Saab JAS 39E Gripen. The much-hyped celestial "killer"

Recently, the foreign and Russian press disseminated statements by the Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Air Force, Major General Mats Helgesson. In his recent speech, he praised the latest Swedish Saab JAS 39E Gripen fighters, and also interestingly compared them with Russian Su aircraft. The commander-in-chief's harsh statements did not go unnoticed.

On February 6, General Helgesson said that Gripen fighters - especially the newest modification "E" - are designed to kill Sukhoi aircraft. In this matter, according to the commander in chief, they have a “black belt.” Such statements look very interesting, and are quite capable of becoming a topic of debate. Let's try to figure out why the Swedish general allowed himself to make such statements, and also determine to what extent his words correspond to reality.

Circumstances and background

First of all, it is necessary to take into account the location and circumstances in which Major General M. Helgesson made a loud statement about the JAS 39E fighters. All this can transparently hint at the reasons and prerequisites for harsh formulations. It seems that this is purely about commercial interests and advertising.

Experienced fighter JAS 39E

Since 2015, the Finnish Air Force has been looking for a new fighter to update its aircraft fleet. It is planned to purchase foreign-made equipment that meets the requirements. In 2022, comparative tests of several foreign vehicles are due to take place. In 2022, the command will select the winner of the competition and enter into a supply contract.

One of the participants in the Finnish tender is the Swedish company Saab, which presented the JAS 39E and JAS 39F Gripen multirole fighters. At the beginning of February, the Swedish delegation arrived in Finland for regular negotiations, and it was during these events that M. Helgesson made the statements that interest us. The Swedish delegation argued that their competitive proposal was the best. However, Stockholm – at least in words – does not plan to put pressure on Helsinki. Finland must choose the best fighter for its air force.

Gripen E prototype during assembly

Thus, statements about the JAS 39E as a “Sukhoi killer” can be considered solely as an advertisement for their aircraft, vying for a lucrative contract. These statements simply do not have any other subtext. Apparently, M. Helgesson has no plans to fight Russian aircraft - unless, of course, Sukhoi joins the current tender.

Two modifications

Still, the latest modifications of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter are of great interest and are worthy of consideration, regardless of how they are advertised on the international market. The development of a modernized version of the Gripen began in 2007, and by 2013 the design was completed and construction of the first prototype aircraft began. The experimental fighter JAS 39E (Gripen E) made its first flight on June 15, 2022; testing is still ongoing. The Gripen F prototype has not yet been built.

Rolling out ceremony of the experienced Gripen, May 18, 2016

According to current plans by Saab and the Swedish Air Force, two new modifications of the Gripen aircraft will appear in the near future. The JAS 39E will be a deeply modernized fighter with a single-seat cockpit. The JAS 39F project is also being created, which closely replicates the “E”, but differs from it in having a crew of two. In the early twenties, Sweden plans to order both new-built vehicles and modernization of existing Gripens.

Even at the design and construction stage of the prototype, the JAS 39E fighter was presented to the Finnish Air Force, which was in the process of selecting new equipment. This year, the Swedish prototype will have to show potential customers all its capabilities. If comparative tests within the framework of the Finnish Air Force competition are successful, Saab will receive a second order. As part of the contract, the Finnish side will be able to receive 52 Gripen E and 12 Gripen F aircraft.

Benefits on board

According to known data, the JAS 39E/F modernization project uses well-known and proven principles. The existing airframe, without undergoing fundamental changes, should receive a new turbojet engine of greater power, as well as modern electronic equipment. It is expected that as a result of such an update, the aircraft will retain its flight performance characteristics and its radar signature will remain the same. At the same time, our own potential for detecting targets and countering enemy equipment will increase.

The Leonardo Raven ES-05 active phased array radar will be located under the nose cone of the "E" and "F" fighters. The 215 kg station operates in the X-band and provides a 200° wide view of the space. It is possible to monitor the air and ground situation. A significant increase in the range and reliability of target detection is declared in comparison with the standard radar of older aircraft modifications. The detection range of targets with low RCS has also been increased.

An additional detection tool is the Leonardo SkyWard-G infrared optical location station. This product is intended for viewing the front hemisphere and detecting heat-contrasting air or ground targets. The OLS is planned to be used as an addition to the main radar. It can also be used as the main means of observation, which does not reveal the carrier aircraft with its own radiation.

Since 2014, the ESTL (Enhanced Survivability Technology) suspended container, equipped with electronic warfare equipment, has been tested. Its main task is to protect the carrier aircraft from enemy missiles. According to some sources, new projects involve the use of advanced electronic warfare stations integrated into the aircraft design. However, precise data on this matter is not yet available.

Saab offers an original way to gradually modernize aircraft, including those in service. It is proposed to increase the potential of technology through constant software updates. The manufacturing company intends to release software update packages for on-board equipment every two years. This will allow you to timely correct errors and shortcomings, as well as introduce new functions. The electronics themselves will be replaced as needed.

Engine testing on a closed stand

As a result of the proposed modernization, the JAS 39 fighter becomes slightly larger. Dry weight increases from 6.7 to 8 tons; maximum - from 14 to 16.5 tons. By using a more powerful General Electric F414-GE-39E engine, it is planned to compensate for the increase in weight and maintain the original flight performance characteristics.

