Having introduced Kite in 2002, Gripen was a logical progression for 2003, as the second possible 'gap' formation, with a hole in its centre. Gripen is named after the third generation Swedish attack aircraft, and does have the same overall shape.
Gripen provides considerable flexibility to the Red Arrows' display, as a variation on Diamond while providing a useful link to Apollo during a loop change - the team members need only fly forwards in formation to reach Apollo. This was seen to good effect in the 2003 display, as during a pull-up, all the members of the team must adjust their position to complete the formation change. I personally enjoyed this part of the display, as dynamic formation changes appeal to me.
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