The Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut (Russian: Су-47 Беркут - Golden Eagle) (NATO reporting nameFirkin), also designated S-32 and S-37 during initial development, is an experimental supersonicjet fighter developed by Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. A distinguishing feature of the aircraft is its forward-swept wing, similar to that of the Tsybin's LL-3.[1]. The sole aircraft produced is an advanced technology demonstrator prototype and manufacture of a planned second flying prototype is under question due to recent MIG developments of 5th generation Jet fighters.
Originally known as the S-37, Sukhoi redesignated its advanced test aircraft as the Su-47 in 2002. Officially nicknamed Berkut (Golden Eagle), the Su-47 was originally built as Russia's principal testbed for composite materials and sophisticated fly-by-wire control systems. The aircraft makes use of forward-swept wings allowing superb maneuverability and operation at angles of attack up to 45° or more.
TsAGI has long been aware of the advantages of forward-swept wings, with research including the development of the Tsibin LL and study of the captured Junkers Ju 287 in the 1940s. Forward-swept wings yield a higher maximum lift coefficient, reduced bending moments, and delayed stall when compared to more traditional wing shapes. At high angles of attack, the wing tips remain unstalled allowing the aircraft to retain aileron control. Unfortunately, forward sweep also induces twisting (divergence) strong enough to rip the wings off an aircraft built of conventional materials. Only recently have composite materials made the design of aircraft with forward-swept wings feasible.
The project was launched in 1983 on order from the Soviet Air Force. But when the USSR dissolved, funding was frozen and development continued only through funding by Sukhoi. Like its US counterpart, the Grumman X-29, the Su-47 is primarily a technology demonstrator for future Russian fighters. However, Sukhoi is now attempting to market the Su-47 to the Russian military and foreign customers as a production fighter in its own right.[citation needed]
Design
Outline of the Sukhoi Su-47
The Su-47 is of similar dimensions to previous large Sukhoi fighters, such as the Su-35. To reduce development costs, the Su-47 borrowed the forward fuselage, vertical tails, and landing gear of the Su-27 family. Nonetheless, the aircraft includes reduced radar signature features (including radar absorbent materials),[citation needed] an internal weapons bay, and space set aside for an advanced radar. Though similar in overall concept to the American X-29 research aircraft of the 1980s, the Su-47 is about twice the size and far closer to an actual combat aircraft than the US design.
To solve the problem of wing-twisting, the Su-47 makes use of composite materials carefully tailored to resist twisting while still allowing the wing to bend for improved aerodynamic behavior. Due to its comparatively large wingspan the Su-47 is to be equipped with folding wings in order to fit inside Russian hangars.
Like its immediate predecessor, the Su-37, the Su-47 is of tandem-triplane layout, with canards ahead of wings and tailplanes. Interestingly, the Su-47 has two tailbooms of unequal length outboard of the exhaust nozzles. The shorter boom, on the left-hand side, houses rear-facing radar, while the longer boom houses a brake parachute.
The Su-47 has extremely high agility at subsonic speeds, enabling the aircraft to alter its angle of attack and its flight path very quickly while retaining maneuverability in supersonic flight. The Su-47 has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 at high altitudes and a 9g capability.[1]
Maximum turn rates, and the upper and lower limits on airspeed for weapon launch, are important criteria in terms of combat superiority. The Su-47 aircraft has very high levels of maneuverability with maintained stability and controllability at extreme angles of attack. Maximum turn rates are important in close combat and also at medium and long range, when the mission may involve engaging consecutive targets in different sectors of the airspace. A high turn rate of the Su-47 allows the pilot to turn the fighter aircraft quickly towards the next target to initiate the weapon launch. Like most other fighters with fly by wire controls, the Su-47 achieves some of its high maneuverability through relaxed stability[citation needed].
The swept-forward wing, compared to a swept-back wing of the same area, provides a number of advantages:
higher lift-to-drag ratio
higher capacity in dogfight maneuvers
higher range at subsonic speed
improved stall resistance and anti-spin characteristics
improved stability at high angles of attack
a lower minimum flight speed
a shorter take-off and landing distance
Fuselage
The Su-47s fuselage is oval in cross section and the airframe is constructed mainly of aluminium and titanium alloys and 13% (by weight) of composite materials. The nose radome is slightly flattened at the fore section, and has a horizontal edge to optimise the aircraft's anti-spin characteristics.
