Course: Advanced Aerodynamics
Motion is simply the act of moving or the change of position of an element with respect to a reference point within a defined time interval. The rate at which that change of position occurs is referred to as speed. The concept of speed took center stage in aircraft design due to the need to fly faster and higher as well as specified military requirements for fighter jets. This fostered the development of aircraft capable of attaining and exceeding the speed of sound. One of the most intriguing supersonic aircraft ever built is the Saab Jas 39 Gripen. What are important specifications, unique requirements, enabling technologies and purposes for which the aircraft is used? Such answers shall allow the readers to improve their familiarity with the aircraft.
The Jas 39 Gripen is manufactured by the Swedish powerhouse Saab. The Gripen E model is a single-seat fighter powered by a Volvo RM12 Turbofan engine that generates a maximum thrust of 98 KN. It reportedly has a length of 15.2 m, a width of 8.6 m, an empty mass of 8000 kg and an internal fuel capacity of 3400 kg (Saab, 2016). This aeronautical marvel reaches speed greater than 1400 km/hr at sea level. It is characterized by a maximum service altitude greater than 52.500 ft and an air-to-air combat turnaround time of 10 min (Saab, 2016). The alternate model: a two-seater only exhibits minor changes compared with the specifications of the one-seater model.
Saab reports that the Gripen is built for high survivability in combat environment. Rightfully nicknamed “The Smart Fighter”, it is equipped with a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) that allows the aircraft to detect emitting threats such as radars. The aircraft’s Missile Approach Warning (MAW) system can detect and track incoming missiles of all types. The Saab Jas 39 Gripen is also equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system that essentially allows the aircraft radar to track multiple targets simultaneously and independently (Saab, n.d.).
References
Saab. (2016, March 1). Gripen E in Brief. Retrieved from
Saab. (n.d.). The Smart Fighter Gripen E/F. Retrieved from https://saab.com/air/gripen-fighter-system/gripen/gripen-ef/
Comments