Söderhamn / F15 Flygmuseum is an aviation museum located in Söderhamn, in the Gävleborg County of central Sweden. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of F15 Wing, which was an important Swedish Air Force base in the region, known for its role in Sweden’s military aviation and air defense. F15 was operational from the 1950s until it was decommissioned in 2005. The museum highlights the wing’s history, the aircraft that were stationed there, and the role of Swedish air defense throughout the Cold War and beyond.

Söderhamn / F15 Flygmuseum

Byggnad 81 Flygstaden

826 70 Söderhamn

Sweden

www.soderhamnflygmuseum.se

f15flygmuseum@hotmail.com

270 – 142 84

September – May

• Daily 10:00 – 15:00
• Thursday 10:00 – 20:00
• June – August daily 10:00 – 16:00

Closed New Year’s Weekend , Twelfth Weekend , Easter Weekend , Midsummer , Christmas Time

Admission fee

Gift shop

Aircraft collection

03423/93 28391/I 61015/15 21311/A 29666/T 32085/H 32530/14 35496/32 37009/09 37056/16 37081 37805/65 50006/83 SE-KVZ/79 60145/145 61015/15

Agusta Bell Hkp3B de Havilland J28B Vampire North American Sk16A Texan SAAB J21A-3 SAAB J29F Tunnan SAAB A32A Lansen SAAB J32E Lansen SAAB J-35F Draken SAAB AJ37 Viggen SAAB AJS37 Viggen SAAB AJS37 Viggen SAAB Sk37 Viggen SAAB Sk50 Safir SAAB Sk50 Safir SAAB Sk60E MT Scottish Aviation Sk61A Bulldog

Key Highlights of Söderhamn / F15 Flygmuseum:

1. F15 Wing History:
   • The museum is primarily dedicated to the history of F15 Wing, which was located at Söderhamn Air Base (Söderhamn’s military airfield).
   • Established in 1957, F15 played a critical role in Sweden’s air defense during the Cold War and later. The base hosted various aircraft and played an important part in defending Swedish airspace.
   • The museum chronicles the development of the air base, its strategic importance, and how it contributed to Swedish defense during critical periods.
2. Aircraft Collection:
   • F15 Flygmuseum features a variety of military aircraft that were stationed at F15 Wing over the years. Notable aircraft in the museum’s collection include:
     • Saab 35 Draken: A supersonic jet fighter that was an integral part of Sweden’s air defense during the Cold War. The Draken was known for its delta-wing design and was used by the Swedish Air Force from the 1950s until the 1980s.
     • Saab 37 Viggen: A versatile multi-role fighter and attack aircraft, the Viggen was designed for vertical take-off and landing (V/STOL) and was used from the 1970s into the early 2000s.
     • Saab J 32 Lansen: A multi-role fighter aircraft used in the 1950s and 1960s, including for ground attack missions.
     • Other military jets and supporting aircraft that were used at F15 Air Base, highlighting the aircraft types used for air defense, interception, and surveillance.
3. Cold War and Air Defense:
   • The museum emphasizes Sweden’s Cold War-era defense strategy, during which F15 Wing was a key player in maintaining Swedish airspace security.
   • The exhibits explore Sweden’s neutrality during the Cold War and the country’s focus on building a strong defense force to deter any potential threats from the East (Soviet Union) while maintaining a policy of non-alignment.
   • The museum provides historical context about Sweden’s role in air defense and how F15 Wing contributed to maintaining the balance of power during this tense period in history.
4. Pilot and Crew Training:
   • The museum highlights the training of pilots and air crew stationed at F15 Wing.
   • Exhibits show the importance of training, with a focus on how F15 Wing prepared its pilots for high-intensity operations, aerial combat, and missions related to air defense.
   • The museum also provides insight into the technology and tactics used to operate the advanced aircraft stationed at F15.
5. Educational and Interactive Exhibits:
   • F15 Flygmuseum features a variety of exhibits that offer educational experiences about Sweden’s air defense, the aircraft used at F15 Wing, and the technological developments that shaped Swedish aviation.
   • Some exhibits allow visitors to interact with aircraft parts, and there are opportunities to see inside the cockpits of some aircraft, providing a hands-on experience.
   • The museum offers detailed model displays, historical photographs, and documentation of the base’s operations, enriching visitors’ understanding of F15’s role in Sweden’s defense history.
6. Preservation and Restoration:
   • The museum is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of aircraft and other artifacts related to F15 Wing. Visitors can see aircraft being maintained and restored, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the efforts required to keep these historic pieces in good condition.
   • Volunteers and aviation enthusiasts actively work to preserve the historical aircraft in the collection, ensuring that these important pieces of Swedish aviation history are available for future generations to enjoy.
7. Aircraft Maintenance and Display:
   • The F15 Flygmuseum displays a number of retired aircraft that are in remarkable condition, showcasing both military and technical aspects of the aircraft. There are also sections that explain the maintenance and operational challenges faced by the Swedish Air Force.
   • The aircraft in the collection are often shown in a way that allows visitors to learn about the design and technology behind them.