Increased ammunition capacity

During the modification of the JAS 39E/F airframe, the number of external hardpoints was increased to 10 versus 8 for the JAS 39C/D. Four points are placed under the fuselage, one of which is intended only for the hanging container. There are four pylons under the wing, and two more beam holders are integrated into the wing tips. The maximum ammunition weight has been increased to 6 tons.

In the case of the single-seat Gripen E, the 27-mm Mauser BK 27 automatic cannon with 120 rounds of ammunition is retained. The two-seat version of the Gripen F differs in the layout of the nose compartment, which is why it cannot carry a gun.

Raven ES-05 radar

The modernized Gripen retains the ability to attack air, ground and surface targets. To combat enemy aircraft, air-to-air missiles of a number of types of Swedish and foreign production are offered. The aircraft carries up to six short-range missiles of the type AIM-9 (Rb 74 in Swedish nomenclature), IRIS-T (Rb 98), etc. It is possible to transport four medium or long range missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Rb 99) or MBDA MICA.

The ammunition load can include four AGM-65 Maverick (Rb 75) air-to-surface missiles or two KEPD 350 cruise missiles. It is also possible to use two RBS-15F anti-ship missiles. Blocks with unguided missiles can be suspended on four underwing pylons. It is possible to use eight unguided Mk 82 bombs, four guided GBU-12 Paveway II or two Bk 90 cluster bombs.

As far as is known, the Swedish Air Force is not yet planning any fundamental updates to the range of ammunition for its Gripens. In the foreseeable future, the combat qualities of these aircraft will increase, primarily due to an increase in payload and the use of two additional hardpoints.

OLS Leonardo SkyWard

Results of modernization

The experienced Saab JAS 39E Gripen fighter is currently undergoing flight tests. In the future, its two-seat version JAS 39F will be tested. The first contract for the supply of such equipment to the Swedish Air Force is expected in the early twenties. The share of modernized vehicles in the total Air Force fleet will reach significant values only in the second half of the next decade. However, the Air Force Commander is already calling the new Gripen E a “Sukhoi killer” – even if only for advertising reasons.

Available data on Swedish fighters, as well as on Su aircraft, allows us to consider the statements of Major General M. Helgesson to be too bold. It is possible that new modifications of the Gripen are indeed being created taking into account the confrontation with Sukhoi, but it is still premature to call them killers with a black belt. The JAS 39E/F has not yet been tested and cannot yet demonstrate its full potential - especially as part of full-scale military operation.

With the Sukhoi family, numerous in all respects, the situation is different. In many countries, both the fairly old Su-27 and the newest Su-35 are in service. At the same time, some types of Su vehicles have long surpassed the Swedish JAS 39 in numbers.

A prototype JAS 39E during ground testing, early 2022.

However, the available information about the Gripen E/F projects does not allow us to belittle the merits of Swedish aircraft manufacturers and deny the results of their work. In the course of recent work, they really managed to create a modern multi-role fighter of the “4+” (or even “4++” generation), quite capable of fighting an air enemy and attacking ground targets. However, we are no longer talking about a dramatic increase in characteristics and capabilities, as well as full-fledged competition with the 5th generation.

Thus, the modernized Swedish JAS 39E and JAS 39F are unlikely to be Sukhoi killers, although they can turn out to be their competitors in the international aviation market. The proposed modernization provides for a noticeable increase in core capabilities, which may attract the attention of potential buyers. However, so far the only “Gripen” of the new modification is being tested, and the results of the first competition with its participation have not yet been determined.

Obviously, the purpose of the Swedish military leader’s loud statements was to create additional advertising for his fighter, which was competing for a lucrative contract from the Finnish Air Force. These statements had nothing to do with technical issues or combat use. Therefore, the Russian public need not worry - the “Sukhoi” killers do not pose any real threat. And Russian aircraft manufacturers should take into account that another modern aircraft has appeared on the international market that can compete with domestic models.

Based on materials from the sites: https://yle.fi/ https://businessinsider.com/ https://saabgroup.com/ https://leonardocompany.com/ https://gripenblogs.com/ https://airwar. ru/ https://globalsecurity.org/

Fighters

Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Multirole fighter. (Sweden)

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a Swedish fourth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Saab AB.

The development of the multi-role tactical fighter JAS-39 Gripen (JAS - the initial letters of the Swedish words Jakt, Attack, Spaning, indicating the combat purpose of the aircraft, namely: interception, strike, reconnaissance), began in 1982 in Sweden. The JAS-39 Gripen tactical fighter is capable of combating air, ground, and sea targets in any weather conditions, day and night, and carrying out aerial reconnaissance, that is, performing combat missions as an air defense fighter, attack aircraft, and reconnaissance aircraft. When designing a successor to the Viggen aircraft, the task was set to create an aircraft with a primary function - an interceptor fighter, and a secondary one - the ability to attack ground targets, provided that the new aircraft would be only 60-65% more expensive than the Saab-37 and half its weight.

Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Multirole fighter. (Sweden)

, Volvo Fluegmotor, Ericsson and FFV formed the JAS industrial group to develop a new multi-role aircraft. In 1982, contracts were signed for the creation of five prototype JAS 39 aircraft. In June 1984, the Swedish Parliament approved the JAS (fighter, attack, reconnaissance) project to create the JAS 39 Gripen combat aircraft.

