Saab Gripen

Sweden's 21st Century Multi-Role Aircraft
By Gerard Keijsper
Aerofax, ©2004
ISBN 1-85780-137-7
Softbound, 176 Pages
Available from Specialty Press for $32.95

Reviewed By Chris Banyai-Riepl

The Saab Gripen was the first fourth generation fighter to take to the skies, beating out others by a wide margin. First flying in 1988, the Gripen became one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the skies, even to this day. Interest in the Gripen has been increasing over the last few years, with South Africa, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland all expressing interest in the type.

This latest release from Aerofax takes a detailed look at this remarkable aircraft. The text is thoroughly researched and provides insight into the design minds of Saab and Sweden's military requirements. Separated into progressive sections, the majority of the writing covers the origins, development, and construction of the Gripen, with extra detail given on specific essential systems such as the cockpit and powerplant. Following this extensive coverage comes notes on the service record of the Gripen with the Swedish Air Force, as well as the search for foreign sales.

In addition to the extensive text, the book is amply filled with some beautiful photos of the Gripen. The land of Sweden is a beautiful land and makes for some impressive backdrops to the Gripen, as does the rugged desert lands of South Africa, where a contingent went to drum up sales. Along with the photos there are several drawings of assemblies and construction diagrams. Combined, this presents the most complete history of this interesting and attractive fighter.

My thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy. Check their website for this and other interesting titles in the Aerofax line.