Air 04 Set to Take Off in Payerne
(Source: Swiss Information Service; issued Sept. 3, 2004)
Switzerland is gearing up to host its first major air show since 1994, featuring breathtaking aerobatic displays over the Swiss countryside. Around 200,000 spectators are expected to attend Air 04, which is set to take place over the weekend at the Payerne airbase in western Switzerland.
The event will be an opportunity for foreign manufacturers to show off their fighter aircraft, in the hope that they will be chosen to replace Switzerland’s ageing fleet of Tiger jets.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: the Boeing F-18E, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed F-16 and Saab Gripen, which are among the competitors for the replacement of Switzerland’s F-5E Tigers, are scheduled to attend the show.)
“This is the most important air show organised in Switzerland at the start of the 21st century,” said the event’s director, Ian Logan. “It’s been an enormous challenge but we’re sure that it’s an event visitors won’t soon forget,” he added.
Air show organisers say they are taking all necessary security precautions to ensure that the event is safe for both participants and spectators. "All current European safety norms will be applied... the axis used for flying demonstrations will not be directly above the spectators. In addition, emergency services will be provided... such as first aid posts, nursing staff and air rescue services."
Fancy flying
The spectacle marks three of the nation’s military milestones: 90 years of the Swiss air force, the 40th anniversary of the Patrouille Suisse aerobatic team, and the 15th anniversary of the country’s PC-7 aerobatics and training team.
It is the largest military air show to take place in Switzerland in the past decade and one of the three largest in Europe this year.
One of the highlights is expected to be the sight of the Swiss aerobatic team flying in formation with foreign squadrons from the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain and Sweden.
The renowned British Red Arrows are also scheduled to take part in the aerial stunt, which will mark the first flying formation of six aerobatic teams at the same time since 1978.
Swiss Defence Minister Samuel Schmid described the participation of foreign squadrons as “a symbol of essential international cooperation”.
Military might
In total, 160 aircraft, including Swiss-made Pilatus turbojets and American fighter jets, will be used in displays both in the air and on the ground.
Other hi-tech planes – including the French Mirage 2000 and the British Harrier, which is capable of vertical take-offs and landings – will also be on show.
Fans of vintage flying machines will be pleased to see the appearance of the legendary Breitling Super Constellation, a propeller-driven long haul carrier, which marked the start of commercial transatlantic flights in the 1940s.
But the event’s chief spokesman, Didier Vallon, points out that the show is about more than just fancy flying. “Air 04 represents a rare opportunity for us to show our appreciation of the Swiss population’s trust in the air force,” said Vallon.
He added that while the event aimed to dazzle spectators, it was also designed to demonstrate Switzerland’s military know-how and tools. “Military aviation guarantees security, provides assistance and protects the country’s population,” said Vallon. “And in a constantly changing world, it’s important that we be both seen and heard.”
Terrorism
The country’s armed forces are currently undergoing their most radical overhaul since the Second World War, including major personnel and defence spending cutbacks.
According to air force chief Hansrüdi Fehrlin, these reforms – as well as the growing threat of terrorism – underscore the military’s role in ensuring security. “Our resources are continuing to dry up… so we’re working towards streamlining our activities,” said Fehrlin.
“But the September 11 [2001] attacks in the US showed, in a frightening way, that anything can happen,” he added. “Since then, protecting the sovereignty and security of Swiss air space has become our biggest priority.”
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