Always Deployed

Always Ready
WELCOME TO HELICOPTER WING KARUP

When you read this, Helicopter Wing Karup has one or more helicopters de-
ployed, to an airbase or with a naval vessel, in Denmark or abroad, with the
task of saving lives.

This is a fact of life for us, the approximately 900 soldiers working side by
side in the Helicopter Wing. We work hard and dedicated. Our helicopters are
always on a mission, whether it be in the arctic ice-scapes; in the dunes and
dust storms of Afghanistan, on board ships or in the air over Danish soil as
an efficient Search and Rescue-capacity or surveillance-role for the civilian
authorities.

We are always deployed, always ready.

Lt. Col. Henrik Kanstrup (LAN)
Our mission is to maintain our helicopter capabilities ready for battle – Acting Commander
through strength and dedication. Helicopter Wing Karup.

This booklet gives you an overview of our structure and units. When you visit us, I hope you spare the time to talk to the
men and women working at the Helicopter Wing. Independent, well trained and loyal, they are a part of the backbone of
the Royal Danish Air Force.

About Helicopter Wing Karup

All the helicopters of the Danish armed forces are placed at Karup Airbase in Helicopter Wing Karup.

The helicopters are divided into three squadrons, 722 SQN, 723 SQN and 724 SQN. Each has its unique history and
raison d’être.

In addition, Helicopter Wing Karup has a ground unit attached, the 660 SQN, with subunits such as security force, military
working dogs and a medical unit. When deployed, this squadron gives the wing a series of specialized skills to utilize in or
around the helicopters or in support of other Air Force capabilities.

No helicopter in the air without the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Logistic Group. More than 150 soldiers work to
keep the helicopters available for missions 24 hours a day.

Probably the most difficult work in the world.

The Danish Flying School is also placed under Helicopter Wing Karup. All Danish pilots begin their career with a thumbs
up on a final check after a three-month intro-course. Hundreds apply each year, usually less than ten pass the final check
and get to continue their military careers as pilots.

Finally, Helicopter Wing Karup is responsible for military security on the airbase, and the operations on the airfield itself
with Fire & Rescue, Air Traffic Control and aviation fuels.

The missions are ongoing, and Karup Airbase never sleeps.

 STAFF
In order to manage a large, complicated organisation like the Helicopter Wing, the commander makes use of
his staff. The staff consists of members from all three groups and is organized as a NATO-staff, the majority of
which is placed physically close to the commander. To facilitate close dialogue within the logistics and mainten-
ance part of the organization, Logistics Group is placed near the hangars on the far side of the airfield.

Operations Group
Operations Group consists of the three helicopter squadrons, the 660 Force Protection Squadron, the Flying
School and the wing operations centre and staff elements that directly support the operations. The proverbial
spearhead of the wing.

Logistic Group
Logistic Group is responsible for helicopter maintenance, logistics and supply at Helicopter Wing Karup.
More than 150 soldiers work at Logistic Group, most of which are skilled workers, aircraft mechanics, supply
specialists, flight engineers, et cetera. During deployments, a major part of the personnel is from Logistic Group.

The group consists of a staff element – A4 Logistics Planning, an Aircraft Maintance Squadron, A supply section,
Materiel Training section and a Logistic Support Squadron.
HELICOPTER WING

Support Group
Support Group contains all the units not directly related to flying, but which are necessary for making the Heli-
copter Wing an efficient operational organization.

The Command section in Support Group consists of an IT element, an administration section and a garrison
support element, all in all approximately 20 employees. The Command section is also responsible for the daily
management of the overall Military Security at Karup Airbase.

Other units in Support Group are the A1 - Human Resources, responsible for the overall management of the
personnel at Helicopter Wing Karup and A8 – Budget & Finance, directly located under Chief Support Group.

Finally, some base-related units are placed in Support Group under the common denominator Airfield Support.
STAFF

The Wing reserve, Parent Unit section and Aviation Safety

The Wing Reserve consists of civilians, ex-military personnel attached to the Helicopter Wing. They choose to
retain a loose attachment to the military, helping with their special expertise days or weeks each year.

The Parent Unit section is responsible for the coordination and training and the deployment planning of individu-
al and small scale deployments. The main task is to support Danish Air Force units, but NATO partners as well,
and if needed also the Army and Navy with individualist and small scale sections.

Aviation Safety. Throughout the Air Force aviation safety is of paramount importance. Helicopter Wing Karup
continuously work with building an aviation safety structure based on ‘airworthiness’ and civilian EASA stan-
dards. It is a highly prioritized and ongoing project and constant focus is needed on processes and documen-
tation in order to develop the aviation safety environment in order to avoid aircraft crashes and other accidents
related to flying.