Wings
The forward-swept midwing gives the unconventional (and characteristic) appearance of the Su-47, earning it the nickname of 'devil' and 'slingshot'. A substantial part of the lift generated by the forward-swept wing occurs at the inner portion of the wingspan. The lift is not restricted by wingtip stall. The ailerons - the wing's control surfaces - remain effective at the highest angles of attack, and controllability of the aircraft is retained even in the event of airflow separating from the remainder of the wings' surface.
The wing panels are constructed of nearly 90% composites. The forward-swept midwing has a high aspect ratio, which contributes to long-range performance. The leading-edge root extensions blend smoothly to the wing panels, which are fitted with deflectable slats on the leading edge; flaps and ailerons on the trailing edge. The all-moving and small-area trapezoidal canards are connected to the leading-edge root extensions.
The downside of such a wing design is that it produces strong rotational forces that try to twist the wings off, especially at high speeds. This twisting necessitates the use of a large amount of composites in order to increase the strength and durability of the wing. Despite this strengthening, the plane was initially limited to Mach 1.6. Recent engineering modifications have raised this limit, but the new limit has not been specified. Nevertheless, it is rumored that the Su-47 prototype recently suffered some manner of wing failure during testing[citation needed]. As a result, Western analysts speculate that Sukhoi engineers have restored the prototype to a conventional swept-wing layout.[citation needed] Apparently, the engineers reached the same conclusions with regard to the viability of a forward-swept layout as their counterparts at Grumman did twenty years ago with the X-29.[2] Therefore, it is likely that any derivative production aircraft based on Su-47 research will utilize a conventional wing layout.
Thrust vectoring
The thrust vectoring (with PFU engine modification) of ±20° at 30°/second in pitch and yaw will greatly support the agility gained by the forward-swept-wings.
Cockpit
The cockpit's design has focused on maintaining a high degree of comfort for the pilot and also on the pilot being able to control the aircraft in extremely high g-load manoeuvres. The aircraft is equipped with a new ejection seat and life support system. The variable geometry adaptive ejection seat is inclined at an angle of 60°, which reduces the impact of high g forces on the pilot. The seat allows dogfight and missile avoidance maneuvers with significantly higher g loadings than can normally be tolerable. The Su-47 pilot uses a side-mounted, low-travel control stick and a tensiometric throttle control. Pilots, however, claim that the cockpit gives them low visibility due to poor design. This reclined seating arrangement was first used in the F-16 Fighting Falcon but was determined to be of little value. However, it was replicated in the F-22A Raptor.
Powerplant: 2× Lyulka AL-37FU(planned) Flying prototypes used 2 AviadvigatelD-30F6 afterburning, thrust-vectoring (in PFU modification) turbofans with digital control
Dry thrust: 83.4 kN (18,700 lbf) each
Thrust with afterburner: 142.2 kN (32,000 lbf) each
Thrust vectoring: ±20° at 30° per second in pitch and yaw
Performance
Maximum speed:Mach 1.6 (Achieved in test flights [3]) (1,717 km/h, 1,066 mph),projected 2710 km/h * At sea level:Mach 1.14 (1,400 km/h, 870 mph[1])
Cruise speed: projected 1,800 km/h on dry thrust, 2650 km/h on full thrust
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (English: Griffin) is a lightweight multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. Gripen International acts as a prime contracting organisation and is responsible for marketing, selling and supporting the Gripen fighter around the world.
By the late 1970s a replacement for Sweden's ageing Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen was needed.[6] A new fighter was being considered by 1979,[7] with design studies beginning the following year.[6] The development of the Gripen began in 1982 with approval from Swedish Parliament.[8]
The Gripen was designed for performance, flexibility, effectiveness and survivability in air combat. The designation JAS stands for Jakt (Air-to-Air), Attack (Air-to-Surface), and Spaning (Reconnaissance), indicating that the Gripen is a multirole or swingrole fighter aircraft that can fulfill each mission type. The JAS 39 received the name Gripen through a public competition in 1982.[9] The griffin is the heraldry on Saab's logo and suited the multirole characteristics of the aircraft. Furthermore, the griffin is the symbolic animal on the coat of arms of Östergötland, the province in which Saab AB is headquartered (Linköping).
