Aviation
Military /
Brazil
Gripen, now supersonic
The Brazilian F39 Gripen had supersonic flight tests started
F-39 Gripen
Image: FAB
Rafael Ramos
3/6/2021
The new FAB fighter started its supersonic test flight at Embraer's facilities in Gavião Peixoto (SP) on March 3. The tests are being carried out in an area with a low population density northwest of the base.
The supersonic aircraft can reach up to mach 2 and is capable of maintaining supersonic speed even when not using post combustion. This ability is called "supercruise".
The tests conducted by Saab take place in predetermined areas and conditions and at altitudes above 5000 meters. These tests are essential to analyze the performance and functionality of the aircraft, which arrived for testing in September 2020. The FAB expects to have the first operational units by the end of this year.
Gripen E/F
Saab
Divulgação/FAB
One of the reasons for choosing the test site was the sonic boom. "Gripen will be taking supersonic flights over the next few months. Flying faster than the speed of sound creates a different sound wave, a sonic boom, which may sound more like thunder than an aircraft passing. It is possible that locals will hear this noise during tests with the new Brazilian fighter. We are careful to ensure that these supersonic flights are carried out in designated test areas, "explained Sven Larsson, head of the Gripen Flight Test Center, Saab.
In addition to supersonic flight, flight system tests and climate system tests are also carried out in order to test the aircraft's capacity in tropical regions. Also being tested is the integration of armaments and the Link BR2 communication system, developed in Brazil and providing encrypted data for voice communication between aircraft.
The partnership with Brazil started in 2014 with a contract for the development and production of 36 Saab Gripen E / F aircraft for the FAB. The technology transfer program will be carried out over a period of ten years and will be a leap forward in the development of the Brazilian aeronautical industry.
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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