GKN Aerospace successfully tests new Gripen engine
The JAS 39 Gripen E's new engine is based on the one powering the F/A-18 Super Hornet. (Photo: Saab)
GKN Aerospace has successfully completed the first test run of the RM16 engine that will power the Swedish Air Force’s JAS 39 Gripen E, the company announced on 27 October.
The RM16 is based on the GE F414 aero-engine used in the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
GKN Aerospace said it has been collaborating with GE and Gripen manufacturer Saab to construct the necessary infrastructure to support the new engine.
The Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) selected GKN Aerospace to be the product support and MRO provider for the RM16 in 2020.
‘Air defence is a vital part of the armed forces' operational capability as we continue to protect Sweden,’ Göran Mårtensson, DG of the FMV, noted in a 27 October statement.
‘GKN Aerospace has long been an important supplier in the aircraft engine domain, and I am convinced that it is both economically and operationally the best solution to retain this capability in Sweden, especially with the current levels of uncertainty around the world,’ he added.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Finland secures possible $1.07 billion AMRAAM deal with US State Department
The Nordic country is set to bolster its defence capabilities after its foreign military sales request for AIM-120D-3 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) was approved.
-
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
-
DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue
The addition of Red Cat’s Black Widow to NATO’s NSPA catalogue opens the doors for allied forces to more easily procure the AI-enabled drone.
-
DSEI 2025: New AR3 EVO puts Tekever’s modularity ambitions under the spotlight
An evolution of the Tekever AR3, the AR3 EVO that broke cover at DSEI incorporates the thousands of incremental evolutions the company has implemented through its spiral development, geared towards delivering a constant stream of improved aircraft to Ukraine.
-
DSEI 2025: Schiebel reveals two weaponised Camcopter UAVs
The new capabilities are based on platforms already in use or in development, and are designed to perform in demanding defence missions.