Swiss Air Force Base, Meiringen - Unterbach
"One of the most photogenic airfields in Europe"
2003-2007

The airfield is situated in a very narrow valley, with high and shear rock faces each side and is surrounded by snow covered peaks. The single runway and parallel taxiway runs roughly from east to west. A dozen or so grass covered shelters lay back from the runway on each side. Curiously a farming community is integrated within the airfield itself. Livestock graze around the hangers and surrounding taxiways. At weekends the whole airfield appears to be at their disposal. Taxiways, littered with farm machinery, go towards the rock cliffs (you are able drive up these when not in use) and on to underground hangars or caverns. The cavern area off limits of course. A public road goes straight across the middle of the airfield, barriers similar to a railway crossing come down minutes before incoming or out going aircraft. If that is not enough to alert you to take up position with your camera, then a large light at the top of the air traffic control tower starts flashing. Another public road with similar electronically operated barriers crosses the runway at the western end of the airfield.

The Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II with the Swiss Air Force
Under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program 'Peace Alps' 66 F-5E were supplied, 53 of which were assembled by FFA with 6 F-5F to the Swiss Air Force. Under 'Peace Alps (?)' a further 32 F-5E and 6 F-5F were supplied. Deliveries of the F-5E/F Tiger II commenced in October 1978. The 98 F-5E's given serials J-3001 to J-3098) and the twelve two-seat F-5F's J-3201-J-3212. By 1985 the Swiss Air Force was looking to replace some of its F-5E's and Mirage IIIS to improve its air defence capability. The F/A-18 was eventually selected. The first two were US built and delivered in 1996. The rest of the 26 C's and eight two-seat D variants were assembled at Emmen between 1997 and 1999. In 1998 FlSt 18 at Payerne converted to the F/A-18 from the F-5E, FlSt 11 at Dubendorf followed in 1999. As a result of the Arméé XXI structure to produce a leaner military that commenced on January 1, 2004, operational F-5E numbers were reduced. 32 were sold to the US Navy and 12 were leased to the Austrian Air Force. FlGeschw 3/FlSt 1 at Turtmann, FlSt 13 at Payerne and FlGeschw 10 at Buochs were all disbanded in December 2003.
Currently FlSt 19 is at Sion, FlSt 8 at Meiringen and EscAv 6 at Payerne, Ausbildungsstaffel 16 (Training Squadron 16) with its two-seat F-5F's is responsible for primary jet training, target-towing and Electronic warfare is also at Payerne. The F-5F is also used for Dissimilar Air combat training (DACT) with the F/A-18's. ECM training is also carried out using Ericsson Erijammer A-100 'Vista 5' electronic jamming system. The Patrouille Suisse display team operate from Emmen.

Every year in the previous five I have visited Meiringen looking for more photographic locations around this stunning air base. The wind direction which dictates the landing and taking off direction, the weather and the time of day all greatly influence the location to go to and the nature of the images you take. 

The report that follows has been produced to emphasise the numerous photographic opportunities that can be had at one of the most attractive air bases in Europe. Many of the photographs included have been chosen because of the setting rather than for the subject, so please look further than the aircraft depicted. The following images were taken at the many distinct locations indicated, they are all accessible to the public.....

Don't forget that the sun does not shine onto the airfield during January!

At the south side barrier of the road that crosses the centre of the airfield. See 'M21' on Meiringen Map
You can park your car in the museum (which houses an F-5E and Alouette III) car park. This is the best place for lifting off shots of aircraft taking off to the east only (see M14 for east to west take-offs), using a 300mm telephoto lens. Visiting light aircraft will park on the ramp in front of the museum hangar and are easily photographed with a wide-angle lens. Remember F/A-18's need less runway and are well into the air from here.

