Brazil has inaugurated a new simulator for the development of the Gripen aircraft in cooperation with Sweden’s Saab.
The so called S-Rig (Systems Rig), which is the first Gripen development simulator installed outside of Sweden, was inaugurated at the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN) in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, on November 25.
The new simulator is part of the technology transfer program for the new Brazilian fighter under a partnership between Saab, Embraer, Atech, AEL Sistemas and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
The S-Rig will give the GDDN greater autonomy to conduct more development projects in Brazil. The simulator will be used for development tests and for verification of systems and sub-systems of Gripen in Brazil, especially of systems developed at the GDDN. It will also test the functionalities of equipment produced elsewhere by other Brazilian partner companies of the programme. The simulator also will support the activities of the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC) that is to be installed at the GDDN in 2020.
“The S-Rig is a complete aircraft simulator that will give Brazil the full capacity to test all Gripen systems. Brazil is the only country with this capacity outside of Sweden. This is a major competitive advantage for Brazil’s defense industry,” said Mikael Franzén, head of the Gripen Brazil business unit at Saab’s business area Aeronautics.
The Brazilian government selected the Gripen fighter to reequip the Brazilian Air Force in December 2013. Production on the first of 36 Brazilian Gripen began in Linköping in 2018, and the aircraft undertook its maiden flight in 2019.
The first Gripen E is set for delivery to the air force in 2021. According to Saab, development of the two-seat Gripen F is progressing with extensive activities at Gripen Design and Development Network in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, with deliveries expected to start in 2023. Up to 108 aircraft could potentially be ordered for the Brazilian Air Force.
