The Swedish Armed Forces are in the midst of a comprehensive upgrade of their Helikopter 16 (UH-60M Black Hawk) fleet, aimed at increasing their operational range by an impressive 50%. This significant enhancement, which began in autumn 2023, involves the installation of an additional fuel tank that can be mounted in the helicopter’s cabin when needed. The modification is being carried out by U.S. Army personnel in Sweden and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
The newly installed fuel tank, with a capacity of approximately 750 liters, dramatically extends the helicopters’ flight time, offering enhanced operational flexibility. This upgrade is especially valuable for missions in vast operational environments, like those encountered in Mali, where Swedish forces previously deployed a similar system during their international mission that concluded in 2022.
Per Johnsson, Technical Chief for Helikopter 16, emphasized the critical collaboration that made this extensive modification work possible. “This would not have been achievable without the excellent cooperation between the Air Staff, the Helicopter Wing, the Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and the American supplier,” Johnsson noted. He also reported that several helicopters have already been successfully modified and tested with the additional fuel tank, delivering promising results.
The adoption of this fuel system, already in use by other countries including the United States, allows Sweden to leverage the well-established configurations and support provided by the U.S. Army, particularly in areas of airworthiness and system integration.
Once the modifications are complete, all of Sweden’s Helikopter 16 units will be equipped with the capability to utilize the additional fuel tank. This upgrade will significantly enhance the operational flexibility and reach of Sweden’s helicopter units, ensuring they are better equipped for extended missions with greater endurance and availability.
