“First Soar: Brazilian Pilot Takes the F-39 Gripen E to New Heights”
On August 20, Major Aviator Cristiano de Oliveira Peres, a distinguished test pilot from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), achieved a significant milestone by flying the F-39 Gripen E fighter for the first time. This remarkable flight took place over the Baltic Sea, originating from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and lasted approximately 50 minutes.
The flight was a critical step in evaluating the flight performance and handling qualities of the Gripen E, which is currently under final development by Saab. Major Cristiano emphasized the rigorous preparation involved, having been in Linköping since January, where he completed extensive training sessions to qualify for operating this advanced aircraft. His preparations included in-depth studies of the technical documentation for the F-39 Gripen, coupled with numerous hours in flight simulators.
“The responsibility of this flight weighed heavily on me, reflecting the project’s significance for the Brazilian Air Force,” said Major Cristiano. “The Gripen E FAB 4100 is still a prototype, and the journey to this moment required significant preparation. Hearing the landing authorization from the control tower confirmed to me that all the effort was worthwhile. My passion for becoming a test pilot has been validated, and I am sincerely grateful to the FAB for the honor of representing our nation in Swedish skies,” he added.
The collaboration between Brazil and Saab commenced in 2014, marked by the signing of a contract for the development and production of 36 Gripen E/F aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force. This agreement encompasses not just the aircraft itself but also embedded systems, support, and essential equipment.
What sets this project apart is the involvement of Brazilian technicians and engineers in the aircraft’s design and production processes. This engagement represents a crucial technology transfer, aimed at equipping Brazil with the necessary expertise for future aviation endeavors.
Major Cristiano is affiliated with the Instituto de Pesquisas e Ensaios em Voo (IPEV), operating under the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA). IPEV specializes in delivering cutting-edge technological services in flight testing, aircraft instrumentation, and data telemetry. It supports aeronautical product research, development, and certification while also providing specialized personnel training in flight test methodologies. The institute focuses on innovating flight test techniques and decision-support methods to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in flight testing.
Source: Brazilian Air Force
