Breathtaking Swiss vs Finnish F/A-18 display rivalry RIAT 2020

Outstanding displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo by both the Finnish Air Force F/A-18C and the Swiss Air Force F/A-18C Hornet.
Who gets your No.1 vote?
#RIAT2019
#FA18Hornet
#NigelWoolleyAviation

[@3shockarmy74]

I saw both perform at RIAT 2019 on the Sunday. Both brilliant but the Finn was a class act ! Incredible to watch and hear !

[@EleanorPeterson]

Seems like all Finnish pilots and all Finnish rally drivers share the Markku Alen "MAXIMUM ATTACK!" gene. ;-)

[@grauwolf1604]

That's correct! This gene is named "sisu". (Not to be mixed up with "susi": That's a wolf :)

[@Fotovliegtuig]

Thanks Nigel, excellent videography as usual. The Finns seem to be able to drive anything with an engine.

[@JuanIparraguirre]

Add a sauna and lots of alcohol to that

[@leiska2377]

@@JuanIparraguirre and ice hockey

[@JuanIparraguirre]

@@redhorse418 The problem is when alcohol becomes part of people's whole life, and Finland people has lots of problems related with alcohol's consumption.

[@lohikarhu734]

@@redhorse418 we do miss those lonkeroa !

[@patriot52realfinn22]

@@lohikarhu734 I do not drink at all but I fly.

[@Carmogun121]

Was there on Saturday, yet again I thought the Finnish f18 was the best display. Quality from the minute he left the ground

[@CBGSpotter]

By far the Finish, one of the best displays of 2019 in my opinion!

[@holoholopainen1627]

Even The FINNS - Like This !

[@victormanuelpolanco922]

This Finnish display will be hard to beat for years to come. Most probably some other Finnish pilot. The legacy will live on in the cold North

[@Mako2-1]

What gets me is that while this Fin is literally putting on the greatest arial display in history, he waves at the crowd during the high alpha pass as if he’s not even taxed

[@lohikarhu734]

Finland. Pilot went directly into manoeuvres from takeoff, and did not spend as much time in just doing turns...

[@FranklinBurns42]

Excellent video, I could actually see the Finnish pilot waving while doing a stunt. And btw, though both were outstanding I think the Finn won

[@patrickbrun5830]

Greetings to the Ffnns from switzerland, you won! Their display was harder, the swiss display smoother (and safer :) )

[@kornolex]

comes with the neigbourhood.

[@bige1106]

Finns are safety conscious for the most part, until you strap them to anything with an engine, then its game on. As the old race car saying goes, If you want to win hire a Finn!

[@btaylo24]

One of the best RIAT displays of all times.

[@mikesmith5083]

I agree totally. I was there Saturday (first time in 15 years) and it was definitely the best. Lucky break with the weather too👍

[@andywhite40]

I was there Sunday, the Finnish plane was on early and set the bar for the rest of the displays. The Swiss display was great and honourable mention should also go to the Swedish Grippen and the Italian T346 who both delivered very entertaining displays. I think the Finnish and Swiss pilots should be congratulated for showing the F18 to be an absolutely awesome aircraft.

[@jawadbaseer3325]

Never seen F18 operated like the Finland pilot did. Have seen only F22, SU 35, 30 and 27 fly the way the Finnish Hornet flew. Simply breath taking.

[@ToysAreMe75]

Exactly. I saw few really... lets say interesting maneuvers done by Finnish F-18 at the near air base... about 15 years ago. That gave me an tip about what that plane is capable of in right hands. :)

[@RmfDiz]

You dont see the u.s. do cool shit like this very often cause.they always have mfers on g restrictions.

[@MetaliCanuck]

Ive seen a CF-18 stood up at 60 AOA flown at 60knots do tail turns at 100ft off the deck flying over Hangers. People have clue about the A and C models

[@yksvaan1690]

You simply have to tell the CanAF to show up at displays like RIAT. You folks are way too polite. Leaving all the playground to us to show off. (Fun fact of the day: FinAF HN-468 is actually half Canuck. The original front half of a F/A-18C was destroyed in a crash landing. Canada helpfully sold a rear half of a CF-18B. The resulting F-18D "Frankenhornet" was assembled in Finland and flew like a beaut ever since. There is opinion in Finland that it should be donated to some air museum in Canada in commemoration of good teamwork.)

