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I was recently fortunate enough to get invited to visit the Swedish Air Force Museum located in Linkoping. Here are some of the highlights.
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B1-Brequet-C.U -1 The BI trainer was one of the first two aircraft to enter service with the Swedish Air Corps. This amazing replica took twelve years to complete and used a number of original parts including the motor and tail assembly. |
SK 5-Heinkel HD 35 Bought with an intention to succeed the Albatros which was the Army Air Corps basic trainer it turned out that the engine was just too weak for purpose. This one was discovered in a barn in 1964 and restored by the Swedish Flight Historical Society. |
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JAS 39 Gripen A Multi Role Combat Aircraft that remains the Swedish Air Forces only combat Aircraft. Also in service with the Air Forces of South Africa, Hungary and the Czech Republic. |
B 18-SAAB 18 I could not possibly visit the Museum without mention of this Bomber and Reconnaissance aircraft. Capable of carrying 1000kg’s of bombs in the bomb bay, 50 kg hung under the wings and armed with three 13mm automatic cannons. This aircraft was recovered from a lake where it had crash landed in 1946. |
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J26-North American P-51 Mustang The legend, and one of my personal all time favourite’s. Regarded as one of the best long-range fighter aircraft and more than 15500 were built. Given the designation of J26 in the Swedish Air Force. |
B3-Junkers JU 86K A medium weight bomber that could even be used for carrying torpedoes, capable of carrying 1000kg’s of bombs and equipped with three 7.9mm machine guns. Both a nose and tail gunner. |
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J11-Fiat C.R. 42 Largely used as a fighter but also for reconnaissance, the Bi-plane design meant it was already dated when it entered service. Armed with two 12.7mm automatic cannons. |
J8-Gloster Gladiator The first aircraft to enter the Swedish Air force with a cockpit canopy. |
On the 13th June 1952 a DC-3 took off from Bromma airport in Stockholm with eight crewmembers on board,the Mission was Top Secret. Two hours after take-off, radio contact was lost, after a search and rescue mission all that was found was a deflated dingy bearing traces of Soviet ammunition.
The Museum houses the remains of the DC-3 that “disappeared”. The amazing story of its ill-fated mission, the mystery surrounding it, and the eventual recovery are told in full.
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My huge thanks to Peter for showing me around, I have barely scratched the surface of this wonderful collection, if you get the chance visit. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Lots more photos on The Challenger's facebook page!