Construction of the first prototype JAS 39 Gripen was completed on April 26, 1987, and its first flight took place on December 9, 1988. During the sixth test flight on February 2, 1989, the prototype crashed due to a failure of the flight control system, which required system improvements management. Corrections to the core software were made in the US on a modified T-33 aircraft. There were also problems with the RM12 propulsion system, which suffered from surging and cracks in the compressor blades. Therefore, the production aircraft first took off on September 10, 1992, and not in 1990 as originally planned.

The JAS 39 Gripen is a single-seat canard aircraft with a single engine located in the fuselage. The airframe is designed for a maximum operational load of 9. The cockpit with a teardrop-shaped canopy is sealed. The S10LS ejection seat provides emergency escape from the aircraft while parked. The landing gear is tricycle, with single-wheel main and two-wheel nose struts, designed for landing at high vertical speed.

The JAS-39 Gripen is a monoplane with a mid-mounted delta wing with cut-off tips, forward-mounted control surfaces and a single-fin tail. The chassis is tricycle, the main struts retract forward and the front strut retracts backward. The wing is equipped with two pairs of elevons (external and internal) and slats. Aerodynamic brake flaps are installed in the rear fuselage. The engine air intakes are located on both sides of the fuselage at the cockpit level.

Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Multirole fighter. (Sweden)

Judging by the materials of the foreign press, up to 30 percent. The aircraft's structures, including the wing, fin, front control surfaces, air intakes and landing gear doors, are made of composite materials, which made it possible to reduce its weight by almost 25 percent. In accordance with the requirements, the normal take-off weight of the aircraft must be 8000 kg, the maximum flight speed without external suspensions is about 2000 km/h (at high altitude) and 1200 km/h (at sea level). The length of the fighter is 14 m, the wingspan is 8 m, the crew is one person. Development of a two-seat version was also started, the order for which was expected in 1987.

As a power plant, it was planned to use a bypass turbojet engine (TRD) RM12 with a low bypass ratio (0.28), which is a modification of the American F404-GE-400 turbofan engine. The RM12 engine was developed jointly by the Swedish and American General Electric. Compared to the American one, it has 10 percent more. greater thrust in afterburner mode (8200 kgf with specific fuel consumption of about 1.8 kg/kg-h). This was achieved by increasing the compressor pressure increase ratio to 27 and the temperature in the combustion chamber, using materials with improved characteristics in the design of the turbine and afterburner, as well as changing the control program for the vanes of the first stage compressor straightener. To increase the reliability of the RM12, a redundant starting system and a diagnostic device for monitoring operation are installed on it. In addition, the front support of the compressor is strengthened, which will allow it to withstand shock loads that occur in flight when birds weighing up to 0.5 kg enter the engine. Engine weight RM12 1050 kg.

The fuel is placed in protected fuselage tanks. The fuel control system provides aircraft alignment control. It is possible to install external fuel tanks with a capacity of 500 or 1000 liters. There are two main hydraulic systems and one backup.

Since June 1984 in the USA and since January 1985 in Sweden, a ground testing program for the RM12 engine, designed for 5500 hours of operating time, has been carried out. According to the Western press, five prototypes were not tested, and by April 1986 they had already accumulated 1,400 hours. Flight tests of the engine were scheduled for the first half of 1987, and a decision on its serial production was expected at the end of 1987. Swedish experts expected to increase the maximum engine thrust by 20 percent by 1990, and by 30 percent by 1995. compared to the thrust of the F404-GE-400 engine.

Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Multirole fighter. (Sweden)

The JAS-39 Gripen aircraft is equipped with modern electronic equipment based on the Swedish central digital computer SDS80, which will use the Ada and Pascal programming languages in its mathematical software. A multifunctional 3-cm pulse-Doppler radar is being developed jointly by the Swedish and English Ferranti. It is believed that thanks to digital signal processing using a programmable microprocessor, the radar will ensure the use of weapons against ground, sea and air targets, flight following the terrain and viewing the earth's surface with high resolution for reconnaissance purposes.

The pilot will be able to choose any of the station’s operating modes. According to Swedish experts, the new radar, in comparison with that installed on the Viggen fighter, will have 3 times greater efficiency, and due to the use of miniature electronic components and a movable slotted phased antenna array made of carbon plastic, developed by , its volume will be reduced by 40 percent . The first prototype of the radar passed bench tests.

For striking ground targets and conducting reconnaissance at night, it is planned to include a forward-looking infrared station with an automatic target acquisition and tracking device in the on-board sighting and navigation equipment. The station will be located in a hanging container under the right engine air intake. An American electro-optical indicator with an extended (30X20°) field of view and three combined raster indicators on cathode ray tubes with screens measuring 120X150 mm are installed in the cockpit. The left indicator will display flight information (including artificial horizon, flight speed and altitude, data for landing approach), the central one will display a moving map of the area, stored digitally in a storage device, and the right one will display the tactical situation with target data , received from the radar and IR station.

The JAS-39 Gripen fighter is equipped with a fly-by-wire digital flight control system with triple redundancy (mechanical redundancy is not provided), developed by the American. It will include three main digital and three backup analog computers. It is reported that the system has already been tested on a specially equipped Wiggen aircraft.

