Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSaab’s Gripen fighters use different engines depending on the version. Gripen C/D aircraft are powered by the RM12, a Swedish-developed derivative of General Electric’s F404. The newer Gripen E/F uses GE’s F414-GE-39E, known as RM16 in Swedish service. Both families are generally quoted at about Mach 2 at high altitude, although official data gives the C/D a sea-level maximum of roughly Mach 1.2.
Saab’s Gripen fighter does not have one engine across the entire family. The Gripen C and D use the RM12, a Swedish-developed derivative of General Electric’s F404. The newer Gripen E and F use the GE F414-GE-39E, designated RM16 in Swedish service.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Both major Gripen versions are generally quoted at about Mach 2 at high altitude. The published low-altitude figure is lower: official Swedish data gives the Gripen C/D a maximum of about Mach 1.2 at sea level. In other words, the E/F’s substantially stronger engine improves the aircraft’s weight, payload and performance margin, but it does not turn the newer Gripen into a fundamentally faster-than-Mach-2 aircraft.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Gripen engine specifications at a glance
| Gripen version | Engine | Swedish designation | Published maximum thrust |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAS 39C/D | Gripen-specific derivative of GE F404 | RM12 | 80.5 kN |
| JAS 39E/F | General Electric F414-GE-39E | RM16 | 98 kN, approximately 22,000 lbf |
These are maximum thrust ratings, not the thrust available continuously in every part of a flight. The figures also describe different aircraft generations, so they should not be treated as a simple engine-only speed comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- SET OF 4 TOY JETS: Lollipop's US Air Force Jet Squadron Playset includes 4 different types of diecast toy fighter jets. Highly detailed, these matchbox airplanes will be a great addition to a handsome collection of US Air Force toys!
- PULL BACK ACTION: This fighter jet toy set is a great way to keep kids occupied without requiring batteries! Just pull the jet toys back and watch them go. Simple but fun!
- REALISTIC BUILT: All 4 diecast airplanes are detailed and inspired by the real thing. Up your child's rescue missions with officially licensed US Air Force metal machines - fragged and ready for battle!
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE: Military airplanes die cast metal set is stronger than plastic toy airplanes. Matchbox planes are made with child-friendly materials that can withstand bumps and falls and are suitable for kids ages 3+
- COOL GIFT FOR KIDS: Girls and boys who love all things military deserve a cool set of US Air Force miniature planes. Lollipop's soldier toy planes make exciting gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and all other occasions!
What engine powers the Gripen C and D?
The single-seat Gripen C and two-seat Gripen D are powered by the RM12. Volvo Aero—now part of GKN Aerospace—developed the engine from General Electric’s F404 family for the single-engine Gripen requirement.
The RM12 is therefore related to the F404, but calling it simply an unmodified F404 is inaccurate. It was adapted for the Gripen’s installation and operational requirements, and Saab’s historical technical material describes it as producing roughly 80 kN. Saab’s current Gripen C-series data lists 80.5 kN of maximum thrust.
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration also identifies the RM12 as the engine associated with JAS 39C/D maintenance and support. This matters because “Gripen” is a family name: references to the RM12 apply to the C/D generation, not automatically to every Gripen in service or development.
What engine powers the Gripen E and F?
The Gripen E and two-seat Gripen F use the General Electric F414-GE-39E. In Swedish military documentation, this engine carries the designation RM16. Saab describes it as the successor to the RM12 for Gripen E.
The F414-GE-39E is rated at up to 98 kN of afterburning thrust, or approximately 22,000 pounds-force. That is roughly 25 percent more thrust than the approximately 80.5-kN RM12 rating used for the C/D aircraft.
