Cat's in the west - NAS Oceana 1999

With no chances to watch new and interesting things in switzerland due work (no short time in my business), I like to dig in my archives. And as Cat-Owner (ok, I'm the servant of an cat is more precise) - the fluffy one - I always also liked the steal ones. May be planning an bicycle tour throug persia in the coming years to catch some more in the air ....

For more of my collection of the NAS Oceana Air Show in 1999, visit airfighters.com

Defense Security Cooperation Agency publishes wish list for US equipment in AIR2030 evaluation process

The American Defense Security Cooperation Agency published more info about the whish list in weaponery for the future new fighter aircraft (NKF, Neues KampfFlugzeug). The exact numbers of for example Sidewinder 9X Tactical and Captive Training Missiles and bombs are named. Especially the latter is producing high tensions in Switzerland - a lot of people had not read the small text in the last votation. .... In Switzerland these data is called Top Secret ....

Switzerland - F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft and Weapons

Switzerland - F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft and Weapons

Also of interest are the numbers for the (US-based) Air Defence part of the AIR2030 competition:

Switzerland - Patriot Configuration-3+ Modernized Fire Units and Weapons

Repetition course TA1 in SST

Normally based in Payerne, TA 1 (Helicopter) is making there yearly repetition course out of the former Swiss Air Force base of St. Stephan the next weeks:

SST is known for the famous Hunterfest and has an webcam - so you can watch some activity there:

Webcam SST

relaxing with a kingfisher

After the last couple of days with a lot of psychical stress due the votation, especially the results, I decided to calm down again with some hours at a nearby lake - including kingfisher !

 

YES - bare majority of the swiss population for new fighters !

This time the government was on the lucky side - they evaded those stupid failures of some exponents like at the Gripen votation a few years ago.

But with about 50% of the population against this budget they have to put on guard how to proceed further.

Next step: 2nd offer of the bidders for new fighter aircraft and air defense systems in november 2020

(updated chart 29.09.2020)

Patrouille Suisse training weeks - 4th and final try for 2020

 

A never ending story nears it's end - Patrouille Suisse published another schedule. It's the final try for this year. All others where cancelled due the pandemic.

2020 brochure of the team can be found here (pdf)

Last Antonov AN-124 for RUAG Emmen produced ATLAS rocket tops next week

 

Due new production factory in the United States, the Antonov AN-124 takes delivery of the upper rocket part for the last time in Emmen. ARR September 29th, DEP one day later.

The big transporter was seen about 32 times in the last 20 years in Emmen - mostly for ARIANE and ATLAS parts, but like seen on this picture also for humanitarian/technical aid in 2004. ARIANA parts will still be produced in Emmen, but transport of the parts will be via road/ship to Amsterdam. Only if time is limited, those parts will be transported by airplane.

Sniper on board - interesting exercise above Payerne

 This week our Air Force is making an interesting exercise with an temporary no-flight zone around Payerne. Super Puma/Cougar with Sniper on board is making an MilCAP in the area Fribourg / Düdingen.

Hornets invades Mollis AB next week

If weather permits, there will be a couple of Hornets taking posession of former Air Force Base in Mollis. Planned date is September 21st, but it can be a day or two later.

Exercise lasts only one day and not much activity planned except the landing and departure, 2-4 Hornets are planned.

Pictures taken due last repetition course in Mollis with F-5E/F Tiger II aircrafts, including a small airshow with an then brand new visiting Hornet (above) - 1998 !

'Pablo' will be new Commander of the Swiss Air Force in 2021

 Actually in charge for the evaluation of the new combat aircraft, former Fighter Squadron 11 leader and base commander for Meiringen - Peter 'PABLO' Merz will be Commander of the Swiss Air Force from July 1st, 2021. Congratulations !

new 2020 brochure of PC-7 Team

 

With a little hope we will see the PC-7 Team in action this year - if not this new brochure will help over our loss ....

-> the brochure can be downloaded here (pdf)

Display Teams training weeks cancelled due COVID-19

 This year is a very hard year - at the moment all training weeks are cancelled. Let's hope it will get better in october for another chance.