Saab unveiled the Gripen E test aircraft at its airfield at Linköping on May 18 last year. It is expected to build on the success of earlier variants in both the domestic and export markets. David Willis chronicles the Gripen’s development, and outlines current and potential customers.
One of 14 Gripens that are leased by the Czech Air Force.
AirTeamImages.com/Weimeng
Just short of four years after Stig Holmström completed the Gripen prototype’s 51-minute maiden flight, the first production JAS 39A took to the air on September 10, 1992.
