The Bell 204/205 UH-1 single engine helicopter was built in huge numbers in the USA 1959-1987. Including license production abroad, more than 16.000 ”Hueys” were produced. It served in the Vietnam war as a transport helicopter, ambulance and gunship.  

The Swedish military authorities decided in 1960 to choose the type as the first medium lift helicopter in the Swedish Defence. For reasons of trade policy, the 19 machines were to be license-manufactured at Giovanni Agusta at Gallarate, Italy. The helicopters got the Swedish designation HKP 3A. Twelve helicopters were intended for the Army and seven for the Air Force. The deliveries took place 1962-1964.  

The Italy-built helicopters were, unlike the American, powered with a Rolls Royce Gnome H 1000 Mk 510 engine of 1.000 hp, Swedish designation TM2A. This engine was unfortunately affected by a lot of troubles. With the beginning in 1965, the old engines were replaced by the stronger and more dependable Bristol Siddeley Gnome H 1200 Mk 610. This engine, Swedish designation TM2B, delivered 1.250 hp. The designation of the helicopter was changed to HKP 3B.  

In 1969, three more machines were delivered from Agusta-Bell to Sweden . This time they were paid by United Nations means and were to be used by the Swedish emergency troops. They had also the TM2B engine, but was built with some modifications. The length of the rotor blades were increased and the tail was therefore made 60 cm longer. This type were designated HKP 3C. Gradually, all HKP 3B’s were rebuilt to HKP 3C standard.  

When Austria bought Draken jet fighters from SAAB in the eighties, four second-hand Agusta-Bell 204B’s were supplied to the Swedish defence as a compensation transaction.  

The HKP 3’s of the Army  was mainly acquired to be used for transport of troops, wounded and materiel. Behind the two pilots, eight, not too comfortable, seats for fully equipped soldiers were arranged. The seats could be replaced by up to six stretchers. The helicopter could carry a hanging load of up to 1.800 kg. This was often used to carry a water bag when fighting forest fires.  

The main task for the Air Force helicopters was Air Rescue Service, but they was also used for the transport of personnel to remote radar- and communication plants. At rescue missions, the crew usually consisted of four; two pilots, mechanic/winch operator and winchman. In many occasions, a doctor completed the crew. For emergency landing at sea, the helicopters were equipped with inflatable floats.  

Photos: Top: HKP 3C #03302. Airshow, Malmen 2001.  

Below: HKP 3A #03307 (Army) at Bromma Airport, Stockholm, 1964-11-15.

HKP 3C: Length 17,3 m. Rotor dia. 16,1 m. MTOW 4.310 kg. Cruising speed 180 km/h.

© Lars Henriksson