+JonathanRL 974 Posted June 3, 2012 This was the first time I have been able to attend the Swedish Air Force display at Malmen Air Base, outside Linköping. Of course, distance has always been an issue, but this time I swore to myself that I would be there to see it. And so I was. It was a very fun day, starting and ending in rain. To say the weather was strange is a big understatement but dress properly and that is not a bother. Entering Malmslätt by the main parking lot, the first thing I saw was the static displays in the far distance. C-130 Hercules and C-17 caught my attention easily enough but moving closer, you started to find the more interesting gems on the field. Of course you had to stroll around the static displays and parked aircraft for a time, making sure to sit in the HPK 16 Blackhawk for some time (if only to rest your weary feet!) but I never really fancied static displays unless you can enter the Aircraft themselves. I never really fancied civilian aircraft, and air shows are no exceptions. I have heard complaints that this was too much of a Swedish Defence Exhibit, but it was called "Air Force Show" so there you have it. We did however have a few foreign guests doing some bit of very fancy flying... Now, what pretty much everybody present was there for was of course the Saab Aircraft. Whoever says differently is probably a liar. Swedish Air Force Historical Flight and other associations have done a terrific work to restore airframes to airworthy conditions. The early Swedish Dive-Bomber B-17 made an impressive appearance, simulating dive-bombing. Then we had the Historical Six-Flight taking off... (The Flight also included a SK-60 but I missed its take-off) While the 6-Flight was forming up, we was given quite the treat. A Two-Flight of Helicopter 14 and a Helicopter 16 Blackhawk did a flyby of the crowd. Helicopter 14 (Or the epic fail of Helicopter Purchases as its sometimes called) had already been seen in Finnish hands doing stunts; but Helicopter 16 Blackhawk was paid keen attention. Then it was time for the big moment of the show. The Saab 6-Flight... ..and their landing was given so much attention that a civilian show was slightly postponed... After this, we was treated with a display by the Helicopters and troops, announced with danger-close blank-firing from a Helicopter 15... All simulated targets destroyed, zero casualties. Simple. Considering how the Fifteens poured it on, one would think that there would either be no need for ground troops - or Blue-on-Blue - but its a display, so we will let it slide ;-). After this, the air shows continued. J 32B Lansen and Hawker Hunter does not seem like that odd a pair to couple, but they are quite different in the air... For some reason, the official display team of the Air Force, Team 60 are currently in Decommission. Why this is the cause, I do not know, but their place today was taken by instructors at the Malmslätt Flight Academy. After this, a customer of the Gripen was allowed to show their stuff. It would become an inofficial competition about who could fly the Gripen better - the South Africans or the Swedes... The Swedes replied with a total of five Gripens. First a four-ship, then a solo display as the last point of the program. Then came one of the big moments of the show. A solo display flight of AJ-37 Viggen! Aside from a show by a single Gripen, that was it for the day. Or so I tought when I heard a roar above me. Thankfully, I had not put down my camera... The day was really awesome, and I got away with a few nice experiences and some neat loot. Aside from a Helikopterflottiljen Shirt, I also got to sit in Helikopter 16 Blackhawk and SK60... Yes, I tried to hijack it but I was not allowed to. Bugger. The fact that I have been inside a blackhawk have yet to sink in yet. As far as I am concerned, it was well worth the trip, and I will probably do my best to attend next year. Hopefully, we will have a lot better weather then... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derk 265 Posted June 3, 2012 (edited) Only one thing to say: wish I had been there.... An airforce keeping an example of practically every jet it ever flew in the air - including the supersonic ones - deserves the highest praise !!!!!!!! Thanks for posting Jonathan (and o yes: GREAT PICS) !!! Edited June 3, 2012 by Derk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+streakeagle 871 Posted June 3, 2012 SAAB aircraft... simply excellent! The Draken still looks sleek compared to modern aircraft, and I like the Viggen just as much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+ST0RM 145 Posted June 3, 2012 Great photo spread. It looked like an excellent show. The 6-ship of Saab jets must have been such a treat. Thanks for sharing. -Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viggen 644 Posted June 4, 2012 Great shots! I like the one of the line up of Gripen operators, although it looks like the Czechs are missing. Why is the NH90 considered a fail? And that Viggen could use a coat of paint! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
