Contents
Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Bulgarian Navy |
| English Title: |
| Bulgarian Navy |
| Abbreviation: |
| ? |
| First Established: |
| ? |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| Bulgaria |
| Status: |
| Active |
| Current Title: | Aviatzia Na Bulgarski Voennomorski Flot |
| Title in English: | Bulgarian Naval Aviation |
| Abbreviation: | AnBVMF |
Narrative Summary:
In 1959 three Bulgarian Navy crews began training on two Mi-4M helicopters. A dedicated anti-submarine air squadron was established in October of the same year. Initially, it was subordinate to the Air Force, and based at Vrazhdebna airport near Sofia. On 5 May 1961 the squadron was transferred to Chaika airport and subordinated to the Navy. In 1979 the Mi-4s were replaced by Mi-14 helicopters. On In September 1990 the squadron was renamed to its present title.
| Key Dates: | ||
| 1959 | Naval helicopter crews begin training on the Mi-4. | |
| 14 October 1959 | Helicopter ASW Squadron was established. | |
| 5 May 1961 | Helicopter ASW Squadron transferred to full Navy control. | |
| September 1990 | Naval aviation unit renamed to present title. | |
Current Status:
Bulgarian naval helicopters are used primarily for ASW and Search & Rescue (SAR) missions.
Future Plans:
Take delivery of six AS.565 Panther helicopters from France.
National Insignia:
Main markingFin Flash
The main marking is displayed in three positions on helicopters: on the fuselage sides and under the fuselage. No fin flash is used. Recently overhauled Mi-14s carry an emblem, together with ‘NAVY’ and ‘Voennomorski Sili’ titles on both sides of the fuselage.
Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
Bulgarian naval helicopters use the same serialling system as the air force – a unique three figure number for each airframe.
Unit/Base Aircraft Code System(s):
Coding system not used
Aircraft Designation System(s):
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory:
Click on aircraft type for more details
| Aircraft Type | Total Del’d |
Total Now |
Role | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurocopter AS.565MB Panther | 6* | – | ASW/SAR | France |
| Mil Mi-14BT Haze | 2 | 1 | Transport | USSR |
| Mil Mi-14PL Haze | 9 | 4 | ASW/SAR | USSR |
* on order.
All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Click on aircraft type for more details
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Retirement | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurocopter AS.565MB Panther | 6* | 2010 | – | France |
| Kamov Ka-25Tz, Hormone | 1 | 1984 | 1991 | USSR |
| Mil Mi-4A, Hound | 2? | 1965 | 1979 | USSR |
| Mil Mi-4M, Hound | 4? | 1959 | 1979 | USSR |
| Mil Mi-14BT, Haze | 2 | 1979 | current | USSR |
| Mil Mi-14PL, Haze | 9 | 1979 | current | USSR |
* on order.
Aircraft NOT Used:
False reports of aircraft on order or in service – none known.
Main Headquarters:
Sofia.
Current Organisational Structure:
The Bulgarian naval air arm comprises one helicopter squadron. Initially called the OPLEV-VMF (Otdelna Protivolodachna Eskadrila na VMF – Independent ASW Squadron of the Navy), it was later renamed to its present title.
Current Order of Battle:
Click on unit title for more details
| Squadron | Type | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Otdelna Morska Eskadrila Vertoleti* | Mil-14PL/BT | Tchaika |
* = Independent Naval Helicopter Squadron
Historical Orders of Battle:
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List:
Not applicable.
 |
 |
| Pre-flight checks for a Mi-14PL (photo, George Petkov) |
Refuelling a Mi-14PL (photo, George Petkov) |
 |
 |
| Side view of Mi-14PL Haze serial 809 (photo, George Petkov) |
Another view of Mi-14PL serial 809 (photo, George Petkov) |
Current Air Bases:
All helicopters are operated from the naval base at Tchaika, on the east coast.
All-Time Air Bases Used List:
To be added
Books:
To be added
Magazines:
Air Forces Monthly May 1998
Air Forces Monthly January 2001
World Air Power Journal No.36
Websites: