The Swedes have been building their own airplanes since WW2. They have a reputation of building advanced planes. Saab Aircraft Company has always been on the cutting edge of technology, willing to use the unconventional. Their jets are multi-role; interceptors, fight-bombers & reconnaissance all with ability to operate from improvised landing strips such as roads or highways....a useful consideration if your airbase has been destroyed.



This book on the Grippen gives background on the design influences, decisions made to make this fourth generation fighter. While Sweden has been able to sell some of these to other nations, they've never landed the big sale. Competition comes in the form of F-16's, MiG-29's, and the EuroFighter.



The book is on high gloss quality paper; there are tons of excellent color photos. The narrative is packed with statistics, data, facts, dates about the airframe, cockpit, engine, radar, weapons, you name it, and it's here. While technically oriented, the text is not so dry as to loose the interest of aviation fans. I found the book useful as a reference for models as there are photos of the plane in flight, landing, on the ground.



I like this book and recommend it for anyone interested in modern fighter jets, those who want to see something other than US or Soviet designs.