Fliegerstaffel 11 'Tiger'

Switzerland » Air Force

Nato Tiger Association Membership: Full NTA Member

History:

The History of Fliegerstaffel 11 starts in the dark years of World War 2, when the Swiss Government decided to create an additional Wing in order to strengthen the air defence capabilities. Three squadrons were formed, one of them being the Staffel 11, equipped with Morane D-3801. After the World War II, the Staffel remained operational and soon , in 1949 the dawn of the jet age arrived in the form of the DH Vampire. In 1952 the Staffel 11 was reorganised and given the designation Fliegerstaffel 11.
With the introduction of the Hawker Hunter in 1958, the Squadron role was extended to Air-to-Ground missions. Having now flown the F-5E since 1979n the unit's main role is to provide air superiority at low and medium altitudes, while interception remains its secondary function. Being a part of the Swiss Surveillance Wing, the 11 Squadron is one of the few professional Squadrons of the Swiss Air Force and operates in peacetime from Dubendorf Flugplatz. Since 1999 the Squadron transferred to the F-18 Hornet.
During the NATO Tiger Meet 2004 at Shleswig-Jagel Fliegerstaffel 11 was awarded full membership of the NATO Tiger Association. Something that was Not that evident, since Switserland is not a member of the NATO alliance.

Past Aircraft:

• Morane D-3801
• DH-100 Vampire
• Hawker Hunter F.58A
• F-5E Tiger II