Technology
Saab enters collaborative combat aircraft race with high-end A3 concept
The Swedish manufacturer's autonomous, supersonic design is intended as a peer-capable complement to the Gripen E.
The short version
- Saab has unveiled its A3 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, an autonomous, tailless, supersonic, double-delta-wing vehicle designed to complement crewed Gripen E fighters.
- The Swedish government is assessing options under the Swedish Concept Air Program to replace its Gripen fleet, with a key decision expected between 2028 and 2030.
- Saab is rapidly prototyping two uncrewed demonstrators, the A1 and A2, which are scheduled to perform flights over the coming years.
Key facts
- Saab's A3 concept is a high-end, autonomous, double-delta-wing aircraft intended to operate alongside the Gripen E and potentially serve as a steppingstone for future 2040s combat aircraft.[Hacker News]
- The Swedish government's Combat Aviation Pathway, renamed the Swedish Concept Air Program, is examining whether to develop a domestic Gripen successor, join an international program, or buy foreign aircraft.[Hacker News]
- As part of the government-funded effort, Saab plans to fly its supersonic, low-observable A1 demonstrator within the next 15 months, followed by an internal-weapon-bay-equipped A2 demonstrator toward the end of the decade.[Hacker News]
- To develop autonomous systems for these platforms, Saab has established an AI fighter pilot academy to train autonomous models for varying mission profiles.[Hacker News]
- Alongside high-end systems, Saab is developing a low-cost, uncrewed demonstrator called the Ruby, using 3D-printed parts from California-based Divergent Technologies.[Hacker News]
What remains uncertain
- Swedish Air Force Chief Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman stated that while uncrewed collaborative combat capabilities will arrive earlier than expected, there is currently no plan or funding for their operational introduction.[Hacker News]
- An engine has not yet been selected for the A3 concept, though Saab is in discussions with several propulsion providers.[Hacker News]