Gripen flight simulators updatedGripen flight simulators updated

New version of Mission Trainer (MT) and Aircraft System Trainer (AST) expands functionalities and strengthens the Brazilian Air Force’s operational capabilities

Air Force Agency / DCTA, by Colonel Engineer Thais

On January 17, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) received from SAAB, the Swedish company responsible for developing the F-39 Gripen fighter, the new version of the Mission Trainer (MT) simulator, which has evolved from the Basic Capability (BC) configuration to the Basic Capability Update (BCU). The update brings expanded functionalities, in line with the next advancement of the F-39 Gripen, improving the training of operational pilots.

The delivery was carried out by the Site Acceptance Test (SAT), between January 13 and 17, in Anápolis (GO). The process involved the integrated participation of members of the Gripen project’s Technical Management, the Technical Evaluation Commission (CAT), the Anápolis Air Base (BAAN) and SAAB.

The representative of the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA), Colonel Engineer Thais Franchi Cruz, highlighted the importance of the event. “It is a great honor to accompany the delivery of a product that will increase the operational capacity of the Brazilian Air Force, enabling the Squadron to carry out its missions with greater efficiency and competence,” she said.

The event saw the synergistic collaboration of specialists from the São José dos Campos Aeronautical Computing Center (CCA-SJ), the Institute for Research and Flight Tests (IPEV), the First Air Defense Group (1º GDA) and the Anápolis Operational Group (GOP-AN). The professionals previously analyzed the technical documentation sent by SAAB and, during the SAT, carried out acceptance tests and checks on the configuration and hardware delivered.

One of the pilots from the 1st GDA, Major Domingos Afonso de Moura Junior, pointed out relevant aspects of the simulator’s improvements. “Upgrading the MT is extremely important for the FAB’s deployment of the F-39 Gripen, given that the BCU version has brought new capabilities that make the aircraft even more effective in combat. With the updated simulator, pilots will be able to train, learn the new features and explore the potential of this new version,” he concluded.

More optimizations

In addition to the MT upgrade, SAAB also delivered the Aircraft System Trainer (AST) simulator upgrade to the BCU version on January 21. The AST SAT was held on January 20 and 21, also with the participation of members of the Logistics Group, based at the Natal Air Base (BANT), reinforcing the importance of logistics and maintenance in the operations of the F-39 Gripen aircraft.

Updating the simulators represents a significant step in the process of deploying the Gripen fighter in the FAB, reinforcing the readiness and effectiveness of the 1st GDA. With the new features, pilots and maintenance teams will be even better prepared to face the challenges of air defense missions.

Photos: DCTA

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