The extra thrust was needed for more than a higher top-speed number. The E/F is a larger and more capable development of the Gripen design, with more internal fuel, a higher maximum takeoff weight and increased payload potential. Saab’s published figures list:
- Gripen C-series maximum takeoff weight: 14,000 kg
- Gripen E-series maximum takeoff weight: 16,500 kg
- Gripen C-series hardpoints: eight
- Gripen E-series hardpoints: 10
That is why the F414-GE-39E/RM16 engine should be understood as an enabler for the E/F’s overall growth: fuel, weapons, sensors, range and future upgrades. More thrust does not automatically produce a proportionally higher maximum speed.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →How fast can a Saab Gripen fly?
The headline answer is about Mach 2 at high altitude for both the Gripen C/D and Gripen E/F families.
Gripen C/D speed
Saab’s Gripen C factsheet lists a maximum high-altitude speed of Mach 2 and a sea-level maximum of more than 1,400 km/h. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration gives the JAS 39C/D a maximum speed of Mach 2 and a sea-level maximum of Mach 1.2.
Rank #2
- Sound & Light Effects: Press the top of the fighter jet to activate flashing lights and realistic engine sounds, enhancing imaginative play. (Note: F-35 model does not include tail lights.)
- Dynamic Pull-Back Action: Simply pull the jet back and release—it races forward automatically! Hands-on, pull back fun that keeps kids engaged.
- Realistic Fighter Jet Design: Modeled after authentic military jets, featuring fine details that spark curiosity and provide an interactive way for kids to explore aviation and military themes.
- Durable & Safe Materials: Crafted from premium diecast alloy and non-toxic plastic, this sturdy toy plane withstands rough play. Strong, long-lasting, and built for young aviation fans.
- Great Gift for Kids & Collectors: An ideal present for plane lovers and military enthusiasts! Great for birthdays, holidays, or displays. Combines educational value, durability, and fun.
Those figures are not necessarily contradictory. Mach is a ratio between an aircraft’s speed and the local speed of sound, and the speed of sound changes with temperature and atmospheric conditions. Aircraft performance also changes with altitude, fuel load, weapons, external stores and other configuration details.
The most accurate short description is therefore: the Gripen C/D can reach about Mach 2 at altitude, while its published sea-level maximum is approximately Mach 1.2. Converting Mach 2 into one universal number in kilometers per hour or miles per hour without specifying altitude gives a misleading impression of precision.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Gripen E/F speed
Saab’s official E/F technical material also lists a maximum speed of Mach 2. Saab documented the Gripen E’s first supersonic flight on October 18, 2017, during its flight-test campaign. The aircraft sustained speeds above Mach 1 for several minutes, confirming its supersonic capability.
That test event should not be confused with a complete operational performance envelope. It demonstrates that the prototype achieved sustained supersonic flight; it does not replace the published maximum-speed specification or establish that every E/F configuration can reach the same speed.
Can the Gripen supercruise?
Saab has described Gripen E as capable of supercruise, meaning sustained supersonic flight without relying on afterburner in a suitable flight condition. However, “supercruise” is not an unconditional promise of Mach 2 without afterburner.
The achievable speed depends on factors such as:
- aircraft weight and fuel state;
- altitude and outside-air temperature;
- external fuel tanks, missiles and other stores;
- drag from the aircraft’s configuration;
- engine operating limits and the particular flight-test condition.
A clean, lightly loaded aircraft at altitude is not equivalent to an operational aircraft carrying a full weapons and fuel load. For that reason, the defensible claim is that the Gripen E has been described as supercruise-capable—not that it can unconditionally cruise at Mach 2 in every combat configuration.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhy did Saab change from the RM12 to the F414?
The move from RM12 to F414-GE-39E/RM16 reflects the E/F’s larger airframe and greater growth ambitions. The E/F carries more internal fuel, has a higher maximum takeoff weight and provides more payload and hardpoint capacity than the C/D.
Going from 80.5 kN to 98 kN is an increase of about 17.5 kN, or approximately 22 percent when calculated against the C/D’s published 80.5-kN figure. Saab’s technical descriptions commonly summarize the improvement as roughly 25 percent more thrust, depending on which earlier RM12 figure is used for comparison.
