Help us get Y70, “yankee seven zero”, airborne again
Aeroseum and the association Vertolen’s Friends is embarking on an ambitious mission to bring back to life the iconic Kawasaki Vertol Y70 helicopter, and we need your support! This historic helicopter holds a special place in aviation history, and we believe it deserves to soar once again.
Through the power of social media, we’re launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the Kawasaki Vertol Y70, “yankee seven zero”. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goal of seeing this magnificent aircraft back in the skies where it belongs. Your support will not only help us restore a piece of aviation history but also preserve it for future generations to admire and learn from. Used primarily for military purposes, in Swedish Navy Aviation, it played a crucial role in various operations and missions. Join us in this exciting journey as we work towards making dreams take flight again at Aeroseum. Together, let’s make history and witness the triumphant return of the Kawasaki Vertol Y70!
Leave your contribution via SWISH nr. 123 356 6619
or pay into BANK ACCOUNT Handelsbanken 6692-539 480 568
or PAYPAL Mail account: KV107@aeroseum.se
NOTE: When donating money to our fundraising campaign, please email your address to us at KV107@aeroseum.se!
All contributions go solely towards getting the Kawasaki Vertol Y70, “Yngve 70”, airborne!
Thank you for your contribution
We are deeply grateful for your donation to our fundraiser. As a token of our appreciation, we’d like to acknowledge your generosity.
- Donation of 100:- to 500:-: Your name will be published on our website.
- Donation of 500:- to 1000:-: You will receive a Diploma.
- Donation of 1000:- to 5000:-: You will receive a Y70 branded cap and a diploma.
- Donation over 5000:-: You will receive an invitation to attend a VIP event with Y70, a branded cap and a diploma.
The background to the fundraising
For many years, we at Aeroseum and Vertolens Vänner have worked tirelessly to get the Y70 helicopter in the air and keep it flying. The goal of getting it registered for civilian flight was achieved in September 2018 when Y70 took to the skies again. In 2022, the objective was to train 2 new pilots and participate in the celebration of the Navy’s 500th anniversary in Gothenburg. The pilots were trained, but during the preparations for the celebration, a hydraulic servo started leaking oil.
To safely operate the helicopter, a fully functional and reliable hydraulic system is essential. In order to continue flying with Y70, we need to replace or renovate the 4 servos that control the rotor discs. This process requires a significant amount of funding, and we are therefore appealing for help with financing to get Y70 back in the air. The budget for getting Y70 airborne again is just over 500,000 SEK, which we hope to raise through support from those who, like us, want to keep Y70 flying.
2022 Introduction of 2 pilots for the Navy’s 500th anniversary celebration.
2021 Event “HKP 4 Roll Out” – Testing and Engine Run
History –
Swedish Armed Forces Naval Aviation, Kawasaki Vertol Y70 & Aeroseum
Decision on Aircraft Classified as a Cultural Heritage Aircraft
The Swedish Transport Agency’s Decision:
The Swedish Transport Agency decides to classify the aircraft SE-JLY, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, KAWASAKI-KV 107-II with serial number 4083, as an aircraft of cultural heritage value.
Background of the Case: On September 20, 2022, you submitted an application to have the aircraft SE-JLY classified as an aircraft of cultural heritage value. The Swedish Transport Agency approves your request to classify your aircraft SE-JLY as an aircraft of historical value.
Reasons for the Decision: The aircraft, SE-JLY, has been found to meet the requirements according to §5 and §7 as stipulated in TSFS 2021:44, the Swedish Transport Agency’s regulations on aircraft of cultural heritage value.
This decision was made by section chief Björn Holm. The handling and presentation of the case were carried out by aviation inspector Per Englund. Björn Holm Chief, Technical Operation Section This decision may be revoked if the aircraft no longer meets the criteria. Invoicing will be done in accordance with the Swedish Transport Agency’s regulations on fees TSFS 2016:105. The decision exempts from future registration fees and fees for ongoing airworthiness monitoring.
Photos below, all rights belong to the Yngve Blås Comrades Association archive
History
Expert Opinion on Helicopter 4
Helicopter 4, Vertol/Kawasaki 107, is a true workhorse with nearly 50 years of service in the Swedish Armed Forces. Thanks to its versatility, it has been employed in a wide range of tasks, both military and civilian. Here are some examples:
Helicopter 4 is synonymous with submarine hunting during the 1980s. The Swedish people have seen numerous images in newspapers and on TV of submarine searches with Helicopter 4 hovering with listening equipment lowered into the water.
