Scaled Stealth fighter demonstrator flies in Sweden

[SBD-3]

Linkoping University is testing a 1:13 scaled demonstrator of a stealth fighter concept designed by Saab. First flight of the demonstrator occurred in November, and the university posted the video online last week.

The DEW Line reader TangoViking noticed the update on Linkoping's web site and emailed me the link, along with this description:

They got CAD-drawings from Saab, money from the national aeronautical program, and a bunch of help to construct a flying scale-demonstrator in composite material of a stealth fighter. To me it looks just like the single-engine K-FX offer by SAAB to Korea. They cite one of the reasons for doing this is to demonstrate how to move from design to a flying demonstrator in short time kind of like a "flying wind tunnel".

YouTube - Saab stealth demonstrator

 

[SBD-3]

Flumes Flies a Demonstrator of a Generic Future Fighter Aircraft

The division of Fluid and Mechatronic Systems, FluMeS at the department of Management and Engineering, have been rewarded a contract from SAAB and FMV to realise and build a scaled demonstrator of a generic fighter concept.

The concept constitutes a goal and common study object for the defence long term research and development strategy within aeronautics. The concept is a common development between SAAB and FOI with focus on stealth capability, internal load bays and “super cruise” capability.

The goal of the demonstrator is to:

* Show a cost effective way, with short lead time, to design and manufacture a flying demonstrator of a concept
* Evaluate the usage of scaled demonstrator as a tool for aircraft development, including as “flying wind tunnel”

The demonstrator is in 13% scale and is jet powered. Its characteristics are the following:

* Length 2,4 m
* Wing span 1,5 m
* Take off weight 15 kg
* Thrust 160 N

Maiden flight took place in November 2009 and was a success. During the winter the demonstrator is equipped with flight test equipment in order to prepare the coming flight campaign, planed under the spring/summer 2010. This work is the result of a project realised within the framework of NFFP4, Swedish National Aeronautics Research Programme.
Contact:

Christopher Jouannet +46-708746978

Petter Krus

GFF: Aero Group: IEI: Linköping University

 

[jha]

Yes.. I remember SAAB had mentioned this when they were giving a presentation on GRIPEN-NG..Looks good but dont know whether they can make it ..Also using Canards will have its effect on Stealth feature..

 

[farhan_9909]

Wow..Saab ALso has stealth fighter program..

bt it is a single engine aircraft

 

[SBD-3]

so what? they meant it to be economical just like JSF....I mean an aircraft which is maintainance nightmare will not attract much buyers.

 

[Imran Khan]

Wow..Saab ALso has stealth fighter program..

bt it is a single engine aircraft

JSF is also single engine bro.future is stealth fighters there will be 10 more in 2030 i hope so

 

[SBD-3]

JSF is also single engine bro.future is stealth fighters there will be 10 more in 2030 i hope so

I dont think so. It takes significant tech base to develop one ok lets see
1- US Yes
2- Russia Yes
3- China Most likely
4- Germany No
5- UK- No
6- Japan Slight Chance (Most likely no after JSF)
7 Saab May be
8- India May be
I can count only eitght with 3 VLO suppliers in the market

 

[1971Tragedy]

i thought a real jet was flight tested,but i was shocked when i saw this remote control toy....the title is misleading..
btw.....Best of luck for saab,i wish they make it a sucess.

 

[rubyjackass]

That aircraft is very agile. If only it had TVC.

 

[mnd]

That aircraft is very agile. If only it had TVC.

TVC is not "magic" and it is not what defines maneouvrability. Do you think it is justt as easy as paste a TVC engine into an aircraft, and that will make it supermaneouvrable? TVC is not always necessary, and to integrate it with an aircraft requires a very big work.

 

[no_name]

The aircraft looks malnutritioned to me. Looks like a tejas sized aircraft.

 

[sasuke]

Saab can seriously develop unmanned high maneuverable UCAV based on this design

 

[InPhilTraitor]

Screw GoI for not getting Gripen-NG, my next car will be a SAAB.

 

[no_name]

This fighter will be mainly for air-air combat (?)
Looks like its not designed to carry alot concealed. Also don't look like it has large range

 

[SBD-3]

This fighter will be mainly for air-air combat (?)
Looks like its not designed to carry alot concealed. Also don't look like it has large range

My bet is on a light catagory multirole Aircraft. The most intended role will be CAS, Interception and dedicated airstrike. the AC will have the internal weapon bays. Being lighter and small in size, i think the base RCS will also be smaller than a heavy platform. The only thing is that how will the achieve planform alignment with conventional canards