Editing Saab JAS 39 Gripen (section)

==Design==

===Overview===
[[File:Saab JAS-39C Gripen, Sweden - Air Force AN2279593.jpg|thumb|Swedish Air Force Gripen C underside in flight, 2012|alt=Jet aircraft performing rolls while climbing]]

The Gripen is a multirole fighter aircraft, intended as a light-weight and agile aerial platform with advanced, highly adaptable avionics. It has [[Canard (aeronautics)|canard]] control surfaces that contribute a positive lift force at all speeds, while the generous lift from the [[delta wing]] compensates for the rear stabiliser producing negative lift at high speeds, increasing [[induced drag]].<ref>{{Citation |last= Karlsson |first= Arne |language= sv |title= Kompendium till 4E1201 Flygteknik |trans-title= Compendium to 4E1201 Aeronautical Engineering |year= 1998 |place= Sweden |publisher= [[Royal Institute of Technology|KTH]]}}</ref> Being [[Inherently unstable|intentionally unstable]] and employing digital fly-by-wire flight controls to maintain stability removes many flight restrictions, improves [[Supermaneuverability|manoeuvrability]], and reduces drag.{{Sfn|Lindqvist|Widfeldt|2003 |pp= 50–60, 133–37}}<ref name="saab tech specs"/> The Gripen also has good short takeoff performance, being able to maintain a high sink rate and strengthened to withstand the stresses of short landings.{{Sfn|Green|Swanborough |1987|pp= 227–28}} The aircraft is fitted with retractable tricycle landing gear, with a double-wheeled nose gear and single main wheels.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Lambert |editor1-first= Mark |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1990-1991 |date=1990 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |isbn=978-0710609083 |page = 221 |url= https://books.google.com/books?newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&id=toFKAQAAIAAJ |access-date=28 November 2024}}</ref> A pair of [[air brake (aircraft)|air brakes]] are located on the sides of the rear fuselage; the canards also angle downward to act as air brakes and decrease landing distance.{{Sfn|Williams|2003 |pp= 81–82}} It is capable of flying at a 70–80&nbsp;degrees angle of attack.<ref>{{Citation |publisher= Mach flyg |title= JAS |url= http://www.mach-flyg.com/utg80/80jas_uc.html |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141127200736/http://www.mach-flyg.com/utg80/80jas_uc.html |archive-date= 27 November 2014}}</ref>

To enable the Gripen to have a long service life, roughly 50&nbsp;years, Saab designed it to have low maintenance requirements.{{Sfn|Eliasson|2010|pp= 125, 130|ps=: 'extremely low-cost maintenance, or even “maintenance-free design” […] To reduce maintenance costs of aircraft & aircraft engines, sensors are increasingly used to monitor the health of the different functions that make up the whole.'}} Major systems such as the RM12&nbsp;engine and PS-05/A&nbsp;radar are [[modularity|modular]] to reduce operating cost and increase reliability.<ref name="saab tech specs"/> The Gripen was designed to be flexible, so that newly developed sensors, computers, and armaments could be integrated as technology advances.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.gripenblogs.com/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=791 |title= Fighter Aircraft Design: Then and Now |website= Gripen: the smart fighter |publisher= Saab |date= 10 December 2013 |access-date= 12 January 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140111035631/http://www.gripenblogs.com/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=791 |archive-date= 11 January 2014}}</ref> The aircraft was estimated to be roughly 67%&nbsp;sourced from Swedish or European suppliers and 33%&nbsp;from the US.<ref name=dn>{{cite web |last= Tran |first= Pierre |url= http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3627265&c=EUR&s=TOP |title= Buy Now, Save a Bundle on the F-35 |work= [[Defense News]] |date= 15 July 2008 |publisher= Gannett |location= Springfield, VA |issn= 0884-139X}}{{Dead link|date=September 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted= yes}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

