HKP 9 - Messerschmitt Bölkow-Blom (MBB) BO 105 CBS (1985-    )

Helicopter Sweden

Page 1 (8)

Helicopter Sweden


HKP 9 MBB Bo 105. Photo ©  Lars Henriksson, www.avrosys.nu

This page - Basic information, model kits, cockpit photo
Page 2 - Development of MBB BO 105
Page 3 - Variants of MBB BO 105. Stamp
Page 4 - The Swedish helicopter display team
Page 5 - Close-up photos of engine and luggage/stretchers compartment
Page 6 - HKP 9A:s in the air and on the ground
Page 8 - The rescue version HKP 9B

 

The MBB Bo 105 is a light, twin-engine, multi-purpose utility helicopter developed by Bölkow of Stuttgart, Germany. Production began under Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), which became a part of Eurocopter in 1991. Eurocopter continued to produce the Bo 105 until 2001. It was replaced by the EC 135.

Sweden purchased this type mainly to provide to provide the Army with a modern anti-tank helicopter. It was actually the first Swedish army helicopter that was fitted with arms from the beginning. The helicopter was of the lengthened variant BO 105 CBS, which had been manufactured since 1980. The anti-tank helicopter got the Swedish designation HKP 9A. 21 helicopters were ordered by the Army. In addition, four rescue helicopters of similar type were ordered by the Air Force. They were given the designation HKP 9B.
 
It was used in anti-tank helicopter companies in the Linköping and Boden. The mission was fighting enemy armoured vehicles. Today, there are no anti-tank companies left.

Now at the end of its service in the Swedish defence it is used primarily as a transport helicopter with reconnaissance and personnel transport flights. The helicopters operate from Linköping and Ronneby. The crew consists of one pilot and one navigator.

All machines have undergone a modification of NVG flight (Night Vision Goggles) and all training on NVG is now on HKP 9.
 
The four-blade hingeless main rotor, a worldwide first, with composite blades ensures high manoeuvrability. Two HKP 9’s are still (2009) forming a display group, performing manoeuvres normally regarded as for fixed-wing aircraft only.

The anti-tank helicopters were armed with four anti-tank missiles RB 55, internationally known as AGM -71 TOW (Tube Launched Optically Tracked Wire Guided Missile). This missile was also used by the Swedish ground troops. It had a range of about 4 km. The sight and steering system for the RB55H, SAAB HELITOW were developed by SAAB Instrument AB. Flights in wartime conditions were made at 0-5 metres, under bridges and power lines, to avoid discovery. The crew consisted of one pilot and one gunner.

As the HKP 9A usually flew very low, it was equipped with wire cutters.
 
The HKP 9B air rescue helicopter had a lengthened cabin (25 cm), which made it possible to accommodate two stretchers. The helicopter carried no arms. A salvage winch was mounted outside of the fuselage.
 
The helicopter had two engines of the type Allison 250 C20B, each delivering 420 hp. Swedish designation TAM 4C.

The HKP 9A’s were assigned the Army numbers 09001 – 09021 and the HKP 9B’s the Air Force numbers 09412 – 09415.

Photo at top of HKP 9A #09001 with its proud crew from 2006.


 
HKP 9A: Length 11,8 m. Height 3,8 m. Rotor dia. 9,8 m. MTOW 2.500 kg. Cruising speed 180 km/h.
 

 

For the Model Builder

Airfix
has an injection moulded plastic model kit of MBB Bo 105C. It is similar to HKP 9, but must be completed with some details to make an exact model. Swedish decals can be found from other suppliers.  Scale 1:72. Catalouge number 1068. Click on thumbnail for larger image.

Airfix plastic model kit for MBB Bo 105C, similar to Swedish HKP 9.

   

Revell has made an injection moulded plastic model kit of MBB Bo 105 equipped and with markings as HKP 9A.  Scale 1:32. Catalouge number 4416. Click on thumbnail for larger image.

Revell plastic model kit for MBB Bo 105 - HKP 9A. Catalouge no 4416.

 
 
 
Photo below of the cockpit of #09001 in 2006.
 
 
 
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© Lars Henriksson

Updated 2010-03-23

 

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