JASDF JAS-39 Gripen in anti-shipping role

[ChernayaAkula]

I was looking through Google trying to find pics of launches of the Japanese ASM-2 to see what it looked like immediately after launch (smoke plume and all that), but couldn't find anything. Anybody have pics of an ASM-2 launch?

What I did find and had to share was this very cool build of a JAS-39 Gripen in Japanese service.  



More pics can be found at THIS LINK.

If I see it correct, even one of the ASMs (on the inboard starboard pylon) was whiffed. There are a couple more fins and sensor fairings. SLAM-version off ASM-2? Cool!  

EDIT: Hmmm, sometimes the pic works, sometimes not.  At least the link works.

[Gary F]

Hi Moritz,

  That was kind of nice ... thanks for posting.

Gary F

[Sauragnmon]

A very interesting design - Yes, the inboard missile is whiffed, I think with a stretch of a second ASM-2 to get the forward control surfaces.  I like how he did the vectored thrust paddles, very interesting.  I envisioned the Gripen as an interceptor to back up bigger fighters, like the second JASDF fighter I'll be doing, I think I might show it in Aggressor paint with training rounds, for fleet defense training or similar, but she'll be carrying A2G.