Where and when to watch the SK 60 farewell displays
The Swedish Air Force will be retiring its SK 60 trainer aircraft at the end of June this year, marking the end of an era for the Air Force. The SK 60, which has been used for over 60 years in the Swedish Air Force, has trained generations of pilots and contributed significantly to the country's military aviation history.
To mark the retirement of the SK 60, the jet's acclaimed solo display will perform a number of displays in Sweden and abroad this season before the type is retired. The Swedish Air Force's SK 60 Solo Display, with Cpt. Nils "Princess" Schylström at the controls, has won several awards for its spectacular displays over the years, including the King Hussain Memorial Sword for Best Overall Flying Demonstration at last year's Royal International Air Tattoo.
The SK 60 is still being used to train student pilots at the Aviation School. The last batch of student pilots will graduate in June this year, which also marks the end of the SK 60's service in Sweden.
The trainer officially flew for the first time on June 29, 1963, and celebrated 60 years in the Air Force last year. The jet has played a significant role in training pilots and has been an integral part of the Swedish Air Force's history. However, with newer and more advanced aircraft being developed, the time has come for the SK 60 to retire and make way for the future.
Air2Air with Swedish SK 60 on it’s way to RIAT 2023
Where to see the SK 60 Display:
04th May - Recruitment Day Ljungbyhed, F 5 Ljungbyhed, Sweden
04th May - Svedala Företagsmässa, Svedala, Sweden
02nd June - Kjeller Flydag 2024, Kjeller flypass, Skedsmo, Norway
05th June - Aqua Blue Festival, Vänersborg, Sweden
08th June - Höga Kusten Airport Airshow, Kramfors, Sweden
09th June - Danish Air Show 2024, RDAF Aalborg, Denmark
15th/16th June - Sola Airshow, Stavanger Sola Airport, Sola, Norway
18th June - Graduation at the Aviation School, Linköping, Sweden
18th June - Farewell ceremony, Air Force Museum, Linköping, Sweden
21st/22nd June - Antidotum Airshow, Leszno, Poland
SK 60 Solo Display at NATO Days 2020
SK 60
The Saab 105, also known as SK 60 in Sweden, is a versatile light attack aircraft and jet trainer that has been in service for over six decades. It was developed by the Swedish aerospace company Saab in the early 1960s and has since become an iconic aircraft in the Swedish Air Force fleet.
The first SK 60 aircraft was flown in July 1963, and it was officially adopted by the Swedish military in 1962. A total of 150 SK 60 aircraft were delivered to the Swedish Air Force between 1966 and 1968, and it entered into service in 1967, primarily for training purposes. The SK 60 replaced the De Havilland Vampire, which had been in service since the early 1950s.
The SK 60 has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective aircraft, which is why it has been in use for so long. In addition to its primary role as a jet trainer, it has also been used as a light attack aircraft by the Swedish Air Force. It has a top speed of Mach 0.67 (820 km/h), a range of 1,450 km, and can carry a variety of weapons, including rockets, missiles, and bombs.
Apart from the basic Sk.60A trainer, two other versions were produced as modifications: the Sk.60B and Sk.60C attack versions. The Sk.60C featured an elongated nose to allow for the installation of a camera, making it suitable for reconnaissance missions.
All SK 60s currently in use by the Swedish Air Force have been upgraded with new cockpit instruments and engines, ensuring that they remain a valuable asset to the Swedish military. Despite its age, the SK 60 continues to be an effective and reliable aircraft, and it is still used in training role.
What’s next?
The Swedish SK 60 jets will be retired from service on the 30th of June, 2024. The decision to retire the jet came after careful consideration of its operational effectiveness and the need to modernize the Air Force's training fleet.
The SK 60 will be replaced by the turboprop Grob G120TP, which will be locally designated as the SK 40. This new aircraft is expected to enhance the Air Force's capabilities and improve its training programs. However, it is likely that a jet-powered trainer like the Saab T-7 will also be added to the fleet in the future.
After the retirement of the SK 60, some of the aircraft will be handed over to the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight. These aircraft will join the existing SK 60 60140/SE-DXG, which is a non-upgraded example and already flies with them. The historic flight will continue to use the SK 60s for airshows, allowing the public to see them in action.
The retirement of the SK 60 marks a significant milestone for the Swedish Air Force. The replacement of this aircraft with newer, more advanced models will ensure that the Air Force remains well-equipped to fulfill its duties and maintain its high standards of training.
Last hurrah in Leszno
The Swedish Air Force's SK 60 aircraft will be performing its final display at the upcoming Antidotum Airshow in Leszno, Poland. The aircraft will join a diverse range of performers, including gliders, light aircraft, modern fighter jets, and large military airlifters, making the event a truly diverse spectacle.
The SK 60's final performance is scheduled to take place at sunset, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. Just over a week after the display, the aircraft will be decommissioned from the Swedish Air Force, and the SK 60 Solo Display will be disbanded.
The Antidotum Airshow Leszno is the only aviation event of its kind in Poland, and it is scheduled to take place on June 21st and 22nd, 2024. Last year, the event attracted over 45,000 people, making it one of the most popular civilian airshows in Poland.
This year, the event is expected to be even more popular, with visitors from all over Europe coming to witness the unique atmosphere and spectacular displays. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, the Antidotum Airshow Leszno is an event you won't want to miss.
