before 2 years | EMIL EGGER AG

The Hawker Hunter aeroplane is safely back at the Hunter association Obersimmental

Special transport of the Papyrus Hunter from Altenrhein to St. Stephan

Until a few years ago, the former Hunter fighter aircraft of the Swiss Air Force were among the highlights at airshows in Switzerland. So was the Papyrus Hunter. The jet has been looked after and maintained by the Hunter association Obersimmental for many years. Unfortunately, the increasingly strict regulations became its downfall. In autumn 2023, the Papyrus was flown over to Altenrhein for its annual inspection. It was no longer allowed to take off from there.

emil-egger-hawker-hunter-aviation-transport-21

In January, the board decided to have the Papyrus transported by road back to the shelter in St. Stephan. Hawker Hunter Aviation Ltd from England agreed to help with the dismantling, transport and assembly.

After intensive discussions and careful planning, EMIL EGGER received the order to dismantle the Papyrus Hunter in Thal together with the mechanics, transport it to St. Stephen’s and reassemble it there. Choosing the right vehicles for this complex transport was a challenge, particularly due to the special requirements for the aircraft’s wings and fuselage.

Vehicles and equipment:

An articulated lorry with a low-bed trailer and extended loading area for the fuselage
A lorry-mounted crane with trailer for the transport accessories (assembly stands)
A trailer combination for the Hunter accessories
An articulated lorry with semi-trailer for the wings
An escort vehicle for transporting the fuselage

The transport began on 8 May 2024 with four lorries in Thal. On site, the team dismantled the Papyrus Hunter with the help of a lorry crane and the wings were safely loaded according to the instructions of the English specialists. The fuselage was carefully lifted onto the low-bed trailer using a lifting beam and securely fastened.

After a holiday-related stopover in Härkingen and Hasle near Burgdorf, the convoy continued its journey on 10 May 2024. Accompanied by a former pilot of the Papyrus Hunter and an escort vehicle due to the extra width, the team mastered the challenging route from Spiez via Zweisimmen to St. Stephan.

Arriving at the airfield in St. Stephan, the team was greeted by a large reception committee. The members of the Obersimmental Hunter Club were relieved to see the Papyrus Hunter undamaged. In the hangar, the fuselage and wings were unloaded and assembled with the utmost care.

Special challenges:

Transporting the fuselage on a low-bed trailer with 6 metre extensions
Special authorisations due to excess height and width
Adaptation of construction sites on the route from Spiez
Tight space conditions in the hangar in St. Stephan

More news from Emil Egger

Precise crane operation in winter conditions

As part of the construction of the new Säntis suspension railroad, EMIL EGGER was once again able to make a contribution to an important infrastructure project in Eastern Switzerland. Together with the fitters from Garaventa, the existing cabins of the Säntis suspension railroad were safely lifted down into the valley.

Learn more

emil-egger-reussbruecke-kranhub-thb-spezialtransporte-1

Precision in time with rail traffic

On the first weekend in May, EMIL EGGER successfully completed another important construction phase on the Reuss Bridge in Lucerne. The listed railroad bridge – over which around 200 trains pass every day – is currently being extensively renovated. The last major renovation was carried out in 1987.

Learn more

Efficient lifting technology from EMIL EGGER for bridge renovation in Bern

The Seftau footbridge in Felsenau near Bern was successfully excavated on April 28, 2026. The 53-metre-long foot and cycle bridge connects the municipalities of Bern and Bremgarten bei Bern and is currently undergoing extensive renovation.

Learn more

emil-egger-rueckbau-wallstrassenbruecke-ulm-lr11000-22

When logistics moves mountains: EMIL EGGER brings a 1,000-tonne crane to the construction site

Before a large crawler crane even makes its first lift, an impressive logistical feat has already taken place. A crane such as the Liebherr LR 11000 is completely dismantled for transport and delivered to the construction site in numerous individual parts.

Learn more

emil-egger-rueckbau-wallstrassenbruecke-ulm-lr11000-2

Demolition of the Wallstrasse Bridge in Ulm – Video footage of the operation

A few days ago, we reported on our involvement in the demolition of the Wallstrasse Bridge in Ulm. Now, video footage provides further insights into this extraordinary project and impressively demonstrates the scale and precision of the work carried out.

Learn more

Heavy-lift logistics for energy infrastructure – project in Niederwil, Aargau

Since the start of the year, we have been responsible for managing all heavy-lift logistics for Regionalwerke Baden and CO2 Energie AG in connection with a new biogas processing and CO2 capture plant in Niederwil, Aargau.

Learn more

EMIL EGGER lifts 56-tonne girders with millimeter precision

Our team was able to accompany a demanding precision lift on the Seedammcenter project in Pfäffikon SZ: A 56-tonne girder was positioned together with other concrete elements with millimetre precision. A 450-tonne pneumatic crane from EMIL EGGER was used for this work, which lifted the heavy components safely and in a controlled manner to their intended position.

Learn more

Rückbau der westlichen Wallstrassenbrücke in Ulm (1)

LR 11000 heavy-duty crane lifts up to 500 t bridge segments

As part of the comprehensive renewal of the B10 in Ulm, the Wallstrasse bridge is being completely replaced. With an investment volume of over 200 million euros, the infrastructure project is one of the largest transportation projects in the region and will take several years to complete.

Learn more

emil-egger-industrieumzug-energietechnik-a

Machine installation and assembly for the energy transition

EMIL EGGER carries out demanding machine installation and assembly work for the energy infrastructure. Two heat accumulators and two cold accumulators were installed and assembled safely, precisely and on schedule.

Learn more

Steam turbine for Hagenholz waste incineration plant: heavy transport and single-lift installation from a single source

We were able to make a key contribution to the expansion of the Hagenholz waste incineration plant: The new steam turbine and accessories from Siemens Energy were transported from Czechia to Switzerland by EMIL EGGER and delivered to the construction site on schedule.

Learn more