[@yksvaan1690]

I mean Canada sold a corresponding *front* half, obviously...The Canadian manufacturer (Bombardier?) and AF, as well as USN and Boeing, participated in the effort of FinAF and Patria to create the new two-seater. Good stuff.

[@andywhite40]

1-0 to Finland.....hard to separate them but the Finnish pilot has the edge. Thanks for a great video Nigel!

[@tombeales3102]

Both displays were fantastic and really did a good job of showing the maneuvering capability of the aircraft. For pure spectacle, my vote goes to the Finn for creativity and packing so much into a small box.

[@phuketexplorer]

Insane display by the Finnish pilot. Definitely the better of the two.

[@jukkaharstela156]

Yes indeed!

[@mafmaf6417]

WOW, I have never seen a legacy Hornet pull off these maneuvers before.

[@alistairgoodwin4472]

The Finn nailed it. I used to watch RIAT on tele as a kid. Nigel absolutely smashes it..again!

[@tomnimy_5956]

Both awesome displays. Just have to choose the Finnish for doing the kind of tricks only an insane russian pilot would do.

[@PilotHaudi]

Im work on the Swiss Hornets, but the Finnish Display is the No. 1!!!!!!! Its Harder and Agresive !!!

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

Ooh..don't tell anyone ha! Both brilliant and the Finnish for me although the Swiss seemed to get better every day. Must have watched the Finnish display!

[@PilotHaudi]

@@NigelWoolleyaviation the Swiss display is impressive and safe. Unfortunately for my taste, too little hard. Next year there will be a new display pilot.

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

@@PilotHaudi Good explanation Look forward to next year then!

[@Sylvain211100]

@@QuantumMechanic_88 Since when do people speak english in Switzerland? 🤔

[@holoholopainen1627]

@@Sylvain211100 Every time I been There ! My French is limited to Merci !

[@victormanuelpolanco922]

Finnish pilot stuns from the very beginning with unheard of maneuvers for this type of aircraft. Capt. Rossier, while exceptionally skilled and bold in many other displays before falls short in this one. Two world' s best F-18 solos.

[@tr6431]

Unheard of? Are you referring to when the pilot stalled the plane?

[@victormanuelpolanco922]

@@tr6431 did you ever watch this kind of maneuvers performed by F-18' s before?. The pilot is stalling the aircraft once and again and pulling out of it unscathed, repeat, once and again. And it's not got vectoring thrust to rely upon. Simply amazing!!!!.

[@tr6431]

​@@victormanuelpolanco922 Yepp i have. The Finnish F-18 pilots has done that maneuver before. The F-18 has some really nice engines.

[@hurrdurrimaburr]

@@victormanuelpolanco922 It's pretty standard for the F/A 18. It's has superb low speed maneuverability.

[@victormanuelpolanco922]

@@hurrdurrimaburr, yes, but nobody ever as yet managed to showcase it so extraordinarily clear and boldly as this Finnish pilot. For me, best ever F-18 solo display.

[@terrylyn]

Finnish airforce motto is "Qualitas Potentia Nostra " (Quality is our strength).

[@Alexandros.Mograine]

@Legio XXI Rapax because Rome was a great empire that shaped the world, and their military was far superior compared to every1 else. Latin names are used for plants and different species etc. because its a dead language and no nation uses it as their language, so its a way to name something with a universal name, meaning finnish, english, italians etc. all call it by the same name. because of all this, its become a habit to do it. if people before us did it, why wouldnt we? you seem like a fan of this subject judging by your name, so why ask then?

[@Eksistenssi]

@Legio XXI Rapax Is this a joke with name like that?

