Patrouille Suisse
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Patrouille Suisse is the official aerobatic team of the Swiss Air Force.
History
1960's
The group Patrouille Suisse was officially founded on 8 August, 1964 as a part of the Swiss Air Force. The name "Patrouille Suisse" was originally taken from the name of the French Patrouille de France. The Federal Department of Defence was convinced of the idea to have an aeronautical display team to improve views of the Airforce. The Patrouille Suisse was composed of four British Hawker Hunter Mk.58s. The Patrouille Suisse started off training intensively due to the EXPO 1964 exhibition in Lausanne. It was also to be the 50th anniversary of the Swiss Airforce in the same year and thus caused the even stronger frenzy of getting the team organized and ready to perform. They had a continuity of very successful years, with 1965 being their first year in which they had a scheduled season.1970's
In 1970, after six years of training and displays, the Patrouille Suisse acquired a fifth plane. The performances were confined to Switzerland due to its strict neutrality. This changed in 1978 when the team travelled out to Salon-de-Provence under an invitation from the French, with this time, six aircraft.1990's
After the 1970's and through the 1980's, the team had successful shows, outside and inside the country. In 1991, the team converted the paint scheme to incorporate the Swiss flag colors, red and white and the logo for the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. The crowd was exited even more due to this change. In 1994, the Patrouille Suisse flew for the last time the Hawker Hunter Mk.58s before transferring to the faster and more manouverable F-5E Tiger II. The change to the F-5's was taken smoothly and during the first season, the highlight was when the Patrouille displayed over Axalp, showing that airfields were not necessary for displays. In 1996, integrated smoke systems were installed and both increased the exitment of the crowd and allowed the pilots to rapidly identify the whereabouts of each other. In 1999, the team celebrated their 35th year.
Sources
Patrouille Suisse Official 2003 Program.
External link
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