Aero Vodochody to Produce JAS-39 Pylons for Swedish and Thai Air Forces

25 Maret 2011

Pylons are used for weapon systems and are located at the bottom of aircraft wing. (photo : Aviationnews)

Czechs producing pylons for Gripen jets

ODOLENA VODA, Czech Republic, (UPI) -- The Czech company Aero Vodochody has been contracted by Saab Aeronautics of Sweden to produce pylons for Gripen fighters.
The pylons, for Gripens operated by Sweden and the Thai air force, are used for weapon systems attached to aircraft wings.

Aero Vodochody said the order for 54 pylons is a continuation of earlier pylon production for Saab and its JAS-39 Gripen. Production will take place from October this year until December 2012.
The monetary value of the deal wasn't disclosed.

Aero Vodochody is the largest aerospace manufacturer in the Czech Republic and cooperates in aerostructural projects with leading multinational aircraft companies such as Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Alenia Aeronautica, Sonaca, Latecoere, Spirit Aerosystems and EADS. It's been a partner of Saab Aerospace since 2008.

The Thai air force received six Gripen fighters from Saab in February and has six more on order.

(UPI)