The fuss around the Griffin
Just recently we were talking about the possibility of the “Griffin” being in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and here’s some interesting news: the multi-role fighter Saab “Gripen” modification E, or rather its first production copy, has begun a state testing program.
The main feature of the new modification, which was noticed by many experts, is the very significantly changed shape of the aircraft wing and additions in mechanization. SAAB has not officially announced the innovations, at least not yet. But the photo from the company’s official website shows that the Griffin’s wing has undergone significant changes, and has become more trapezoidal from a “truncated delta”.
Many aviation to experts, it was reminiscent of the equally famous Cold War aircraft, the SAAB Viggen, with its canard configuration and double delta wing.
What else did the experts see?
We saw the following picture: this wing shape was caused by a complete redesign and replacement of the elevons with larger ones. Elevons are rear end control surfaces that combine the functions of both elevator and ailerons. On the one hand, such a move may seem like a quick way to increase the wing area, but it will require major modifications to the flight control system and subsequent testing.
"Gripen" E with a new wing shape
"Gripen" E with an original wing shape
Here the question arises: why does “Griffin” need such, dare I say it, global changes?
Johan Segertoft, head of the Gripen business unit, explained it this way:
“Early in the development process, an opportunity was identified to improve the Gripen's payload capacity, which was a clear benefit for future operations. It was decided to implement this improvement as soon as possible. We have made software updates and some modifications to the control surfaces. These changes provide immediate benefits and demonstrate our ability to reliably deliver growth and continually improve the aircraft's future potential.”
There is logic. The aircraft in service since 1997, on the one hand, cannot be compared with the long-lived F-16 or Su-27, on the other hand, in almost 30 years there have been only four modifications - in general, such a step was long overdue.
Segertoft:
“The cornerstone of the Gripen design concept is its ability to quickly and efficiently adapt to changing needs. We continue to improve aircraft so that they can be seen and not seen, introducing new technologies and new requirements. Fighters must be able to evolve quickly, efficiently and inexpensively to meet the needs of their users. For example, the Gripen E's performance envelope has been improved and expanded by increasing the ability to accept heavier and more complex payloads to efficiently execute future missions."
Let's break it down into sections. In 2017, the Gripen modification E made its first flight. In fact, “Gripen” E, if you compare it with the “original” “Gripen” C/D, is a completely different aircraft: a new more powerful engine, increased survivability, radar with AFAR, different software, in general
Compared to its predecessor, everything was increased: the maximum take-off weight increased by 2 kg, but thanks to the new General Electric F000 engine with a thrust of 414 kgf (6 kgf in afterburner), the fighter will be able to perform non-afterburning supersonic flight at speeds up to M = 500, 10. Plus, the flight range has increased and two weapons suspension points have been added under the wings.
And to this they decided to add a new wing.
Segertoft:
“Even though the updated wing was only recently unveiled, the idea has been around for some time. The feasibility of this improvement was determined early in the development of the Gripen E using Saab design methods based on computer models. Further research through the early testing program highlighted the benefits for future operations and it was decided to incorporate these improvements into the basic design in 2021.”
The first aircraft with the modified wing configuration took flight in the second half of 2021. Today, there are as many as 16 Gripen E fighters in Sweden and Brazil. Brazil is the first and so far only export customer for the aircraft, and has also opened its production line on which 15 of the 36 Gripen E aircraft will be built. contracted by the Brazilian Air Force.
First Gripen E for Brazil
Segertoft also confirmed that the new design features that were developed as part of the modification successfully passed flight tests. And such new products will become standard for all production aircraft that will be produced further both for Sweden and for other Gripen client countries.
After all, in addition to Sweden and Brazil, Saab's clients are Hungary, the Czech Republic, Thailand and South Africa. True, aircraft of modifications C and D are in service there.
So what clear advantage does the new wing provide over the old one?
If we start from the statements made by the press service of the Saab concern, we get the following picture:
- the reinforced wing design will allow more weapons to be placed under the wing, both in quantity (plus two points, yes) and in mass. It was suggested that the Gripen E would be able to carry 4 Saab RBS 15 anti-ship missiles.
- the increased size of the wing made it possible to increase the volume of the wing fuel tanks, which affected the aircraft’s range.
The Gripen E generally has an orderly set of cargo; the aircraft can carry everything on its 9 hardpoints, from a variety of missiles and bombs to external fuel tanks.
"Gripen" E with seven MBDA Meteor air-to-air missiles and two IRIS-T air-to-air missiles
The heavier design and set of weapons of the Gripen E, the expansion of its combat potential, in principle, correspond to the recently adopted defense policy of Sweden, which again pays special attention to its the fleet fighter jets because the Swedish government seriously believes that regional security policy is deteriorating. And they connect this directly with Russia.
As part of the fight for security in the region, as well as on the eve of joining NATO, Sweden decided to extend the operation of its fleet of Gripen modifications C and D for a longer period, as well as purchase 60 new generation Gripen E.
The expectation is that “Gripen” E will become a new model weapons influence in the region may be justified if the aircraft really is as good as expected of it. And there are certain reasons for this: one should not discount the complex of improvements that a new engine, a new wing, and new electronics can provide.
A larger wing area will certainly result in improved performance at low speeds, which is especially useful for short range combat. Reasonable, since short ranges are an area in which Russian aircraft have been kings since the last century. And, since we are talking about a hypothetical confrontation with Russia, then first of all it is worth taking into account such features of Russian aircraft. Plus rockets with a very long arm.
When the likely enemy is known, and known well, you can be better prepared.
Larger elevons mean the Gripen E should have improved pitch and roll control, which is fundamental to optimizing agility. This change may well have positive effects in terms of overall handling at low speeds, including takeoff and landing, especially takeoff with a full combat load.
It should be noted that low-speed handling and maneuverability are not a key factor in the developed Gripen E modification, but they can be more than a useful by-product.
And here we immediately draw your attention to the fact that the European consortium Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug has also developed and is offering all clients a package to improve the payload capacity of its Typhoon fighter. The Aerodynamic Modification Kit (AMK) included the addition of fuselage strips, leading edge extensions and larger area elevons, increasing the maximum lift produced by the wing by 25 percent.
Diagram showing the fuselage arcs and leading edge extensions included in the Typhoon aerodynamic modification kit
AMK modifications were tested on the German prototype Eurofighter IPA7 in 2015
So, in principle, the Swedes did not create anything supernova, but, on the contrary, took the path of least resistance, using an already proven method of improving the performance characteristics of their aircraft.
True, there is a small nuance: so far, not a single country that has the Typhoon in service has decided to purchase the AMK. Although in theory the development of the Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug looks very significant: the set improves the longitudinal stability of the aircraft, which for the Typhoon with its combat payload of 7 kg (far from the weakest in the class and higher than that of the Griffin) means that it is even difficult a loaded aircraft will have reduced turn times, a tighter turning radius, and improved low-speed maneuverability.
Perhaps the Typhoon operators have not yet made conclusions about the usefulness of such a modification, and the Griffin users have little choice, because in the very near future the new wing shape will become standard for the E modification and subsequent ones (and the fact that there will be no doubt) behind her.
Another question is that Sweden and Brazil will have to master on the fly and learn all the advantages and disadvantages that this modification can bring. But it’s much easier for Brazilians - they don’t have those who threaten them at hand. Even theoretically.
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