Vidsel Test Range
Vidsel Test Range is a Swedish strategic national test and evaluation asset operated by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), a part of the Swedish Ministry of Defence, near Vidsel.
| Vidsel Test Range | |
|---|---|
| Near Vidsel in Sweden | |
| Coordinates | 65°52′50.3″N 20°6′59.5″E |
| Type | Aerospace (military/civil) |
| Site information | |
| Operator | Swedish Defence Materiel Administration |
| Status | Active |
| Site history | |
| In use | 1958–present |
Physical attributes
Vidsel Test Range are located in the north of Sweden, in a region with extremely low population and little air-traffic.
Restricted airspace
Vidsel Test Range has a permanently restricted airspace, called R02 in the Swedish system.
It covers the suspended ground space and is 7,200 km² in size, with GND/UNL altitude restriction.
Suspended ground-space
Vidsel Test Range has a 3,300 km² large ground area, that is prohibited to enter for non-authorized personnel.
1,600 km² is the original test area established 1958, and is suspended year-around.
1,700 km² (divided in one 1600 km² and one 100 km² part) is only used and suspended when special demands calls for a larger area. The extended range can be used Sept-Jun.
Local impacts
There are uncertainties and critique regarding negative impacts for the local environment and population, including the indigenous population of Same people and their herding reindeers.
References
"Vidsel Range Order", ed 1.1, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), 2009
External links
- Vidsel Test Range web site
- Vidsel Test Range on the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration website