Video of the day

Swiss Raid Commando 1997

Swiss Raid Commando 1997

The Swiss Raid Commando was a military competition. It was discontinued after the 18th edition in 2009 due to economic constraints.[1] The competition's motto was "Vouloir, Croire et Oser" ("Want, Believe and Dare").

The raiders competed in teams of 4, in which at least one patrol member was required to be either an officer or an NCO. Strong infantry training, excellent physical condition as well as analytical and above-average judgment skills were vital. During each edition, an average of 650 soldiers competed, most of whom came from elite troops from 15 different countries.
History
The first SRC was held in 1986, implemented by the Neuchatel officers’ society, and the last took place in 2009. From 1997 through 2003, the event was organised by Field Division 2, and after that by the Swiss Infantry Training Unit. The SRC has the full support of the Department of Defence, Population Protection and Sports (DDPS).

The competition was last held in 2009, after that it was discontinued for financial reasons, sadly. I still remember the news when the SEAL's and others jumped over the Lake Neuchatel.

In 1997 some soldiers still used the old Sturmgewehr 57 as they had not yet switched to the newer Sturmgewehr 90.
 
Two different roles. A-7 sub sonic ground and sea attack vs F5 mach 1.5 light weight agile fighter.

Yes, the A-7 with an attack/strike role and limited air to air capability, and the F-5 with an air to air role, and limited attack/strike capability.
 
Apparently more advanced features were left out of the CF5. That many of them were put directly into storage points to a reason other than military necessity as the reason for the selection of the type.

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadair_CF-5
Operational history
Canada

Initially 433 Squadron and 434 Squadron were the only two squadrons to operate the CF-5. It was intended that three squadrons would fly the aircraft, but due to budgetary restrictions, the excess aircraft were put into storage in CFB North Bay and CFB Trenton, some later being sold to other countries. 434 squadron was assigned to do lead-in tactical fighter training for the Canadair CF-104 Starfighter, but was transitioned to the role of a rapid reaction squadron, being ready to deploy to Europe at short notice in the event of hostilities. The squadron moved to CFB Bagotville with 433 squadron, for a short time, and then on to CFB Chatham.[2]

The training role was adopted by 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake; it would continue to provide jet training, dissimilar air combat training (wearing quasi-Soviet "aggressor" paint schemes similar to USAF, USN and USMC F-5Es), and serve as a lead-in fighter trainer for the McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet until the aircraft was retired in 1995. All remaining airframes were put into storage at CFD Mountain View.

Netherlands
The Royal Netherlands Air Force took delivery of its first aircraft (an NF-5B two-seater) in October 1969, with the first squadron to be formed being 313 Squadron at Twente. The initial role of 313 Squadron was a conversion unit to train pilots on the new type. The NF-5 would serve with four operation squadrons, 313 and 315 Squadron at Twenthe, 316 Squadron at Gilze-Rijen and 314 Squadron at Eindhoven. The last NF-5 was delivered in March 1972.

From 1986 the squadrons began to convert to the licence-built General Dynamics F-16 and the last NF-5 was stood down in March 1991.

Most surplus aircraft were sold to Turkey (all to Turkish Stars) and Venezuela (mix CF-5A and CF-5D - 18 in 1972, 2 new CF-5D in 1974 and 7 ex-RNAF NF-5A/B in 1990; all served with Grupo de Caza 12) or retained for spares support,[8] a number of aircraft were given free to Greece.
 
Last edited:
Two different roles. A-7 sub sonic ground and sea attack vs F5 mach 1.5 light weight agile fighter.

A closer match would be the similar looking F8 Crusader at Mach 1.8 vs the F5.

F8 Crusader
F-8E_VMF-212_CVA-34_1965_%28cropped%29.jpg


A7 Corsair
118702899-3699542123398463-4092404123363827029-o.jpg


CF5
1280px-Canadair_CF_116_CF-5A_Freedom_Fighter.JPG
 
Switzerland selected the F5E und F in the late 70's as the new air superiority fighter. And is very happy with this choice. The F4 and the other competitors were inferior in one way or another.

The Tiger's are in a limited role still in use over here. Guess the CF-5A and D are quite different airplanes. It's sad to see that the canadian soldiers very often get inferiour equipment for political reasons.
 
Lockheed R6V Constitution "Old Ironsides II" was the largest fixed-wing transport operated by the US Navy. It was also the largest aircraft to use JATO.

6sNWEM.gif


3f8p7j.gif


The Lockheed R6V Constitution was a large, propeller-driven, double-decker transport aircraft developed in the 1940s by Lockheed as a long-range, high-capacity transport and airliner for the U.S. Navy and Pan American Airways. It could carry 180 passengers or 400 troops. Only two of the aircraft were ever built, both prototypes. Although these two planes went into service with the Navy, the Constitution design ultimately proved underpowered and too large for practical airline use at the time. Although the Martin JRM Mars flying boat had a slightly longer wingspan, the Constitution remains the largest fixed-wing aircraft type ever operated by the U.S. Navy.

The Constitution used "rotovane" landing gear that spun up to high speed before they touched the ground. The aircraft would be fully pressurized and large enough so that most major components could be accessed and possibly repaired in flight. For instance, tunnels led through the thick wings to all four engines.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_R6V_Constitution?wprov=sfla1
 
Back
Top Bottom