Sweden chose to develop the Gripen rather than purchase a variant of the F-16, F/A-18A/B, or the "F-5S" version of the Northrop F-20 Tigershark. The first Gripen was rolled out on 26 April 1987, marking Saab's 50th anniversary.[10] The first prototype first flew on 9 December 1988.[11]
The final aircraft of the latest 64 jet Batch 3 contract was delivered to FMV on 26 November 2008.[1] This was accomplished at a 10% less than the agreed-upon price for the whole batch, putting the JAS 39C fly-away price at under US$30 million.
Teaming agreements
In 1995, Saab Military Aircraft and British Aerospace or BAe (now BAE Systems) formed the joint venture company Saab-BAe Gripen AB, with the goal of adapting, manufacturing, marketing and supporting Gripen internationally. The deal was to take advantage of BAe's global marketing experience. BAe also saw the Gripen as a complementary product to its existing aircraft, fitting between its Hawk light attack/trainer and the larger Tornado and Typhoon fighters. This cooperation was extended in 2001 with the formation of Gripen International for the same purpose. In December 2004, Saab and BAE Systems agreed that from January 2005 Saab would take full responsibility for marketing of the Gripen in light of Saab's increased export marketing capabilities.
On 26 April 2007, Norway signed an agreement on a joint development programme of the aircraft regarding co-operation in advanced development work on future versions of the aircraft. The value of the deal, which will allow Norwegian companies to take part, is about NOK 150 million over two years.[12]
In June 2007, Thales Norway A/S and Saab signed a contract concerning the development of communications systems for the Gripen fighter. This order for the Norwegian company is the first to be awarded under the provisions of the Letter of Agreement signed by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and Gripen International in April 2007.[12]
As part of Gripen International's marketing efforts in Denmark, a deal was signed in December 2007 with Danish technology supplier Terma A/S which allows them to participate in an industrial co-operation programme over the next 10–15 years. The total value of the programme is estimated at over DKK 10 billion, and is partly dependent on Denmark choosing the Gripen.[13]
Gripen NG and recent developments
A two-seat "New Technology Demonstrator" has been built,[14] and was presented on 23 April 2008. It has increased fuel capacity, a more powerful powerplant, increased payload capacity, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The new aircraft is also referred to as the "Gripen Demo".[15][16]
The new Gripen NG (Next Generation) will have many new parts and will be powered by the General Electric F414G, a development of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's engine. The engine will produce 20% more thrust at 98 kN (22,000 lbf), enabling a supercruise speed of Mach 1.1 with air-to-air missiles.[17]
Compared to the Gripen D, the Gripen NG's max takeoff weight has increased from 14,000 to 16,000 kg (30,900–35,300 lb) with an increase in empty weight of 200 kg (440 lb). Due to relocated main landing gear, the internal fuel capacity has increased by 40%, which will increase ferry range to 4,070 km (2,200 nmi). The new undercarriage configuration also allows for the addition of two heavy stores pylons to the fuselage. Its PS-05/A radar adds a new AESA antenna for flight testing beginning in mid-2009.[17]
Gripen Demo's maiden flight was conducted on 27 May 2008. The test flight lasted about 30 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of about 6,400 meters (21,000 ft).[18] On 21 January 2009, the Gripen Demo flew at Mach 1.2 without reheat to test its supercruise capability.[19][20]
Saab performed study work on a aircraft carrier based version in the 1990s. In 2009, Saab launched the Sea Gripen project in response to India's request for information for a aircraft carrier aircraft. Brazil also has a potential carrier aircraft need.[21][22] Sweden awarded Saab a four-year contract in 2010 to improve the Gripen's radar and other equipment, and lower its operating costs.[23]
In designing the aircraft, several layouts were studied. Saab ultimately selected a canard design with relaxed stability. The canard configuration gives a high onset of pitch rate and low drag, enabling the aircraft to be faster, have longer range and carry a larger payload.
The combination of delta wing and canards gives the Gripen significantly better takeoff and landing performance and flying characteristics. The totally integrated avionics make it a "programmable" aircraft. It also has a built-in electronic warfare unit, making it possible to load more ordnance onto the aircraft without losing self defence capabilities. The 300-link is used to share data between fighters.[24]
The Gripen affords more flexibility than earlier generations of combat aircraft used by Sweden, and its operating costs are about two thirds of those for JA 37 Viggen.
