Brazilian cooperation behind recent Gripen milestone
In January, the team taking part in the transfer of technology programme between Saab and the Brazilian industry accomplished another important achievement; the first serial produced rear fuselage for the Swedish Gripen E.
As part of the Brazilian Gripen deal the Brazilian industry will be responsible for developing a big part of the aircraft at Saab Aeronáutica Montagens (SAM), Saab's new aerostructure plant in São Bernardo do Campo. Through the transfer of technology programme more than 350 Brazilian engineers and technicians will be trained for the job by 2024, strengthening the base of the Brazilian defence industry.
More than 30 SAM employees are currently participating in the training programme in Sweden. Recently, the team together with Swedish Saab specialists delivered the first serial produced rear fuselage for the Swedish Gripen E, an important achievement for the programme.
“The Brazilian staff that is currently learning about and working on the production of the Brazilian Air Force fighter's rear fuselage will be the same one to initiate the production of the aero structures once they return to SAM in São Bernardo do Campo, backed by Swedish specialists,” explains Marcelo Lima, SAM's general director.
The team responsible for the delivery of the rear fuselage has already started the production of the next one. The entire hands-on training is tracked by a training card, which certifies that each employee under training is exposed to all of the technologies necessary for the process to be successfully developed in Brazil.
“This year, in mid-February, the first group of Brazilians – including assemblers and planners – will come back from training in Sweden. They will be responsible for qualifying the processes at SAM. This is a fundamental requirement before we start the production activities at the factory in Brazil,” Marcelo adds.