JAS39C (Great Britain)

This page is about the British jet fighter JAS39C (Great Britain). For the other version, see JAS39A.

▄JAS39C

Phantom FGR.2

▄JAS39C

Phantom FGR.2

Britain

VIII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
13.7	13.7	13.7

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Research:410 000

Purchase:1 100 000

Show in game

Description

During the early 1980s, the South African Air Force (SAAF) was looking for a replacement for its aging Cheetah fleet, which was a locally upgraded version of the French Mirage III. The Cheetahs were subject to an arms embargo due to the apartheid regime, which limited their availability and effectiveness. In 1999, after a long and controversial procurement process, South Africa signed a contract with Saab for 26 Gripens (17 JAS39C and 9 JAS39D), becoming the first export customer of the type. The delivery of the South African Gripens started in 2008 and was completed in 2012. Since then, the South African Gripens have been involved in several operations, both at home and abroad. In 2010, they secured the airspace during the FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa. In 2013, they provided air support for South African peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and also participated in the funeral of Nelson Mandela, the former president and anti-apartheid leader. However, the South African Gripens have faced some challenges in their service, such as budget constraints, maintenance issues, and political controversies. Due to the high cost of operating the jets, the SAAF has limited their flying hours and reduced their operational readiness. The SAAF has also struggled to maintain the jets' spare parts and technical support, which have been affected by the corruption allegations against Saab. Furthermore, the Gripen deal has been criticized by some sectors of society as unnecessary and wasteful, especially in light of the country's social and economic problems. These issues became more evident when South Africa had to ground its fleet of Gripens in September 2021 due to budget cuts and maintenance problems, which led to concerns about the country's air defense capabilities.

The ▄JAS39C Gripen was introduced in Update "Air Superiority". As the first South African jet in the tree, it proves worthy of its place due to its exceptional flight performance and loadout capabilities. It has a high-performance engine and a high thrust-to-weight ratio, which gives it excellent acceleration and climb rate, as well as superb agility and energy retention. It can also carry a variety of weapons, including guided bombs, AGM-65 Mavericks, and AIM-9M Sidewinders. However, its main drawback is its Skyflash radar missiles, which are inferior to other top-tier missiles in terms of range, speed, and manoeuvrability.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes

Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps

Max speed

at 11 000 m2 240 km/h

Turn time24 s

Max altitude14 500 m

EngineSvenska Flygmotor RM12

Type

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight60 t

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics	Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	___	___	14500	__._	__._	__._	__._	___
Upgraded	___	___		__._	__._	__._	__._

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
X	X	X	✓	X	X

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
1,470	620	-	-	-	~12	~5

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 519	< 700	< 1,470	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
Svenska Flygmotor RM12		1	6,865 kg		307 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)				Max Gross Weight
Weight (each)	Type		9m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	32m fuel
1,054 kg	Afterburning low-bypass turbofan		7,567 kg	8,308 kg	9,032 kg	9,205 kg	13,906 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition	100%	WEP	9m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	32m fuel	MGW
Stationary	5,100 kgf	7,528 kgf	0.99	0.91	0.83	0.82	0.54
Optimal	5,100 kgf (0 km/h)	10,918 kgf (1,250 km/h)	1.44	1.31	1.21	1.19	0.79

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff

Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar

Crew1 person

Speed of destruction

Structural0 km/h

Gear620 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 931 → 4 428

RB8 459 → 12 781

SB9 961 → 15 051

Total cost of modifications310 000

477 000

Talisman cost3 200

Crew training310 000

Experts1 100 000

Aces3 600

Research Aces1 350 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

90 / 320 / 500 %

256 / 256 / 256 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 370 New boosters Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 570 Wings repair Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 Engine Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 810	Fuselage repair Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 370 Airframe Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 570 Cover Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450	Flares/Chaff Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 370 akan_85_belt_pack Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 370 AIM-9L Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 370 40px Mk82/GBU-38/GBU-39 Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 370 LITENING II Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 370 Flares/Chaff BOL Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 570 40px Mk83/GBU-31 Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 570 GBU-12 Research: 14 000 Cost: 21 000 570 G-suit Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 akan_85_new_gun Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 AIM-9M Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 40px AGM-65B Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 GBU-16 Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 450 EFS Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 810 R-Darter Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 810 40px AGM-65G Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 810 GBU-24 Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 810

