“AFS 2012” was the grand finale after a two-day seminar that brought politicians, industrial leaders, scientists, lobbyists, military chiefs, entrepreneurs and government officials together. The whole event was organized in a joint partnership between the Swedish Armed Forces, Linköping Municipality and SAAB. This year was of extra importance as SAAB celebrated its 75th birthday and the Swedish Armed Forces © Rickard Gillberg© Rickard Gillberghad their 100-year anniversary – so they all made their utterly best to make this a memorable event.

The weather wasn’t at its best this weekend, with gusting winds and showers of rain, but that didn’t stop the very large crowd from showing up for the event. The air show attracted a large amount of interesting aircraft and spectacular show groups – with a majority of fixed-wing flyers. Some really unique and impressive helicopter stunts were shown, including the breathtaking Red Bull Bo105 show (first time in Sweden), a dramatic battle-scenario helicopter show (with all active Swedish military helicopters), an agile Finnish NH90 show, Jet Ranger autorotations in formation and so on.

There were a lot of helicopters on static display, for example:

• the Swedish Police Wing showed off their EC 135
• a private owner from Norway brought his Aloutte II (ex SE-HRA, a former HKP 2)
• the Air Force Museum showed flying specimens of the HKP 5 and 6
• © Rickard Gillberg© Rickard GillbergQBE insurance showed its historic Bell 47 (SE-HCC)
• Northern Helicopters showed their modern trainer - the Cabri G2
• Savback Helicopters displayed a recently imported EC 120 (SE-JVA).

Although the flying schedule was dominated by airplanes flying back and forth, the Swedish Armed Forces Helicopter Wing had done their home work preparing a very interesting demonstration of their new and modern fleet. The battle scenario, which utilized HKP 10, HKP 14, HKP 15 and HKP 16 in the same show, was an unusual and very nice initiative by the Helicopter Wing. The Red Bull aerobatic show was – by far – the most unlimited and maneuverable helicopter stunt shown seen in Sweden for a long time. It was flown by the famous aerobatic pilot Rainer Wilke, who is one of very few pilots in Europe with an “Aerobatic Helicopter” endorsement in his license.

Malmen Air Base gave an impressive and memorable weekend, which treated its audience with an impressive line-up and some truly spectacular flying (yes, even some of the fixed-wings). The best ingredients were (off course) the helicopter teams, which held innovative and inspiring shows - perfectly executed. Hats off!

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