Swiss Air Force: the logbook
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Magnificent men with a flying machine - two Swiss pilots in front of a MS-35 Helene, built in 1913 by the French Morane-Saulnier aircraft manufacturing company. Keystone -
The Haefeli DH-1 served as reconnaissance aircraft for the army between 1916 to 1919. Keystone -
A Haefeli DH-2, in use as trainer and reconnaissacnce aircraft between 1916 and 1922. Six such planes were built by the state-owned construction company in Thun. Keystone -
The armed forces bought a total of 24 Haefeli DH-3 aircraft. They were used as trainer and reconnaissance aircraft between 1917 and 1923. Keystone -
The nearly 60 Haefeli DH-5 used by the Swiss armed forces from 1920 onwards were considered powerful reconnaissance aircraft. Keystone -
The Dewoitine D-26 was built under French licence. Switzerland bought 29 machines which were used as trainer aircraft. Keystone -
The Wild WTS trainer aircraft was in use between 1924 and 1934. Keystone -
The Dewoitine D-27 was Switzerland's most important fighter aircraft in the 1930s. The more than 60 machines were in use until 1944. Keystone -
Switzerland bought the Messerschmitt Me-109 from Germany to defend its airspace during the Second World War. Keystone -
The C-35, a 1930s Swiss two-seat reconnaissance biplane aircraft, developed by the state-owned company in Thun. Keystone -
The C-36, a multi-purpose combat aircraft, entered service in 1942. The Air Force flew a total of 144 machines of this type. Keystone -
De Havilland Vampire DH-100: The Air Force flew 175 machines of this type from 1952 to 1990. Keystone -
The De Havilland Venom DH-112, a British production, was a combat aircraft in use until 1983. Keystone -
The PC-6 Turbo Porter transport plane was built by the private Swiss company, Pilatus Aircraft, in the 1960s and 1970s. (Picture: admin.ch) admin.ch -
Hawker Hunter Mk-58/58A aircraft were used by the Swiss Air Force between 1975 and 1991. Of the 160 machines, 28 were lost due to accidents. Keystone -
Switzerland acquired 61 Mirage lll from the French Dassault company from 1964. The supersonic all-weather interceptor was capable of flying up to 15,000 m. Keystone -
Northrop F-5E Tiger II: Switzerland bought nearly 100 jets from the leading US company, Northrop Corporation. Used primarily for control flights since the late 1970s. Keystone -
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet: Switzerland bought 34 aircraft to be used as interceptors. Built under US licence in Emmen from 1996 on. Keystone -
The eight Pilatus PC-21 are primarily used by the Swiss Air Force as trainer aircraft. (Picture: admin.ch) admin.ch -
The Beech Model 350C Super King Air seats eight passengers, two pilots and one cameraman. Keystone -
The French Dassault Falcon 50 seats up to ten passengers, in use since 1996. Keystone -
Switzerland had 84 SE-3160 Alouette III helicopters in service for transport and rescue purposes. (Picture: admin.ch) admin.ch -
Super Puma by a French manufacturer. The Swiss Air Force has 15 AS332M1 for transport and rescue missions. (Picture: RDB) RDB -
Eurocopter Cougar by French manufacturer Marignane. The Swiss bought 12 helicopters for transport, rescue and disaster relief missions. Keystone -
The Eurocopter EC635 is a light transport and trainer helicopter, manufactured by the EADS European consortium. The Swiss acquired 20 machines. Keystone
The first attempts to set up a Swiss air force were launched 100 years ago. It is a story of high-flying dreams and dramatic setbacks. The planned purchase of the Swedish Gripen fighter jet is just the latest chapter in the story.
This content was published on November 7, 2012 - 11:00- عربي مُـلـوك السماء
(All pictures Keystone, unless otherwise stated)
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