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)	Lead indicator

Offensive armament

The JAS39C (Great Britain) is armed with:

• 1 x 27 mm Akan m/85 cannon, belly-mounted (120 rpg)
• 92 x large calibre countermeasures

Suspended armament

The JAS39C (Great Britain) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs		1†	1†			1†	1†
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs		2	2			2	2
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs		2	2			2	2
957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs			1†			1†
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs		1	1			1	1
1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs		1†	1†			1†	1†
2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs			1†			1†
AGM-65B missiles		1	1			1	1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles	1	1*	1*			1*	1*	1
AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles	1	1*	1*			1*	1*	1
Skyflash missiles		1	1			1	1
Countermeasures		160*	160*			160*	160*
LITENING II targeting pod				1†
1,100 l drop tanks					1
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,250 kg
* Countermeasures can be equipped with AIM-9L/-9M missiles on the same hardpoint † LITENING II pod must be equipped when equipping guided bombs

Default weapon presets

1 x 1,100 l drop tank 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 640 x countermeasures 6 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles 6 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles + 640 x countermeasures 4 x Skyflash missiles 640 x countermeasures 8 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (4,000 lb total) 8 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (4,000 lb total) 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total) 4 x AGM-65B missiles 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total) 4 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total) 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (4,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

The Jas-39C is the crown jewel of the British Aviation tech tree, sitting at one whole Battle Rating above any and all other planes. It is the most capable fighter, ground striker, dogfighter and interceptor out of the British tree, and one of the most capable planes in game, thanks to its amazing manoeuvrability, low speed flight characteristics and suite of ordinance. While it can use a combination of IR missiles, radar missiles, guided bombs and AGMs, it does not feature more than 4 fully customizable hardpoints, along with the 2x Aim-9Ms from the wingtips. this means that you can have one radar missile, one IR missile with Countermeasures pod, one guided bomb and one AGM, ontop of fuel and a LITENING II targetting pod. The ability to take such custom loadouts makes this plane very versatile and suitable for a large number of roles in Air to Air combat and Air to Ground combat.

--Air Realistic battles:

This plane should carry 6 missiles. 2x Wingtip Aim-9M which should always be carried. on the remaining 4 hardpoints the Jas39 can take any combination of Aim-9M, Aim-9M on Countermeasure pods (which is strongly preferred over the Aim-9M with no countermeasure pods), and Skyflash Radar missiles. do note that the Skyflash missiles, while capable when used correctly, are not as good as the competition. Each Aim-9M is increasing the number of small countermeasures by x160 with each pylon. therefore, you should always include atleast one Aim-9M with a CM pod on the 4 pylons, so you can more than double the amount of countermeasures. The best combination is decided by the user. However you should always include Atleast one Aim-9M or one Skyflash, so you can have a good number of countermeasures, and be able to engage targets further than the Aim-9M can.

The Gripen is a very fuel efficient plane. You can fly it extra light at minimum fuel (9 minutes) along with the fuel pod if you do not plan to afterburn all the way to the middle of the map. This fuel loadout ensures you are the lightest possible, while giving you enough fighting time. you can always drop the fuel tank to become insanely nimble, however you should not drop below 2 minutes of fuel. You can get back to base with around 1 minute if you climb, keep your speed and start from high speed from the middle of the map, however 2 minutes insures you can also defend yourself in case anyone chases you. You can take any combination of fuel + fuel pod, however you should not have more than 30 minutes of total fuel. Flight performance suffers with more than 25minutes of total fuel.

*It should be noted that the Gripen, as a very small fighter with an efficient engine is a very cold target compared to dual engine fighters that can fight against it, giving enemies a very hard time locking IR missiles on it, and making it very easy to defend against IR missiles.

*fuel pod has a total of 14minutes and 32 seconds of fuel.

The Gripen, then can be used in multiple ways.

