The Swedish Air Force has confirmed its participation in the Danish airshow 2024 with three different types of aircraft.
The Danish Airshow has officially announced the participation of the Swedish Air Force in the upcoming event, which is set to take place on June 9th 2024. The Air Force will showcase three different types of aircraft, namely the Gripen, SK60 and Hercules, which will be available for attendees to view up close.
Those attending the event can look forward to witnessing the impressive manoeuvres of the Swedish Air Force pilots as they demonstrate the capabilities of the JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet as well as the SK 60 trainer aircraft, which will be retired from service shortly after. The Gripen is a multirole fighter aircraft designed to undertake various missions, including air-to-air combat, close air support, and air interdiction. Meanwhile, the SK 60 is a jet-powered trainer aircraft that has been the backbone of the Swedish Air Force pilot training program for decades.
In addition to the aerial displays, the biggest aircraft from the Swedish Air Force, the C-130H Hercules, designated “Tp84” in Swedish Air Force service, will also be present on the ground at the static display. Visitors will have the chance to see the impressive cargo plane up close and learn more about its capabilities and missions.
Swedish Hercules at the Försvarsmaktens flygdag 2022
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American military transport aircraft that was designed and built by Lockheed Martin. This four-engine turboprop plane is a true workhorse, capable of using unprepared runways for both takeoffs and landings. It was originally designed to transport troops, medevac patients, and cargo, but its versatility has led to it being used in a variety of other roles as well.
One of the most famous versions of the C-130 is the AC-130 gunship, which is armed with various types of weapons and is used for close-air support, air interdiction, and force protection. Other versions of the C-130 have been used for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting. It's no wonder that the C-130 is now the primary tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide.
There are over 40 variations of the Hercules, including civilian versions marketed as the Lockheed L-100, which operate in more than 60 nations. The C-130 entered service with the U.S. military in 1956, and it was quickly adopted by Australia and many other nations. Over the years, the Hercules has participated in numerous military, civilian, and humanitarian aid operations. It has flown in support of many different military campaigns, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, which for the C-130 is the United States Air Force (USAF). The C-130 is the longest continuously produced military aircraft, having been produced for over 60 years. The latest version of the plane, the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, is currently being produced and is expected to remain in production for many years to come. With its long and illustrious history of service, the C-130 Hercules is truly one of the most important military aircraft of all time.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (English "The Griffin") is a highly advanced light single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft that is designed and manufactured by Saab AB, a Swedish aerospace and defence company. The aircraft is equipped with a delta wing and canard configuration, with a relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire flight controls, making it one of the most manoeuvrable fighter aircraft in the world.
The Gripen is fully NATO interoperable and has been widely exported across the globe. As of 2020, more than 271 Gripens of all models, A–F, have been delivered. Notably, the Gripen has been used by the Swedish Air Force since 1996, after it replaced the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen.
The development of the JAS 39 Gripen started in 1979 when the Swedish government initiated a project to develop a new aircraft that would replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen and serve as a single aircraft for fighter, attack, and reconnaissance purposes. The project was named "JAS" (ett jakt-, attack- och spaningsflygplan), and Saab was selected to develop the JAS 39. After years of development and testing, the first flight of the JAS 39 took place in 1988, and the first serial production airplane was delivered in 1993.
Later versions of the Gripen, including the upgraded variants, are equipped with more advanced avionics and adaptations for longer mission times. The aircraft has been marketed internationally through partnerships and collaborative efforts with overseas aerospace companies, achieving moderate success on the export market with sales to nations in Central Europe, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.
A major redesign of the Gripen series, previously referred to as Gripen NG (Next Generation) or Super JAS, now designated JAS 39E/F Gripen, began deliveries to the Swedish Air Force and Brazilian Air Force in 2019. The JAS E has a larger fuselage, a more powerful engine, increased weapons payload capability, and a new cockpit, avionics architecture, electronic warfare system, and other improvements compared to the JAS C. The new aircraft is considered to be more advanced and capable than its predecessors and is expected to be deployed in various military operations across the world.
Sk 60
The Saab 105 is a twinjet trainer aircraft that was developed by Saab AB, a Swedish company, in the early 1960s. It was designed to meet the needs of the Swedish Air Force, which was in search of an advanced trainer aircraft to replace its ageing De Havilland Vampire fleet.
The Saab 105 was initially created as a private venture, but the Swedish Air Force was impressed with its capabilities and decided to procure the type for various roles. The aircraft was issued with the designation Sk 60 and entered service in 1967. It quickly became one of the most successful trainers in the world thanks to its excellent performance, handling, and reliability.
The Swedish Air Force purchased a total of 150 Saab 105 aircraft, and another 40 were exported to Austria, where they were designated Saab 105Ö. The Austrian Air Force found the Saab 105Ö to be an exceptional aircraft, and they used it for various roles, including training, reconnaissance, and light attack.
The Saab 105 is also the aircraft used by the Swedish Air Force display team, Team 60. The team is known for its precision flying and breathtaking aerobatics, and the Saab 105's capabilities allow them to perform some truly remarkable manoeuvres. The aircraft was also formerly used by two display teams of the Austrian Air Force, "Karo As" and "Silver Birds".
Overall, the Saab 105 is an exceptional aircraft that has served the Swedish and Austrian Air Forces well for many decades. Its versatility, reliability, and performance make it an ideal choice for a wide range of roles, and it remains a popular aircraft among pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Danish Airshow
The Royal Danish Air Force organizes the Danish Air Show once every two years, which is held at one of its three Air Bases - Aalborg Air Base, Karup Air Base or Skrydstrup Air Base. Previously, the event was an annual one, but it is now held every two years at a different air base. The Air Show is a grand affair that attracts a lot of attention in Denmark and Scandinavia. It is one of the biggest airshows in Scandinavia and the largest single-day event in Denmark.
The Danish Air Show is a spectacular event that attracts between 100,000 and 150,000 spectators. The event features numerous military and civilian performers who showcase their skills and perform daring aerial feats, leaving the audience spellbound. Besides the flying displays, the Danish Air Show also offers static displays of many different aircraft, ranging from fighter jets to helicopters and cargo planes. Visitors get the chance to see all the aircraft up close and take photographs. Additionally, there are exhibitions by Danish military units and various civilian companies related to aviation.
The smaller show held at Roskilde Airport, officially known as the Copenhagen Airport-Roskilde, is held in the intervening years between the Danish Air Shows. It is located 4 nautical miles southeast of Roskilde near the town of Tune. The Danish Air Show is a grand event that is eagerly anticipated by aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike. In 2016, the show set national and international records when more than 150,000 spectators visited the Skrydstrup Air Base.
