Squadrons
Two squadrons of helicopters are stationed on this airfield: 337. with Lynx MK 86 (since 1983) and 339. with Bell 412SP (since 1964).
The 337 Squadron operates six Lynx MK 86 helicopters, which were delivered in 1983. Their purpose is to operate onboard Coast Guard ships. They will be replaced with eight new NH-90's.
The 339 Squadron operates twelve Bell 412SP, primarily used as support for the Royal Norwegian Army. The Bells were delivered in between 1987 and 1990. Previous to their delivery, the squadron operated UH-1's bought used from USA: some of those machines were received with minor battle damages and bullet holes, having seen action in the Vietnam war. The Royal Norwegian Air Force's six remaining Bells (making a total of 18) are stationed at the 720 Squadron at Rygge Air Station.
In addition, the Royal Norwegian Air Force Flight Training School is located here. The Flight Training School operates the Saab Safari.
Royal Navy (UK) commando and Royal Marine units have used Bardufoss as a training base for many years. It is also used as a base for cold weather training for Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy helicopter crews. During the "cold war" training was especially concentrated during the winter, with repair parties during the Norwegian summer. These operations were given the title of "Clockwork".
Read more about this topic: Bardufoss Air Station
Famous quotes containing the word squadrons:
“As you know, God is generally on the side of the big squadrons against the small ones.”
—Roger De Bussy-Rabutin (1618–1693)