F-39E maiden flight in Brazil

After a long boat trip and arrival at the port of Navigantes, Santa Catarina on 20 September, the first Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB, Brazilian Air Force) F-39E (JAS39 Gripen E) made its maiden flight from the local airport on 24 September 2020.

The Gripen was flown to Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, were it will continue its test flight programme before being incepted in the Brazilian Air Force. To that end, the Centro de Ensaios em Voo do Gripen (Gripen Flight Test Centre) is created there.

On 23 October 2020, a public debut in Brasilia will occur during the Day of the Aviator. On this day in 1906, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont took off for the first time in the 14bis under its own power.

According to the FAB schedule, the first operational Gripen will be delivered in 2021. Brazil ordered 36 Gripens, 28 of which are single-seater and eight two-seater models. The 1st Air Defense Group (1st GDA), based in Anápolis will be the first Brazilian squadron to fly with the new fighter jet.

Photos: Sgt Bianca / Força Aérea Brasileira