The JAS-39 Gripen aircraft will be equipped with an American N-423 laser inertial navigation system, which includes, in particular, a computer (speed 860 thousand operations/s) with a storage capacity of about 66 thousand words. The Swedish VHF radio AMR-345, which has a push-button dial and a built-in microprocessor, provides installation of 500 preset frequencies.

To accommodate modern missile and bomb weapons, the aircraft is equipped with four underwing units and two suspension units at the ends of the wing consoles (for air-to-air missiles). In addition, a 27 mm Mauser cannon is installed in the fuselage. The use of suspended containers with reconnaissance equipment and electronic warfare equipment is also envisaged.

Armament includes a built-in Mauser VK27 cannon (27 mm caliber) and suspended weapons on seven external nodes, which can consist of an air-to-air missile RB71 Sky Flash, RB74 (AIM-9L) Sidewinder or AIM-120, as well as the Maverick air-to-surface missile, RBS-15F anti-ship missiles, bombs, NAR and cluster weapons.

In 1987, assembly of the first of five planned prototypes of the JAS-39 Gripen aircraft began. Three sets of wings for them were made in England, and then the technology for their production will be transferred to Sweden. For ground testing of the fighter's systems, more than ten stands were built, three series of tests were carried out in the wind tunnel, and several front parts of the fuselage were manufactured for testing strength in bird strikes and testing the ejection system.

Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Multirole fighter. (Sweden)

The first flight prototype "39-1" was lost during landing in 1989, the second prototype "39-2" took off in 1990, and testing of the prototypes "39-4" and "39-3" began in the same year. and in 1991 the last prototype of the experimental series took off. In 1992, the first production JAS-39A took off with serial number 39101, which was also included in the tests. All R&D under the program was completed at the end of 1996 - by this time, the six aircraft involved in the tests had completed more than 1,800 flights, having flown 2,300 hours.

In October 1991, development began on the JAS 39B two-seat trainer. The first aircraft was delivered to the Swedish Air Force on June 8, 1993. In total, up to 300 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft were planned to be delivered by 2002.

The Swedish Air Force command intended to purchase 140 JAS-39 Gripen aircraft. The total cost of the development and procurement program for this aircraft, according to foreign experts, will be about $4 billion. The aircraft entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996.

Characteristics:

Crew: 1-2 people;
Length: 14.1 (14.8 - double) m;
Wingspan: 8.4 m;
Height: 4.5 m;
Wing area: 30 m²;
Empty weight: 6800 (7100) kg;
Normal take-off weight: 8500 kg;
Maximum take-off weight: 14,000 kg;
Payload weight: 5300 kg;
Weight of fuel in internal tanks: 2000 kg;
Engine: Volvo Aero RM12;
Maximum thrust: 1×5100 kgf;
Afterburner thrust: 1×8160 kgf;
Maximum speed at high altitude: ~ 2200 km/h (M=2.0);
Combat radius: 800 km;
Service ceiling: 15,240 m;
Wing load: 283 kg/m²;
Thrust-to-weight ratio: 0.97;
Maximum operational overload: −3/+9 g;
Cannon armament: 1 × 27 mm Mauser BK27 (ammunition - 120 rounds);
Missiles: air-to-air - 6 × Rb.74 (AIM-9) or Rb 98 (IRIS-T), 4 × Rb.99 (AIM-120) or MICA, 4 × Rb.71 (Skyflash) or Meteor ; “air-to-surface” - 4 × Rb.75, 2 × KEPD-350, 2 × Rbs.15F (anti-ship missile);
Bombs: 4 × GBU-12 Paveway II, 2 × Bombkapsel 90 (cluster bomb), 8 × Mark 82.

Su-27SK of the PLA Air Force and JAS-39C of the Royal Thai Air Force at the Eagle Strike 2015 exercises.
We bring to your attention a translation of the article by Rick Joe “Flankers [1] against the Gripens: what happened at the Eagle Strike 2015 exercises, published April 16, 2022 in the Japanese edition of The Diplomat.
The article is devoted to the analysis of training air battles between Su-27SK of the Chinese Air Force against SAAB J-39C Grippen fighters of the Royal Thai Air Force. Briefly about these exercises and the results of the Su-27SK battles against Swedish-made fighters have already been reported in the domestic press. On Military Review - twice: once and twice. However, Jou's article is replete with a number of details unknown to the domestic reader. The entire text below is an article by Rick Jow. Over the past few months, military and aviation media have reported on a lecture given by People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) test pilot Li Zhonghua in December 2022 at Northwestern Polytechnic University in Shaanxi [2]

. The lecture provided a remarkably detailed look at the PLA Air Force's experiences during the Eagle Strike 2015 exercise, held in Thailand with the Royal Thai Air Force as a rival to the PLA Air Force. The PLA Air Force sent its Su-27SK to the exercise, while the Royal Thai Air Force sent its SAAB JAS93C Gripen (Gripen-C).

Comparative sizes of aircraft are visible

Some comments regarding the disclosed results of past exercises extrapolated the results to the capabilities of other aircraft of the Su-27 family or the Chinese J-11
[3]
or made conclusions about the abilities and training of PLA Air Force pilots.

