Spotting at Linkoping-Malmen - Sweden

[Sven van Roij]

Hi all!

A few weeks from now I'll travel through Sweden, together with a friend of mine. On our way we'll pass the Linkoping-Malmen airbase. We are planning to stay there for a day or so.

A few years ago I was in Norway to do some spotting. There were very strict rules about photography. On the web the same info can be found about Sweden. Has anyone got some more info end experience? I'm looking for some spotting guides aswell, so everything is welcome!

Regards,
Sven

[ehusmann]

If 'in a few weeks' means end of July, early August, you can probably save yourself the trouble. Usually the Swedish Air Force takes that period off for holidays and flying activity is reduced to an absolute minimum. About 20 years ago that already meant you could sit at the fence for a full week and see absolutely nothing, I cannot imagine that has changed much.

Erwin

[Sven van Roij]

We're planning to visit the airbase on July the 11th

[ehusmann]

Doubtful then, so don't be surprised if there is little or no activity.
I know of at least one very good spot, which is a small road just south of the 08-26 runway (the small one). It is very close to the runway and you have a pretty good view of most of the base. You'll be able to see the helicopter platforms and the Sk.60 platform as well from here. Check Google Earth for the parallel road between the runway and the woods.
Also from the museum you might do some spotting. You have no views of the base, but if they use the 01-19 runway the planes come in right in front of you. A little high, but doable.
In my experience security has always been tight, but usually they leave you alone when on public roads. Taking pictures to the base might get you some trouble though, but I cannot be sure since I never took pictures in Sweden.

Erwin

[Sven van Roij]

Thanks for the tips. I had noticed the little road next to the runway aswell. I'll give it a try!

Sven

[aviodromefriend]

Ah, Malmen!!

Funny memories of the HAT trip in 2001 brought back by the name only.

BTT: this topic had me reconstructing a walk I did after that show and before the coach showed up for the return journey. While doing that I found a Caravelle on the base that can be seen on Google Streetview from the Södermalmsvägen at the apron SW-ish from the treshold 08. Maybe it is still there?

If there is nothing to be seen, there is still the museum, if they are happy to get Dutch visitors, Post show a lot of people in that group spent some time swapping signs to the wrong aircraft...