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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.
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