Swiss Air Force retires fleet of Pilatus PC-9 target tugs

The Swiss Air Force has withdrawn its last Pilatus PC-9. Philippe Rey reflects on its illustrious career and the end of its aerial target-towing operations.

PC-9s over the Alps returning from a mission in November 2011.
PC-9s over the Alps returning from a mission in November 2011. Philippe Rey
A Swiss PC-9 equipped with an RM-24 towing a target. The target can be towed 900 metres behind the PC-9.
A Swiss PC-9 equipped with an RM-24 towing a target. The target can be towed 900 metres behind the PC-9. Swiss Air Force

After 34 years of service and 28,698 flight hours, the Swiss Air Force finally retired the Pilatus PC-9 from active service in mid-December 2022. These aircraft had been acquired to replace the ageing fleet of C-3605 Schlepp and de Havilland Vampire Mk 6 in the role of target towing aircraft and simulated target for training for ground-based air defence (GBAD) troops.

The Swiss Air Force first leased two PC-9s from the Pilatus factory for various tests; these two airplanes received the provisional registration A-795 and A-797. Eventually, the Swiss Air Force purchased 12 PC-9s in three batches from 1988 to 1994, which were registered C-401 to C-412.

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