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Saab Global

An Aircraft Built to be Operated in Harsh Weather Conditions

2 min read + Video

While most aircraft are challenged by cold starts and flying in regions with high altitude, Gripen E takes it in its stride because of its built-in arctic DNA and design. This will give the Indian Air Force (IAF) the capability to deploy aircraft in regions like Ladakh even during the harshest of winters.

Under a campaign for Gripen E called the World Wide Climate campaign, Gripen has successfully completed several harsh weather tests so far. The results have always shown that Gripen (both engine and onboard systems) has no issues operating in extreme cold or hot weather conditions. When it comes to factors like maintenance, normal start-ups, flights, landings and braking on a naturally snow and ice-covered landing strip, Gripen delivers.

“Saab has done a number of tests and evaluations for Gripen in snowy, cold weather areas with temperature below -30 degrees and the fighter will have no problem operating in the Himalayas as well. Harsh weather is no match for Gripen,’’ says Mats Palmberg, Vice President, Industrial Partnerships, Saab, and head of Gripen India campaign.

On Gripen's advent of becoming a global product, the fighter was further designed to adapt to and survive other severe climatic conditions across the globe. This makes the Gripen fighter perfect not just for countries with Arctic weather conditions, but also for hot weather countries like Thailand, South Africa and Brazil. Gripen C/D fighters have previously undertaken hot weather trials in Jaisalmer, India as well, and have done pretty well.