One key aspect of the Gripen programme that Saab have been keen to emphasize has been technology-transfer agreements and industrial partnerships with export customers.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/Industrial-partnership/ |title= Gripen and Switzerland: Industrial Partnership |publisher= Saab |access-date= 6 January 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131220070215/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/Industrial-partnership/ |archive-date= 20 December 2013}}</ref> The Gripen is typically customized to customer requirements, enabling the routine inclusion of local suppliers in the manufacturing and support processes. A number of South African firms provide components and systems – including the communications suite and electronic warfare systems – for the Gripens operated by the South African Air Force.{{Sfn |Henk|2006 |p= 73}} Operators also have access to the Gripen's source code and technical documentation, allowing for upgrades and new equipment to be independently integrated.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.swedenabroad.com/SelectImageX/115931/071024_Gripen_Press_Hand_Out.pdf |title= Facts on the Bilateral Cooperation Program between Thailand and Sweden by the Swedish Government |publisher= [[Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Sweden)]] |access-date= 3 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217011145/http://www.swedenabroad.com/SelectImageX/115931/071024_Gripen_Press_Hand_Out.pdf |archive-date= 17 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some export customers intend to domestically assemble the Gripen; it has been proposed that Brazilian aerospace manufacturer [[Embraer]] may produce Gripens for other export customers as well.<ref name= "Braz build">{{Cite news |last= Trevisani |first= Paulo |url= https://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20131220-710814.html |title= New Gripen Fighter to Be Built at Brazil-Based Plant, Saab Executive Says |work= The Wall Street Journal |date= 20 December 2013 |access-date= 12 January 2014 |archive-date= 26 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140226081357/https://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20131220-710814.html |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name="Grip e value">{{cite web |last= O'Dwyer |first= Gerald |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131224/DEFREG01/312240006/Swedish-Government-Looks-Add-Value-Gripen-E-Sale-Talks |title= Swedish Government Looks to Add Value to Gripen-E Sale Talks |work= [[Defense News]] |date= 24 December 2013 |publisher= Gannett |location= Springfield, VA |issn= 0884-139X |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140111225334/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131224/DEFREG01/312240006/Swedish-Government-Looks-Add-Value-Gripen-E-Sale-Talks |archive-date= 11 January 2014 |access-date= 11 January 2014 |url-status= dead}}</ref>

===Avionics and sensors===
All of the Gripen's avionics are fully integrated using five [[MIL-STD-1553]]B digital [[Bus (computing)|data buses]], in what is described as "[[sensor fusion]]".<ref name="saab tech specs" /> The total integration of the avionics makes the Gripen a "programmable" aircraft, allowing software updates to be introduced over time to increase performance and allow for additional operational roles and equipment.{{Sfn|Frédriksen|2001|p= 280}} The [[Ada programming language]] was adopted for the Gripen, and is used for the primary flight controls on the final prototypes from 1996 onwards and all subsequent production aircraft.{{Sfn|Frisberg|1998|p= 288}} The Gripen's software is [[Continuous delivery|continuously being improved]] to add new capabilities, as compared to the preceding Viggen, which was updated only in an 18-month schedule.{{Sfn|Eliasson|2010|p= 125|ps=: 'The Viggen software was updated every 18 months on average. The Gripen software is updated […] continuously.'}}

Much of the data generated from the onboard sensors and by cockpit activity is digitally recorded throughout the length of an entire mission. This information can be replayed in the cockpit or easily extracted for detailed post-mission analysis using a data transfer unit that can also be used to insert mission data to the aircraft.<ref name="gripen mission"/><ref name="saab cockpit"/> The Gripen, like the Viggen, was designed to operate as one component of a networked national defence system, which allows for automatic exchange of information in [[real-time data|real-time]] between Gripen aircraft and ground facilities.{{Sfn|Eliasson|2010|p= 126}} According to Saab, the Gripen features "the world's most highly developed data link".<ref name="saab tech specs" /> The Gripen's Ternav tactical navigation system combines information from multiple onboard systems such as the [[air data computer]], [[radar altimeter]], and [[GPS]] to continuously calculate the Gripen's location.<ref>{{cite web |last= Sherman |first= Ron |url= http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/issue/feature/The-Gripens-NATO-ized-NINS_12891.html |title= The Gripen's NATO-ized Nins |work= Aviation Today |date= 1 October 2002 |access-date= 17 December 2013 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217013108/http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/issue/feature/The-Gripens-NATO-ized-NINS_12891.html |archive-date= 17 December 2013}}</ref>

