Saab’s Technology Makes London City Airport First Major UK Operator of Remote Air Traffic Control Tower

Technology pioneered by Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions has enabled London City Airport to become the first major international airport in the world to be fully controlled by a remote digital air traffic control tower.

Saab’s Digital Tower is a next-generation air traffic control system that significantly improve controllers’ situational awareness, enabling quick and informed decisions that advance safety and operational efficiency. The Digital Tower has also allowed London City Airport to expand its area of operations due to the increased coverage it provides, thereby allowing the airport to maximise its air traffic capacity.

The technology presents increased levels of information to air traffic controllers on digital window screens: such as identifying flight and radar data, the ability to zoom in and out, as well as additional graphics and augmentation to enhance visibility.  These functionalities can be used by control rooms that are offsite.

Saab Makes First T-7A Delivery

Saab has shipped its first aft airframe section for the T-7A Red Hawk program. This is a key delivery in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) program to its T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer aircraft partner, Boeing.

The production and shipment of this aft airframe section is the latest milestone in Saab’s contribution to the design and development of the T-7A Red Hawk trainer for the United States Air Force. This 15 April 2021 shipment is from Saab’s Linköping site in Sweden to Boeing in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. On completion of the EMD production phase, Saab’s brand new facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA will undertake Saab’s production of the aft sections for the T-7A program.

NyxAir is looing for Saab 2000 pilots.

Photo NyxAir

NyxAir, the European ACMI, charter and cargo operator that was founded in 2017 is currently looking for Saab 2000 pilots for the Nordics region.

More details and to apply - Careers – NyxAir OÜ

The Saab 2000 is a unique high-speed turboprop airliner and it combines short runway capability, steep approach capability and jet-performance with turboprop economics.

The cabin is fitted with 50 comfortable leather seats in a three-abreast configuration. The passenger door at the front of the aircraft is equipped with airstairs. The cabin has a noise reduction system and climate control system for maximum comfort for all passengers.  These popular aircraft have been in service for around three million flight hours. 

Photo NyxAir

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UAE gets third GlobalEye.....

Saab delivered the third GlobalEye aircraft to the United Arab Emirates on 20 February 2021.

This follows Saab’s previous deliveries of GlobalEye in April and September 2020. The United Arab Emirates has ordered a total of five GlobalEye aircraft.

“Completing three deliveries of a solution as advanced as GlobalEye in less than a year proves Saab’s solid expertise as a provider of high-technology solutions and our focus on meeting our commitments, especially given the current circumstances. By handling the entire process, including sensor development and integration, we are uniquely in control of every critical part of this complex programme”, says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

GlobalEye is Saab’s latest airborne early warning and control solution. It provides exceptional air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single platform. GlobalEye combines Saab’s Erieye Extended Range Radar and a range of additional advanced sensors with the ultra-long range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.

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Saab receives order from the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy for Digital Towers

Saab has signed a contract with the UK’s Royal Navy to provide a Digital Tower solution at Air Station Culdrose´s satellite airfield at Predannack. 

Following a competitive procurement, the Royal Navy has become the fourth UK customer to select Saab’s Digital Towers as part of a framework contract. The technology, which enables air traffic services to be conducted remotely, will also enhance the controllers’ situational awareness, through video, automatic tracking, graphic overlays, and enhanced safety tools.

The Royal Navy follows London City Airport, Cranfield University and the Royal Air Force in adopting the leading edge technology that will be delivered within 2021.

“Saab’s leading air traffic management technologies have a beneficial role to play for both British civilian and military customers. The Royal Navy’s adoption of digital towers is an example of how the British Armed Forces embrace innovative solutions and Saab is delighted to support their forward looking vision,” said Magnus Lewis-Olsson, Chairman of Saab UK.

“This is an important step in the Royal Navy’s continued development and exploitation of remote system technology to enhance the way air traffic services are delivered, improving controller efficiency and providing a safe operating environment for air systems,” said Cdr Mick Gladwin, Royal Navy. 

The digital air traffic control solution is a breakthrough in air traffic control and was introduced during 2015 in Sweden when Örnsköldsvik Airport became the first airport in the world with remote air traffic control. In the UK, Cranfield Airport is operating Saab´s system and London City will also operate the Saab solution starting later this year. 

