Alpine gunsmoke

The Swiss Air Force’s latest Axalp air power demonstration gave spectators a unique chance to observe air-to-ground gunnery by F/A-18s and F-5Es at close quarters. Dr Andreas Zeitler witnessed it and spoke to some of the pilots that took part. Axalp 2017 F/A-18C J-5014, flown by display pilot Capt Nicolas ‘Vincent’ Rossier of Fliegerstaffel 17, dumps flares as it pulls up within the confines of the Ebenfluh range. All photos Dr Andreas Zeitler The F/A-18 is hard to spot. It