RUAG prepares to make Gripen E/F payload suspensions
RUAG Aerostructures is ready to begin serial production of payload suspension pylons for the Saab Gripen E/F, following final airworthiness test acceptance in late August.
This is the latest milestone in co-operation between RUAG and Saab on development and manufacture of the pylons, under a 2015 contract between the two companies that is worth more than CHF80 million.
Payload suspensions are devices designed to carry additional fuel tanks, reconnaissance systems or guided missiles. They are complex technological components with electronic and mechanical systems, RUAG noted in a 10 September announcement, and they must meet the highest requirements with regard to aerodynamics and load capacity.
More than 500 pylons (up to ten per aircraft, with RUAG manufacturing eight of them) will be built for Gripen E/Fs to be operated by the Brazilian and Swedish air forces.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters achieve full operating capability]()
UK Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters achieve full operating capability
A total of 19 Mk3 and six Mk3a Commando Merlin helicopters have now been upgraded to the Mk4/4a standard, with the work overseen by the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), Leonardo and the Royal Navy (RN).
-
![Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds]()
Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds
The Swiss Federal Audit Office has said the drones won’t meet planned military requirements until 2029, after extensive delays pushed timeline back to the end of 2026.
-
![Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM]()
Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM
Prime Minister Moloni's comment came as Italy and Saudi Arabia signed a swathe of agreements totalling $US10 billion for greater cooperation, including between its defence and aerospace industries.
-
![The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades]()
The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades
The Philippine Air Force is reportedly finalising terms for the upgrade of 12 and additional procurement of several FA-50 aircraft with KAI, with Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucanos procurement also completed.