Left to right: F-5E (J-3092) cross-over it has a Fliegerstaffel 11 badge on both sides nose. Fliegerstaffel 11 converted in 1999 to the F/A-18 at Dubendorf the photograph was taken four years later. F-5E's have carried a variety of squadron badges over the years, they are often still carried long after the aircraft has been transferred to another squadron or the squadron has been disbanded. They are sometimes different on each side and so they are not a reliable indication as to which squadron the aircraft is currently operating. 
F-5E (J-3060) the pilot is giving a friendly wave.
A pair of F-5E Tiger II's (J-3008 with Fliegerstaffel 19 badge on nose with J-3060) depart, the narrow steep sided valley is a great back drop.
F-5E (J-3014) just about to touchdown following its approach from the east. A 300mm lens is ideal from here.

Meiringen will get the occasional visitor and there is not better place than the road barrier at the centre of the airfield.
Left to right: Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter's (V-622 and V-633). In October 2007 it was the first time the new Patrouille Suisse painted PC-6 had been seen. It is used as there communications aircraft, on this visit it brought in the Patrouille Suisse commentator for the Axalp Air Power Demonstration. He was later ferried up to the firing range by Alouette III. Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer (A-940) departs just 15 minutes after its early morning arrival.

Left to right: The more powerful F/A-18 Hornet (F/A-18D J-5238 and F/A-18C J-5017) needs less runway and has a steeper and more impressive climb out than the F-5, so positioning for photography must take this into account. The final shot is of a F/A-18C (J-5010) rolling out after landing, it is crossing the public road which runs through the middle of the airfield.

At the road barrier at the western end. See 'J1' on Meiringen Map
This is one of the best places for aircraft landing from the west. You have the sun behind you and a great backdrop, especially in the evening sun.

Left to right: F/A-18C (J-5009) taken with a shutter speed of 1/160th to blur the background, two-seat F/A-18D (J-5238) looks like it is landing in a farm yard, such is the close proximity of the farming community.
Two Patrouille Suisse F-5E's (J-3086 and J-3091) add some colour to the already photogenic backdrop.

Left to right: This two-seat Northrop F-5F Tiger II (J-3206) is based at Payerne with the Jet-Pilotenschule II.
F-5E's (J-3015, J-3025 and J-3095) with central orange drop tanks and dummy AIM-9P Sidewinder training rounds. These aircraft are used as 'aggressors' when engaged in Air Combat Manoeuvring (ACM) dog fighting.
The first three images were taken mid-morning while the fourth image was taken at the end of the day in evening light.

From the slip road pavement at the north western end. See 'F2' on Meiringen Map
This is an excellent elevated position close to the airfield threshold, a 300mm lens is ideal for the approaching shots. As you are looking directly towards the setting sun, this location is best in the early morning for landings from the west or on overcast days.

F-5E Tiger II (J-3097)

Left to right: F-5E's (J-3074, J-3097 and J-3068) return in the early morning at the western end. J-3068 carries the Flugplatz Kommando 13 (Airbase Command 13) badge in low-vis on the nose.

From the northern side of the runway. See 'J17 to 'J19'' on Meiringen Map
This is the rotation point for take-off's to the west, it appears you can walk into a grass field from a small car park by the northern central road barrier. This may not be a public area so be careful not to upset any farmers.

F-5E's (J-3080 and J-3089) lift off with air to air target banner equipment, 
J-3080 has had the Patrouille Swiss titles removed.

Left to right: Patrouille Suisse's Pilatus PC-6 (V-622) named 'Felix' taxiing from the visitor ramp to the runway.
F-5E (J-3079), it has just started to rotate on take-off.
F-5E (J-3072) departs to the west in October 2007. The new squadron and command buildings constructed under 'Project Luce' can be seen behind the control tower.

From the farm track north western end . See 'H6' on Meiringen Map
This track runs parallel and very close to the runway. It was marked in 2007 as a 'No Pedestrian' way, so make sure that you don't upset farmers and airfield security alike. During Axalp week everyone seemed very relaxed with the presence of quite a few photographers and local on-lookers.

F-5E Tiger II (J-3044) touching down from the west in the early morning
(100-400mm lens at 115mm)

The farm track south side at the western end. See 'J3' on Meiringen Map
These shots were taken from the end of a farm track at the western end at the turning point of the parallel taxiway. In 2007 this was one of the tracks with a new 'No Pedestrians' sign. Also a rope was put across the track and frequent visits by airfield security were on hand to enforce the exclusion. This location produces some stunning back-lit shots of nose-on taxiing aircraft in the early morning light.

