Gripen's Engine Surpasses 100,000 Flawless Flight Hours

[rattler]

SOURCE: Defense Update Newscast
DATE: FEB 06, 2008

Gripen's Engine Surpasses 100,000 Flawless Flight Hours

The 100,000 flight hour mark recorded by the Gripen fleet last week also highlighted the flawless operation of its engine the Volvo RM-12 (a modified GE 404).

Accroding to Volvo's records, these 100,000 hours was surpassed without a single engine-related accident or incident.

Since fielding the first RM12s in the 1980s, Volvo introduced many improvements in the engine, reducing operating costs and improving safety. These include a redesigned intake and improved afterburner flameholder which reduced maintenance overhead, and an FADEC (Full Authority Digital Electronic Control) system that optimizes operations, provides the possibility to reduce fuel consumption and is simultaneously used for trouble-shooting.

Gripens are currently flying with the Swedish Air Force, Hungary, Czech Republic, South Africa and in the UK, where they are used for pilot training. Thailand will soon join as a sixth Gripen operator worldwide. In March, the first Gripen aircraft will be placed in active service in South Africa.