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OPERATIONS GROUP 722 SQUADRON

722 SQUADRON
722 SQN with its 170 soldiers is the largest of the three flying squadrons in Helicopter Wing Karup. The squadron
uses 14 EH-101 Merlin helicopters from Agusta-Westland for its two main tasks, which are Search and Rescue
(SAR) and troop transport.

Search and Rescue: Since 1956 Search and Rescue has been a primary task of the squadron.
the squadron continuously has three helicopters placed north, south and east in Denmark on rapid alert, enabling
the crews to respond to crises on land or primarily, along the long coastline of Danish territorial waters. (15 mi-
nutes in daytime and 30 minutes in nighttime from alert to helicopter in the air)

Out of a total of approximately 900 missions each year, 200 are Search and Rescue missions at sea.

In the SAR-role, a crew consists of two pilots, a mission systems operator/secondary rescue swimmer, a flight
engineer and hoist operator, a primary rescue swimmer/flight engineer and a physician. A shift lasts 72 hours,
during which the crews stay together for eating, sleeping and training.

Tactical Troop Transport: The squadron has a unit specifically trained and equipped to conduct tactical troop
transport, a phrase covering various military compentencies, the purpose of which is to participate in a support
role in international operations.

In this role, the EH101 is equipped with different kinds of weapon systems, electronic warfare measures, ballistic
protection et cetera. This enables the crew to operate in a hostile environment. The various tasks in this role inclu-
de troop transportation, transport of goods/arms internally or as underslung loads, tactical medical evacuation,
isolated personnel recovery and in a national context, support to the Police Quick Reaction Force response unit.

During the period July 2014 until late 2015, Helicopter Wing Karup was deployed to Mazar e-Sharif in Northern
Afghanistan with two EH101 as tactical MEDEVAC.

The EH101 Merlin proved itself a particularly capable helicopter ready for future challenges.

Other tasks include Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and patient transports, distress calls at sea, environmental
surveillance at sea, VIP-transportation, support to the police, transportation of large objects using sling, et cetera.
6

EH101 STATISTICS
Manufacturer: Agusta Westland Helicopters Ltd., UK Empty weight: 10,600 kg
Role: Medium-lift transport/ utility helicopter Max. takeoff weight: 15.600 kg
Length: 22,80 m Cruise speed: 250 km/h
Height: 5,30 m Never exceed speed: 275 km/h
Rotor diameter: 18,59 m Range: 1.129 km
Powerplant: 3 × Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01 Service ceiling: 4.575 m
turboshafts, 1,566 kW
(take-off power) each.
 723 SQUADRON
The 723 squadron was transferred to the Air Force from the Navy 1st of January, 2011. This made it the youn-
gest flying squadron in the Air Force despite the fact that the squadron can trace its roots back more than 100
years.

The squadron uses its Lynx helicopters, soon to be Seahawks, for maritime surveillance, fisheries inspection,
transport, support for the police, search and rescue at sea and for upholding Danish sovereignty. Furthermore
the war task, Anti Surface Warfare, is regularly trained.

The squadron is almost always deployed with the navy in the Arctic, patrolling the waters around Greenland and
the Faroe Islands. The squadron also regularly deploys with the navy to international waters, e.g. around the
coast of Somalia and the Horn of Africa in anti-piracy operations. In this role, the Lynx is an invaluable asset to
the combined joint NATO fleet as a sensor unit enabling the fleet to see beyond the curve of the ocean. On this
mission-type, the Lynx carries a door-mounted 12.7 mm. heavy machine gun, M3M.
OPERATIONS GROUP 723 SQUADRON

The lynx features a two-man – single pilot - cockpit. In the Arctic the Lynx is manned with a pilot and two flight
engineers of which one is also a rescue swimmer. If it is a combat -/tactical mission, the Lynx is manned with
a pilot, a tactical coordinator and a flight engineer. Depending on the specifics of the mission the Lynx can also
bring a medic, a door gunner, a sniper etc.

LYNX STATISTICS
Manufacturer: Agusta Westland Helicopters Ltd., UK Empty weight: 3.550 kg
Role: Naval / utility helicopter Max. takeoff weight: 5.530 kg
Length: 12.16 m Cruise speed: 223km/h
Height: 3.67 m Maximum speed: 310 km/h
Breadth: 2.94 m Range: 370 km
Rotor diameter: 12.80 m Service ceiling: 3.658 m
Powerplant: 2 x 1.260 HP Rolls-Royce Gem
42-1 turboshaft, 835 KW each.

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SEAHAWK
Helicopter Wing Karup is currently in the proces of integrating 9 new MH-60R Seahawks into 723 squadron. The Sea-
hawks are a replacement for the ageing Lynx-helicopters, which were put into service in Denmark in 1977.

