In the late 70s, basic (army aviation) flight training was performed on FPL 61 (Scottish Aviation Bulldog) and HKP 6A (Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger II). The Hughes 269C was selected as a more effective and more economical trainer. The type was also a suitable airframe for training conscript mechanics. Another benefit of using the type was that there were about 40 civilian 269/300 models on the civilian register in Sweden at the time and they could be mobilized in case of war.


The Swedish military designation for the Hughes 269C became HKP 5B. The Hughes 269C helicopters were delivered 1980 – 1982 and the Schweizer 300C helicopters were delivered 1985 – 1987. The type was used for (very) light transport, reconnaissance, artillery spotting and basic flight training. All in all, 26 helicopters were delivered. One helicopter was written off after an accident in 1991.
The HKP 5B served with the Army aviation until 1997 when all HKP 5B helicopters were transferred to the Swedish Armed Forces Helicopter Wing (Helikopterflottiljen), which was the result of merging the Army, Air force and Navy aviation helicopter units. In the new unit the type was primarily used for basic flight training. The HKP 5B:s where phased out during 2000-2002.

The two HKP 5B helicopters operated by the Airforce Museum Helicopter where the two last ones to enter service with the Swedish Army and both were manufactured in 1987. Military call sign “Kalle 45”, serial number 1269, now has the Swedish civilian registration SE-JIR. Military call sign “Kalle 46”, serial number 1270, now has the Swedish civilian registration SE-JIS.

The Swedish Army Aviation (Arméflyget) operated 22 HKP 6A during the period 1969-1997 (all was taken into service in 1969). The helicopters where mainly used as light transport helicopter and for (tactical) flight training.

The Swedish Navy Aviation (Marinflyget) operated 11 HKP 6B during the period 1970-1997. 10 was taken into service 1970 and one, that was replacing a write-off, in 1991. The helicopters where mainly used as light transport and anti-submarine warfare helicopters. They could be equipped with torpedoes and depth charges.

During the period 1981-1994 there were many, both confirmed and unconfirmed, violations of Sweden’s territorial waters by foreign submarines and the HKP 6B have dropped live depth charges in live anti-submarine warfare operations.

In 1998, all HKP 6A and HKP 6B helicopters were transferred to the Swedish Armed Forces Helicopter Wing (Helikopterflottiljen) which was the result of merging the Army, Air force and Navy aviation helicopter units. The HKP 6A and HKP 6B types where phased out during 2002-2004.

The helicopter operated by the Airforce Museum Helicopter was the replacement helicopter that was taken into service in 1991. It is the only Navy Aviation HKP 6B that was painted in the 4-tone camouflage pattern used by the Army Aviation HKP 6A (all other Navy Aviation was olive green). It is an Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger II. It was manufactured in 1977 and has serial number 8555. The Swedish military callsign was “Yngve 54” and it now has the Swedish civilian registration “SE-HGX”.