An Effective and Multinational Gripen Store Separation Team

Anders Erlandsson, (M) Flight Test Engineer, SAAB, Sweden
Rikard Bergsten, (M) Flight Test Engineer, SAAB , Sweden
Johannes W.J Joubert, (M) Test Pilot, Denel, South Africa

Abstract

Modern day testing demands faster turn-around times and lower costs without lowering quality standards. New technology gives new capabilities. Cooperation with an industrial partner gives an opportunity for technology know how exchange. This has been the case for the Gripen Store Separation Test Team, with Denel Aviation test pilot and flight test engineer participating in the Saab flight test team.

Due to the introduction of NATO standard pylons and new external stores on Gripen, there was a need to prove safe separation for a number of stores. The separation tests were performed at the RFN Test Range in the north of Sweden, with a small test team on site. The objective was to reduce the time on deployment as much as possible by improving test efficiency.

The onboard high speed digital camera technique has been introduced by SAAB, which has taken efficiency of separation tests to a new level. The traditional wet film method resulted in long lead times for developing and printing, and in some cases, film failures. When the separation sequence is digitized already in the camera, the test engineer on deployment can commence with the first order evaluation of the separation directly after the flight, utilizing a laptop computer. The digital video clips were sent to specialists at Saab (home base) via high speed internet link to obtain formal approval to continue with the next test point. This has increased test efficiency significantly since it was possible to perform tests at a considerably increased pace.

With South Africa an export customer, the South African industrial partner Denel participated in the initial tests, giving the opportunity to share experiences with Saab flight test personnel, and to prepare for Gripen tests in South Africa. The South African pilot actually became the first to release a store from the new pylons on Gripen.

The paper gives a presentation of the methods used by the test team as well as some comments regarding the multi-national interaction.