[@UnclePutte]

@Legio XXI Rapax Military tradition draws from common origins of centuries past, when due to the influence of the widely-spread roman catholic church the latin language was the "english" of the time, the closest thing to a common tongue practiced by clergy, academia and nobility all across the european continent. You would know this if you studied more and postured less.

[@UnclePutte]

@Legio XXI Rapax You are like a child, incapable of seeing yourself in the light you present.

[@vertie2090]

@Legio XXI Rapax I don't know why Latin is the standard language for these mottos but I find this particular motto a good fit for Finland. A small country with a well trained and equipped air force. Why is this motto silly? It's fairly reflective of the reality in my opinion

[@Mythricia1988]

Finnish performance was real sweaty palms material. Really pretty amazing low speed control, and he was not afraid to keep it down low either... Whew! Those barrel rolls were basically flawless too. Never seen an F/A-18 do them like that before. Swiss pilot tried it too, but not nearly as well controlled. Not that either of these two pilots are lacking in capability obviously... But I think you gotta give the vote to the Finns on this one :)

[@007bonder4]

Excellent airmanship and display of complete mastery of Aircraft by both pilots.

[@2eretz]

I’ve have many FA18 demonstrations over the years I have never seen someone do with this plane those maneuvers the Finn drove it like a su27!

[@georgehunter2813]

Some of best F18 flying has been by Swiss and Finnish pilots. F18 is an American fighter plane. Good to see allied pilots fly it.

[@floobertuber]

Astoundingly good footage! Top marks, Nigel!

[@jaredcrotty251]

Pretty sure the Finnish pilot was the runner-up for the Top Gun trailer. Another great vid, Nigel. Thanks for your hard work and dedication.

[@quizels0695]

Jared Crotty but the scene in the trailer where maverick flies trough the mountains thats definetly swiss air force ;)

[@jaredcrotty251]

Quizels 06 haha! Well said, sir.

[@ianstewartaviation2634]

Finland just edged it but both excellent displays as is your camera work thanks for sharing

[@SonnyFastSpeed]

Hell's professionals and Finnish pilots! Russian MIG-29 pilots are amazed by the way Finns make reconnaissance flights in the air, and American Top Gun pilots when Finns participated in Air Show events for the first time with the new F / A-18 Hornet fighter jet. It is said that the aircraft's aeronautical technology and information technology were changed in Finland to be better than it was originally in the US Air Force. At the Alaska RED FLAG 2019, everyone praised the Finns as highly qualified and professional pilots.

[@anthonyskellern5970]

Fabulous performances - they are both top-class. Beautiful presentation as always!

[@12345fowler]

The barrel rolls and various yaw moves are a great addition to the classic high alpha stuff for the F-18. Nicely done anf filmed. Thanks

[@jackjohnson887585]

The fast jets are so limited at air displays that it really comes down to the pilot's ability to make their performance stand out. The F-18's performances were definitely the stand out ones from RIAT 2019!

[@LIKWID]

Watching both displays was fantastic. Incredible flying from both pilots. Fantastic footage as always! 😎👍

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

It's fantastic that so many people are recognising these amazing skills from both Air Force displays plus without the latest version of Hornet and no thrust vectoring. Cheers Likwid!

[@LIKWID]

@@NigelWoolleyaviation The older legacy hornets as such can certainly still dance in the air. Really does show what an incredible aircraft the hornet is to this day. You are very welcome and thank you as always for the videos!

[@shaunfeezy]

this is why i stay subscribed... excellent..thank you & keep up the great work..appreciate it

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

Thanks Shaun....and I appreciate yours and others positive comments!

[@pcpablo2]

Excellent pilot. Excellent cameraman. Excellent editing Kudos! (+10 for the sound)

[@AirshowAddict]

Amazing demos by both! Great job on the camera work and proper audio!

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

CThanks for watching and commenting AA. The quality of Hornet displays in the last few years has ramped up to such an amazing level. Add in the Spanish and Australian Air Force Hornet displays and you have four outstanding displays!

[@AirshowAddict]

@@NigelWoolleyaviation they sure have. As much as I love our Canadian CF-18 Demo , these other demos are way more aggressive.

