Also this Bell design is license manufactured in Italy by Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta for the Swedish defence. Training of pilots took place in Italy and five helicopters, designated HKP 11, were delivered from the factory in 1994 and were flown home by the Swedish pilots.  "HP" in the manufacturers designation 412HP stands for "High Performance".

The HKP 11 is a in peace time a pure ambulance helicopter, partly paid by means from the Government, partly from the country councils. It is equipped with very advanced medical equipment. It is also equipped with avionics that makes possible operaterations bad weather conditions. An ambulance helicopter squadron was formed at AF 1 at Boden in the northern part of Sweden.  

The crew consists of two pilots and one mechanic. Mostly, a doctor and a nurse join the crew. As standard, the HKP 11 is arranged to take two patients. 

HKP 11 will be phased out and replaced by more modern helicopters in 2004. This is according to the original plans. They said that the type would be in service for period of ten years.  

The five HKP 11’s have been ”christened” after Italian movie stars:  

# 11331 (Z-31), C/n 25801 - Anna (Magnani),

# 11332 (Z-32), C/n 25802 - Claudia (Cardinale)

# 11333 CZ-33), C/n 25803 - Gina (Lollobrigida)

# 11334 (Z-34), C/n 25804 - Sophia (Loren)

# 11335 (Z-35), C/n 25805- Isabella (Rosselini) 

These helicopters were delivered from Italy in 1994. In October/November 1993, three interim second-hand helicopters were rented from Agusta for flight training etc. These were returned after about a year. They got the Swedish serials:

# 11337 (Z-37), C/n 25507, civil registation  I-DACB

# 11338 (Z-38), C/n25602, civil registation  I-LEMA

# 11339 (Z-39),C/n 25503, civil registation  I-MGPE

The HKP 11 also has a role in the military defence. Missions as transport of personnel (up to 13 passengers), troop transports and flying with hanging load are regularly made. Also the HKP 11 takes part in fighting forest fires.  

The helicopter is twin-engined and powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3BE. These delivers 900 hp each and carries the Swedish designation TAM 11.

Photo at top: # 11331 at  Jönköping, August 2003.

Photo below; # 11332 at F 16, Uppsala, August 2001.

Length 12,70 m. Rotor dia.14,0 m. MTOW 5.400 kg. Cruising speed: 220 km/h.

© Lars Henriksson