Meiringen Air Base is Swiss Air Force fighter base, located near Brienz in central Switzerland. The base was constructed in 1941 and is now home to 11th Fighter Squadron equipped with F/A-18C/D Hornets. One of the aircraft from the squadron is also adorned with Tigermeet markings and can be usually seen at NATO Tigermeets as well as numerous airshows around Europe. As the base lies at the foothill of the mountains near Axalp, the base is of utmost importance during the two weeks of shooting practices in October each year. We visited the base during our Axalp stay last October and got soaked by rain. But the visit was very interesting and some cool Hornet shots were taken as you can see below.
Inside of the base cantina which is accessible to general public as well – probably one of the few places in the world where civilians can enjoy their meal together with fighter pilots
A view of the air traffic control tower towards the East from the spectator platform above the cantina.
As you can see, civilian houses are integrated inside the air base and the road, crossing the runway. Actually there are two roads crossing it with ramps, which are lowered during take-offs and landings.
Morning rainy aerial intercept departures
Hornets departed and the sun started shining, revelaing some of the beautiful Alpine scenery around the base…
but the sun didn’t last long
Hope to see you at Axalp 2013!
Beautiful environment! Just wonder – you go there for the show or for breath taking nature?
both
I knew it is not just a show
Odlične fotografije! Švicarska pedantnost se vidi na svakome koraku!