In the Swedish Air Force's list of requirements was the ability to operate from 800 m runways. Early on in the programme, all flights from Saab's facility in Linköping were flown from within a 9 m × 800 m outline painted on the runway. Stopping distance was reduced by extending the relatively large air brakes; using the control surfaces to push the aircraft down, enabling the wheel brakes to apply more force and tilting the canards downwards, making them into large air brakes and further pushing the aircraft down.
The radar is capable of detecting, locating, identifying and automatically tracking multiple targets in the upper and lower spheres, on the ground and sea or in the air, in all weather conditions. It can guide four air to air missiles (e.g. AIM-120 AMRAAM, MBDA MICA) simultaneously at four different targets.[26][verification needed]
On 27 March 2009, Saab and Selex Galileo signed an agreement for joint development of the Raven AESA radar based on Selex Galileo's AESA Vixen and PS-05/A.[27] This radar will be able to scan 200 degrees, from slightly behind to the left to slightly behind to the right.[28]
On 9 September 2009, Gripen International offered the source code of their AESA radar as part of their bid for India's fighter competition.[29]
Cockpit
The cockpit has three full colour head down displays and digital emergency instrument presentation unique to the aircraft. The cockpit layout provides a human-machine interface that eases pilot workload substantially and increases situational awareness, but still provides substantial future growth potential. The pilot flies the aircraft by means of a centre stick and left hand throttles.
The cockpit provides a display area some 30 percent larger than that available in most other fighters, with the multi-function displays taking up around 75 percent of available space.
It is dominated by three large (15.7 x 21 cm) active-matrix, liquid crystal, multi-function displays and a wide angle (20 x 28 degree) head-up display (HUD). The displays are equipped with light sensors for computer assisted brightness and contrast control.
Expeditionary capabilities
One interesting feature is the Gripen's ability to take off and land on public roads, which was part of Sweden's war defence strategy. The aircraft is designed to be able to operate even if the air force does not have air superiority.
During the Cold War, the Swedish Armed Forces were preparing to defend against a possible invasion from the Soviet Union. Even though the defensive strategy in principle called for an absolute defence of Swedish territory, military planners calculated that Swedish defence forces could eventually be overrun. For that reason, Sweden had military stores dispersed all over the country, in order to maintain the capacity of inflicting damage on the enemy even if military installations were lost.
Accordingly, among the requirements from the Swedish Air Force was that the Gripen fighter should be able to land on public roads near military stores for quick maintenance, and take off again. As a result, the Gripen fighter can be refueled and re-armed in ten minutes by a five man mobile ground crew operating out of a truck, and then resume flying sorties.[30]
In the post-Cold War era, these dispersed operation capabilities have proved to be of great value for a different purpose. The Gripen fighter system is expeditionary in nature, and therefore well suited for peace-keeping missions worldwide, which has become the new main task of the Swedish Armed Forces.
The Gripen is in operational service with the Swedish Air Force, which has ordered 204 aircraft (including 28 two-seaters).[31]
The Czech Air Force and the Hungarian Air Force also operate the Gripen, and currently lease 14 Swedish Air Force aircraft each, with the option of eventually acquiring them. In both cases two of the aircraft are two-seaters. The Czech and the Hungarian Air Force are the first Gripen operators within NATO.[32][33]
Deliveries to the South African Air Force (26 aircraft, including nine two-seaters) commenced in April 2008,[34] and are ongoing.[2]As of August 2009, nine two-seater aircraft have been delivered.
The Gripen has also been ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force (six aircraft, four of them two-seaters).[35]
The British based Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide.
