GKN Aerospace has run the RM16 engine that will power Swedish Air Force’s Gripen E fighter jet on a testbed in Trollhättan, Sweden for the first time earlier this month.
GKN Aerospace is delivering support for the RM16 engine, a derivative of GE’s F414 engine that powers the F-18 Super Hornet.
GKN Aerospace has been working with GE and the Gripen’s manufacturer Saab to build up the necessary infrastructure for providing RM16 support. GKN already provides servicing for the RM12 engine, which is used on the existing Gripen fighter and is the holder of the military type certificate (MTC) for that engine.
The Gripen E is the latest version of the Swedish Gripen single-engine multi-role fighter jet. The Gripen E successfully completed its maiden flight over southern Sweden in June 2017
Martin Wänblom, vice president of operations for GKN Aerospace Sweden said, “Today is an important landmark in our proud history to support the JAS 39 Gripen platform. It’s great that the first RM16 engine test has been a success and we are looking forward to supporting the Armed Forces and the Gripen System in the coming years.”
Göran Mårtensson, director general of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) said, “Air defense is a vital part of the Armed Forces’ operational capability as we continue to protect Sweden.
“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.”
