Front undercarriage
by Martin Waligorski
Photos that only Modellers would love…
These two views show both sides of the front undercarriage assembly. Photo: Björn Ringholm + SAAB
The landing light is integrated into front undercarriage cover.
Note the red-painted edges of the cover. Photo: SAAB
Another view from the front. Photo: Björn Ringholm.
Close-up of the leg showing details of hydraulic plumbing. Photo: Björn Ringholm
Main Undercarriage
More Photos just for Modellers…
Starboard main undercarriage assembly with another landing light mounted to the leg.
Photo: SAAB
Close-up of the leg on the opposite side… Photo: Björn Ringholm
…and the inner side of the starboard one. Photo: Björn Ringholm
The wheel well is full of plumbing and cabling. Unlike other inner surfaces, wheel wells are painted in the same gray shade as the undercarriage itself. Photo: Björn Ringholm
Main wheel detail… Photo: Björn Ringholm
…and more detail… Photo: SAAB
The last photo of this section shows the hydraulics in extended position just before landing.
Photo: SAAB
JAS 39B Two-seater version
From A to B
Of 204 aircraft ordered for the Swedish Air Force, 28 will be two-seaters like this one designated JAS 39 B. These will be used for tactical training, but also have full combat capability, apart from having no gun and carrying less fuel.
Photo: SAAB
All the differences between the B and A versions are concentrated in the forward part of the fuselage. Here a good view of the two-seater nose. Photo: SAAB
The twin canopy in open position. Photo: SAAB
Two more in-flight pictures giving a good idea about the canopy shape. Note lack of the cannon underneath.
Photo: SAAB
As the two cockpits required much more space, the front undercarriage of the JAS 39B was also redesigned. The most visible change is a different angle of the front cover in open position and relocation of the landing light .
Photo: SAAB
Aerial Refueling
Out of Sweden…
Fragment of the first released photo showing the refueling probe. As can be seen, the probe has been crudely added to the photograph using some computer software. The real ones were positioned on the opposite side of the fuselage.
Although aerial refueling has not been deemed necessary for the home defense operations, the feature has been developed and tested with overseas customers in mind. Even the 3rd production series JAS 39Cs will have this capability to enable participation in international peacekeeping missions. Photo: SAAB
The first refueling probe was installed on one of the prototype Gripens and underwent a series of trials with British Aerospace in the UK. Photo: SAAB
Ground Accessories
On the Ground
Overall view of the crew access ladder.
Photo: Björn Ringholm
Details of the ladder’s construction… 
Photo: SAAB
…and a profile view of it. 
Photo: SAAB
Ground crew at work…
Photo: SAAB
Loading the 27mm ammunition
for the Mauser cannon Photo: SAAB
Loading the Rb 99 air-to-air missile.
The Rb 99 is internationally known as the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Photo: SAAB
This article was originally published in IPMS Stockholm Magazine in April 2000.