South Africa's first dual-seat Gripen multi-purpose fighter aircraft has made its maiden flight.

Painted in SA Air Force colours, the aircraft took off for a 70-minute flight on Friday afternoon from Saab's flight test centre in Sweden.

Gripen spokesman Linden Birns said South African test pilot Magnus Olsson were at the controls and were able to validate the basic flight control systems, engine, hydraulics and electrics. Customer delivery begins in March 2008.

The aircraft will now undergo a thorough inspection and systems computer tests before subsequent flights tests this month.

It will be transferred to South Africa next August for a flight development programme focused on integrating South Africa's customised avionics and weapons systems.

South Africa ordered 28 Gripen fighters - 19 single-seaters and nine two-seaters - and 24 BAE Systems' Hawk advanced jet trainers in 1999. The combined contract is valued at about R14,85 billion. The Gripen aircraft will be based at Air Force Base Makhado in Limpopo.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Cape Argus.