Payerne 20 May 2025

[IMarsh]

Payerne Log for 12:00 to 16:45 20 May 2025

F-18's active: J-5007, J-5015, J-5018, J-5020, J-5023, J-5024, J-5234
F-18 hangar is partially obscured from view by earth mound and they were only outside when active, i.e. on return they went straight back into their hangar.

Helicopters active:
EC-35's: T-355, T-362, T-366
Super Puma: T-314
Helicopter hangar nearer to viewing areas and they tend to be parked on apron for longer.

Elsewhere on the airfield were:
Vampire J-1156 on a pole outside the museum
Mirage 3: J-2334 pole mounted at main entrance, J-2324 on south side of airfield just inside a gate to the technical area.
Hunters: J-4003 in fire training area on south side of airfield although doesn't appear to being used for fire practice. J-4045 gate guard at off-site area south of the airfield but easily visible from road.

A car is pretty much essential for getting around the airfield. There are a number of areas where the runway etc can be seen, but view is behind a mesh fence. Museum car-park is the safest and free option of these. The viewing terrace on the civilian terminal run by Aeropole, is accessible if you pre-register (see web-site) for 5 CHF per half day. This provides a clear view of runway (300mm lens sufficient), most of the taxiways and distant view of military aprons.

The museum entry is 10 CHF and has a shop, toilets and cafe, but only open in the afternoons from 13:30.
Exhibits are:
Vampires: J-1157, U-1211
Venom: J-1584
PC-9: C-411
Hawk: U-1271
F-5: J-3057
Hunters: J-4078, J-4203
Alouette 2: V-43
Alouette 3: V-282
Mirage 3: J-2012, J-2301, R-2117, J-2312 cockpit only

[Alf]

The Hawk is HW-310 ex Finland. U-1271 is a false serial.