RFN Vidsel Museum

RFN Vidsel Museum, located near Vidsel in northern Sweden, is a museum dedicated to the history of the Swedish military, particularly its air defense and missile systems. The museum is housed near the Vidsel Test Range, one of Sweden’s most important military test facilities, and offers a fascinating look at Sweden’s role in the development of defense technology. The museum features exhibits related to the Swedish Armed Forces, focusing on missile defense, aircraft, and rocket technology, with a particular emphasis on the Cold War and the development of air defense systems.

RFN Vidsel Museum

Vidsels flygplats

942 95 Vidsel

Sweden

http://www.vidsel.nu/rfnmuseum/

rfnmuseum@vidsel.nu

+46 929-37111

For permission to visit the museum +46 929-37111

Aircraft collection

de Havilland J33 Venom and Agusta Bell Hkp3C helicopter
03156/93

SE-DCA

32616/46

32615/45

35604/04

37378/38

02403/03

.

–

S526

–

050

Agusta Bell Hkp3C

de Havilland J33 Venom

SAAB J32B Lansen

SAAB J32D Lansen

SAAB J35J Draken

SAAB JA37 Viggen

Sud Aviation Hkp2 (Alouette II)

Drones

GAF Jindivik

Rb02  CT-20

Rb03  KD2R-5

Rb06  MQM-107A

This is a test-range museum with drones and aircraft

Rb06 Drone (Raytheon MQM-107A Streaker)

Key Highlights of RFN Vidsel Museum:

  1. History of Vidsel Test Range:
    • The museum offers insight into the history of the Vidsel Test Range, which has been operational since the 1950s. It has been used extensively for testing missiles, rockets, and aircraft systems.
    • The Vidsel Test Range played a crucial role in testing Swedish-made missile defense systems, radar technology, and other critical military equipment, especially during the Cold War when Sweden sought to enhance its defense capabilities in the face of potential threats.
  2. Missile Defense Systems:
    • One of the main attractions at the RFN Vidsel Museum is its collection of missile defense technology, particularly Swedish-developed surface-to-air missiles and rockets. The museum showcases both the missiles themselves and the launching systems used during testing.
    • Exhibits feature key missile systems such as the RB 70, a Swedish-made short-range missile system, and the Huginn anti-aircraft missile, which were part of Sweden’s strategy to defend its airspace from potential attacks.
  3. Aircraft and Aviation:
    • The museum also houses a collection of military aircraft that were tested or used in conjunction with the Vidsel Test Range. This includes various Swedish Air Force aircraft that were integral to the testing of missile systems and radar technologies.
    • Notable aircraft include Saab 37 Viggen and Saab 35 Draken, both of which were involved in missile defense and testing operations in the Cold War era.
  4. Cold War Era Defense:
    • RFN Vidsel Museum provides a detailed account of Sweden’s military strategy during the Cold War. With a focus on neutrality and defensive capability, the museum highlights how Sweden developed its air defense systems, missiles, and other military technologies to protect its sovereignty during a time of heightened tensions between the East and the West.
    • The exhibits explain how Vidsel played a pivotal role in testing the technology that was central to Sweden’s defense during the Cold War, including how missile defense systems and radar were developed and tested to counter air threats