[@MrLuvOldies]

Thanks, Great video,demos,and planes.

[@MrRobertX70]

I love the sound of F-18 engines. In addition to the ear splitting roar common among most fighter jets, the F-18 also makes a high pitched, howling noise that at times sounds like an electric dynamo and at othershigh revvinlg formula-1 motor.

[@zlloke6]

Finnish definitely better at pulling G's, Swiss more into spin+yaw+roll manoeuvre at low speed

[@anthonykostinger_swissrc]

Whacht the full display at riat va elwyn r on you tube.... swiss is better... for me swiss win. I have see in irl the fa18 swiss solo display at sion breitling air show... very impressive.

[@diegopozze6567]

hi guys, I agree this was not the best display for the Swiss, what we saw at sion was amazing and only few figures are repeated at riat. But finnish too is bigger on what I saw here for the fitst time, excellent no words to explaing the good performance he did. I'm sure you agree when I say for sure the best with F/A 18 are here in Europe, don't be angry with me Blue Angels fans.

[@thespectator2976]

Finnish win this for me.

[@markscarisbrick1534]

The Finnish one wins it for me! Also, at 3:17 you can see him waving.

[@marmortheone3984]

Impressive energy management, a true lesson

[@TheWeatherbuff]

Thanks for the show! 4th Generation or not, this is still a kick-butt air frame, IMO.

[@hrwedsash]

The Finnish pilot thought he was flying a F-22

[@madwax4771]

I live near an airforce base in Finland and I've seen them doing this sh** live. I thought it was normal for F-18s, thanks for clearing it up

[@vertie2090]

hehe don't we all wish we were flying F22s

[@nooragahail3572]

No need to dream the f22 for the maneuver , it's enough to has the super hornet for the maneuver.

[@sebastian7745]

@@madwax4771 what? The Finnish hornets are modified to do this?

[@mimimimeow]

@@sebastian7745 most export Hornets have updated flight control software and more powerful engines. you don't see USMC Hornets doing this because they are left with old stuff.

[@RmfDiz]

Good god. Theses f18 pilots appear to maneuver this plane better than the u.s. has led us to believe its capable of.

[@RmfDiz]

@Southern Fun i tried to DL DCS world.....my PC couldnt handle it, unfortunately...but ill have it eventually. I watch a lot.of growling sidewinder's vids.

[@altonwilliams7117]

Both very good flight demos!👍👍

[@ksamos]

What an outstanding display by both pilots. I have never seen a legacy Hornet do a show like this. Our Super Hornet shows are not this good. I feel in the U.S., our pilots are severely limited in what they can do at an airshow due to FAA and other beurocratic BS. I am happy to see our Euopean friends let loose and show off the real potential of these jets. I've served in an F-14 Tomcat squadron back in the early 1990's and have seen a lot of hot-shot flying in my time in the Navy and in airshows since. These two are among the best displays in that type of aircraft I have seen. Awesome video, thanks for sharing.

[@vertie2090]

F-18s are the backbone of the Finnish air force so they gotta make the best out of it. It's been an awesome plane

[@fabricekb4609]

C la plus belle démonstration du f18 que j'ai pu voir.

[@goosebay9360]

Super Leistung des Piloten!!! Einfach Unglaublich mit einer der BESTEN Piloten auf der Welt !!! 💪👍

[@motorTranz]

He definitely Finnished 'em off.

[@THEFINPete252]

this is why i love my country

[@unclesam8451]

Because I was “inverted” sir

[@HiVoltish]

Great flying all around! SALUTE!

[@user-qu2ti8dy1c]

Very nice video.... The Horner it s perfect

[@StrikerSG]

Finnish is much better.

[@benwinter2420]

Pretty cool . . thanks YT recommendations , I saw another vid of this air show earlier where I just caught the air show announcer saying that the Finn FA 18 is built under licence in Finland by Patria . . who build armoured vehicles (& a lot else by the look of it) here in Oz we use the FA 18 also & after 38 yrs in the NT saw these girls out regular during our Pitch Black air exercises with the US & allies . . last 13 yrs up there lived on a remote bush property that was on the edge of the RAAF Tindal (Katherine) air training area & saw so much cool stuff overhead during day & night (!) . . one fine day an FA 18 came roaring up the valley at near tree top height & went straight up & over the cliff at my 'place' where I was standing watching . . coolest thing ever

[@ALPHARICCO875]

Fantastic Thank you

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

Cheers Alpha.

