RUAG prepares to make Gripen E/F payload suspensions
RUAG Aerostructures is ready to begin serial production of payload suspension pylons for the Saab Gripen E/F, following final airworthiness test acceptance in late August.
This is the latest milestone in co-operation between RUAG and Saab on development and manufacture of the pylons, under a 2015 contract between the two companies that is worth more than CHF80 million.
Payload suspensions are devices designed to carry additional fuel tanks, reconnaissance systems or guided missiles. They are complex technological components with electronic and mechanical systems, RUAG noted in a 10 September announcement, and they must meet the highest requirements with regard to aerodynamics and load capacity.
More than 500 pylons (up to ten per aircraft, with RUAG manufacturing eight of them) will be built for Gripen E/Fs to be operated by the Brazilian and Swedish air forces.
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