The Gripen entered service using the PS-05/A&nbsp;[[pulse-Doppler radar|pulse-Doppler]] [[X band]] multi-mode [[radar]], developed by [[Ericsson]] and [[GEC-Marconi]], which is based on the latter's advanced [[Blue Vixen]] radar for the [[Sea Harrier]] that also served as the basis for the Eurofighter's [[Euroradar CAPTOR|CAPTOR]] radar.{{Sfn |Lake|2008|p= 2}}<ref name="saab tech specs" /> The all-weather radar is capable of locating and identifying targets 120&nbsp;km (74&nbsp;mi) away,{{Sfn|Williams|2003|p= 74}} and automatically tracking multiple targets in the upper and lower spheres, on the ground and sea or in the air. It can guide several [[beyond visual range]] [[air-to-air missile]]s to multiple targets simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title= Aircraft systems designs driven by pilots, versatility |magazine= Signals |year= 1994 |volume=49 |quote= The radar can guide several air to missiles to targets located beyond visual range simultaneously. |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=4Ig-AQAAIAAJ&pg=PA41 |page=32 |publisher= [[Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association]] |location= Fairfax, VA |issn= 0037-4938}}</ref> Saab stated the PS-05/A is able to handle all types of air defence, air-to-surface, and reconnaissance missions,<ref name="saab tech specs" /> and is developing a Mark&nbsp;4 upgrade to it.<ref>{{cite web |title= Saab sees growing Gripen fighter demand amid Russia tensions |date= 27 April 2015 |place= Linköping, SE |work= Reuters |url= http://reuters.com/article/idUSL8N0XO2RK20150427 |access-date= 2 May 2015 |archive-date= 1 March 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210301163212/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL8N0XO2RK20150427 |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Sweetman |first= William 'Bill' |date= 27 April 2015 |title= Gripen radar upgrade aimed at Sweden & exports |url= http://m.aviationweek.com/defense/gripen-radar-upgrade-aimed-sweden-and-exports |place= Linköping, SE |work= Aerospace Daily & Defense Report |publisher= Aviation Week |access-date= 2 May 2015 |quote= …the Saab PS-05/A Mk.&nbsp;4 bucks the trend toward electronically scanned arrays in radar design by retaining a mechanically scanned antenna. A prototype made its first flight in a Gripen in December, on a JAS&nbsp;39D, and the radar is being offered to the Swedish air force and to export customers. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170207081150/http://m.aviationweek.com/defense/gripen-radar-upgrade-aimed-sweden-and-exports |archive-date= 7 February 2017 |url-status= dead}}</ref> The Mark&nbsp;4 version has a 150%&nbsp;increase in high-altitude air-to-air detection ranges, detection and tracking of smaller targets at current ranges, 140%&nbsp;improvement in air-to-air mode at low altitude, and full integration of modern weapons such as the [[AIM-120C|AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM]], [[AIM-9X|AIM-9X Sidewinder]], and [[MBDA Meteor]] missiles.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=29 April 2015 |title= Saab reveals enhanced radar for Gripen C/D fighter |url= http://www.janes.com/article/51080/saab-reveals-enhanced-radar-for-gripen-c-d-fighter |access-date=2 May 2015 |work=IHS Jane's International Defence Review |place= Linköping, SE |via=IHS Jane's 360 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151220010101/http://www.janes.com/article/51080/saab-reveals-enhanced-radar-for-gripen-c-d-fighter |archive-date=20 December 2015 |url-status=dead |quote=The upgraded radar, designated PS-05/A Mk4, features a new hardware and software, with the primary changes being in the system's 'back end'. A mechanically scanned radar, the Mk4 will offer a 150 % increase in high-altitude air-to-air detection ranges over the current Mk3 radar… In the air-to-air mode at low altitude, the Mk4 will provide a 140 % improvement over current capabilities by 2017… In addition to improving detection ranges, the Mk4 will allow for the full integration of modern weapon systems, such as the Raytheon Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) C-7, the Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder, and the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range missile.}}</ref>

