Swiss Harriers

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Hawker Harrier Mk.58 - Fliegerstaffel 17, Swiss Air Force, 1975

 

Faced with severe criticism over the massive cost increases incurred on the Mirage IIIS programme the Swiss Air Force were looking for a smoother ride in their search for a Venom replacement and after several evaluations at Dunsfold during 1972 they narrowly chose the Hawker Harrier over the LTV Corsair with an order for 60 Mk.58's and 5 Mk.60 two-seat trainers. Entering service with Fliegerstaffel 17 in late 1974 the Harriers served with four squadrons and were upgraded twice to continue in service until 2009.