Aircraft
Saab Postpones Gripen E First Flight—for Good Reason
The company claims that pre-qualifying software to a very high standard will save time and money later on.
The first Gripen E is being kept on the ground while software development is completed. (Photo: Saab)
The first Gripen E is being kept on the ground while software development is completed. (Photo: Saab)

The first flight of the Gripen E fighter has been postponed from late this year until the second quarter of 2017. Saab said that the delay is caused by its deliberate decision to fully qualify an innovative avionics and software system before getting airborne. But the Swedish company said that the test aircraft designated 39-8 has now done engine runs, only nine weeks after power-on, compared with 10to 18 months in previous Saab developments. High-speed taxi tests are due soon.