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Saab receives order for two special firefighting aircraft

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), is exercising an option in their contract with Saab regarding aerial firefighting capability in Sweden. Saab will provide two additional aircraft with the associated crew.

The order from March 2020 concerns the capability to fight fires with two bucketing aircraft yearly, from 1 April to 30 September, through 2023. MSB is now exercising the option in the contract for two more aircraft, beginning with the 2021 fire season. This is a resource that will be available both for Sweden and for the EU.

During the past year, Saab has established capabilities in the form of firefighting aircraft of the type Air Tractor AT-802 F and pilot and technician skills, as well as specific permits for operation. During the summer, MSB decided to deploy Saab aircraft and pilots to fight a total of five different forest fires. 

"We are proud to be a part of the Swedish national defence system and we are looking forward to expanding our firefighting capabilities with two more aircraft and several pilots. Prompt national responses to forest fires are important," says Ellen Molin, head of Saab's business area Support and Services.

The AT-802 F aircraft type is a water-bombing aircraft that can release 35,000-50,000 litres of water per hour in the event of, for example, a forest fire. The firefighting aircraft will be based in Nyköping, where Saab already has aviation operations for, among other things, aerial target services and support for Swedish Coast Guard aircraft. From Nyköping, the aircraft can reach Copenhagen or eastern Finland within 2 hours and Luleå within 3 hours. If necessary, resources can be based at another location with advanced technical and maintenance resources. Rapid response to forest fires is crucial.

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Saab receives follow-on contract for GlobalEye

Saab has received a follow on contract with the United Arab Emirates regarding the sale of two GlobalEye systems, Saab’s advanced airborne surveillance system. The order value is USD 1.018 billion and the contract period is 2020-2025.

The original contract with the United Arab Emirates for GlobalEye was signed in 2015. This contract is an amendment to that signed in 2015.

“We are proud that the United Arab Emirates continues to show great trust in Saab and our solutions. It shows that Saab remains on the cutting edge regarding advanced technology. The GlobalEye program is running according to plan and we have an efficient cooperation with the customer”, says Micael Johansson, President and CEO Saab.

The work will be carried out in Gothenburg, Linköping, Arboga, Järfälla and Luleå in Sweden and in Centurion, South Africa.

The contract was signed by the customer on the 30th of December 2020, hence the order was booked during the fourth quarter 2020.

GlobalEye provides simultaneous air, maritime and ground surveillance. It combines sophisticated radar technology with the ultra-long-range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.

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Saab Receives Order for Definition of Future Options for Sweden’s Gripen C/D Fighters

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to define what is needed to meet Sweden’s requirements for the continued, effective operation and availability of Gripen C/D until 2035. The order value is 185 MSEK.

The work will be conducted during the period of December 2020 to December 2021.

 “Gripen C/D is the backbone of the Swedish Air Force and will be for many years to come. The result of the work will be that the customer has the ability to take different directions depending on their future needs. Saab’s expertise in developing advanced fighter technology gives Sweden the means to decide how Gripen C/D remains a formidable frontline fighter in the 2030s,” says Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Gripen is in service with a number of air forces including Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Thailand. The UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its platform for test pilot training. Sweden and Brazil have also respectively ordered 60 and 36 new Gripen fighter aircraft.

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Saab's Gripen officially presented in Brazil

The Gripen E, named F-39E Gripen by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), was officially presented today October 23rd, during the celebrations of Aviators’ Day and the Brazilian Air Force Day, at Wing 1, in Brasília. The aircraft flew over the air base after an air display of the Brazilian Smoke Squadron.

The ceremony was attended by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Brazilian Defence Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva; the Swedish Ambassador to Brazil, Johanna Brosmar-Skoogh; the Brazilian Air Force Commander, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Antonio Carlos Moretti Bermudez; Commander of the Swedish Air Force,Major General Carl-Johan Edström; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saab, Marcus Wallenberg; and President and CEO of Saab, Micael Johansson, among others.

“It is a great honour to see Gripen E at the ceremony in celebration to the Aviators’ Day and the Brazilian Air Force Day. I do not believe that there is a more appropriate occasion for this presentation, as it certainly means a lot to all Brazilian aviators to have the aircraft flying in the skies of Brazil”, stated Micael Johansson, CEO and President of Saab. "This is the result of a successful collaboration between Brazil and Sweden, and a great opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries".

