FW-C-3605-"Alpine Anteater"
The F+W C-3605, nicknamed Schlepp (“Tug”) or “Alpine Anteater”, was a target towing aircraft operated by the Swiss Air Force from 1971–1987. The aircraft was developed during the latter half of the 1960s by the Swiss Federal Construction Works (Eidgenoessische Konstruktionswerkstaette) (EKW), renamed Farner Werke (F+W) in 1972, as a conversion of the existing C-3603 ground attack/target towing aircraft. Following a successful prototype conversion in 1968, 23 aircraft were converted between 1971–1973 with 2 still flying in private hands.
In 1967 the Swiss Air Force determined that their C-3603-1 target-towing aircraft still had approximately 10 years of structural life remaining, but that the plane’s Hispano-Suiza piston type engines were on the verge of wearing out, with replacements becoming scarce.[1] The C-3603-1 was based on a World War II era ground attack design which had been inspired by the design of the Messerschmitt Bf 109
Role | Target tug |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Farner Werke |
First flight | 19 August 1968 |
Introduction | 1971 |
Retired | 1987 |
Primary user | Swiss Air Force |
Produced | 1971–1973 |
Number built | 24 |
Developed from | EKW C-3603 |
C-3605s are displayed in several museums, including the Flieger Flab Museum (Aviation Museum) in Dübendorf, Switzerland and the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California.[5] The C-3605 is also popular as a “warbird” with civilian owners.[2]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Avionics
Related development
idgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte English: "Federal Constructions Works", short K+W, was a Swiss state-owned enterprise, with the aim of making the Swiss military independent of foreign sources for its equipment needs. It was established in 1867 in Thun and produced artillery, vehicles and other typical military equipment.