Saab's two-seat Gripen F trainer completes first flight

Saab has flown the Gripen F for the first time, the two-seat training and operational version of its Gripen E fighter jet. The flight took place on August 28 at Saab's airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and lasted 40 minutes, according to the company.

Saab test pilot Jakob Högberg flew the aircraft, with Brazilian Air Force test pilot Lieutenant Colonel Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos in the rear seat. Engineers checked core aircraft systems and initial flight performance during the flight.

The flight marks the start of a wider test campaign. Saab said the programme will gradually expand the aircraft's performance envelope, examining speed, altitude and structural load limits. Testing will also look at the tactical capabilities and functions available from the rear cockpit station, which handles training and mission tasks separate from those of the single-seat Gripen E.

The Gripen F was developed under a joint Swedish-Brazilian programme. Brazil is the launch customer for the variant and has played a significant role in its development and production, according to Saab. Once flight testing is finished, the aircraft is meant to be handed over to the Brazilian Air Force.

The company's statement gave no timeline for completing testing or for delivery.