Saab, Embraer Create Gripen Design, Development Network For Fighter Aircraft Tech Transfer

Saab and Embraer have created the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN) along with AEL Sistemas, Atech, Akaer and the Brazilian Air Force, through its research department DCTA for the development and tech transfer of Gripen Fighter aircraft.

The GDDN includes the development environment and simulators required to undertake the fighter development work. In addition, the GDDN is connected to Saab in Sweden and the industrial partners in Brazil, securing both technology transfer and efficient development, Saab said in a statement Wednesday.

“The launch of the GDDN is a key milestone in the Brazilian Gripen programme as it will be the basis for the technology transfer and fighter development in the country,” said Håkan Buskhe, CEO and president of Saab. 

The GDDN facility is located at Embraer premises in Gavião Peixoto, where also the Gripen Flight Test Center and the Gripen Final Assembly will be based. 

Between 2019 and 2024, 36 Gripen NG fighters will be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force. To accomplish the deliveries Saab has a strong collaborative partnership with Brazilian industry, such as; Embraer, AEL Sistemas, Akaer, Atech, Mectron, Inbra, and Atmos. 

The technology transfer programme for Brazil covers four areas aiming to provide the Brazilian aerospace industry with the technology and knowledge needed to maintain and develop Gripen in Brazil: Theoretical training, Research & Technology programmes, On-the-job-training in Sweden and Development and production work.

Embraer will undertake a large share of work in the production and delivery of both the single and two-seat versions of the Gripen NG. The company will also be responsible for extensive work packages in systems development, integration, flight test, final assembly and aircraft deliveries. Furthermore, Embraer and Saab will be jointly responsible for the complete development of the two-seat version of the Gripen NG.