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Home > Latest news > Air Base Under Mountain Enters Service (Oct. 24)

F/A-18: the Meiringen Cavern Handed over to Air Force

(Source: Swiss Ministry of Defense, Sport and Civil Protection; issued Oct. 22, 2003)

The handing over of the aircraft cavern at Meiringen to the air force marks the end of the construction projects related to the introduction of the F/A-18 combat aircraft.

On Oct. 22, during a small ceremony, the Chief of Procurement handed over to the Commander of the Air Force the cavern at Meiringen, which has been enlarged to protect the F/A-18 combat aircraft.

This facility, build under supervision of the Federal office for military equipment and construction, was completed over a period of five years. It will become operational over the coming weeks.

Although the builders encountered certain unanticipated geological difficulties during the excavation and roof stabilization phases, the cost and time objectives have been met. Out of a total funding envelope of 120 million [Swiss] francs, building work contracted out to regional companies amounted to about 40 million francs.

The Swiss air force has used air bases dug out of mountain sides since the introduction of jet aircraft, as these installations provide the best possible protection against enemy actions. The aircraft caverns were initially built for Vampire and Venom aircraft, and subsequently adapted for use by Hunter, Mirage and Tiger combat aircraft.

Modern aircraft, because of their complex electronic components and their missiles, require substantially different maintenance procedures to their predecessors. The enlarged cavern at Meiringen meets these requirements, and ensures permanent protection of the F/A-18 aircraft.

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