In October 2008, it was reported that the Brazilian Air Force had selected three finalists in their F-X2 program. They are Dassault Rafale, BoeingF/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Gripen NG.[36][37] The number of aircraft involved is 36 and possibly up to 120 later. The decision was expected on 2 October 2009. On 2 February 2009, Saab submitted a tender for 36 Gripen NGs to the Brazilian Air Force Command.[38] On 5 January 2010, it was reported in the media that the final evaluation report by the Brazilian Air Force placed the Gripen ahead of the other two contenders. The decisive factor was apparently the overall cost of the new fighters, both in terms of unit cost, and operating and maintenance costs.[39]
Croatia
The Croatian Air Force has announced plans to replace their MiG-21 bis aircraft, possibly with either the JAS 39 Gripen or the F-16 Falcon.[40] The final projection calls for 12-18 aircraft. On 27 March 2008, the Swedish Defence Material Administration and Saab responded to Croatia's request for information regarding the procurement of twelve aircraft.[41][42] Due to economic and political reasons, the Croatian Air Force is not expected to make a decision before 2010.[43]
Denmark
Denmark has signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Ministers of Sweden and Denmark to evaluate the Gripen, pending Denmark's future replacement of their fleet of 48 F-16s. Denmark has also requested for the new variants of Gripens to be developed. It will include the package of new avionics, a larger and more powerful engine, larger payload and, most importantly, longer range.[13] This request was the basis for the Gripen NG, which satisfies all Denmark's requirements, such as the more powerful F414G engine.[44]
India
The Gripen is a contender in the Indian MRCA competition for 126 multi-role combat aircraft. Gripen International handed over its proposal on 28 April 2008. The company is offering the Gripen IN, a version of the Gripen NG for India's tender,[45] and has opened an office in New Delhi in order to support its efforts in the Indian market.[46] On 4 February 2009, it was announced that Saab had partnered with the Indian Tata Group to develop a new Gripen variant to fit India's needs.[47][48]
Netherlands
On 7 July 2008 Dagens Industri reported that the Netherlands announced they will evaluate JAS 39 Gripen Next Generation together with four other competitors and announce the result in the end of 2008.[49] Saab responded on 25 August 2008 to a 'Replacement Questionnaire' issued by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, offering 85 aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.[50] The Netherlands evaluated the Gripen NG against the F-35.[51] On 18 December 2008 media reported that the Netherlands evaluated the F-35 ahead of the Gripen, citing better performance and lower price.[52][53][54] On 13 January 2009, NRC Handelsblad claimed that, according to Swedish sources, Saab has made an offer to the Dutch to deliver 85 Gripens for 4.8 billion euro, about 1 billion euro cheaper than budgeted for the F-35.[55] This price includes training of pilots and maintenance for the next 30 years.[56]
Switzerland
On 17 January 2008 the Swiss Defence Material Administration invited Gripen International to submit initial bids for supplying the Gripen as a replacement for their old F-5s.[57] Saab responded with a proposal on 2 July 2008. The exact number of aircraft has not been disclosed.[58]
Others
Bulgaria announced that they are to replace their aging Mikoyan MiG-21s with possible 16 JAS 39C/D Gripens,[59] or 16 used F-16s.
Serbian officials are currently debating on which fighter aircraft will replace the aging MiG-21 fighters in 2010. 24 aircraft are sought and the JAS 39 Gripen is one option.
Other nations that are showing interest in the Gripen include Slovakia.[60][61]
Missed contracts
Finland
In 1989 the Finnish Air Force began to look for a new fighter to replace its fleet of MiG-21s and Saab 35 Drakens. During 1991 and 1992 Dassault Mirage 2000, the Gripen, F-16, MiG-29 and F/A-18 Hornet were evaluated. On 6 May 1992 the Hornet was announced as the winner of the fighter competition and a total of 64 aircraft were ordered.[62]
Norway
On 18 January 2008. the Norwegian Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Binding Information (RBI) to the Swedish Defence Material Administration,[63] who responded on 28 April 2008 with a proposal offering 48 aircraft.[64] However, on 20 November 2008, the Norwegian government released a statement that they have selected the F-35 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Norway stated the F-35 is the only fighter candidate to meet all of its operational requirements.[65] Saab has criticized the selection, stating that there were flaws in Norway's cost calculations for the Gripen NG.[66][67] On 10 February 2009, Swedish defence minister Sten Tolgfors declared that Norway had mis-calculated the deal. The offer was for 48 aircraft over 20 years, while Norway had calculated on operating 57 aircraft over 30 years, thus doubling the cost. The Swedish Ministry of Defence has several other objections to Norway's calculations. Among other things, Norway has projected the operational costs for the American F-16 on the Gripen, and has not considered Swedish experiences of Gripen's operational costs. Norway also calculated with more aircraft losses in accidents than what Sweden considers reasonable based on their operational experience of the type. According to Tolgfors, Norway's mistakes will make it harder to sell Gripen to other countries.[68] Tolgfors did however say that Gripen did not meet the requirements set by the Norwegian government,[69] though media reports claimed that those requirements were tilted in favour of the F-35.[70]
Denmark
On March 24, 2010, the Danish Ministry of Defence decided to postpone the decision on which fighter to buy until the 2010-2014 period [71]
Romania
The Romanian Air Force announced they would replace their MiG-21 LanceR aircraft beginning in 2008, possibly with JAS 39 Gripen, F-16 Fighting Falcon or Eurofighter Typhoon.[72][73] On 23 March 2010, the Romanian Ministry of Defence decided to purchase 24 second hand F-16s.[74]
Variants
JAS 39 Gripen taxiing in after display, Farnborough 2006
JAS 39A
Fighter version that first entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. A modification program has started and 31 of these will be upgraded to C/D standard.[75]
JAS 39B
Two-seat version of the A variant. This variant is 2 feet 2 inches longer than the single seat version.