Helicopter 4 has played a significant role in maritime rescue operations. A notable example is the rescue efforts during the sinking of the Estonia, where the helicopter’s strength, stability, and endurance were of great value.
Helicopter 4 has been used for complex medical transports between hospitals, where the patient must be in a bed along with life-support equipment, accommodated by the helicopter, which also had space for medical personnel. The helicopter thus demonstrated a unique and highly valuable capacity.
Heavy lifting and firefighting are other tasks that Helicopter 4 has successfully performed.
Helicopter 4 has undoubtedly played a very significant role and also represents an important step in the technical development of helicopters. Therefore, it has great historical value, both militarily and civilian.
For many years, the helicopter has been showcased at numerous air shows around the country, demonstrating, among other things, the rescue of a simulated distressed person winched up into the helicopter, which has been highly appreciated by the audience.
By restoring a Helicopter 4 to an airworthy condition, Aeroseum will have the opportunity to once again showcase this well-known helicopter in its true element. It can thus become an attraction at, for example, air shows and serve as a living example of technological development.
If the plans are carried out, Aeroseum’s Helicopter 4 will be the only airworthy helicopter of this type not only in Sweden but also, as far as is known, in Northern Europe, which can be considered to contribute to increasing the aviation historical value of the project.
Gothenburg, September 10, 2013
Ulf Delbro
Board Member of the Swedish Aviation Historical Society and the Gothenburg Aviation Society
Helicopter 4 in the Swedish Armed Forces Naval Aviation
Marinflyget has operated with 16 HKP4 helicopters. The helicopters were first delivered in 1963 and were primarily used by the Naval Aviation for military tasks such as submarine hunting, equipped with a dipping sonar, depth charges, and torpedoes. Additionally, the helicopter could be outfitted with radar for reconnaissance and used for transporting soldiers and equipment.
The submarine hunts, especially between 1981-1990, garnered significant media attention, starting with a Soviet Whiskey-class submarine running aground in Gåsefjärden in the archipelago of Blekinge.
The HKP4 was also extensively utilized for civilian support in various incidents. For instance, during the fire on the ferry Scandinavian Star, it airlifted firefighters and their equipment to the vessel. During the Estonia disaster, nine out of the fourteen HKP4 helicopters from the Naval Aviation participated in rescuing survivors and recovering the deceased. The HKP4 has also been employed in tasks such as extinguishing forest fires by water-bombing the area using a water tank.
Helicopter 4, as it is known in military terms, served a multitude of purposes including troop transport and submarine hunting, as well as civil missions like maritime rescue and firefighting. Aeroseum has taken custody of three of the HKP4 helicopters that were involved in the submarine hunts of the 1980s and 1990s.
Text by Ulf Delbro.
HELICOPTER 4 IN THE SWEDISH AIR FORCE
The Vertol 107 began production in 1960, and the Swedish Air Force acquired 10 HKP4A helicopters during the period 1963-1965, primarily to develop FRÄD (Flygräddning för att rädda piloter som skjutit ut sig) – Pilot Rescue System for rescuing ejected pilots. Later, they were also used for maritime rescue, firefighting, and other purposes.
Initially, HKP4A were based at F8 Barkaby before being transferred to F15 Söderhamn, F17 Ronneby, and F21 Luleå.
During the transition from HKP4A to HKP10 within the Swedish Air Force, 4 helicopters were converted from HKP4A to HKP4D, which could be used by both the Air Force and the Navy. Later, they were converted to HKP4B for continued operations in the Navy.
The total flight time for HKP4 in the Swedish Air Force was 63,007 hours.
Text by Pelle Sellert
Vertol’s Friends
To support the ongoing operation of Y70 financially and with specialist expertise in the form of technicians, pilots, and other personnel, the support association Vertol’s Friends has been formed. The association aims to fly and maintain the helicopter in an airworthy condition. This is to be able to showcase Y70 at airshows and public events, as well as to ensure the preservation of aviation historical interest. You can become a supporting member of Vertol’s Friends by paying an annual membership fee of 400 sek or through a family membership for 1000 sek. We anticipate being able to conduct passenger flights again in the future. The opportunity to accompany a flight is strictly reserved for members of Vertol’s Friends.
Membership: Vertolens vänner Swish 123 171 24 70 or bg 5865-5739.
