
In the case of the single-seat Gripen E, the 27-mm Mauser BK 27 automatic cannon with 120 rounds of ammunition remains. The two-seater modification of the Gripen F differs in the layout of the bow compartment, which is why it cannot carry the gun.
Radar Raven ES-05
The upgraded Gripen retains the ability to attack air, ground and surface targets. To combat enemy aircraft, air-to-air missiles of a number of types of Swedish and foreign production are offered. The aircraft carries up to six short-range missiles of the AIM-9 type (Rb 74 in the Swedish nomenclature), IRIS-T (Rb 98), etc. It is possible to transport four medium or long-range missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Rb 99) or the MBDA MICA.
Ammunition can include four AGM-65 Maverick (Rb 75) air-to-surface missiles or two KEPD 350 cruise missiles. It is also possible to use two RBS-15F anti-ship missiles. Blocks with unguided rockets can be suspended on four underwing pylons. Eight unguided Mk 82 bombs, four GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs, or two Bk 90 cluster bombs can be used.
As far as is known, while the Swedish Air Force is not planning any major updates to the range of ammunition for its "Gripen". In the foreseeable future, the combat qualities of these aircraft will increase, primarily due to the increase in payload and the use of two additional suspension points.
OLS Leonardo SkyWard
Results of modernization
Experienced fighter Saab JAS 39E Gripen is undergoing flight tests. In the future, its two-seat version of the JAS 39F will be tested. The first contract for the supply of such equipment to the Swedish Air Force is expected in the early twenties. The share of modernized aircraft in the total fleet of the Air Force will reach significant values only in the second half of the next decade. Nevertheless, the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force is already calling the new Gripen E “the killer of the Sukhoi, even for advertising reasons.
The available data on the Swedish fighters, as well as on the "Su" aircraft, allow us to consider the statements of Major General M. Helgesson too bold. Perhaps the new modifications of "Gripen" are really created taking into account the confrontation with the "Dry", but it is still premature to call them killers with a black belt. JAS 39E / F have not yet been tested and still cannot fully demonstrate their potential - especially in the framework of full-scale operation in the military.
The situation is different with the Sukhikh family, numerous in all respects. In many countries, both fairly old Su-27s and the newest Su-35s serve. At the same time, some types of Su machines in terms of their numbers have long surpassed the Swedish JAS 39.
Experienced JAS 39E during ground tests, early 2017
However, the available information about the Gripen E / F projects does not allow diminishing the merits of the Swedish aircraft manufacturers and denying the results of their work. In the course of recent work, they really managed to create a modern multi-role fighter of the "4+" (or even "4 ++") generation, quite capable of fighting an air enemy and attacking ground targets. However, we are no longer talking about a radical increase in characteristics and capabilities, as well as about full-fledged competition with the 5th generation.
Thus, the modernized Swedish JAS 39E and JAS 39F are unlikely to be Sukhoi killers, although they are capable of being their competitors in the international aviation market. The proposed modernization provides for a noticeable increase in basic capabilities, which can attract the attention of potential buyers. However, so far the only "Gripen" of the new modification is being tested, and the results of the first competition with its participation have not yet been determined.
Obviously, the purpose of the loud statements of the Swedish military leader was to create additional advertising for his fighter, claiming a lucrative contract from the Finnish Air Force. These statements had nothing to do with technical issues or combat use. Therefore, the Russian public does not have to worry - the “Sukikh killers” do not pose any real threat. And Russian aircraft manufacturers should take into account that another modern aircraft has appeared on the international market that can compete with domestic models.
