The work with the prototype of Gripen E started today at Saab Linköping plant. The first part is the midsection of the plane, the part with most workhours. The plane is not a realy a testplane, more a real serial fighter. The designation of plane is 39-8, the 8th Gripen prototype.
Two more prototypes are to be built, the last of these also a close near fighter. More than 1000 persons work with development and construction of Gripen. The Gripen E is soon after the development operational, and operate also in the 2040 timeline.
The prototype shall demonstrate new functions and possibilities. The Gripen E/F 39-7 has earlier flew 250 hours in Sweden, UK, India and Switzerland since 2008.
Gripen are a larger plane than the new operational Gripen for more weight for more fuel and weapons with new engine.
Sweden has ordered 60 Gripen E 2013-2026.
Work flew differ between flight safety information and tactical information.
A drone configuration are also planned.
See
http://www.corren.se/ekonomi/har-tar-ny ... tikel.aspx
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