The new Seahawks will bring Denmark to the forefront of helicopter technology. With improved range and sensors the
Seahawk is a lift to the capabilities of the Helicopter Wing. It will undoubtedly become a treasured tool for the navy as
well, whether it be in the Arctic, in anti-piracy operations, in search and rescue operations or in maritime surveillance
operations.

SEAHAWK STATISTICS
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft Rotor diameter: 16.35 m
Role: Multimission maritime helicopter Empty weight: 6,895 kg
Crew: 3–4 Max. takeoff weight: 9,927 kg
Length: 19.75 m Maximum speed: 270 km/h
Height: 5.2 m Range: 834 km at cruise speed
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric Service ceiling: 3,580 m
T700-GE-401C turboshaft,
1,890 shp, 1,410 kW,
take-off power each.
OPERATIONS GROUP 724 SQUADRON

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724 SQUADRON
The 724 squadron is the smallest of the three helicopter squadrons, consisting of just 40 soldiers, operating
11 AS 550 Fennec helicopters.

The squadron has its origins in the army as an anti-tank weapon system, carrying tow missiles. Today, the
squadron uses the Fennec as a light, yet versatile, unarmed platform for reconnaissance and observation
in support of ground troops and as top cover with special forces sniper assets. It is also used in support of
civilian authorities and the Police Quick Reaction Force response unit.

The Fennec is a highly valued asset when used for humanitarian searches, missing persons etc. The
squadron always has a crew on a two-hour-notice, if civilian or military authorities are in need of a helicopter.

The squadron was used as a reconnaissance platform in the wedding of His Royal Highness Crown Prince
Frederik to Princess Mary Elizabeth Donaldson in 2004, and it was used during the visit of US president
Barack Obama in 2009.

The Squadron has been deployed several times, to Macedonia in 2002, Iraq in 2005 and 2007, and to
Afghanistan in 2008.
The Fennec is manned with a pilot and an observer in the front and a flight engineer in the back. That still
leaves room for another 2-3 persons. Even though the Fennec is a small helicopter, it can sling loads up to
750 kg.

FENNEC STATISTICS
Manufacturer: Sociéte Nationale Industrielle
Aérospatiale, Frankrig
Role: Light utility helicopter
Length: 10,93 m
Height: 3,34 m
Rotor Diameter: 10,69 m
Powerplant: 1 x 722 HP Turbomeca Arriel
101 1D1 turbine engine.
Empty weight: 1.220 kg
Max. takeoff weight: 2.250
Cruise speed: 186 km/h
Maximum speed: 287 km/h
Reach: 420 km
Service ceiling: 4.800 m
 FLYING SCHOOL
The primary task of the Danish Flying School is to test pilot candidates to see whether they are suitable as pilots
in the Royal Danish Air Force. A small, dedicated staff test the candidates in the T-17 trainer aircraft. If they pass
the Flying School’s final check, they go to the Officers Training Academy and then to USA to further build their
skills on fixed wing aircraft or helicopters.

As the training to be a pilot is by far the most expensive in the armed forces, the candidates enter a 12-year
binding contract with the armed forces.

The Flying School has various other courses, one of which is a crew member’s course.

The pilots of the Flying School also participate in the overall tasking of the Helicopter Wing, the T-17 is an ideal
aircraft to fly ‘low and slow’ against naval vessels in their target acquisition training.
OPERATIONS GROUP FLYING SCHOOL

Foto: ©Christian Schrik, www.aimhigh.nl

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T-17 SUPPORTER STATISTICS
Manufacturer: SAAB AB, Sweden Empty weight: 920 kg
Role: Trainer aircraft Max. Takeoff weight: 1.200 kg
Length: 7m Cruise speed: 185 km/t
Height: 2,6 m Maximum speed: 285 km/t
Wingspan: 8,85 m Reach: 700 km
Powerplant: 1 x 200 HP Lycoming piston engine Service ceiling: 3.000 m
OPERATIONS GROUP 660 SQUADRON

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660 SQUADRON
660 SQN is responsible for aircraft security for the entire Danish Air Force. With its Security Force, its focal point is to
protect deployed units and to guard aircraft and airbases. A newly added task is that of Personnel Recovery. The squadron
is to deploy teams that are specialized in recovering wounded and isolated personnel.

Furthermore, 660 SQN has two additional capacities.

The Military Working Dog unit consists of dog handlers with combi-dogs, a merge of a sentry dog and mine/explosives
detection dog. This capacity is much requested by all branches of the armed forces and is also used by civilian authorities.

