Saab introduces Gripen E simulator with Wide Area Display

Saab introduced its Gripen E simulator equipped with a Wide Area Display (WAD). The Gripen E WAD is a panoramic, high-resolution screen (19 x 8 in.) that allows a redundant and intelligent presentation of information across its entire length and can receive inputs from multitasking keys, the touchscreen or external interfaces. AEL Sistemas developed the WAD technology as part of the Brazilian Gripen technology transfer agreement that calls for Brazilian technology to be used in the Gripen aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force that are being partially built by Saab in Sweden with the remainder being built in Brazil.

The simulator gives the pilot the right tactical information at the right moment and is the main source of flight and mission information in the cockpit. The information is presented in easily interpretable, information-centric icons on a wide display touchscreen that enables fully-configurable information presentations and the potential for reconfiguration mid-mission.

“The sensor and weapon ranges are getting longer so the modern battlespace covers bigger areas. To be able to cover that area in your tactical display you have to zoom out. It is a challenge to both get an overview of the battlespace and also get the level of detail that you need. WAD gives you that possibility,” says Jonas Hjelm, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Saab says the future battlespace will be very demanding – and fighter aircraft will need to analyze and handle high volumes of data, supporting the pilot’s ability to select, launch and guide weapons in perfect coordination with other team members – well before the adversary, and a key differentiator for Gripen E is its availability and adaptability. It also says Gripen E meets the demands of existing and future threats while meeting strict requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating and life-cycle costs.