[@RSW032]

FIN:SUI 1:0 If you ever went to sauna with finnish peoples, you know they are crazy! Insane display with this old lady. Regards from Switzerland

[@johnbussink6928]

truely a pilot thinking he's is flying a fulcrum. amazing to see ho he is controlling the plane the FA-18 is probably more agile than the manufacturer has thought to be

[@gwmcklintock]

No disrespect to the Swiss pilot, but the Finn flew the 18 like it had thrust vectoring. Unbelievable display! Best I've seen in that jet! Oh and by the way, thank you for keeping far enough off the plane so we could have reference points for the maneuvers!

[@ToysAreMe75]

Swiss were doing things with that plane which Finns did allready few years backa ago... My vote goes to Finns. Breathtaking solo and good way to show that Finns are practicing really much 1:1, 2:1, 4:2 and so on tactics and dogfights... They have been since WW2. Check the statistics for Finnish fighter pilots shooting down Soviet planes in WW2... Its about right tactics at right time, plus pilots skills to bring the plane on its adge without loosing its control. And this display is just that.

[@MetaliCanuck]

whatttt???? The Swiss are known for being the first country to let their F18 demo pilot go all out, the fins actually are doing things the Swiss were doing 10 years back. You got it backwards bud.

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Well said. Who knows what would this country be nowadays without the great pilots of ww2.

[@ToysAreMe75]

@@MetaliCanuck any links for videos that shows what you said? Like about 10 years ago.

[@MetaliCanuck]

@@ToysAreMe75 They aren't hard to find

[@mrc1500]

Wow, both awesome pilots!!!!

[@t.fahrmann9757]

...as always: the Hornets take the cake, last with a Spanish pilot, this time clearly the mad Finn 😵💨🤣

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

Pleased that you didn't forget the super Spanish display from a previous RIAT as that would have made the competition even harder to choose!

[@trysam]

T. Fährmann I think swiss is No 1

[@gerrycooper56]

Great plane and displays.

[@ryankiesow8440]

That Finnish pilot makes that f18 look thrust vectored

[@sihartobing9570]

Very Good Demonstration Flygh F/A - 18C Hornet Swiss Airfoce Jet Fighter At Royal International Air Tatoo Show 2019. , ..... God Bless All, ..... Cherrio.🌠👍👍👍🌠🌠🌟🌠🌠.

[@jodylowe8476]

Both awesome.

[@IrishManJT]

This display inspires me to invest in a gaming PC, HOTAS & rudder pedals, + VR headset for DCS.

[@Airguardian]

Dope stuff!

[@ironman1294]

Hands down Finnish Air Force Hornet was way better!

[@symie8]

The real winner is the F-18. Lovely wee beastie.

[@vertie2090]

yes, that craft has performed exceedingly well over the years

[@michaelcarrier4374]

I think this guy is confused. Does he not know he is flying an F-18, and not an F-22? :)

[@kevinh5218]

Michael Carrier Which one is confused, the Finnish pilot that flew first or the Swiss pilot that followed? Perhaps it is you who is confused.

[@michaelcarrier4374]

@@kevinh5218 hahaha, apparently you cant see humor when it is in your face! Re-read my comment and you will see I am not saying anything bad. IT WAS A JOKE! Lighten up!

[@michaelcarrier4374]

@@kevinh5218 just the fact that I have to even remotely explain myself to you is rediculous!

[@kevinh5218]

I think you are the one that needs to lighten up. Being Swiss I was interested to know if it was 'my' guy that was clever enough to fly a 4th generation fighter like it was 5th generation and like 20 years younger.

