During the early 1960's the Swedish air force found it obvious that the tactical transport needs in the future couldn't be met by the DC-3s and Pembrokes then in service. What was needed was a tactical airlifter which would also be useful for international relief missions.
de Havilland Aircraft of Canada's DHC-4 Caribou was a possible option, so one was leased and was in service a bit under two years in 1964-65, and given the designation TP 55. It wasn't used for much except evaluation flights and was based at F 7 wing, Såtenäs, which was and is the main transport airbase.
In the end, the Caribou was found to be a bit too small for the needs, so it was returned when the lease expired. Before that, a Hercules was also leased for evaluation purposes and entered service in early 1965.
More on Swedish military aviation
Document created 2000 Nov 30 by Urban
griffon@canit.se