Developments at Saab
Order for future development support of Gripen
Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, to provide future development support for Gripen. The total order value is SEK 998 million. The order is an extension of an existing contract and enables the future development of Gripen for the Swedish Air Force and other Gripen users around the world. The contract includes the operating and support of test aircraft and advanced tools such as testing rigs and simulators. Test aircraft together with these advanced tools are used in the verification and validation of Gripen C/D and Gripen E fighter systems as Saab develops future new capabilities or enhancements.
Saab trials 3D-printed part on Gripen for
Saab has successfully conducted the trial which marked the first time an exterior 3D-printed part has been flown on a Gripen, rather than internal 3D-printed components. The purpose of the trial was to test how additive manufacturing could be used in battlefield damage repair. The test flight took place in the skies above Saab’s facilities in Linköping, Sweden. Gripen was fitted with a replacement hatch that had been 3D-printed using additive manufacturing, using a nylon polymer called PA2200. This work is a step towards 3D-printed spares being used for rapid repairs to fighter aircraft that have sustained damage while deployed on remote operations, thereby gaining a vital time-saving advantage.
This milestone is the latest step in Saab’s embrace of additive manufacturing. In 2017 Saab co-founded the AMEXCI consortium for the specific purpose of furthering the technology, and Saab has been working with AMEXCI’s experts ever since to find new applications and ways to produce parts and equipment using additive manufacturing.
US Navy advances Saab radar to LRIP Phase Two
The US Navy’s Shipboard Air Traffic Radar programme in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) has awarded an LRIP option for three of Saab’s AN/SPN-50(V)1 radar systems. The order value for the LRIP phase two contract is USD 37.1 million, with the first delivery scheduled for 2022. The AN/SPN-50(V)1 radar system, which is one of the US versions of Saab’s Sea Giraffe Agile Multi Beam radar, will function as the primary air traffic control surveillance radar for manned and unmanned aviation aboard the Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and amphibious large decks.
Order for Carl-Gustaf M4 and ammunition
Saab has received an order for deliveries of Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and ammunition to the Estonian Armed Forces. The order value is approximitly 100 MSEK and deliveries will take place in 20212022. The order was placed within a joint-framework agreement
signed with Estonia, together with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Latvia. The framework agreement allows the Estonian customer to place orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and ammunition during a ten year period. The Estonian Armed Forces has been a user of the Carl-Gustaf weapon system for more than two decades.
Saab Technology digitising ATC at Stockholm Arlanda airport
On 1 June, the new control centre for remote air traffic control started operations at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions (SDATS) will equip three more Swedavia airports with the second generation of digital air traffic control towers by the end of 2022. With the new digital air traffic control centre in Stockholm (RTC Stockholm), Saab is introducing the second generation of Digital Tower. R-TWR, an air traffic control system that significantly enhances the capability of air traffic controllers to make quick decisions to improve safety and operational efficiency. RTC Stockholm, operated by LFV, is an operational centre that can manage more than 20 airports and will enable complete air traffic control for a larger number of airports 24 hours a day, all year round.
Saab unveils and demos new guided multipurpose munition
Saab, in cooperation with the US Army and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, has successfully demonstrated the new Guided Multipurpose Munition (GMM). The GMM System Capability Demonstration was a joint activity between Saab and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, funded under a US Government Rapid Innovation Funding (RIF) effort awarded by the US Army. This three-year contract effort culminated in a live firing demonstration in November 2020. RIF efforts are intended to support the development of promising technologies that address military capability to fulfill an operational or national need.
GMM was fired from both the Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle and an adaption of an AT4 disposable launcher. The munitions were guided to their target using a semi-active laser guidance system and designator.
Saab and FMV sign helicopter support agreement
Saab has signed an agreement with FMV regarding full support for Helikopter 15. Helikopter 15 has been in operation in the Swedish Armed Forces for around 18 years and since 2012, Saab has had an exclusive agreement to ensure the operational availability of the helicopters. The agreement confirms the Swedish Armed Forces’ continued trust in Saab as a long-term support partner.
Saab combat training solutions to the Netherlands
Saab has signed a contract for the delivery of live training systems and services to the Dutch armed forces. The order comprises the supply of new equipment and functionality at 727 MSEK, with a 10-year support contract with an annual value of 66.9 MSEK. The total order over the ten year period is valued approximately 1.4 billion SEK. The contract also has an option for five years additional support following the initial 10-year period.
The order includes delivery of an upgraded Mobile Combat Training Centre (MCTC) and reflects Saab’s latest market offer with enhanced functionality and new capabilities. These include examples such as the “Mortar and Forward Observer” capability, which introduces a mix between live and virtual training, also known as blended training.