F-5E Tiger II (J-3093) back-lit in the mid-morning light

Left to right: F-5E's (J-3067). Many of the sorties appeared to be for 1v1 or 2v2 Air Combat Manoeuvring (ACM). The central orange drop tanks and dummy AIM-9P Sidewinder training rounds are carried to distinguish the 'aggressors' when engaged in dog fighting.
 Ten F-5E's (J-3079 and J-3068) taxi down the parallel taxiway for the first launch of the day at 8:30.

A farm track which runs to the north eastern end of runway. See 'K23 to K25' on Meiringen Map
This farm track runs from the northern side central road barrier beside a fast flowing stream which acts as the airfield boundary, there is no fence. You can stand anywhere along this track for some excellent landing shots from the east. You are looking into the sun, but that just provides some interesting back-lit shots. The runway is very close here, full frame side on shots only need a 135mm lens.

F-5E Tiger II (J-3089)

Left to right: After returning from the afternoon sortie, the two air to air target towing equipped F-5E's taxied into the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS) just off the main ramp (300mm lens).
F-5E (J-3067) tyre smoke on touchdown adds to the action (100-400mm lens at 115mm).

From on top of an old grass covered shelter down the farm track which runs to the north eastern end of runway. See 'K26' on Meiringen Map
This farm track runs from the northern side central road barrier beside a fast flowing stream, it leads to a grass covered hardened shelter just to the left of the track. 

F-5E Tiger II (J-3074) moments before touch down

Left to right: F-5E's (J-3094 and J-3097 x2) the extra height enables you to look down onto the runway. Four F-5E's taxi back to the cavern area.

From the roadside on southern side, midway along runway. See 'M13' on Meiringen Map
From this point you are closest to the runway. It is ideal for lifting off shots using a 300mm and is also good for taxiing shots using shorter lenses.

F-5E (J-3025) deploys it's parachute rolling out on landing.

Left to right: After touching down from the east F-5E's (J-3014) deploys chute before taxiing back to the main ramp area.

Looking down from an elevated position as the F-5's return down the main parallel taxiway towards the main ramp.

Left to right: F-5E's (J-3069, J-3037 and J-3074) arrive in the early morning sun after their first sortie of the day. Early morning departure Alouette III (V-270).
J-3069 has a black Fliegerstaffel 13 Squadron badge on the nose.
J-3037 has a yellow/red/blue badge inscribed 'Flugplatz Abteilung 3 and Fliegerkompagnie 8' (Air Base Section 3 and Aviation Company 8) on the nose with also 'Tiger + 20' nose art.

The taxiway between caverns and western end of runway. See 'Q16' on Meiringen Map
This taxiway is not always in use, it is often cluttered with farm machinery with a bus stop in use halfway down and crossing the taxiway. 

F-5E Tiger II (J-3067) leaving the cavern area for the final sortie of the day

Left to right: F/A-18C's and F-5E's make their way to the runway along the western taxiway from the cavern area for the first afternoon sortie.
The third image of F-5E has a Fliegerstaffel 13 badge from before they disbanded in December 2003.

The crossing of the eastern taxiway and the public road to Meringen town . See 'Q25' on Meiringen Map
The public road past the main entrance of the air base from Unterbach to Meiringen is crossed by the eastern taxiway which is used by aircraft moving from and to from the cavern area.

The end of the western taxiway by the caverns. See 'V20' on Meiringen Map
At the end of this taxiway the cavern area can be seen from a secure gate. Public footpaths run from this area in a number of directions.

F-5E Tiger II (J-3098) with 'Peace Alps II' nose art, in lineup out side the new cavern entrance

The north side mountain pass road over . See 'A16' on Meiringen Map
These panoramic shots were taken from the main road to Brunigpass which goes up along the northern mountain side from the north western end of Meiringen air base.

Left to right: General views of Meiringen-Unterbach from the North side. Both images show the main air base buildings and the main taxiway off base to the caverns.
The F-5E with shut deployed image was taken with a 300mm lens and has been cropped for affect.