Saab strengthens ties to Quebec and Canada through CRIAQ partnership

Saab and the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This collaborative relationship aims to leverage Quebec's R&D ecosystem’s strengths to encourage the development of collaborative research projects between Saab and Canadian industry, as well as universities and research organizations.

This collaboration has been formed to support Saab’s future Industrial and Technological Benefit (ITB) commitments, if the Gripen fighter is selected for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP).

“The quality and breadth of aerospace research and innovation in Canada is globally recognised, with the Quebec region home to many excellent companies and institutions. Therefore, it was natural to reach this agreement with an important organisation like CRIAQ. We look forward to working together to benefit research and the fostering of talent in Quebec,” said Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and Saab’s Head of business area Aeronautics.

“During such unsure times within the industry, this partnership demonstrates that the aerospace industry in Quebec and Canada remains attractive and world class. We are very pleased with this signing as we continue to develop our aerospace industry, adding a new global player to our ecosystem. I am convinced that CRIAQ's academic, industrial and SME community, and the Quebec economy as well, will clearly benefit from this international collaboration," said Alain Aubertin, CEO of CRIAQ.

The ITB Policy is the government's main tool for leveraging procurement to create jobs and economic growth in Canada. Saab has submitted an offer of 88 Gripen E fighters for the Canadian FFCP, and a core element of the Gripen industrial offering includes CAE in Montreal, Quebec who will supply training and mission systems solutions.

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Saab Delivers Second GlobalEye

Saab delivers the second GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System to the United Arab Emirates on 30 September 2020.

This follows Saab’s delivery of the first GlobalEye aircraft in April 2020 to the United Arab Emirates, which has ordered three GlobalEye aircraft. The initial contract was signed in late 2015.

“Completing the second GlobalEye delivery in five months is a testament to Saab’s in-house expertise as aircraft manufacturer, sensor provider and large system integrator. I am proud to contribute to the United Arab Emirates’ airborne surveillance capability with GlobalEye, which is the most advanced solution of its kind”, says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

 

GlobalEye is Saab’s new airborne early warning and control solution. It provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution. GlobalEye combines Saab’s new Erieye Extended Range Radar and a range of additional advanced sensors with the ultra-long-range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.

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Sweden Offers Gripen to Croatia

This week, Sweden submitted its proposal of 12 new Gripen C/D fighter aircraft to Croatia.

Representatives of the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Embassy in Croatia submitted the government-to-government proposal of 12 new Gripen C/D fighter aircraft to the Croatian authorities. Parallel to Sweden’s proposal, Saab is offering a tailored made strategic cooperation package that will boost the Croatian defence industry, and benefit Croatian security by building a long-term partnership with strategic sectors.

 “Sweden and Saab are offering a comprehensive and long-term solution for Croatian homeland security that will protect Croatia’s people and borders for decades to come. If Croatia chooses Gripen, Saab is ready to transfer know-how and technology and establish a Regional Aeronautical & Support Service Centre in Croatia. This would develop long term cooperation with local defence industry as well as the academic sector, generating some 500 high-tech jobs,” says Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Gripen C/D is a modern and proven multi-role fighter that uses the latest technology and performs an extensive range of air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft is in operational service with the air forces of Sweden, Hungary, the Czech Republic, South Africa and Thailand.

Gripen fighters of the Czech and Hungarian Air Forces participate regularly in NATO operations and exercises, proving the fighter’s full NATO interoperability.

Gripen C/D stays ahead of its opponents through an on-going evolution of its systems and the weapons it can use, and the fighter will remain operational for decades.

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Saab offers Gripen to Canada

Supported by Sweden, Saab has submitted its proposal for the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) to Canada. The proposal comprises 88 Gripen E fighter aircraft, with a comprehensive support and training package and an industrial and technological benefits programme.

This is the formal response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on July 23, 2019. Saab is committing to deliver an industrial programme that has been designed to generate long-lasting, high-tech employment opportunities, and business opportunities across all regions of Canada.