[[File:Saab JAS-39 Gripen (53079484003).jpg|thumb|Swedish Air Force Gripen E with IRST sensor in front of the canopy]]
The future Gripen&nbsp;E/F will use a new AESA radar, Raven&nbsp;ES-05, based on the Vixen AESA radar family from Selex ES.<ref name="flight radar" /> Among other improvements, the new radar is to be capable of scanning over a greatly increased field of view and improved range.<ref name= "stratpost">{{cite web |last= Joshi |first= Saurabh |url= http://www.stratpost.com/gripen-hardsells-new-aesa-radar-low-cost-for-mmrca |title= Gripen hardsells new AESA radar, low cost for MMRCA |work= Strat Post |date= 10 September 2009 |access-date= 23 March 2010 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103132052/http://www.stratpost.com/gripen-hardsells-new-aesa-radar-low-cost-for-mmrca |archive-date= 3 November 2013}}</ref> In addition, the new Gripen integrates the Skyward-G [[Infra-red search and track]]&nbsp;(IRST) sensor, which is capable of passively detecting thermal emissions from air and ground targets in the aircraft's vicinity.<ref name="other sensors">{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/The-Gripen-Solution/Other-sensors/ |work= The Gripen Solution |title= Other Sensors |publisher= Saab |access-date= 4 January 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131219235627/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/The-Gripen-Solution/Other-sensors/ |archive-date= 19 December 2013}}</ref> The sensors of the Gripen&nbsp;E are claimed to be able to detect low [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) targets at beyond visual range.<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_03_17_2014_p28-671791.xml |title= Gripen Sensors Claim Counter-Stealth Performance |newspaper= Aviation week |date= 17 March 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140318220144/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2FAW_03_17_2014_p28-671791.xml |archive-date= 18 March 2014 |access-date= 19 January 2021 |url-status= live}}</ref> Targets are tracked by a "best sensor dominates" system, either by onboard sensors or through the Transmitter Auxiliary Unit (TAU) data link function of the radar.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://sesam.smart-lab.se/seminarier/Hostsem07/Gripen.pdf |title= Saab History of Aircraft Data Links |last= Lundqvist |first= Anders |date= 31 October 2007 |website= Smart-lab |place= SE |publisher= Saab |access-date= 17 March 2014 |archive-date= 18 March 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140318193249/http://sesam.smart-lab.se/seminarier/Hostsem07/Gripen.pdf |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/Templates/Public/Pages/PrintAllTabs.aspx?pageId=1556 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140318210311/http://www.saabgroup.com/Templates/Public/Pages/PrintAllTabs.aspx?pageId=1556|url-status= dead|archive-date= 18 March 2014 |title= PS 05/A – Fighter Radar Total Situation Awareness |year= 2014 |publisher= Saab |access-date= 17 March 2014}}</ref>

===Cockpit===
[[File:Saab JAS-39C Gripen MFD at ADAS 2018.jpg|thumb|Gripen C cockpit]]
[[File:Saab Gripen NG cabina.png|thumb|Brazilian Air Force Gripen NG cockpit with Wide Area Display]]

The primary flight controls are compatible with the Hands On Throttle-And-Stick ([[HOTAS]]) control principle&nbsp;– the centrally mounted stick, in addition to flying the aircraft, also controls the cockpit displays and weapon systems. A triplex, digital fly-by-wire system is employed on the Gripen's flight controls,<ref name="saab tech specs">{{cite web|url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen/Gripen/Technical-specifications |work=Gripen fighter system |title=Technical Specifications |publisher=Saab |date=3 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200337/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen/Gripen/Technical-specifications/ |archive-date= 29 October 2013}}</ref> with a mechanical backup for the throttle.<ref name="Reaktionsmotor 12 idg.se">{{cite web |language=sv|url= http://www.idg.se/2.1085/1.174315 |title= Reaktionsmotor 12 – både vacker och stark |trans-title= Reaction Engine 12 – both beautiful and strong |publisher= IDG |work= Tech World |date= 8 January 2013 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140107044556/http://www.idg.se/2.1085/1.174315 |archive-date= 7 January 2014}}</ref> Additional functions, such as communications, navigational and decision support data, can be accessed via the Up Front Control Panel, directly above the central cockpit display.<ref name="annotated cockpit">{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/Global/Documents%20and%20Images/Air/Gripen/Gripen%20product%20sheet/Saab_Gripen_Cockpit.jpg |work= The Gripen |title= Human Machine Interface |publisher= Saab | type= product sheet |format= [[JPEG]] |access-date= 3 September 2012 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131030084410/http://www.saabgroup.com/Global/Documents%20and%20Images/Air/Gripen/Gripen%20product%20sheet/Saab_Gripen_Cockpit.jpg |archive-date= 30 October 2013}}</ref> The Gripen includes the EP-17&nbsp;cockpit display system, developed by Saab to provide pilots with a high level of situational awareness and reduces pilot workload through intelligent information management. The Gripen features a sensor fusion capability, information from onboard sensors and databases is combined, automatically analysed, and useful data is presented to the pilot via a wide field-of-view [[Head-Up Display]], three large multi-function colour displays, and optionally a [[Helmet Mounted Display System]] (HMDS).<ref name="saab cockpit">{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Avionics_Systems/Avionics_Equipment/EP_17_Gripen_Display_System_HUD/Features/ |title= Ep-17 Gripen Display System |publisher= Saab |access-date= 3 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103092341/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Avionics_Systems/Avionics_Equipment/EP_17_Gripen_Display_System_HUD/Features/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013 |url-status= dead}}</ref>

