During their stay, the American pilots participated in simulator training and theoretical briefings before performing flights in the front seat of the two-seat Gripen D. The rear seat was occupied by Swedish instructors. According to FMV, only experienced test pilots are permitted to conduct such flights.
“We have an exchange programme with the two major American test pilot schools, where they send students here to fly the Gripen, and we send our test pilots to them to fly their aircraft, including the F16. Flying aircraft unfamiliar to us keeps us updated as test pilots,” said Martin Stål, Head of Flight at FMV.
The visiting American pilots, who typically operate aircraft such as the F16, F22, and F35, expressed positive opinions about the Swedish system. “They like the Gripen and think it flies very well. Some of the students currently here fly the F22… and they think the Gripen flies quite similarly to that aircraft,” added Martin Stål.
The exchange is based on a time-for-time principle, allowing Swedish test pilots to train in the United States for six or twelve months. FMV describes the collaboration as mutually beneficial, particularly in the ongoing development of the Gripen E.
“The Americans are at the forefront of technology, and it is good for us to receive feedback on our systems and to get hands-on experience with their systems. This is particularly useful as we are working on the development of the Gripen E,” concluded Martin Stål.
Source: FMV.
