Welcome to
our digital exhibition
Here you can explore a journey through time that highlights the HKP4 and its significant role in the Swedish defense. From its introduction to its retirement, the Vertolen has been an icon in military aviation and an important part of Sweden’s defense capability.
The exhibition guides you through the fascinating history of the Vertolen, focusing on its versatile service. Explore how this robust and reliable helicopter was used for transport, medical missions, rescue operations and troop movements, both in Sweden and abroad.
With the help of archive images, interactive slideshows and authentic stories from pilots and ground personnel, you will get a unique insight into the helicopter’s everyday life and challenges during its active time.
HMS Carlskrona – 1993
On June 3, 1993, ship photographer Klas Sjöberg took these photos after docking at the port of Gothenburg.
HMS Carlskrona was at the time in the final stages of her circumnavigation of the world, which included calls at Africa, Eastern South America, Southeast Asia and Australia. The ship’s commander on board was Commander Gösta af Klint and the second in command was L. Lindheimer.
Y63 (HKP4B) was assigned the transport mission out to the ship, with the arrival committee to receive the returning crew.
Säve Gräsblåsare – 1997
The story of Säve Gräsbläsare.
In early May 1997, the small community of Sysslebäck, in northern Värmland, was hit by fairly extensive flooding, including landslides and rockfalls, as serious consequences, all due to several days of continuous torrential rain. The incident highlights how important the HKP4 was to civil society and how an inventive crew can solve most of the tasks at hand.
Below you can read about the event from Mikael Solebri’s perspective, who documented the event well in both pictures and text.
Navy helicopters – 1970 onwards
Join us on a journey back in time, when the Navy’s helicopters were on duty around our country’s coasts and inland. The film takes you on board during landing missions, submarine hunting and sea rescue.
The film is produced by the Swedish Armed Forces and published from the archive of the channel Cold War, a Story.
The Moose Tower Move – 1994
In addition to its military role, Vertol also supported civil society when needed. Various operations, large and small, were carried out. This is told from the memory of Per-Åke Martinsson, whose father lived next door to one of the Vertol pilots, Mikael Skattberg.
“It all started with my father living next door to Mikael Skattberg who was stationed at Säve.
At a farm party, he told MS
that if they needed to practice lifting and moving things with the Vertol, they could move some hunting towers on our hunting ground.
After a few months, MS came and said that they would have pilot training on light lifts a few days later. There was a lot of activity in the hunting team, many took time off from work to be part of this historic event.
When the day came, my 12-year-old son and I, as well as our hunting guide, were allowed to come on board as guides. In total, 4 or 5 hunting towers were moved.
This was an unforgettable experience for me and the boy.
After completing the mission, we landed in a small field at our croft where the crew had lunch.
On the way back to HKP, the commander thought the potato field looked dry, so he suggested that it be watered as there is a small lake nearby.
When they started rigging and laying out the bag, they were called back on another mission, there was no watering this time, which was a shame.”