[@Blogger2020]

))))

[@brellnob]

Great skill👌👍

[@dh1380]

I've pulled a few Gs before. I'll never forget the sensation because you can literally feel your various bodily fluids - especially your cranial fluid - sloshing around inside your body. Or that's how it felt to me. How this particular pilot managed to pull this off beggars belief. This must be the best F-18 display or indeed any display I've seen.

[@jnmason6283]

Never thought the Hornet could pull some of those moves, impressive flying!

[@steveturner3999]

"Oh I wish I had the Alpha of a Hornet! Living to fight slow while others scorn it! And when I can still pitch and roll that other fellows out of control! Oh I wish I had the Alpha of a Hornet" (From the Dos Gringos song "I wish I had a gun just like the A-10")

[@josip3006]

Funny coincidence. I was watching this video when I suddenly heard a loud jet engine noise and because I live very close to a swiss military airbase I saw a swiss F/A 18 hornet almost climbing at an 90 degree angle :). After that 2 swiss F5 tigers took off too.

[@quizels0695]

GME Hero oh nice wich air force base i live near emmen

[@josip3006]

@@quizels0695 oh nice emmen is a nice airbase I was at the little airshow some months ago I live near Meiringen airbase

[@quizels0695]

oh you mean the besuchstag

[@josip3006]

@@quizels0695 Tag der Öffentlichkeit

[@Tim542]

Small world. I live next to Payerne. Hear and see those beauties when im having breakfast every morning.

[@sgkingly8392]

They are both so good, it is hard to decide which one I prefer. I think I slightly prefer the Swiss one!

[@jpchiesa]

I think the Finns pulling the vectored thrust "wheelies" put him across the tape in first. The next act you'll be seeing him do are nose down attitude "stoppies"! Still, both were excellent.

[@thomasvelazquez9789]

Love this video great seeing our allies flying the super hornet its a very underated aircraft that will take on any enemy of NATO. Tremendous display by these pilots.

[@rederos8079]

Both great displays. I saw the finnish solo from that year irl at turku, and this year at kauhava. Different pilot at kauhava, but it was the first time ever I've seen somebody to flatspin the hornet in a display, both via youtube and real life...

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

Great for you to see several displays by different pilots in different venues! It seems the older the Hornets get the better their displays are. Cheers for watching .

[@gregparrott]

I don't know how useful (if at all) the maneuvers the Finnish pilot performed are. But, it's the first time I've seen that variety and range of stalls and slow rolls performed with an F-18. If nothing else, it demonstrates an excellent recovery capability.Thumbs up for showing that. The Swiss aircraft has what appears to be a carrier landing arresting hook on the back, as seen with landing gear down at 8:00. Is it an arrestor? If yes, why? Do the Swiss use quick arrest landings on the ground??

[@panthoni]

The Finnish Hornets have the carrier gear. For two reasons: 1) Cheaper not to change equipment 2) Arrestor hooks are used on road bases (wartime tactics)

[@larsweinand4035]

I was hoping to see the stunning half loop+landing in once that the swiss had shown before

[@quizels0695]

wich display did you like better? i personally like the swiss display better mainly cuz i saw the real display in real life also i am a fan from the swiss air force

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

after the first Finnish display I was convinced that they were clearly the best (and the best F-18 display ever as I have seen an awful lot with my country's F-18s) But then to me the Swiss Display got better and better by the day. Tough one but Finnish for me ....just!

[@viperdriver82]

That landing was beautiful 😢

[@yahroet2153]

Holycrap, is that cobra manuover?

[@fadiman8017]

Both countries has excellent pilot to handle this superb fighter....

[@halohead318]

Interesting, the swiss flew different displays there… here my vote goes to the finnish but the other swiss RIAT display I just watched over at Elwyn R is even better! So Switzerland wins for me :)

[@quizels0695]

halohead yeah for me too i saw the swiss display in real life and its way better than here

[@devontreleaven534]

Tough competition but they are lucky the Canadians weren't there because the paintjob alone would have won lol! Just a joke tho, absolutely loved both performances

[@mrazzo15]

Spectator : Did the F-18 just do a tail spin at 1:02? Su-27 Pilot : Hold my beer..