Of the three multi-function displays&nbsp;(MFD), the central display is for navigational and mission data, the display to the left of the center shows aircraft status and electronic warfare information, and the display to the right of the center has sensory and fire control information.<ref name="annotated cockpit" /> In two-seat variants, the rear seat's displays can be operated independently of the pilot's own display arrangement in the forward seat. Saab has promoted this capability as being useful during electronic warfare and [[reconnaissance]] missions, and while carrying out command and control activities.<ref name="saab cockpit"/> In May 2010, Sweden began equipping their Gripens with additional onboard computer systems and new displays.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/05/26/Saab-to-develop-new-Gripen-avionics/UPI-73771274898005/ |title= Saab to develop new Gripen avionics |work= United Press International |date= 26 May 2010 |access-date= 3 November 2013 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103092248/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/05/26/Saab-to-develop-new-Gripen-avionics/UPI-73771274898005/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013}}</ref> The MFDs are interchangeable and designed for redundancy in the event of failure, flight information can be presented on any of the displays.<ref name="Reaktionsmotor 12 idg.se" />

Saab and BAE developed the Cobra HMDS for use in the Gripen, based on the Striker HMDS used on the Eurofighter.{{Sfn|Larsson|Ekrot|2010|p=1}} By 2008, the Cobra HMDS was fully integrated on operational aircraft, and is available as an option for export customers; it has been retrofitted into older Swedish and South African Gripens.{{Sfn|Larsson|Ekrot|2010|p=1}} The HMDS provides control and information on target cueing, sensor data, and flight parameters, and is optionally equipped for night time operations and with chemical/biological filtration.<ref name="gripen mission"/> All connections between the HMDS and the cockpit were designed for rapid detachment, for safe use of the ejection system.{{Sfn|Larsson|Ekrot|2010|pp=2, 4}}

===Engine===
[[File:Klargoring av JAS 39 Gripen pa F17, Kallinge Sverige (4).jpg|thumb|A technician inspecting a Gripen's [[Volvo RM12|RM12]] engine in-situ|alt= Headphone-wearing technician in green uniform, inspecting the engine nozzle of a single-engine fighter jet]]
{{further|Volvo RM12}}

All in-service Gripens as of January 2014 are powered by a Volvo RM12 [[turbofan]] engine (now [[GKN]] Aerospace Engine Systems), a licence-manufactured derivative of General Electric F404, fed by a [[Y-duct]] with [[Splitter plate (aeronautics)|splitter plates]]; changes include increased performance and improved reliability to meet single engine use safety criteria, as well as a greater resistance to [[bird strike]] incidents.<ref name="Reaktionsmotor 12 idg.se"/><ref>{{Cite magazine |magazine= [[Flight International]] |date= 2–8 February 1994 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%200261.html |title= Resonance problem hits Gripen Engine |location= London, UK |publisher= Reed Business Information |issue= 4406 |volume= 145 |page= 15 |via=Flightglobal/Archive |access-date= 16 December 2013 |issn= 0015-3710 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131216031824/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%200261.html |archive-date= 16 December 2013}}</ref> Several subsystems and components were also redesigned to reduce maintenance demands.<ref name="Volvo 10000">{{cite web |title= Gripen surpasses 100,000 flight hours – Volvo Aero's engine safest in the world |url= http://www.vfsco.com/financialservices/hungary/hu-hu/news_media/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=36253&News.Language=en-gb |publisher= Volvo Aero |date= 31 January 2008 |access-date= 12 January 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140110084849/http://www.vfsco.com/financialservices/hungary/hu-hu/news_media/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=36253&News.Language=en-gb |archive-date= 10 January 2014}}</ref> By November 2010, the Gripen had accumulated over 143,000 flight hours without a single engine-related failure or incident; Rune Hyrefeldt, head of Military Program management at Volvo Aero, stated: "I think this must be a hard record to beat for a single-engine application".<ref name="Volvo 10000"/>

