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Saab and Embraer inaugurate the Gripen Project and Development Center in Brasil
Saab, a security and defense company, and Embraer Defense & Security today inaugurate the Gripen Design Development Network (GDDN) in Gavião Peixoto (SP). The GDDN will be the technological development hub of Gripen NG in Brazil for Saab and Embraer, along with Brazilian companies and institutions partners: AEL Sistemas, Atech, Akaer and the Brazilian Air Force, through its DCTA research department.
The GDDN contemplates the environment and the simulators necessary for the development of the fighters. In addition, the GDDN is connected to Saab in Sweden and to industrial partners in Brazil, ensuring efficient technology transfer and development.
We have a long-term commitment to Brazil. The launch of the GDDN is an important milestone in the Brazilian Gripen program, as it will be the basis for technology transfer and the development of fighters in the country - said Hakan Buskhe, Saab´s CEO and President.
Embraer and Saab have both a long and proven track record in developing and applying innovative technologies in the aviation industry. This cooperation is critical to ensuring the best support for Brazilian Air Force operations over the next few years - said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The GDDN building is located at Embraer´s facilities in Gavião Peixoto (SP), where the Gripen Flight Test Center will also be based and where the final assembly of the aircraft will be carried out.
Facts about the technology transfer program
Between 2019 and 2024, 36 Gripen NG fighters will be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force. To meet the schedule, Saab has a strong collaborative partnership with Brazilian companies such as Embraer, AEL Sistemas, Akaer, Atech, Mectron, Inbra and Atmos.
The technology transfer program for Brazil covers four areas that aim to provide the Brazilian aerospace industry with the technology and knowledge necessary to maintain and develop Gripen in Brazil:
• Theoretical training
• Research and Technology Programs
• On-the-job training in Sweden
• Development and production
Between October 2015 and 2024, more than 350 professionals, including engineers, operators, technicians and pilots from Saab and the Brazilian Air Force´s partner companies, will travel to Sweden to attend on-the-job training and courses. Skills and knowledge will be acquired by the Brazilian industry, allowing an extensive work of development and production of Gripen, including final assembly in Brazil. To date, about 100 Brazilian professionals have been in Sweden and started returning to Brazil earlier this month. The technology transfer program is divided into 60 key projects, lasting up to 24 months.
Embraer will play a leading role in the execution of the program and will carry out a large part of the work of producing and delivering the single-seater and double-deck versions of the Gripen NG. The company will be responsible for a considerable amount of work in systems development, integration, flight testing, final assembly and aircraft deliveries. In addition, Embraer and Saab will be responsible for the complete development of the Gripen NG two-seat version.
Source: Embraer