The Clin d’Ailes museum in Payerne showcases Swiss military aircraft and helicopters from the jet and turbine era, housed in a building of concrete, metal and glass. From its terrace, you can watch the runways of the neighbouring air base.
Themed museums
Main highlights
- Nine aircraft and two helicopters from the Swiss Air Force, from the Vampire to the F-5 Tiger
- Original Mirage IIIS simulator, the SIMIR, operated on request
- Terrace overlooking the runways of Payerne Air Base, home to the F/A-18s
Overview
The Payerne Military Aviation Museum, known as Clin d’Ailes, is located on the main operational air base of the Swiss F/A-18s. It traces military aeronautics in the second half of the 20th century.
Its creation stems from the Army 95 programme, which retired the Hunter from service and led to the disbanding of Aviation Squadron 5 at the end of 1994. The museum was founded to preserve these witnesses to Swiss military aviation history. It has been open to the public since 2003.
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Things to see and do
The collection brings together nine aircraft and two helicopters spread across two exhibition halls. Highlights include the Vampire, the Venom, the Hunter, the Mirage III and the F-5 Tiger. Each aircraft illustrates a stage in Swiss military aviation, from the first jets to more sophisticated machines, reflecting advances in aerodynamics, materials and weapons systems.
On request, the museum operates the SIMIR, the original Mirage IIIS flight simulator. It offers a glimpse into flying a fighter jet and the complexity of these aircraft.
The terrace overlooks the runways. Depending on activity at the base, you may see active F/A-18s taking off and landing.
Practical information
Access : the museum is located on Payerne Air Base, in a large hangar alongside a runway. Follow the signposts carefully.
Visit duration : allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a full visit.
Audience : aviation enthusiasts, curious visitors and groups, with guided tours on request.
On site : free audio guides and a terrace with views of the runways.
Visiting tips
Take an audio guide : it provides technical and historical details on each aircraft. For groups, book a guided tour or a simulator session in advance.
If you are taking photos, set aside time for the terrace : F/A-18 movements are not guaranteed.
Nearby attractions
- The Payerne Abbey Church is the largest Romanesque church in Switzerland, with an interactive trail on its history.
- The Gletterens Lake Village recreates prehistoric stilt houses on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.
- The Avenches Roman Site and Museum presents Aventicum, the former capital of Roman Helvetia.
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