This was the Flygvapnet's only Vickers Varsity and received the designation Tp82 for its electronic signals reconnaissance role in service. It operated from January 1953 to 1973 and earned the nicknamed the Porcupine because of the many antennas. In addition to intelligence work, the plane was also routinely deployed as a transport aircraft for the Red Cross and the UN due to its large cargo capacity.

During 1953 a standard Varsity from the production run of 163, WJ900, was selected for conversion at Hurn to Sigint capability for Sweden (and was replaced by an extra aircraft for the RAF, XD366). Two Canberras were also obtained for similar purposes. The arrival of two Caravelles in 1971 rendered these aircraft obsolete and the Varsity was fortunately set aside for preservation, along with one of the Canberras