This article describes the capabilities of the aircraft participating in the exercises and offers a look at the results of these exercises taking into account these capabilities.

Su-27SK and Gripen-C

It is difficult to evaluate the results of the exercises without access to a detailed comparison of the aircraft involved, as well as the tasks and conditions of the battles conducted.
Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to determine the specifics of the tasks and individual exercises performed during these exercises, and while Lee's lecture gives information that various tasks were performed, there is no exact information about these tasks. However, the lecture made a relatively detailed comparison of the Gripen-S in confrontation with the Su-27SK, from which this follows.

Comparison of aircraft in combat at medium (beyond visual visibility) distances (the parameters of the JAS39C are given first, the parameters of the Su-27SK are given second. – Translator’s note) [4]

Missiles for the specified distance: AIM-120 with a range of 80 km – RVV AE with a range of 50 km.

Radar: Detection range 160 km, tracking of 10 targets - 120 km and 10 targets.

EPR of aircraft: 1.5-2 meters for the Gripen - 10-12 meters for the Su-27SK.

Number of simultaneously fired targets: 4 for Gripen - 1 for Su-27SK.

EW stations: one built-in and up to two container stations - one container station.

Towed decoy: The Gripen has one, the Su-27SK does not.

Raytheon towed decoy

Typhoon fighter towing a decoy

Passive decoys: IR decoys and dipole reflectors on both aircraft.

Functions of warning systems: “Gripen” - about radar exposure (SPO), about the launch of missiles by the enemy, about the approach of a missile; Su-27SK - SPO and warning of approaching missile.

Automated information exchange channels: 2 for Gripen - 1 for Su-27SK.

Night vision system for the pilot: the Gripen has it, the Su-27SK does not.

Comparison of aircraft in combat at close range (within visual range). Instead of numerical values, some parameters are characterized by the words “satisfactory”, “good”, “excellent” [5]

. Maximum overload: “Gripen” +9/-2g – Su-27SK +8/-2g
[6]
.

Thrust of the engine(s): “good” - “excellent”.

Excellence of avionics: “excellent” - “satisfactory”.

Steady-state turn speed: “good” - “excellent”.

Speed of unsteady turn: “excellent” - “satisfactory”.

Short-range missiles: AIM-9L - “good”, R-73 - “excellent”[7]

Helmet-mounted target designation and display system: “excellent” - “good”.

Principal factors:

Combat radius: 900 km – 1500 km.

Possibility of in-flight refueling: the Gripen has it, the Su-27SK does not.

Combat load: 6 tons – 4 tons.

Tasks performed: air combat, strikes against ground targets, aerial reconnaissance - air combat only[8]

With all this information in hand, you can begin to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of both aircraft.

"Gripen-S" has superiority in combat at long distances beyond the visual zone due to the target detection range of its radar (160 km versus 120 for the Su-27SK), the maximum launch range of its missiles (80 km versus 50 km) and the ability to simultaneously attack four targets, against one target from the Su-27SK.

In general, the Gripen's avionics with all its capabilities is significantly superior to that of the Su-27SK. It also has superiority in unsteady turn speed. The Su-27SK, in turn, has superiority in thrust, steady-state turn speed, and has superior R-73 missiles, the potential of which can well be realized by the primitive but effective Shchel-3M helmet-mounted target designation system.

Accordingly, the advantages and disadvantages of aircraft can be described as follows:

- in general, the Gripen is significantly superior to the Su-27SK in long-range combat, electronic warfare systems, communications, situational awareness of the pilot, radio channels for automated information exchange, and has more advanced avionics and cockpit equipment;

— planes are superior to each other at “their” combat ranges;

— The Su-27SK has superiority in engine thrust, maneuverability, and has more effective R-73 close-in missiles, the superiority of which is realized when using a helmet-mounted targeting system.

The importance of weapons and avionics

Before reviewing the results of Eagle Strike 2015, it may be useful to examine the age and capabilities of the Su-27SK in Chinese service.
The Su-27SK, also assembled in China as the J-11A, was the PLA Air Force's first fourth-generation fighter, imported from Russia in the early 1990s. However, over the decades of service that have passed since then, the Su-27SK has been modernized to a very minimal extent, for example, gaining the ability to use RVV-AE missiles, which it did not have in its original form, a warning system for the approach of enemy missiles, and some minor upgrades to cockpit instruments.

All other systems - radar, avionics in general, electronic warfare systems, information exchange systems and weapons - lag significantly behind other modern fourth-generation fighters, not to mention the “4+” generation.

"Fourth Generation" fighter aircraft can be classified into several sub-generations, reflecting the level of capabilities of their avionics, weapons, sensors and communications systems. The list below provides a small number of some examples:

— “early fourth generation” — examples can be given of the F-14A, F-15A, Su-27SK/J-11A;

- “modern fourth generation” - for example, F-15C, J-11B, J-10A and Gripen-S (JAS39C which is in service with the Royal Thai Air Force. - Translator’s note);

- generation “4+”, for example F-15EX, F-16V, J-16, J-10C and Gripen-E.

The J-11A/Su-27SK is therefore "early fourth generation" due to lack of upgrades, and the aircraft can easily be defined as the oldest and least capable 4th generation fighter in the PLA Air Force; it is likely that even an upgraded 3rd generation fighter such as the J-8DF (equipped with a modern 4th generation radar and long-range effective PL-12 missiles) could easily defeat the Su-27SK in a head-to-head battle aircraft conditions.

