Hobby Master Archive

The Swiss Air Force purchased 98 Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs as well as 12 dual-seat F-5Fs acquired in two contracts. The F-5E Tiger IIs were assigned serials J-3001 through J-3098 and the 12 dual-seat F-5Fs were given serials J-3201 through J-3212. The Swiss Air Force had retired their De Havilland Venoms placing a large strain on their Hawker Hunters and the F-5s were meant to alleviate this problem. Founded on August 22, 1964 the Swiss Air Force aerobatic team, the “Patrouille Suisse” flew the Hawker Hunter for the next 30 years until they began flying the faster and more maneuverable Northrop F-5E in their 1995 season. The team uses 6 F-5Es painted in the Swiss national colors of white and red. Their team mascot is a stuffed furry toy called “Eric Flathead”.