In images recently released by the Swedish manufacturer Saab, it was possible to notice that the Gripen E fighter received aerodynamic modifications. As we reported this week, the changes to the Gripen's wings generated a series of speculations, including about the planes operated by the Brazilian Air Force.
Initially noticed by an internet user on X (formerly Twitter), the main changes are in the elevons, control surfaces installed on the trailing edge of the Gripen's delta wings. Common in fighter aircraft with delta wings, elevons combine the functions of elevators and ailerons, components responsible for the pitching (ascent and descent) and rolling movements of an aircraft. As you can see in the images, the pieces increased in size, which also changed the shape of the plane, giving it a more trapezoidal appearance with the new elevons.
Gripen E prototype 6002 Secretly received bigger inboard and outboard elevons❗️A big change in top view silhouette pic.twitter.com/B9Bt9kCxaU
- Fighterman_FFRC (@Fighterman_FFRC) October 21, 2023
As explained before, the increased components will give more maneuverability to the F-39, as the model is designated by the FAB. However, the manufacturer itself did not make any formal announcement of the changes to the Gripen. The portal The War Zone spoke to Saab, who explained why the new elevons.
Speaking to the website, the head of Saab's Gripen business unit, Johan Segertoft, explains that the possibility of changing components was noticed at the beginning of the Gripen E project.
“At an early stage in the development process, an opportunity was identified to improve the Gripen's heavy load carrying capacity, as a clear benefit for future operations. The decision was made to implement this improvement as quickly as possible.”
He explains that the new features were not limited to the elevons, but also affected the canards, although these changes are not as visible as those observed in the wings. “We made software updates and some modifications affecting the canard and elevon surfaces. These changes bring immediate benefits, prove our ability to reliably generate growth and consistently improve the aircraft’s potential for the future.”
Johan continues, stating that "aNew design features have already been added to some of these aircraft and successful flight tests have been completed.”. He also confirmed that the modification “will become the standard configuration going forward on all production aircraft for Sweden, Brazil and other customers.” In other words, the FAB's F-39s, currently operated at Anápolis Air Base by the Jaguar Squadron, will also benefit from the new elements.
Saab emphasized that the modifications increase the Gripen's capabilities to carry heavier payloads, such as weapons and fuel tanks. As the portal highlights, for a small fighter like the Gripen, this is a “a considerable bonus.”
Among the various weapons that the Gripen can receive, The RBS-15F anti-ship missiles are among the heaviest models, weighing around 650 kilos. The 350-kilogram KEPD 1400 cruise missile can also be used by the Swedish jet. With the new components, the jet's performance with such heavy loads will be improved.
In addition to improving payload performance, the new components increase Gripen maneuverability at lower speeds, giving the pilot more amplitude in the aircraft's turning and pitching movements, especially useful in close aerial combat situations, the dogfight.
Also according to the portal, the aerodynamic modifications to the Gripen E follow recent Swedish defense policy. About to join NATO, the country has seen a deterioration in regional geopolitics with the war between Russia and Ukraine. Thus, Sweden has invested in renewing its fighter fleet with the acquisition of the Gripen E while maintaining its older models constantly updated.
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