Current Title:	Soevaernets Helikopter Tjeneste
Title in English:	Danish Naval Helicopter Service
Abbreviation:	SHT

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.

Key Dates:
1962		Naval aviation resumed using Alouette III helicopters.
1971		Naval aviation unit named Soevaernets Flyvetjaeneste.
Jan 2004		Naval aviation unit renamed to present title.

Current Status:
Danish naval helicopters are used primarily for Fishery Patrol, shipboard support and coastal Search & Rescue (SAR) missions.

Future Plans:
The eight existing Lynx are being upgraded to Super Lynx Mk.90B standard with a new airframe and exising equipment reinstalled. With only seven left operational, a damaged airframe in storage will be included in the upgrade.

National Insignia:

          Main markingFin Flash
The main marking is displayed on each side of the fuselage on helicopters. The fin flash is displayed on the fin. Naval helicopters also carry an 'anchor' insignia in black or white on the fuselage sides.

Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
Danish naval helicopters use the same serialling system as the air force - a letter prefix and 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
Westland Super Lynx Mk.90B	8	8	Patrol/Fishery Prot.	UK

All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Click on aircraft type for more details

Aircraft Type	Quantity	Service Entry	Retirement	Origin
Sud Aviation SE3160 Alouette III	8	1962	1982	France
Westland Lynx Mk.23 £	1	1987	2006+	UK
Westland Lynx Mk.80	8	1980	2004	UK
Westland Lynx Mk.90	2	1987	2003	UK
Westland Super Lynx Mk.90B	8	2000	current	UK

£ = used for ground training only.

Aircraft NOT Used:
False reports of aircraft on order or in service - none known.

Main Headquarters:
PO Box 202, DK-2950 Vedbaek.

Current Organisational Structure:
All helicopters are based at Karup and onboard five ships.

Current Order of Battle:

Squadron	Type	Base
SHT	Super Lynx Mk.90B	Karup

Historical Orders of Battle:
Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List:
Soevaernets Helikopter Tjeneste

Current Air Bases:
All helicopters are operated from Karup - the military helicopter base for Denmark.

All-Time Air Bases Used List:
Until 2003 the main naval helicopter base was at Vaerlose.
Military Air Bases Listing
Aircraft & helicopter carrying ships listing

Books:

To be added

Magazines:

World Air Power Journal No.1 p.134

Websites:

Official Danish Navy webpage

wikipedia: Royal Danish Navy

Naval Aviation Fleet List 1962-Present

airliners.net

Lynx Mk.90B Photo Walkaround