History

In 1960 the Swedish defense ordered 12 Agusta Bell 204 helicopters for the army and 7 for the air force from the manufacturer Agusta Bell in Italy. The helicopter type was designated HKP3, and all were equipped with the British Rolls-Royce Gnome turboshaft engine. The first 6 machines, HKP3A, were delivered to the Helicopter School in Boden between 1962 and 1963. The remaining 6 machines were equipped with a more powerful engine version and were delivered from the end of 1964, receiving the model designation HKP3B.

Development

Between 1965 and 1968, the initial 6 delivered machines were equipped with the more powerful engine, resolving the worst engine problems. In 1969, 3 helicopters were delivered with a 48-foot main rotor, improving speed performance and increasing the maximum takeoff weight. The other 12 machines, which originally had a 44-foot main rotor, were converted to the 48-foot standard in 1966-67, and all 15 helicopters were now designated HKP3C.

Starting in 1994, all HKP3 helicopters were modified to be flown with Night Vision Devices (NVD). This equipment is a kind of binoculars that, with electronic amplification of the ambient light in the night sky, provides the pilot with a monochrome image of the terrain, enabling low-altitude flight even in darkness.

The Army Aviation Battalion AF1 became the first Swedish unit to operationally utilize this technology. In 1985/86, three retired Agusta Bell 204 helicopters were purchased from the Austrian Air Force for spare parts. However, the machines were restored to airworthy condition, with one being standardized and placed with AF1. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration's need for helicopters for testing and verification activities could also be fulfilled. Sweden became the country that had this helicopter version in service the longest - almost 40 years.

The HKP3 was used for the transport of equipment and personnel, accommodating up to eight equipped soldiers. The Air Force used it as a search and rescue helicopter. Firefighting was another area of application, as well as medical evacuations.
The HKP3 was decommissioned in the year 2000.

Avionics

Flight radio FR12, FR23 and FR44, flight radio finder FRP5, radio RA01, RA02.