Axalp Fliegerschiessen 2010

[Fodda]

Not sure if Dave was being ironic or anything, but declaring neutrality isn't the be-all and end-all of staying out of wars. Neutral countries have to defend their neutrality. Hence the fairly large Swiss Air Force, Swiss Army and the fact that about 90% of the populace is armed to the teeth with firearms. This also possibly explians Sweden's still extant military aircraft industry.

[Garry Russell]

Neutrality has also to suit all the warring factions

In WWII Norway declared themselves neutral but were occupied by the Germans to safeguard passage to the sea.

It's not garunteed by any means.

[gordon-in-aberdeen]

Some very good shots there Toby, I'm very impressed, what kit do you use, if you don't mind me asking

Nice to see a Puma-like helicopter still going strong

DaveB

I got a photo of one of those in Leuchars this year,
We see so many civil variations of the airframe up here, I usualy don't pay much attention to them

[DaveB]

They were common as muck 10 years ago going into and out of Benson along with Wokkas but these days, they're very much outnumbered by Merlins. While it would be a falsehood to say they're rare here now, they're certainly not common

ATB

DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Never seem many Pumas down our was...a couple of Bristows and the rare RAF examples were the same small number of frames.

Never see many RAF choppers at all really so I had no idea these were becoming rare

[DaveB]

Well mate.. the Puma fleet (though well maintained) is getting a bit long in the tooth now. The slightest incident involving one brings calls for it to be withdrawn because of it's age (VC10/Nimrod spring to mind) and the gradual proliferation of Merlins against sightings of Pumas seems to show that they are being phased out. As Gordon said, in his part of the world.. he's probably still awash with Super Pumas on rig duty so see's a 'Puma' of some sorts on a regular basis

ATB

DaveB

[Garry Russell]

I always amazed art hjow many Seakings are stillflying from the early days...albeit up graded and rehashed.

The Puma though as I mention goes un noticed as we never saw many anyway.

I suppose when there as just a handfull of Puma's left they will be up with Gordon

[TSR2]

The F5 is rather nice, but I just can't get excited about F-18's. I find them dull as dishwater (not your pics Toby, just the A/C )

Smashing display shots with the mountain behind

[Garry Russell]

I'm sure I replied to this early on yesterday.maybe I forgot to press the button

Anyway.yes Toby, great pics, beautiful action and stunning scenery.

I love the smoke from the flare thingy that looks like an iced up pine branch

Thanks for posting these.......got any more

[TobyV]

Gordon - nothing fancy, its a Canon EOS350D (already 4 years old) and the lens is the EF 70-300 F4/5.6 IS USM.

Garry - yes a few and plenty of the landscape from the hike on the way up.