Test ranges

FMV Naval Test Ranges

A strong legacy of naval testing

Whether you need to perform advanced test and evaluation (T&E) projects or prepare your units for frontline operation, FMV Naval Test Ranges (NTR) can support you with the necessary competence and infrastructure.

On 10 August 1628, the brand-new warship Vasa sailed from Stockholm on her maiden voyage. After travelling only 1300m, she sank in the harbour, taking 30 lives with her. The catastrophe, due to the faulty design of the ship, made clear the need for greater attention to military constructions and testing. Thus, the Royal Warfare Congregation was established in 1630 – granting the Swedish Navy responsibility for their own T&E.

At FMV T&E, we’re proud to continue the strong tradition of thorough verification and validation that is the legacy of the Vasa disaster.

Ready to embark on your next naval test project?

Contact us today 

 

Explore the test systems and infrastructure at FMV Naval Test Ranges and discover what's possible.

 

Go to NTR Test Systems and Infrastructure

 

 

Helicopter rescue operation with a person being winched hanging below the helicopter

Don’t drown in complex technical details

From naval systems and platforms, shock testing, signatures and hull structures to weapon systems and electronic warfare, we have subject matter experts ready to help support and guide your project.

FMV Naval Test Centre has deep expertise within composite hull structures such as troubleshooting, failure analysis, repairs, field repairs, ageing and operational monitoring, based on our experience from developing and working with the all-composite hull corvette Visby. We also have a vast knowledge of shock testing gained through our work with the Swedish surface ship and submarine programs.

Explore our full range of naval T&E capabilities

 

Map of Sweden showing where FMV Naval Test Ranges and Härnösand Naval Range are located

T&E of platforms, systems and more

At our FMV NTRs, you can conduct advanced T&E of naval platforms such as surface ships, warships, submarines, and other vessels – manned or unmanned, surface or sub-surface. We also offer T&E of naval weapon, electronic warfare and sensor systems.

Our NTRs include the Naval Test Centre in Karlskrona and the Sea Range located in the Stockholm Archipelago. Härnösand Naval Test, Training and Exercise Range is also a valuable location used for test and training projects.

Explore all our FMV Test Ranges

or 

Browse our naval customer cases

 

History

 

1628: The warship Vasa sinks in Stockholm harbour on her maiden journey due to faulty design (approved by King Gustaf II Adolf).

1630: Acknowledging the need for greater military leadership and administration than is being provided by the crown, the Royal Warfare Congregation is established, and the Swedish Navy becomes responsible for their own naval testing.

1968: FMV is founded, and the Swedish Navy test department is incorporated into the new authority as a part of the procurement organisation. Swedish Naval ships are still manned by the Navy during test and evaluation, but FMV T&E are responsible for the actual verification and validation.

2006: Tests are conducted in warm waters with HMS Helsingborg in Valetta, Malta.

2006: Landing tests are undertaken with the Danish Lynx-helicopter on HMS Visby.

2010: Naval testing becomes included in the FMV T&E division and alignment with T&E procedures and processes begins. Close cooperation continues with both FMV procurement and the Swedish Navy.

2012: Flight tests are conducted with Augusta A109 LUHS, landing on HMS Visby.

2012: The first launch is undertaken of RBS 15 from HMS Visby.

2018: Tests with Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) are conducted for submarine reconnaissance.

2019: Aerial target drone capabilities are introduced, and German Navy Missile Firing Exercises performed at Härnösand Naval Test Range.

2020: Testing is conducted with new lightweight torpedoes from HMS Karlstad.

2021: The first launch of RBS 15 for the Polish Navy is performed at Härnösand Naval Test Range.