[@yeyonge]

*vodka

[@leighsaunderson9203]

@@yeyonge Horilka :)

[@Juno58]

Viagra

[@MetaliCanuck]

No were near a stall in a F18 A or C model. I've seen an Instructor stand a CF-18A up 80 degrees and fly around HAS's at the airbase barely 50ft off the ground at 60 knots only turning with pedals. Its all about how big your balls are. Then again back in the 90s pilots got away with more brazen maneuvers.

[@donkoh5738]

Too bad they couldn't fly together in a chase sequence, taking turns at the lead : ( Such a joint-display would be really jaw dropping !

[@mikeladnun4647]

I wonder how many stall alarms sounded by that badass pilot?

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

Great call Mike. More like an electronic music festival in the cockpit!

[@mikeladnun4647]

@@NigelWoolleyaviationelectronic mayhem would probably be the music title!

[@Tom_Hadler]

Question: Why does the Swiss hornet have an arrestor hook? (8:15 ish). Do they have a carrier in Lake Geneva! Interoperability with nato perhaps? Secret mountain base with short runway?

[@skytrotter6144]

Tom Hadler the answer is very simple even from a little Swiss like me. The tailhooks on Air Force aircraft, serve two purposes, assisting in emergency landing situations and to secure the aircraft during maintenance engine testing. Many U.S. Air Force runways have an emergency arresting cable hidden in a recess of the runway surface. Should an aircraft suffer a hydraulic problem, brake failure, or need to abort a take off on a short runway, among other potential situations, a pilot will call “cable, cable, cable,” alerting the tower to raise the arresting cable from its runway recess. Therefore no need to have a carrier on the lake “Le Léman” which by the way is the true name of it there is no such thing as Lake Geneva, it is just an easier way made up by tourists to remember where they saw the lake... Funny enough as everything in the US is a « NEW » something the immigrant also named a lake « Geneva Lake » attached to a city named lake Geneva with also a Fontana lake at the other end and this is in Wisconsin 😂 www.google.ch/maps/place/Lake+Geneva,+WI+53147,+USA/@42.6029204,-88.5198868,11z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x880584e9f85c4509:0x9eb9a6efc12afe43?hl=en-ch&gl=ae

[@kr7974]

It may be the same reason as Finnish Hornets has it. No point to remove it from the standard issue. It secures emergency landing to cables on land, if needed. As Finland trains a lot with the US and NATO, it gives the option to our Hornets landing also on carriers, if ever the situation would demand it.

[@gezag.hanniker1940]

Finland for sure but Switzerland definitely can hold their own! Good job on both pilots, great airmanship.

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

Totally agree GGH 🙂👍

[@fender68able]

Damn!! All of these maneuvers without thrust-vectoring? Holy shit!!

[@joshedwards679]

Finn for the win awesome displays from both

[@JuuTube]

good filming, not too close.

[@sepposavinainen2660]

Finland :D And Swiss that was amasing too ! Love that!

[@nooragahail3572]

A single pilot is doing a weight to ratio maneuver at the same time still able to wave , what a coincidence

[@Arnfast66]

My vote goes for the Finnish pilot but I might be a bit biased on this one :D

[@aeroteslaaviationworks176]

Time for the Blue Angels to add some new maneuvers to their show!

[@NigelWoolleyaviation]

Good call!

[@aeroteslaaviationworks176]

@@NigelWoolleyaviation after seeing what the F-18C is capable of in the hands of very capable pilots lately...its only logical. (Among a few other good reasons).

[@dotarsojat7725]

It appears that the Flying Finn has taught his ‘Old Dog’ some very clever tricks! Finn for the Win.

[@vascoribeiro69]

They are as good rally drivers as pilots!

[@bige1106]

dont forget F1 as well, 3 World Champions for such a small populationwise country!

[@MrMathieu1563]

The Swiss Demo wasn’t the full show, I think the pilot had to adapt the program because of the weather conditions maybe, because it’s not the complete High Show ! I’m living in Switzerland and the Hornet Demo is incredible