Like the Gripen, test models of the Dassault Rafale used F404&nbsp;engines until replaced by the [[Snecma M88]]-2 engine on production aircraft.<ref>{{Cite book |url= https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51213421 |title= Superfighters: the next generation of combat aircraft |date= 2002 |publisher= AIRtime Pub | first =Mel | last = Williams |isbn=1-880588-53-6 |location= Norwalk, [[Connecticut|CT]] | page= 92 |oclc= 51213421}}</ref>  A JAS 39C variant powered by a new {{cvt |80|–|93|kN|kgf lbf}} thrust SNECMA M88-3 engine was proposed.<ref name="FI19910410">{{cite magazine |last1= Norris |first1= Guy |last2= Sedbon |first2= Gilbert |title= Power to progress |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%200941.html |date=10–16 April 1991 |magazine= [[Flight International]] |location= London, UK |publisher= Reed Business Information |issue=4262 |volume=139 |pages= [https://web.archive.org/web/20100113171440/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%200942.html 32–36] |issn= 0015-3710 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100113154346/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%200941.html |archive-date= 13 January 2010}}</ref><ref name= "FI19940921">{{cite magazine |surname= Elliott |given=Simon |title=Nerve centre: Sweden prepares to open its tactical training and conversion center for the JAS39 Gripen |magazine= [[Flight International]] |volume= 146 |number= 4439 |publication-date=21 September 1994 |pages=40+ |id= {{Gale|A16135865}} |issn= 0015-3710}}</ref> The M88-3&nbsp;variant would have a new low pressure compressor (LPC) with a new variable [[stator]] vane stage and an increased mass flow of {{cvt|73.4|kg/s}}.<ref name= "FI19990609">{{cite magazine |issn= 0015-3710 |magazine=[[Flight International]] |title= Snecma M88 |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/snecma-m88/26559.article |access-date=10 July 2020 |publication-date=9 June 1999 |page=90 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200919164459/https://www.flightglobal.com/snecma-m88/26559.article |url-status=live}}</ref>

The JAS&nbsp;39E and F variants under development are to adopt the F414G powerplant, a variant of the General Electric F414. The F414G can produce 20%&nbsp;greater thrust than the current RM12&nbsp;engine, enabling the Gripen to supercruise at a speed of Mach&nbsp;1.1 while carrying an air-to-air combat payload.<ref name= NG_capabilities/> In 2010, Volvo Aero stated it was capable of further developing its RM12&nbsp;engine to better match the performance of the F414G, and claimed that developing the RM12 would be a less expensive option.<ref name="karl 19">{{Cite news |last= Karlberg |first= Lars Anders |url= http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/fordon_motor/flygplan/article2510693.ece |language=sv|title= Volvo vill trimma Gripens motor |trans-title= Volvo wants to trim the Gripen's engine |work= [[Ny Teknik]] |date= 19 November 2010 |place= SE |access-date= 15 June 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140110085415/http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/fordon_motor/flygplan/article2510693.ece |archive-date= 10 January 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref> Prior to Saab's selection of the F414G, the [[Eurojet EJ200]] had also been under consideration for the Gripen; proposed implementations included the use of [[thrust vectoring]].<ref>{{cite web |date= 27 May 1998 |title= Eurojet aims EJ200 variant at thrust vectored Gripen |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/eurojet-aims-ej200-variant-at-thrust-vectored-gripen-37567/ |work= [[FlightGlobal]] |access-date= 13 January 2014 |archive-date= 27 December 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161227140557/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/eurojet-aims-ej200-variant-at-thrust-vectored-gripen-37567/ |url-status= live}}</ref>