Neither comparison means that the E/F is 22 or 25 percent faster. Maximum speed is limited by much more than engine thrust. Aerodynamic drag rises sharply as speed increases, while the inlet, airframe structure, thermal environment, flight controls and operating restrictions all affect the usable performance envelope.
Rank #3
- AIR FORCE FEATURES REALISTIC DETAIL. F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jet currently in the air. OTONOPI F-35 fighter jet designed base on the real one, 1:72 in scale, 8.7*5.5*2.4inches in size, fits well in little hands.
- PULL BACK & RELEASE AIRPLANE. OTONOPI fighter aircraft comes with pull back and release function, kids would be thrilled by pulling back then letting go and watching it roll forward by itself.
- BOMBER PLANE WITH LIGHTS & SOUNDS. With a slight press of the nose of the military airplane, three lights would flash along with the sounds effect. Kids would be delighted by such an additional highlight.
- SPECIAL ROTATING ENGINE. The Model F-35 is a short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft, it can hover in the air thanks to its special rotating engine. The engine can be rotated for 90 degree, kids could learn more from this fighter jet.
- COMES WITH DISPLAY STAND. F-35 attack plane comes with a display stand. It can be used as exquisite decorations and collection for offices, homes, and it is also a perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts, military personnel or collectors.
The practical result is a more useful distinction:
- Gripen C/D: lighter, earlier-generation aircraft powered by the RM12 and generally quoted at about Mach 2.
- Gripen E/F: newer, larger aircraft powered by the F414-GE-39E/RM16, with more thrust and greater fuel, payload and upgrade margin, while remaining in the Mach 2 class.
What does “Mach 2” mean for the Gripen?
Mach 2 means twice the local speed of sound. It is not one fixed ground speed because the speed of sound varies with air temperature and altitude. Wind also affects an aircraft’s speed over the ground, while Mach indicates speed relative to the surrounding air.
That is why a specification such as “Mach 2 at high altitude” is more meaningful than a conversion into a single km/h figure. A sea-level speed rating and a high-altitude Mach rating describe different operating conditions, and neither should be presented as an all-purpose speed for every mission.
Related product: see the Gripen in miniature
Bottom line
The answer depends on which Gripen is being discussed. Gripen C/D uses the RM12, a Swedish-developed derivative of GE’s F404, with a published maximum thrust of 80.5 kN. Gripen E/F uses GE’s F414-GE-39E, called RM16 in Swedish service, with up to 98 kN of afterburning thrust.
Recommended Free Tools
Both families are generally rated at about Mach 2 at high altitude. The Gripen C/D’s published sea-level figure is approximately Mach 1.2. The newer engine’s main benefit is not a dramatically higher top speed; it gives the larger E/F aircraft the thrust needed for more internal fuel, payload, hardpoints and future capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the Saab Gripen use?
The Gripen C and D use the RM12, a Swedish-developed derivative of General Electric’s F404 engine family. The Gripen E and F use General Electric’s F414-GE-39E, designated RM16 in Swedish service.
How fast is a Saab Gripen?
Both the Gripen C/D and E/F are generally quoted at about Mach 2 at high altitude. The Gripen C/D’s published sea-level maximum is approximately Mach 1.2.
How much thrust does the Gripen engine produce?
The F414-GE-39E used by Gripen E/F is rated at up to 98 kN, or about 22,000 pounds-force, of afterburning thrust. The Gripen C/D’s RM12 is listed at 80.5 kN.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Can the Gripen supercruise?
Saab has described the Gripen E as capable of supercruise, but the achievable speed without afterburner depends on altitude, aircraft weight, fuel, external stores, temperature and flight condition. It should not be presented as an unconditional Mach 2 capability without afterburner.
The Bottom Line
Gripen C/D uses the 80.5-kN RM12, while Gripen E/F uses the 98-kN GE F414-GE-39E, designated RM16 in Sweden. Both are generally quoted at about Mach 2 at high altitude; the C/D’s published sea-level maximum is about Mach 1.2.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
