Gripen: The First Fourth Generation Fighter

by Johan Lindén, Anders Linnér, Lars Wigert

Fourth-generation jet fighter is a general classification of jet fighters in service from approximately 1980 to the present, and represent design concepts of the 1970s. Fourth-generation designs are heavily influenced by lessons learned from the previous generation of combat aircraft. Long-range air-to-air missiles, originally thought to make dogfighting obsolete, proved less influential than expected, precipitating a renewed emphasis on maneuverability. Meanwhile, the growing costs of military aircraft in general and the demonstrated success of aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II gave rise to the popularity of Multirole combat aircraft in parallel with the advances marking the so-called fourth generation.

165 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Leandro Dutra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an easy read, both because of a clumsy translation from Swedish and because of being a mix of text and reference. Yet essential for aviation fans in countries adopting or considering the Gripen. I hope there will be a new edition for the JAS-39E Gripen NG.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought a copy off of Amazon Smile. Happy I did, this book is rather good about the original Saab Gripen and quite through. A lot of PR, but a nice collectible.