EKW C-3603
Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte (EKW) · Switzerland · first flew 1942 · fighter
The EKW C-3603 was a Swiss single-seat fighter-bomber developed for the Swiss Air Force during World War II, combining a powerful Hispano-Suiza engine with good performance for a Swiss indigenous design. It was used for both interception and ground attack.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Swiss single-engine fighter-bomber of World War II
- Low-wing monoplane with Hispano-Suiza liquid-cooled engine
- Swiss Air Force ground attack aircraft retained postwar
A clean low-wing monoplane with a long nose housing the liquid-cooled Hispano-Suiza engine, retractable undercarriage, and conventional tail; the long engine cowl is the primary recognition feature.
Specifications
- The EKW C-3603 has a length of 10.2 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.74 m (45 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 520 km/h (323 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by the Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte at Emmen, the C-3603 entered service with the Swiss Fliegertruppe in the early 1940s. Switzerland's neutrality meant the aircraft saw no combat, but it provided a credible deterrent force during the war years.
Variants
The C-3603 succeeded the earlier C-3601 and C-3602; the C-3604 was a subsequent development with different engine. Target-towing variants served postwar for many years.
Where you'll see it
The C-3603 served with the Swiss Air Force through World War II and remained operational postwar in target-towing roles until the late 1950s, a remarkably long service career.
Related aircraft
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