Review of results

Anyone could have foreseen that, being a modern 4th generation fighter, the Gripen would have a significantly superior combat score compared to the Su-27SK at long distances, beyond visual detection range, as well as in any group battles requiring better coordination and situational awareness awareness.
These results could easily have been foreseen based on the overwhelming superiority of the Gripen in enemy detection systems, long-range weapons, short ESR, electronic warfare and avionics systems in general. The level of pilot training would have minimal effect in bridging such a huge technology gap. The Su-27SK could be expected to excel in close combat, where it could rely on the superiority of its R-73 missiles and superior maneuverability and performance characteristics, and where the enemy cannot realize technological superiority as clearly as at long distances. Technological superiority matters much less in such battles, which makes pilot training much more important to neutralize the imbalance in technology.

The results of the Eagle Strike 2015 exercise are fully consistent with the described logic, although the Su-27SK showed such superiority in victories in maneuver combat that no one could have expected[9]

. This success can be attributed to both the R-73 missiles and the training of pilots in training battles with aircraft of the J-10 family from the PLA Air Force.

What are the conclusions?

The results of "Eagle Strike 2015" are serious confirmation that an aircraft with the best avionics, radar and other sensors, communications, electronic warfare and weapons will be able to cause a resounding defeat in long-range combat and group battles that require a high level of interaction in the group and situational awareness .
The superiority of the Gripen in such battles is not unexpected, but these results cannot characterize the Su-27 family as a whole as low-combat capable. After all, the Su-27SK is one of the oldest aircraft of all Su-27 variants in the world, having the most minimal capabilities, and many subsequent Flanker variants received significantly improved weapons, radar and detection systems, communications, electronic warfare and avionics generally.

The PLA Air Force is equipped with the Su-30MKK/MK2 multirole fighters and the indigenous J-11B/BS air superiority fighter. The newest J-16 fighter with AFAR and PL-15 missiles.

However, it would be wrong to say that the PLA Air Force did not learn any lessons from the past exercises. The article, written in Chinese based on information from insiders, as well as information from the original December slides, pointed out such vulnerabilities as insufficient situational awareness in group battles and the inability to counter simulated long-range missiles, the latter of which, based on the known parameters applied in the model, resembles AIM -120 AMRAAM.

Vulnerabilities in situational awareness can also be attributed to inferior detection systems (including radar).

, information display devices in the cockpit and means of communication and information exchange of the Su-27SK aircraft, although some expectations follow from the Chinese presentation that Chinese pilots will be able to overcome this technical gap
[10]
.

In general, the view adopted by the PLA Air Force on the past Eagle Strike 2015 exercises focuses on the quality of the Chinese personnel who participated in the mock battles. This is not necessarily a surprise, as the PLA Air Force does not often participate in international air exercises, making each such encounter a valuable learning opportunity.

It is also worth remembering that the PLA Air Force was in the midst of a large-scale shift in its combat training regimes that began in the 2010s and the peak of discussion of which was right around the time Eagle Strike 2015 took place.

The emphasis on connecting the results of Eagle Strike 2015 and the training of Chinese pilots could be made specifically in order to intensify combat training and improve training plans and methods.

Foreign exercises of the PLA Air Force

Before 2010, the PLA Air Force had hardly conducted exercises with foreign militaries on a noteworthy scale.
In the 2010s, the exercises in which the PLA Air Force participated were the Shaheen exercise in Pakistan, the already mentioned regular Eagle Strike exercise, and participation in some Russian Aviadarts competition. There was also a one-time exercise with the Turkish Air Force “Anatolian Eagles”. It is worthy of mention that the PLA Air Force sent the same Su-27SKs to the Anatolian Eagles 2010, which were opposed by the upgraded F-4Es, and although the formal results of the exercise were not published, rumors indicate that the Su-27SKs performed poorly. It is worth pointing out that the PLA Air Force used the same Su-27SK in the exercises, which were later used in the Eagle Strike 2015 exercises, while no more exercises have been conducted with the Turkish Air Force since 2010.

It makes sense to think about the rationale behind using the Su-27SK in exercises with an air force with which the PLA Air Force has never interacted before. Since the Su-27SK is the weakest fourth-generation fighter in the Chinese arsenal (in 2010, 2015, and today), its deployment may reflect the PLA Air Force's reluctance to disclose sensitive information about more advanced fighters. As seen in later Eagle Strike exercises, the Chinese sent more capable and modern J-10A and J-10C fighters, perhaps reflecting increased mutual trust in the strengthening military relationship.

Of course, since the PLA Air Force conducts exercises with only a couple of air forces in the world, it is difficult to make a clear conclusion that these guesses are correct. But it is worth mentioning that during the Shaheen exercises with Pakistan, taking into account the very long military and geopolitical relations, the PLA Air Force uses various new systems from generation 4+ fighters to AWACS aircraft, and usually without many years of delays from the moment of adoption .