“Saab’s Gripen fighter is designed to operate in harsh environments and defeat the most advanced global threats. The system meets all of Canada’s specific defence requirements, offering exceptional performance and advanced technical capabilities. A unique element of the avionics design is that Gripen E’s system can be updated quickly, maintaining technological superiority against any adversary,” says Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Saab Opens a Centre in the UK for Future Combat Air

Saab is to create a new FCAS centre in the United Kingdom as a hub for our participation in the FCAS (Future Combat Air Systems) programme. Saab is committed to build a long term relationship with the UK related to FCAS by investing initially 50 MGBP. The UK and Sweden signed a MoU on FCAS co-operation in July 2019. Saab is leading Sweden’s FCAS industrial participation in close co-operation with Sweden’s Ministry of Defence.

Saab continuously plans for future developments in every domain. Combat Air is an important part of our strategy for long-term growth and Saab is taking the necessary steps to remain at the forefront of System of Systems development and the advanced technologies within Combat Air.

Saab signs support agreement for GlobalEye and reports Jan - June 2020 results

Saab has signed a support agreement with the United Arab Emirates regarding the advanced airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) solution GlobalEye. The agreement is valid between 2020 and 2022, with an order value of 144.9 MUSD.

The agreement covers support and maintenance for the airborne surveillance system GlobalEye.

The support and maintenance will be executed locally in the United Arab Emirates.

Saab’s Results January-June 2020

Saab starts Gripen Production in Brazil

Saab's first aerostructures plant outside of Sweden for the new Gripen E/F fighter, in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, reaches another important milestone with the start of production. This site builds sections of Gripen, which will then be delivered to the final assembly facilities at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil and to Saab in Linköping, Sweden.

In 2014, Saab signed a contract with the Brazilian government for the development and production of 36 Gripen E/F aircraft. In September last year, the first Brazilian Gripen E aircraft was delivered to start the flight test programme. Now, another milestone is reached, as Gripen production starts at Saab’s site in São Bernardo do Campo, in São Paulo in Brazil.

Saab Signs Support Agreement for SK60

Photo Saab

Saab has extended its support and maintenance agreement with the Swedish Armed Forces regarding the SK60 trainer aircraft, which is used for pilot training. The contract is valid from 1 July 2020 up to 2025, with 2026 as an optional year. The initial order value amounts to MSEK 875.

The extended support agreement means that Saab will continue to serve as primary supplier, and is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and availability of all SK60 aircraft at the Swedish Armed Forces. The commitment calls for Saab to ensure that the system is airworthy and readily available for Swedish Air Force Wings as per the Swedish Armed Forces’ requirements. The agreement is a continuation of a similar contract signed in 2015. 

Saab Receives Airborne Surveillance Order

Saab has signed a contract and received an order for the Airborne Early Warning and Control solution Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C. The order value is 1.553 billion SEK. Deliveries will be made between 2020 and 2023.

The industry’s nature is such that due to circumstances concerning the product and customer, further information about the customer will not be announced.

Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C is a complete AEW&C system with multi-role and multi-mission capabilities for both military and civil needs.

It is based on the Saab 2000 aircraft equipped with Saab’s airborne radar Erieye and a range of other sensors. The solution gives the user detailed situational awareness and can be used for tasks including border surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.

Saab will carry out the work in Gothenburg, Järfälla, Linköping, Luleå and Arboga, Sweden.

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Saab Delivers the First GlobalEye

Saab delivered the first GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System aircraft to the United Arab Emirates on 29 April 2020.

The United Arab Emirates has ordered three GlobalEye aircraft, with the initial contract signed in late 2015. In November 2019 the country also announced its intention to complete a contract amendment for the purchase of an additional two systems.

 “The delivery of the first GlobalEye is a major milestone for Saab, but also an important step in the history of airborne early warning and control. We have set a new standard for the market and I am proud to say that we have delivered the most advanced airborne surveillance solution in the world to the United Arab Emirates”, says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

GlobalEye is Saab’s new airborne early warning and control solution. It provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution. GlobalEye combines Saab’s new Erieye Extended Range Radar and a range of additional advanced sensors with the ultra-long range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.

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Saab’s New Fighter Radar in the Air

Photo Saab

Saab has successfully completed the first air trials with its new fighter X-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which will be offered as a new addition to Saab’s PS-05/A radar family.

Saab continues to develop core AESA technology and has now successfully completed the first air trials with the new X-band AESA radar. The trials were flown successfully, collecting data while detecting and tracking objects.

The radar is designed for fighter aircraft and can be adapted to a variety of platforms. As Saab previously announced, a version of the new AESA antenna has been sold to a U.S. Government customer.