The first light helicopter Hughes 269/Model 300 flew in 1956. Schweizer Aircraft Corp bought the rights to build the Hughes 300 helicopter in 1983 and took over the entire programme in 1986. Hughes produced 2.800 of all versions, Schweizer has also sold a large number of the type. .

For evaluation, the Swedish Army acquired two Hughes 269A in 1964. The two-seat helicopter was given the designation HKP 5A. Tests concerning artillery spotting was executed, where the capabilities of the helicopter was compared with those of  the aircraft Fpl 51 Piper Super Cub, which had been used by the Army since 1954. The tests showed both advantages and disadvantages for the both alternatives.  

Both of the two HKP 5A’s were written off in 1967 after accidents.  

26 helicopters, now of the type 269C/Model 300C, were delivered to the Army 1984-1987. The type got the designation HKP 5B. The type was chosen mainly as it was a suitable training helicopter with lower running costs than the recently used HKP 6 Jet Ranger. The HKP 5B has also replaced the Fpl 61 Scottish Aviation Bulldog as an observation platform. As it demands a lot of maintenance, it was also a suitable machine to train conscript mechanics.

One advantage to choose the Schweizer 300, was that about 40 civil helicopters of this type were registered in Sweden; helicopters that could be mobilised in a war situation.  

The HKP 5B was upgraded twice to suit the recent defence organisations. It was powered by a Lycoming H 10-360 engine, delivering 190 hp. The All HKP 5B’s were based at Malmen near Linköping, where the Central Helicopter School and the AF2 battalion are located. The battalion in now belonging to the Common Helicopter Wing of the Swedish Defence.   

© Lars Henriksson

Updated 2010-08-12