Gripen sub assembly production starts in Poland

The Polish Aviation Factory Company Limited (PZL) in Mielec, Poland, has started work on its first contract to manufacture sub assemblies for the Gripen fourth-generation multi-role fighter.

Machined metal sub-assemblies produced in Mielec will form part of Gripen's tailcone and be shipped to Sweden ready for assembly of the rear fuselage structure. Polish-built tailcone assemblies will be produced for both Swedish domestic and international customers.

Workers at PZL already manufacture centre fuselage assemblies for the BAE SYSTEMS Hawk advanced jet trainer and wing parts for the BAE SYSTEMS Regional Jet series of airliners.

The nearby Mielec tooling company has successfully manufactured tooling to be used in the production of Nimrod, Eurofighter and Airbus aircraft.

Julian Scopes, Director Gripen sales and marketing said: " This is yet another milestone in the growing relationship between Saab, BAE SYSTEMS and the Polish aviation industry which first began some two years ago. It underlines that workers at PZL can meet world-standard quality, cost and delivery specifications and helps the company become a solid partner for world aerospace companies."

In neighbouring Czech Republic, Jihlavan, a.s., based in the town of Jihlava, has recently celebrated a follow-on order for Gripen airbrake and scoop actuators. This follows successful completion of an initial contract to manufacture five sets, placed in June 1999. Jihlavan is now the sole supplier of airbrake and scoop actuators for Gripen.

Gripen components and sub assemblies come from major suppliers in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, South Africa and France in addition to Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic.

REF XQQEE XQQAR