Hässlehed

Hässlehed is the main military air base of Vittmark's air force, located 4 km outside the town of Hässleheden in southernmost Ådalen state in the outskirts of the Blue Mountains.

History

Hässlehed has a long military tradition dating back to the 73rd century. Originally this was a military facility for Ådalens cavalry units, later the facilities were shared with the infantry. When Ådalen became part of Vittmark, the facility was modernised. A lot of the military buildings from that era, the second half of the 76th century, are preserved in a more park-like setting and still in use today. This is quite unusual for active military facilities in Vittmark, but part of the explanation is that the transformation to an air force facility starting in 7606 was carried out completely in a new extension, with the existing facilities being able to remain operational until the army units were relocated completely in the 7620's. Then the buildings had historical and cultural value as part of Vittmark's early joint military past.

Air force operations started officially in 7613. At that time the air base had three fighter planes. From 7623 to 7674 the L03 fighter plane unit was the main user of the base, accompanied by some reconnaissance units. But in 7674 even the air defence unit L16 moved in, which included building new headquarters and facilities like long range radar installations. A runway extension to 3200 meters was finished in 7682, enabling large Livarian early warning and control system air planes to use the facility as well.

Civilian use

While Hässlehed is strictly a military facility, the Vittmarker air plane manufacturer AVFAB was allowed to open a new manufacturing unit here in the late 7670's as well. Since 7683 the civilian AFVAB G-40, a 34-40 seater twin prop engine plane, is manufactured here next to its military counterpart L-40AW, L-40C and L-40CS. The AW has non-movable radar installed, while the CS is adapted for landings and take-off at very short runways and even grass strips.

Facilities

• A 3200 m and 2300 m runway, 12 helipads and thee dispersal satellite airstrips on public roads (Bernadette, Klara, Disa) outside the compound.
• Passenger terminal for military transport
• Maintenance hangars and servicing facilities for all aircraft systems and other technical buildings for servicing and support of survival equipment
• Hardened and underground aircraft shelters, protected storage of aircraft ordnance and munitions
• Nuclear proof air force command buildings
• Training facilities with flight simulators
• Military administration
• Medical facility
• Anti-aircraft weapons and force protection
• Air control tower, radar installations (including across the horizon radar)
• Residential quarters including services

Operations

The air base houses the following units:

• H24 4th Helicopter Wing
• LSS (Luftstridsskolan) air combat training group
• FFS (Flygvapnets flygskola) general pilot training school
• L03 3rd Combat Plane Wing
• L16 air defence regiment (with radar- and command air planes)
• MSK supplies and logistics regiment
• FMC air defence military facilities