The new engines are reportedly more powerful, more efficient, and cheaper to run than the Gripen’s existing powerplant.
This month, GKN Aerospace announced that it had delivered the first upgraded RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) engine for the Swedish Air Force’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D multirole aircraft.
The new powerplant is outfitted with improved turbine hardware and updated control software that will augment the engine’s performance, increasing thrust, extending the engine’s operating time, and even decreasing life-cycle costs, according to the company.
“This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system,” said Stefan Oscarsson, vice president for governmental solutions at GKN Aerospace. “As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
The original RM12, built by Swedish multinational manufacturer Volvo Aero prior to its acquisition by GKN, was derived from the General Electric (GE) F404 turbofan engine originally developed for the United States Navy’s Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. The RM12 utilizes a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) with hydromechanical backup and a redundant ignition system. The RM12EP program was initiated in 2019, and led by GKN Aerospace to enable the Gripen C/D aircraft to retain their edge as “capable and cost-effective fighter aircraft.”
The UK-based GKN Aerospace was awarded a $42 million contract in October 2023 to implement the RM12EP upgrade in co-operation with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Saab, and GE.
“GKN Aerospace also produces the more powerful RM16 engine for the Gripen E model (derived from GE’s F414), which began entering Swedish air force service last October under a 60-aircraft commitment,” Flight Global reported.
The JAS 39 Gripen’s Specifications
The Swedish Air Force currently operates 100 JAS 39 Gripen C/D models, with the oldest models being more than 23 years old and the newest being adopted 11 years ago. The new engines will allow the aircraft to remain in service throughout the mid to late 2030s.
- Year Introduced: 1996 (A); 2019 (E)
- Number Built: ~300
- Length: 14.9 m (48 ft 11 in) JAS 39C/E / 15.6 m (51 ft) JAS 39D/F
- Wingspan: ~8.4 m (27 ft 6 in)
- Weight (MTOW): 14,000 kg (30,865 lb)
- Engines: One GE F414G afterburning turbofan (E/F variants)
- Top Speed: 2,100 km/h (1,300 mph) / Mach 2
- Range: 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi)
- Service Ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)
- Loadout: 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon (omitted on the two-seat variants), including air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder, air-to-ground missiles such as the AGM-65 Maverick, and anti-ship missiles such as the RBS-15
- Aircrew: 1–2, depending on variant
Brazil Just Built the First Gripens in South America
In addition to the new RM12 engine from GKN Aerospace, Brazil also confirmed this month that it had completed manufacturing of the first F-39E Gripen. The Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, in partnership with Sweden-based Saab, produced the fighter jet at Embraer’s facility in São Paulo.
Localized production of the Gripen is part of Brazil’s efforts to modernize its air force.
“By investing in defense, our industry reaches a milestone of maturity and competitiveness, allowing Brazil to position itself as the largest production hub in Latin America. It will also strengthen our deterrence capacity, expanding our ability to guarantee national sovereignty and regional security,” explained Brazil’s Defense Minister José Múcio.
Saab had previously delivered 11 F-39E aircraft to Brazil, manufactured in Linköping, Sweden. An additional two single-seat E models, along with eight two-seat F-39s, will be produced in Sweden for the Brazilian Air Force. A total of 15 F-39Es will be assembled domestically in Brazil by Embraer.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