A little about the future

The presentation of Exercise Eagle Strike 2015 provided very useful and rare details of the PLA Air Force's participation in the first exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force.
And while the details of the presentation give rise to discussion of the shortcomings of the pilots who took part in the exercise, some English-language interpretations of what happened contain a clear overestimation of the scale of the consequences. In particular, it is difficult to ignore assessments of long-range combat and group combat, which mainly depend on the technological level of the aircraft and to a minimal extent on the training of the pilots. In subsequent Eagle Strike exercises (2017, 2022 and 2022), the PLA Air Force used J-10A fighters, which were more advanced than the Su-27SK, and finally in 2022 - J-10C.

Chinese light fighter J-10C

Rumors surrounding these exercises suggest that the Chinese have achieved much better results, in particular with the J-10C. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that the PLA Air Force will make public such detailed reviews of all subsequent exercises.

Rick Joe, The Diplomat (Japan), April 16, 2022

Translator's afterword

The SAAB JAS 39 “Gripen” fighter in version “C” today can be considered as a kind of “conditionally average fighter of the West”.
In this regard, the results of Su-27 battles against such a vehicle are of great interest to us. Although the Su-27 today is already considered an obsolete aircraft and is not mass-produced, there are still dozens of such aircraft in the Aerospace Forces, and there are also some in naval aviation. More than half of them have not undergone significant modernization of avionics and in battles with Western aircraft they will show themselves in the same way as Chinese fighters showed. And the latter lost 100% of long-range battles. The author of the article quite rightly pointed out that in such battles, pilot training is of minimal importance, and the tactical and technical characteristics of the aircraft and its weapons are decisive.

Theoretically, there are several ways to solve the problem of outdated aircraft. The first is a banal replacement with a new aircraft. This is the most reliable method, and this is what the Ministry of Defense has been doing in previous years, but still this process cannot be instantaneous. In addition, there are objective economic difficulties that our country is experiencing and which will not disappear so quickly.

The second way is modernization. But according to available information, the Ministry of Defense believes that bringing the Su-27 to modern requirements is unreasonably expensive.

Of interest is the partial modernization of the aircraft without the costly replacement of the radar and alteration of the electrical system (the cost of which, combined, led to the refusal to continue modernization of the Su-27), but with updating the information transmission systems and cockpit equipment, and giving the aircraft the ability to use weapons based on the radar data of another aircraft. Then one single Su-35 or MiG-31 will be able to make several Su-27s capable of launching missiles at targets that they themselves could not even detect. This mode also “masks” the fighter, since it basically does not turn on its radar, even when using missiles. The Americans have been using this method with great success in combination with the F-35A and fourth-generation fighters.

Another possibility is to integrate electronic warfare systems into the Su-27, making it possible to divert a missile with ARLGSN heading towards the aircraft from its course. Then the enemy’s advantage in launch range will not help, and he will be forced to engage in close combat, which, as the example of the Chinese shows, he will most likely lose miserably.

There are also non-technical ways - to achieve such a culture of staff work that when planning combat operations it would not be possible to send aircraft into battle that obviously will not win it, but to use the Su-27 for feasible tasks - hunting enemy anti-submarine aircraft, defeating enemy strike fighters in joint operations with modern VKS fighters, etc. This is the most unreliable method, due to the human factor, fraught with sending pilots to slaughter. Although that would be a solution. But not in our conditions.

One way or another, the solution to the problem of the presence in the Aerospace Forces of fighters that are outdated and unable to withstand even mediocre fighters like the Gripen cannot be postponed. There are examples in our history of neglecting the development of aviation. The cost of this was terrible. Let's hope that this issue will be resolved as quickly as possible.

Translator's Notes

[1] “Flanker” (Flanker, attacking from the flank) is the code name for aircraft of the Su-27 family in the US Air Force, NATO and several other countries.
[2] This educational institution is a source of personnel for the Chinese Air Force and the aviation industry. From time to time, his students are even involved in the design of real combat aircraft - this was the case, for example, with the Q-5 attack aircraft.

[3] J-11 is a family of aircraft, the first variant of which was the Chinese-built Su-27SK.

[4] All technical specifications were provided by the author of the article, and, in his words, were taken from the original Chinese slides. The performance characteristics announced in the article differ significantly from those published in the Russian Federation.

[5] In the text “average”, “capable”, “strong”. During translation, these words are replaced with assessments familiar to the Russian reader, but the meaning has not changed.

[6] The difference in maximum load is not significant; almost no combat pilot can withstand 9g. The table advantage between 8g and 9g gives almost nothing.

[7] Here we must take into account that Sidewinders, even the newest ones, have shown themselves to be unable to withstand even old domestic IR traps. This was well demonstrated by the downing of a Syrian Su-22 by an American F/A-18.

[8] The Su-27SK can use unguided weapons to strike ground targets.

[9] Data on the number and results of battles during the exercises are contradictory and differ greatly in different sources. It is known that the Chinese lost battles at maximum range completely, without exception, but regarding battles at short range, some sources give them 86% of victories. In any case, all experts and observers are confident in the overwhelming superiority of the PLA Air Force Su-27SK in close combat.

[10] Attempts to compensate for problems with equipment due to the human factor are not unique to the PLA Air Force. The US Air Force has a special program to develop tactics, using which an F-16 pilot could conduct a maneuverable battle against the Su-27, which is superior in maneuverability. One such battle between an F-16 and a Su-27 was photographed in Nevada by a random eyewitness, and the photo ended up in the press. It is difficult to say what effect the Americans managed to achieve. Some techniques, born in such battles and published in the press, look like extremely dangerous tricks, although they increase the chances of winning.

