Swiss Air Force: the logbook

Previous Next

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

• Picture 1
• Picture 2
• Picture 3
• Picture 4
• Picture 5
• Picture 6
• Picture 7
• Picture 8
• Picture 9
• Picture 10
• Picture 11
• Picture 12
• Picture 13
• Picture 14
• Picture 15
• Picture 16
• Picture 17
• Picture 18
• Picture 19
• Picture 20
• Picture 21
• Picture 22
• Picture 23
• Picture 24
• Picture 25

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.

(All pictures Keystone, unless otherwise stated)