===Equipment and armaments===
The Gripen is compatible with a number of different armaments, beyond the aircraft's single 27&nbsp;mm [[Mauser BK-27]] cannon (omitted on the two-seat variants),<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nato-exercises-test-gripen-credentials-316841/ |title= NATO exercises test Gripen credentials |work=[[FlightGlobal]] |date= 7 October 2008 |access-date= 17 December 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217031220/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nato-exercises-test-gripen-credentials-316841/ |archive-date= 17 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> including air-to-air missiles such as the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]], air-to-ground missiles such as the [[AGM-65 Maverick]], and [[anti-ship missile]]s such as the [[RBS-15]].<ref>{{Cite journal |first= Martin |last= Waligorski |date= April 2000 |url= http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2000/04/stuff_eng_detail_gripen_08.htm |title= JAS 39 Gripen in Detail – Underwing Stores and Armament |journal= IPMS |place= Stockholm |access-date= 22 September 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217013212/http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2000/04/stuff_eng_detail_gripen_08.htm |archive-date= 17 December 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref> In 2010, the Swedish Air Force's Gripen fleet completed the MS19&nbsp;upgrade process, enabling compatibility with a range of weapons, including the long-range MBDA Meteor missile, the short-range [[IRIS-T]] missile and the GBU-49&nbsp;laser-guided bomb.<ref name= View_from_Sweden>{{Cite journal |title= Saab Gripen: The View from Sweden | type= supplement |journal= Combat Aircraft Monthly |publisher= Ian Allan Publishing |location= Shepperton, Middlesex |date= December 2010}}</ref> Speaking on the Gripen's selection of armaments, Saab's campaign director for India, Edvard de la Motte stated that: "If you buy Gripen, select where you want your weapons from: Israel, Sweden, Europe, US… South America. It's up to the customer".<ref name="stratpost" />

In flight, the Gripen is typically capable of carrying up to {{convert |14330|lb|kg|abbr=on|order=flip}} of assorted armaments and equipment.{{Sfn|Frédriksen|2001|p= 280}} Equipment includes external sensor pods for reconnaissance and target designation, such as [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems|Rafael]]'s [[LITENING]] [[targeting pod]], Saab's Modular Reconnaissance Pod System, or Thales' Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/71/litening-iii-targeting-pod |title= Litening III targeting pod |publisher=The South African Air Force (unofficial website)|access-date= 2 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130501003731/http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/71/litening-iii-targeting-pod |archive-date= 1 May 2013}}</ref> The Gripen has an advanced and integrated electronic warfare suite, capable of operating in an undetectable passive mode or to actively jam hostile radar; a missile approach warning system passively detects and tracks incoming missiles.<ref name="other sensors"/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/The-Gripen-Solution/Survivability/ |work= The Gripen Solution |title= Survivability |publisher= Saab |access-date= 5 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131219235551/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/The-Gripen-Solution/Survivability/ |archive-date= 19 December 2013}}</ref> In November 2013, it was announced that Saab will be the first to offer the [[BriteCloud]] expendable Active jammer developed by Selex ES.<ref>{{Citation |title= Brite cloude launch |publisher= Selex ES |url= http://www.selex-es.com/-/britecloudlaunch |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131107223213/http://www.selex-es.com/-/britecloudlaunch |archive-date= 7 November 2013 |access-date= 9 December 2014 |url-status= dead}}</ref> In June 2014, the Enhanced Survivability Technology Modular Self Protection Pod, a defensive missile countermeasure pod, performed its first flight on the Gripen.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gripenblogs.com/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=978 |title=Introducing The ESTL Modular Self Protection Pod |date=11 August 2014 |website=Gripen blogs |publisher=Saab |access-date=12 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819102857/http://www.gripenblogs.com/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=978 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Saab describes the Gripen as a "swing-role aircraft", stating that it is capable of "instantly switching between roles at the push of a button". The human/machine interface changes when switching between roles, being optimized by the computer in response to new situations and threats.<ref name="gripen mission">{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/Global/Documents%20and%20Images/Air/Gripen/Gripen%20product%20sheet/The_Gripen_Mission.pdf |work= The Gripen |title= Mission |publisher= Saab |access-date= 4 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217020258/http://www.saabgroup.com/Global/Documents%20and%20Images/Air/Gripen/Gripen%20product%20sheet/The_Gripen_Mission.pdf |archive-date= 17 December 2013}}</ref> The Gripen is also equipped to use a number of different communications standards and systems, including SATURN secure radio, Link-16, ROVER, and satellite uplinks.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/The-Gripen-Solution/Communication/ |work= The Gripen Solution |title= Communications |publisher= Saab |access-date= 5 January 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131219235634/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/The-Gripen-Solution/Communication/ |archive-date= 19 December 2013}}</ref> Equipment for performing long range missions, such as an [[air-to-air refuelling]] probe and Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), was integrated on the Gripen C/D.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/The-Gripen-Solution/Versions/ |work= The Gripen Solution |title= Versions |publisher= Saab |access-date= 5 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131219235610/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Gripen-Fighter-System/Gripen-and-Switzerland/The-Gripen-Solution/Versions/ |archive-date=19 December 2013}}</ref>

