It is a good sign that Berlin’s ILA has reached international standards, considering the fact that they have to uphold the ridiculous regulations concerning airshows in Germany; it is still possible to present miltary aerobatic teams. It was during the ILA 2002 that, for the first time after the horrible accident of the Frecce Tricolori on Ramstein AB in 1988 that one could see a formation of the formidable Patrouille de France over the skies of Berlin. This time, however, two teams were present. Beside the mentioned Patrouille de France also the Swiss National Aerobatic Team, the Patrouille Suisse were present. The Patrouille Suisse has been in existence for exactly 40 years and celebtrates its great anniversary this year. The official celebrations will take place on the 04th/05th September on the Payerne AB in Switzerland. Beside the big celebration there is also a smaller one, that of aircraft types. Since their existence the Patrouille Suisse used only two different aircraft types; the Hawker Hunter Mk.58 and the Northrop F-5E Tiger II. The latter types of aircraft have been used for exactly 10 years.

The Patrouille Suisse was officially founded on the 22th of August 1964. They were flying 4, Hawker Hunter Mk.58. In the first years they still used the standard livery of the Swiss Air Force, but when they celebrated the 700th anniversary of Switzerland in 1991 they received a very attractive paint job on the underside by using the national colours of red and white. In the year 1970 the Patrouille added a fifth aircraft to the team and eight years later another one was added. Because of the strict neutrality of Switzerland, the Patrouille can only be seen at domestic airshows. This changed in 1978 when the Patrouille had its first display outside its home country while taking place on the 25th anniversary of the French Patrouille de France. Since this time the Swiss Air Force aerobatic team, the Patrouille Suisse, is a fixed star on all major airshows within Europe. Contrary to most other aerobatic teams, the Patrouille is not a “full-time team”, i.e. the pilots perform normal duties within the Swiss Air Force, in different Squadrons and they are not exclusively just display pilots. The fact that this is a big burden for the pilots and for their families goes without saying. Considering the fact that the Patrouille pilots do not have as many practicing and flying hours compared to other international aerobatic teams, doesn´t affect the quality of their display. This gives you an indication of the high class training of the Swiss Air Force military pilots.

With their six Northrop F-5E Tiger II the Swiss team owns a fast and very attractive aircraft. Powered by two General Electric J 85-GE-21A each rating at 22,24 kN the F-5E achieves a top-speed of Mach 1.6 with full burners. Alltogether the Swiss Air Force procured 110 aircraft, including 12 double-seaters. The aircraft used by the Patrouille Suisse are standard types just equipped with smoke-generators. The display in Berlin was for sure an important event – maybe not so much for the Patrouille Suisse as it was for the public. Allthough the flying programm of the teams were reduced due to the regulations in Germany, it was a great experience for all the spectators to see the perfect formations flown over the skies of South-Berlin. The fact that there was The Patrouille Suisse on display alongside the Patrouille De France, another world class aerobatic team in Berlin is really good news. So with anticipation we really look forward to the next ILA in 2006, and the hope of what it is going to present us. The date for that fair is still comfirmed (don´t forget it!): 15th – 21st May 2006. See you there

Robert Kysela, managing editor