• Furball Fighter - Taking a full load of 6x Aim-9M missiles and countermeasures. periodic flares can be used this way along with the relatively cold engine of the Gripen, making you almost invulnerable to IR missiles. This however means than you want to be as light as possible, so taking minimum fuel and dropping the fuel pod as you enter the fight is very crucial. You should then target enemies that are not spamming flares. if the Aim-9M has atleast 2-3 seconds of flight without seing one flare, it is pretty much a guaranteed to hit.You can also take one Skyflash missile to guarantee you a headon kill if used at the right time. Using your HMD is crucial in this situation.
• Interceptor - This involves taking one to three Skyflash missiles and trying to pick off targets in headons, or climbing targets at a maximum of 8-11km range depending on altitudes. It is a very strong a well rounded loadout. You should keep your speed with this loadout, and try to play in more of a support role.

The gripen is one of if not the best Air Realistic Planes due to it's low head signature, low fuel consumption, HMD, and strong IR missiles, However this does not mean it is not as good in;

--Ground Realistic Battles:

The Gripen has access to a good variety of guided munitions. You can chose between using GBU-12s, GBU-16s and GBU-24s (only on the inner-most pylons) and AGM-65B's which can all be guided with the LITENING II targetting pod. One of the best Targetting pods in war thunder, with good Thermal sight resolution. This gives the gripen the ability to take out any ground target effectively, and still be able to engage enemy Air due to it's 2x Wingtip missiles.

*Do note that the Aim-9M has a smokeless motor, and There are no missile indicators in GRB, making the Aim-9M effectively invisible and extremely lethal.

When using this plane in GRB, taking one to two AGM's is a good idea, in order to take out enemy SPAA as quickly as possible. AGM's are preferred over GBU's due to their fire and forget nature, and higher speed.

Taking out enemy SPAA's such as the Pantsir-S1 is the first thing you should do when you spawn in. The AGM's should be fired from a maximum of 8km, and if possible 6km. If More than 5-10 seconds pass and you have not fired an AGM at an enemy SPAA, you should instanly dive while turning the other way. After going outside of the enemy SPAA range (18km max) you should sideclimb and get to a comfortable altitude. Try to take out the the enemy SPAA again with the AGMs. do note that they have higher range if fired from higher altitude.

After dealing with SPAA, You can start dropping GBU's, but you need to keep in mind that another SPAA can spawn in at any moment and lock you in the IRST mode, so you should always look at the ground, and always fly defensively if possible, putting objects or terrain between you and the enemy ground spawns, keeping your speed up or not flying into straight lines for too long.

--Simulator Battles:

The Gripen is a very strong SIM plane. Tt gets access to a lot of countermeasures, smokeless missiles, making them quite invisible even if enemies look at you when you fire in the right conditions. You get access to a good HUD that gives good information, the HMD which is amazing in SIM, a targetting pod on it's own hardpoint, which is good for spotting, and a pretty good radar, with good search sectors, range and modes. TWS should be used rather than PD simple PD.

The only downside is that the gripen has a black line running in the middle of the glass canopy, effectively cutting your visibility when in a dogfight, and the fact that it only has access to 6 missiles.

It is one of the best SIM planes due to it's very stable canard design, Smokeless motors and HMD. Flight performance is a bonus.

The British variant of the Gripen is Identical to the Swedish Gripen, other than name and camos, and is one of if not the best plane in War Thunder As of the Update "Air Superiority" due to It's insanely good flight performance, good ordinance variety, strong Air to Air IR missiles and larget amount of countermeasures ontop of other smaller strenghts. It is a plane that has very high potential and can win any situation. This is not a plane that will limit the one who is piloting it.

Pros and cons

Overall an Insanely good plane, that more than makes up for it's Cons with It's sheer number of Pros.

Pros:

• Missiles - Very capable Aim-9M missiles, which include a seeker shutoff IRCCM and smokeless motor.
• Flight performance - Extremely Nimble and capable plane, which can pull of one-of-a-kind manoeuvers.
• Ordinance - High variety of ordinance including GBUs, AGMs, Countermeasure pods and a good Targetting Pod.
• Engine - High performance, Low temperature, Efficient Engine making it hard to lock you, giving you long flight time and enough thrust.
• Avionics - Access to HMD, a good radar, LOTS of countermeasures.