Gripen E "Griffin": SAAB takes off a new version of its fighter

A prototype of the JAS-39E Gripen-E fighter, a representative of the new generation of the famous Swedish aviation platform, made its first flight on June 15 in Sweden. The lightweight aircraft, equipped with a more powerful engine and improved electronics, should compete with more expensive and complex American, European and Russian aircraft.

The first prototype of the JAS-39E (tail number 39-08) was rolled out in Linköping on May 18, 2016. Initially, the first flight of the aircraft was planned before the end of 2016, but in the end it took place about six months late. During flight tests, the first sample will be used mainly to test aerodynamic and flight characteristics and maneuverability. It was reported that the construction of the second flight prototype of the Gripen E (tail number 39-09), which is intended for testing weapons systems, is currently being completed at the Linköping plant. The third flight prototype of the Gripen E (tail number 39-10) should become a pre-production vehicle in 2022. Now a modified JAS-39D aircraft (tail number 39-07) is being used to test part of the systems under the Gripen NG program and as a demonstrator.

The Swedish Air Force has so far ordered 60 single-seat JAS-39E fighters (with 10 more on option) for delivery from 2022 to 2026, replacing most of Sweden's current fleet of approximately 100 JAS-39C/D fighters. In addition, 28 single-seat JAS-39E and eight two-seat JAS-39F are ordered by Brazil, to which they should be delivered in 2019-2024 (Brazil will also have to receive one JAS-39E prototype specially manufactured for it). The question of the possibility of acquiring JAS-39E by Switzerland has not been removed from the agenda. The Gripen E is also participating in a new Indian Air Force tender for a single-engine fighter.

Gripen 39-7 Photo: Stefan Kalm / SAAB

The prototype of the new Gripen is a technology demonstrator designated Gripen 39-7. First introduced in 2012.

Rolling out the Gripen-E Photo: Per Kustvik / SAAB

A prototype of the new generation Gripen was shown to the public in May 2016.

Rolling out the Gripen-E Photo: Per Kustvik / SAAB

The updated Gripen is equipped with a Raven ES-05 radar with an active phased array antenna.

Engine race Photo: Per Kustvik / SAAB

The new version of the Gripen-E fighter is equipped with a General Electric F414G engine, based on the F414-GE-400, which is used on the American twin-engine F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters.

Gripen-E in the engine race chamber Photo: SAAB

A more powerful engine allowed the Gripen-E to increase its payload compared to previous versions.

JAS-39C over Bangalore Photo: Per Kustvik / SAAB

"Gripen" regularly performs at various air shows. The marketing of this fighter can be called one of the most active in the world. The photo captures one of the moments of the JAS-39C performance at the Aero India 2022 exhibition.

Biofuel fighter Photo: Linus Svensson / SAAB

In the spring of 2022, SAAB tested the fighter using a new type of fuel. The picture shows a JAS-39D fueled with CHCJ-5 biofuel. The new fuel is made from hydrotreated alcohols and fatty acids and has the same characteristics as standard JP-8 jet fuel.

Arsenal Photo: Stefan Kalm / SAAB

One of the advantages of Gripen of all modifications is its diverse arsenal.

The Gripen-C, pictured showing full load capabilities, is equipped with IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, Meteor air-to-surface missiles, Bk-90 cluster bombs, an external fuel tank and a targeting pod.

Gripen-D, SAAB 340 AEW AEW aircraft and NEURON unmanned aerial vehicle Photo: Stefan Kalm / SAAB

In modern conflicts, combat aircraft interact more and more closely with aircraft of other classes that support their operations.

Additional equipment Photo: Stefan Kalm / SAAB

The LITENING sighting container is clearly visible in the photo, ensuring the use of air-to-surface guided munitions.

The first prototype of the Saab JAS-39E Gripen fighter (Gripen E, tail number 39-08) on its first flight. 06/15/2017 (c) Saab AB

Based on materials from Lenta.ru, bmpd

Stockholm: JAS 39 Gripen E will smash the Su-30SM and Su-35S to smithereens

The largest Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet published an article talking about the achievements of the domestic military aircraft industry. They certainly exist. Moreover, considerable ones - the country, which is inferior in population to Moscow without suburbs, produces Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters. Not only have they been in service with the Swedish Air Force since 1997, but they are also selling well in several European countries. Moreover, this fighter was invited to participate in the grand Indian tender, competing equally with French, Russian and American aircraft.

There will soon be a holiday in the Swedish defense industry - in the foreseeable future, in 2-3 years, serial production of a new modification of the aircraft - JAS 39 Gripen E - should begin. It should bring the Swedes closer to creating a fifth-generation fighter.

But at the same time, the author of the publication in Aftonbladet, filled with patriotic pride, significantly overestimates the capabilities of the new machine compared to the best Russian and American fighters: “The Su-57 is the first Russian fifth-generation fighter. With its stealth technologies, advanced AESA radars and long-range missiles, it answers the challenge of the US's most advanced fighter-interceptor, the F-22 Raptor - on par with the Swedish Gripen E."