The Medical Centre unit consists of highly skilled paramedics, who can deploy with the helicopters in the role of Forward
Aeromedical Evacuation. That is, stabilizing wounded personnel during transport in helicopter from pick-up in the theatre
to a field hospital.
 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
The Logistic Group (LG)
Consists of eight branches, and is responsible for the maintenance, logistics, supply and administration related to
the technical operation of helicopters and planes within Helicopter Wing Karup (HW KAR). The group also provides
specific technical training to e.g mechanics, and maintains a wide range of vehicles, weapons and safety equipment.
Most of the 300 soldiers within the group are Airmen and NCO´s with an in-depth knowledge and experience as
mechanics, supply specialists, flight engineers etc. In relation to international operations and large exercises abroad
the group participates with a substantial number of personnel to ensure deployments and re-deployments, as well
as appropriate in-field logistics, repair facilities etc. The group is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel with a Major
LOGISTIC GROUP AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SQUADRON

as XO.

A4 Logistic branch/The LG-staff

Is responsible for the internal coordination within the LG, and in addition the short- and long term planning for
the entire HW KAR working field in relation to aircraft maintenance, supporting equipment, vehicles, weapons etc.
Furthermore the branch contributes substantial to the process of planning and execution of logistics in relation to
international operations and larger exercises abroad. The head of the branch serves as the LG XO.

Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO)

Holds the responsibility for the continuing airworthiness of helicopters and planes operated by HW KAR.
This includes coordination of maintenance in accordance with the operational requirements, and the performance
of surveys of workshops and applied procedures/processes. The branch is obliged to focus on overall financial per-
spectives as well as those related to quality and safety.

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 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMS)
Conducts certain levels of maintenance on helicopters operated by HW KAR along with the overhaul of components.
The branch additionally provides on-the-job-training for Apprentice Mechanics, and a limited capability to participate
in technical rescue and recovery missions. The branch consists of around 150 employees.

Supply Section
The Supply Section is responsible for the planning, management and controlling of supplies and storages within the
entire HW KAR. The branch consists of around 50 employees, and contributes substantially to logistics in relation to
international operations and large exercises abroad.

Logistic Support Squadron conducts maintenance, repairs and modifications of weapons (both personal and air-
LOGISTIC GROUP AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SQUADRON

craft mounted), aircraft safety- and emergency equipment, trucks (e.g crashtenders) and 4WD vehicles. The branch
has approximately 60 employees, who also contributes to technical rescue and recovery missions.

Materiel Training
Provides HW KAR specific technical training to e.g mechanics and crewmembers in accordance with the European
Military Air Worthiness Requirement (EMAR) and the European Aviation Safety Agency concept (EASA).

Administration
Directs, conducts and coordinates the administrative tasks within the group.

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 AIRFIELD SUPPORT
Fire & Rescue is a unit of 36 fire fighters specialized in aircraft fire fighting. They are also trained as first aid
specialists and a team of three fire fighters and an on-scene commander is on high readiness alert 24/7 to any
flight-related activity on the airbase.

As their primary tool, they use a special crashtender able to cover several hundred square meters of crash site
with foam in a matter of seconds.
SUPPORT GROUP
AIRFIELD SUPPORT

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Air Traffic Control is responsible for the safe separation and handling of air traffic as well as traffic on the ground on and
around the runway and taxi-way system.
Air Traffic Control is divided into three categories – Tower Control, Approach- and Departure Control and Area Control.
Furthermore Flight Information Service is provided in certain types of airspace.

Tower Control is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of traffic in the vicinity of an airfield, landing and departing
air traffic, as well as air traffic and vehicles operating at an airfield.

Approach- and Departure Control is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of airborne air traffic, either appro-
aching to land or departing from an air field.

Area Control is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of air traffic enroute.

Fuel is a small unit responsible for delivering aerial fuels to own and visiting military aircraft. The unit has a variety of tank
wagons of different sizes, and the personnel often deliver fuels off base when Helicopter Wing units take part in exercises.
 MILITARY SECURITY
The Military Security at Airbase Karup
is the guard and control unit. The unit
keeps control of who gets in and out
of Airbase Karup. In order to do that,
control of military ID, dog patrols and
inspections throughout the airbase
24 hours a day is required.

Airbase Karup has great outdoor fa-

cilities for training the special sentry/
explosives detection dogs used by
the guards. The dogs are extremely
efficient in searching large areas and
SUPPORT GROUP

in pacifying trespassers.

The guards are armed when in

service. They are always ready to use
necessary force in order to secure hu-
man lives, valuables and vital effects.

The guard and control unit is a

natural first responder unit, just like
Fire & Rescue. The guards are usually
the first to arrive at an incident site,
so being trained in medics, escor-
MILITARY SECURITY

ting and on-scene commanding is

mandatory.

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Published by
Helicopter Wing Karup, august 2016
Herningvej 30
7470 Karup J

Telephone: +45 72 81 39 99
www.forsvaret.dk/hwkar
hwkar@mil.dk

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