Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Soevaernets Helikopter Tjeneste |
| English Title: |
| Danish Naval Aviation |
| Abbreviation: |
| SHT |
| First Established: |
| 1971 |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| Denmark |
| Status: |
| Disbanded |
History
Narrative Summary
The orginal Danish Naval air arm was amalgamated with the Army air arm into the RDanAF in 1950. Naval aviation was resumed in 1962 when Alouette III helicopters were delivered for fishery protection and rescue duties. In 1971 the navy unit was named the Soevaernets Flyvetjaeneste (SVF, Danish Naval Air Service). Aircraft were maintained by 722 sqn of the Air Force, on behalf of the Navy.
The SVF was originally planned to be merged onto the RDanAF in 2003 as 728 Esk, along with the Army’s helicopters, but in recognition of its importance, was reorganised under its present title in January 2004 at a new air base. Danish naval helicopters were used primarily for Fishery Patrol, shipboard support and coastal Search & Rescue (SAR) missions. On 31 December 2010 the SHT was disbanded and transferred to the RDanAF as Eskadrille 723.
Key Dates
| 1962 | Naval aviation resumed using Alouette III helicopters. | |
| 1971 | Naval aviation unit named Soevaernets Flyvetjaeneste. | |
| January 2004 | Naval aviation unit renamed to present title. | |
| 31 December 2010 | Naval aviation unit disbanded and transferred to thr RDanAF. |
Current Status
The service has been transferred to Air Force control.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
National Insignia
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Danish navy helicopters used the same serialling system as the air force – a letter prefix and unique three figure number for each airframe.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Instructional Airframes
Retired aircraft used for technical training
Aircraft NOT Used
False reports of aircraft on order or in service – none known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
PO Box 202, DK-2950 Vedbaek.
Organisational Structure
All helicopters are based at Karup and onboard five ships.
Current Order of Battle
Not applicable.
Historical Orders of Battle
The order of battle between 2004 and 2010 was as below:
Click on unit name for more details
| Squadron | Type | Base |
|---|---|---|
| SHT | Super Lynx Mk.90B | Karup |
All-Time Flying Units List
Soevaernets Helikopter Tjeneste
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
Until 2003 the main naval helicopter base was at Vaerlose. Subsequently, all helicopters were operated from Karup – the military helicopter base for Denmark.
Military Air Bases List
Aircraft & helicopter carrying ships list
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
World Air Power Journal No.1 p.134
Air International Feb 1995
Websites
Official Danish Navy webpage
wikipedia: Royal Danish Navy
Naval Aviation Fleet List 1962-Present
airliners.net
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.