===Usability and maintenance===
[[File:Gripen taking off from road runway.jpg|thumb|Swedish Air Force Gripen taking off from a [[Highway strip|road runway]] that was part of the [[Bas 90]] system]]

During the [[Cold War]], the [[Swedish Armed Forces]] were to be ready to defend against a possible invasion. This scenario required defensive [[force dispersal]] of combat aircraft in the Bas 90 system to maintain an air defence capacity.{{Sfn|Spick|2000|p= 426}} Thus, a key design goal during the Gripen's development was the ability to operate from snow-covered landing strips of only {{Convert |500|m|ft}};{{sfn|Lindqvist|Widfeldt|2003}}{{page needed|date= April 2022}} furthermore, a short-turnaround time of just ten minutes (attack mission preparations is double that time), during which a team composed of a technician and five conscripts would be able to re-arm, refuel, and perform routine inspections and servicing inside that time window before returning to flight for air-to-air missions. For air-to-ground missions this turnaround time using the same resource is slightly longer at twenty minutes.{{Sfn |Williams|2003|p= 82}}{{Sfn|Chant|Taylor|1999|p= 48}}

During the design process, great priority was placed on facilitating and minimizing aircraft maintenance; in addition to a maintenance-friendly layout, many subsystems and components require little or no maintenance at all.{{Sfn |Eliasson|2010|p= 130|ps=: 'To reduce maintenance costs of aircraft & aircraft engines, sensors are increasingly used to monitor the health of the different functions that make up the whole.'}} Aircraft are fitted with a Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) that monitors the performance of various systems, and provides information to technicians to assist in servicing it.<ref>{{cite web |work= Mission support systems |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Mission_Support_Systems/Maintenance_Ground_Support/Maintenance_Ground_Support_System/Features/ |title= Maintenance Ground Support System |publisher= Saab |access-date= 5 September 2012 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217105625/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Air/Mission_Support_Systems/Maintenance_Ground_Support/Maintenance_Ground_Support_System/Features/ |archive-date= 17 December 2013}}</ref> Saab operates a continuous improvement programme; information from the HUMS and other systems can be submitted for analysis.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1= Sandberg |first1= Anna |first2= Ulrika |last2= Strömberg |url= http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=843247 |title= Gripen: with focus on availability, performance and life support cost over the product life cycle |journal= Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering |year= 1999 |volume= 5 |issue= 4 |pages= 325–35 |issn= 1355-2511 |doi= 10.1108/13552519910298082 |access-date= 5 September 2012 |archive-date= 17 December 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217110138/http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=843247 |url-status= live}}</ref> According to Saab, the Gripen provides "50% lower operating costs than its best competitor".<ref name="saab tech specs" />

A 2012 ''[[Jane's]] Aerospace and Defense Consulting'' study compared the operational costs of a number of modern combat aircraft, concluding that Gripen had the lowest ''cost per flight hour'' (CPFH) when fuel used, pre-flight preparation and repair, and scheduled airfield-level maintenance together with associated personnel costs were combined. The Gripen had an estimated CPFH of US$4,700 whereas the next lowest, the F-16&nbsp;Block 40/50, had a 49% higher&nbsp;CPFH at $7,000.<ref name="SP.com operational cost" /><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.ftm.nl/upload/content/files/IHS%20Jane%27s%20Jet%20Operating%20Costs%20White%20Paper%20FINAL%2013th%20March%202012%281%29.pdf |place= [[Netherlands|NL]] |publisher= FMT |date= March 2012 |title=Fast jet operating cost per flight hour |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160816011111/https://www.ftm.nl/upload/content/files/IHS%20Jane%27s%20Jet%20Operating%20Costs%20White%20Paper%20FINAL%2013th%20March%202012%281%29.pdf |archive-date= 16 August 2016 |url-status=live |access-date= 6 April 2021}}</ref>

In 2024, a study was begun to see if a Gripen could launch a small satellite into low earth orbit, building on previous research in this area. It is more common for commercial airliners to be used for this purpose but the [[Eurofighter Typhoon]] has also been studied for this task<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Tim |date=25 July 2024 |title=Sweden commissions study on Gripen fighter jet satellite launch capability |url= https://breakingdefense.com/2024/07/sweden-commissions-study-on-gripen-fighter-jet-satellite-launch-capability/ |access-date=28 July 2024 |website= Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> (see also [[ASM-135 ASAT]]).