"Twoseater" Hornet is take off into training sortie. Note the pod behind air intake - is it probably new targeting pod AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR.This F/A-18D is in Payerne probably shared FlSt 17 "Falcons" and FlSt 18 "Panthers."
"Twoseater" Hornet in "singleseater variant" :) . Take off into DACT sortie with Tigers II from FlSt 6 (in background is one F-5E returning to apron). This F/A-18D is in Payerne probably shared FlSt 17 "Falcons" and FlSt 18 "Panthers."
Twoseater Hornet from Fliegerstaffel 17 "Falcons" is taxiing on apron after DACT training sortie - at right wingtip is equipped with CATM-9X. In background is landing F-5E from FlSt 6 - possibly one of its previous opponents.
Twoseater Hornet from FlSt 11 "Tigers" is take off into morning training sortie. A total of 34 Block 48/49 Hornets were delivered to the Swiss air force between 1997-99 (two planes J-5001 and J-5231 being built under license in Switzerland).
Hornet 231 crashed less than then months later, killing both pilots, near Crans-Montana - only a few miles away from where this photo was taken. During Sion'97 Airshow this aircraft was in the static display, delivered only 5 months before.