Cons:

• Can take a maximum of 6 Missiles.
• AGM's are B variant.
• Flight performance suffers Greatly if damaged
• Radar ACM range of only 9km

History

In the waning years of the 20th century, South Africa embarked on a transformative journey to rejuvenate its Air Force, leading to the pivotal acquisition of the JAS-39C Gripen fighter aircraft. This chapter in South African military aviation history is marked by strategic decisions, sophisticated technology, and the challenges of modern warfare, woven together in a narrative that underscores the nation's defense ambitions.

The backdrop to this story begins in the late 1990s, as South Africa found itself at a crossroads, needing to replace its aging fleet of Mirage and Cheetah fighter jets. The quest for a new multi-role fighter was not just about enhancing military capabilities but also about making a statement on the global stage regarding the country's defense modernization and strategic autonomy. After a comprehensive evaluation process, the South African government, in 1999, unveiled its choice—the Swedish-made Gripen, a decision that was as much about the aircraft's cutting-edge capabilities as it was about fostering a long-term partnership with Sweden.

The Gripen deal, nestled within the larger Strategic Defence Package, promised to catapult the South African Air Force (SAAF) into a new era. The contract initially secured 26 of these state-of-the-art fighters, including both the single-seat JAS-39C and the two-seat JAS-39D variants. The introduction of the Gripen signified a significant leap forward, offering superior range, payload, and avionics compared to the aircraft they were set to replace.

The journey from contract to combat readiness was marked by anticipation and meticulous planning. The first of these formidable fighters touched South African soil in April 2008, earmarked for the 2 Squadron at Air Force Base Makhado. By 2012, the full fleet had been delivered, marking the completion of a critical phase in the SAAF's modernization efforts.

Operational deployment of the Gripen fleet encapsulates a blend of routine readiness and strategic deterrence. These aircraft have been integral in a variety of missions, from air superiority and ground attack to reconnaissance and maritime patrol. However, their operational story is also one of challenges, notably the budgetary constraints that have limited flying hours and affected deployment extents. Despite these hurdles, the Gripens have showcased their capabilities in numerous exercises and security operations, notably securing South African airspace during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, among other high-profile events.

Yet, the tale of the Gripen in South Africa is not without its trials. Financial constraints have cast a shadow over the fleet's operational sustainability, sparking debates over the future path—whether through upgrades, additional acquisitions, or downsizing the fleet to better match fiscal realities.

In the grand narrative of South African military aviation, the Gripen stands as a testament to the country's aspirations and the pragmatic challenges of modern defense. It represents a bridge between the legacy of the past and the possibilities of the future, embodying the SAAF's commitment to maintaining a capable and responsive air force. As the story unfolds, the Gripen fleet continues to be a cornerstone of South Africa's defense posture, ready to adapt and serve in an ever-evolving security landscape.

Media

Videos

The Shooting Range #390 - Metal Beasts section at 00:25 discusses the JAS39C (Great Britain).

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• other literature.

Swedish Aeroplane Company Ltd. (SAAB)
	Pre-SAAB: SA / ASJA
SA 'Jaktfalken'	J6B
SAAB 17	B17A · B17B · S17BS
SAAB 18	B18A · B18B · T18B · T18B (57)
SAAB 21	J21A-1 · J21A-2 · A21A-3 · J21RA · A21RB
SAAB 29 'Tunnan'	J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F
SAAB 32 'Lansen'	J32B · A32A · A32A Röd Adam
SAAB 35 'Draken'	J35A · J35D
SAAB 37 'Viggen'	JA37C · JA37D · JA37DI · JA37DI F21 · AJ37 · AJS37
SAAB 39 'Gripen'	JAS39A · JAS39C
SAAB 105	SK60B · SAAB-105G
License Production	B3C (Ju 86K)
Export	SAAB-105OE · J35XS · ▄JAS39C · ◔JAS39EBS HU C