Meteor launches begin for Gripen integration

Sweden has announced the first live firing of the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) from a Saab JAS 39 Gripen, less than two months after the decision was made to integrate the missile onto the aircraft.

The test took place on 6 October at the Vidsel range in northern Sweden. A statement from Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) confirmed the firing and said that final integration of the missile would be completed during 2013: a year earlier than previously announced.

According to the FMV, "the purpose of the test was to verify the model on separation of the missile from the aircraft. The impact from the missile exhaust plume on the aircraft engine was also studied. As an important part of the integration work the datalink was verified as well.

"An initial evaluation showed that the missile separated from the inboard pylon station in a normal manner and the datalink between the missile and the aircraft was activated. Temperature data from the aircraft engine was also monitored."

Jane's has learnt that the Meteor flew for more than 30 seconds before being intentionally command-detonated to keep it within range boundaries. Vidsel has 2,500 km ² of standard range space although this can be extended to 4,000 km ² to support future long-range guided firings.