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Gripen pilot in cockpit.

31 March 2021

FAB Pilots Begin Operational Training with Gripen

2 min read

Four Brazilian Air Force (FAB) pilots have begun their operational training with the Gripen fighter at the F7 Wing in Såtenäs, Sweden.

The entire program includes conversion training as well as combat readiness training. There will be theoretical classes covering the systems and the characteristics of Gripen. Simulated emergency flights, acrobatic manoeuvres, and management of embedded systems will also be included.

Post the training, these pilots will return to the 1st Air Defense Group (1st GDA), based in Anápolis where they will continue working with the new FAB Gripens.

“The beginning of the course is another important step in the programme. The aircraft is getting closer to its main role in the Air Force: operational deployment. For us, this moment is a source of great pride,” future FAB Gripen pilot and a member of the first training class, Major Aviator Vítor Cabral Bombonato says.

Brazilian Gripen flying.

The contract with the Brazilian government to develop and produce 36 Gripen aircraft was signed in 2014. So far, more than 350 Brazilian engineers have been trained. The programme is running on time; FAB's first Gripen E (called F-39E) was presented in October last year. Several tests including climate tests and flight control tests have already been conducted in Brazil. This month, the F-39 Gripen also begun to perform supersonic flight tests in Brazil.

In total, ten FAB pilots will undergo the operational training in Sweden this year.

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