JAS 39C
NATO-compatible version of Gripen with extended capabilities in terms of armament, electronics, etc. This variant can also be refueled in flight.
JAS 39D
Two-seat version of the C variant.
Gripen Demo
A two-seat technology demonstrator for improvements slated for the Gripen NG.
Gripen NG/IN
(Next Generation) Proposed version with new engine (F414G), increased fuel capacity, higher payload, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The Gripen IN version is a contender for the Indian MRCA competition.[45]
Hungarian Air Force: 14 Gripens on a lease-and-buy arrangement, including 2 two-seaters (C/D versions). The final three aircraft were delivered in December 2007.[76]
South African Air Force: 26 aircraft ordered (down from 28), nine two-seater Ds and 17 single seat Cs.[77] The first delivery, a two-seater, took place on 30 April 2008.[34][78] Desmond Tutu and other activists have urged a stop to this sale, on account of corruption.[79]
Swedish Air Force: 204 aircraft originally ordered, including 28 two-seaters (138 in service). Sweden leases 28 of the aircraft, including four two-seaters, to the Czech and Hungarian Air Forces. In 2007 the Swedish government decided that the future Swedish Air Force will deploy no more than 100 JAS 39C/D Gripen fighters.[80] A program to upgrade 31 of the air force's JAS 39A/B fighters to JAS 39C/Ds was started.[81]
Empire Test Pilots' School: Under the agreement, ETPS instructor pilots and students undergo simulator training with the Swedish Air Force, and go on to fly the two-seater Gripen at Saab in Linköping, in two training campaigns per year (spring and autumn). The agreement was renewed in 2008.[82]
Five Gripens have crashed causing only minor injuries; one prototype, one production aircraft and three in service with the Swedish Air Force.
Specifications (JAS 39 Gripen)
Gripen engine nozzle
Data from Gripen International data,[90] Gripen to Brazil data,[91] Superfighters,[92] Czech Republic page,[93] Gripen weapons,[94] Great Book,[95] Fuel chart.[96]
Frawley, Gerard. The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002-2003. London: Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
Griffiths, Dave. "AFM Evaluates the Gripen." Air Forces Monthly, No. 144, March 2000.
Lake, Jon. "Gripen C/D" (Supplement). Air International. London: Key Publishing Ltd., July 2008.
Lindqvist, Gunnar and Bo Widfeldt. Rikets flygplanköp - JAS 39 Gripen(Swedish). Nässjö, Sweden: Air Historic Research AB, 2003. ISBN 91-973892-5-0.
Spick, Mike. "Saab JAS 39 Gripen". The Great Book of Modern Warplanes. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing Company, 2000. ISBN 0-7603-0893-4.
Williams, Mel (ed.). Superfighters, The Next Generation of Combat Aircraft. London: AIRtime, 2003. ISBN 1-880588-53-6.
Winchester, Jim (ed.). "Saab JAS 39 Gripen." Modern Military Aircraft (Aviation Factfile). Rochester, Kent, UK: Grange Books plc, 2004. ISBN 1-84013-640-5.
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