exhausted 55 Posted June 4, 2012 Now that's an air show! More more more! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+JonathanRL 974 Posted June 4, 2012 An airforce keeping an example of practically every jet it ever flew in the air Only the Draken & Hawker Hunter is military registered. The rest are civilians, operated by Swedish Air Force Historical Flight that consists of volunteers. Air Force pays for some expenses, like giving them free hangar space, free fuel and access to spare parts. Why is the NH90 considered a fail? Long story short: We signed contract for NH90, wanting to buy some. Then the project was delayed and over-budget, as these things tend to be. Over countries demanded to have theirs delivered first, or they would cancel their orders. Swedish Defence did no such thing, no demands, no nothing. Just sat and waited while the bill became heavier and no helicopters to show for it. The Helicopter was supposed to be fully operational by 2009 - And we got the first one 2011. This left us without proper Medevac resources and let us to purchase Helicopter 16 Blackhawk for a fraction of the price, at 1/100 of the time to make sure we had helicopters. And that Viggen could use a coat of paint! Nope. They want her that way. Apparently thats how the first Viggen looked when they arrived at såtenäs. If you ask me, I too think they should just give her the Splinter Camo and save natural silver for the SH-37 they are fixing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+hgbn 91 Posted June 4, 2012 Great pics Jon I think the Viggen is looking ace in natural metal. would almost be a shame to paint it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derk 265 Posted June 4, 2012 Only the Draken & Hawker Hunter is military registered. The rest are civilians, operated by Swedish Air Force Historical Flight that consists of volunteers. Air Force pays for some expenses, like giving them free hangar space, free fuel and access to spare parts. Bit like in Holland: Dutch Historic Flight = SwedishHistoric Flight, a Spitfire, a B25 and some lighter stuff but no fast jets. . 2 Hunters flying from Leeuwarden, getting KLu hangarage (shelters) but civilian operation. But no such things as for instance Meteors, Thunderstreaks, Sabres, NF 5's or F 104's..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Sundowner 4,846 Posted June 4, 2012 Excellent set of pics m8, looked like a great day out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Soulfreak 6,529 Posted June 4, 2012 Cool pix, thanks for sharing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted June 4, 2012 Wow, the Draken's nose-high attitude on landing is quite remarkable! Those tail bumpers must be quite worn. Actually, the funniest thing to me is your referrals to the Blackhawk, perhaps considered one of the most mundane things the US flies due to their vast numbers and ubiquitous presence. I was once on a trip in Islamorada or Marathon, one of the Florida Keys, just going down to the beach and there was a US Customs 60 parked on the grass next to the parking lot and the crew in one of the gazebos there eating lunch. Frankly, their glossy black and gold scheme I find the most attractive scheme of any 60. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+JonathanRL 974 Posted June 4, 2012 Actually, the funniest thing to me is your referrals to the Blackhawk, perhaps considered one of the most mundane things the US flies due to their vast numbers and ubiquitous presence. I would love to describe the Swedish people difficult and strange relationship with US Politics but it can best be summed up with that if there was anything that in Swedish eyes symbolises American Military, it is the Blackhawk. As such, it is also about the last thing you expect our country to purchase for our own force. Most Swedish Airplane Enthusiasts have long been convinced they will be lucky if they see a Blackhawk - and even more lucky if they are to actually enter one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B52STRATO 215 Posted June 4, 2012 The Viggen, how wonderful. The intensity of his "tongue of fire" is awesome, I will give a lot to see it in live ! Great pictures ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted June 5, 2012 I don't get it myself. My guess is many find Sweden too "left leaning" for their tastes, so perhaps that colors all dealings, but personally I see no more reason for that than I do US-Indian tensions. I'd rather have India as a friend than double-dealing Pakistan! Frankly I think the Gripen would've been a great F-16 replacement, especially with the F-35s long-delayed gestation, but of course even with a US engine and maybe radar and cockpit stuff the odds of the US buying a Swedish fighter are none and zero! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+JonathanRL 974 Posted June 5, 2012 (edited) Frankly I think the Gripen would've been a great F-16 replacement, especially with the F-35s long-delayed gestation, but of course even with a US engine and maybe radar and cockpit stuff the odds of the US buying a Swedish fighter are none and zero! That depends. Gripen was designed to be cheap to fly and easy to maintain. A F-5 of the 21th Century if you will. If they do not wish to continue producing and upgrading F-16s or equip National Guard Units with same, licence-built Gripens would not be a too bad choice really. I can see it happen, but it would be very unlikely. The Economical side of the Gripen is why many think Brazil will purchase them. If they do, they will be able to patrol their skies alot more then they currently can afford. Edited June 5, 2012 by JonathanRL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Atreides 144 Posted June 5, 2012 (edited) WOW ! Jonathan, those pics are awesome thanks so very much for sharing and so many of them for wallpapers ! Love the Viggen and the Draken, my all time favourite SAAB aircraft, like someone said earlier high priases to the Flygvapnet for maintaining its proud history in flying condition. EDIT:- Thank god the Swedes make their own and fly their own fast jets. Edited June 5, 2012 by Atreides Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
