RSAF set to show its might at Singapore Airshow 2016

This article is more than 12 months old

Feb 12, 2016 06:00 am

One is a jet that can hit speeds of 3,000 kmh plus, and is so deadly in the air that it has a record of over 100 kills and zero aerial combat defeats in its more than 30-year history.

The other is a helicopter that carries enough firepower and capability to simultaneously decimate several enemy tanks.

Next weekend, you can watch both aircraft sharing the skies in an integrated aerial display for the first time during the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) aerial display at the Singapore Airshow (SA) 2016.

Demonstrating their power and agility, the F-15SG Strike Eagle fighter jet and AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter will perform three manoeuvres together and four solo manoeuvres each.

Their 12-minute routine includes the Vertical Punch, which is being performed for the first time. The Apache will pull up to the skies, and flip around as if performing an aerial ballet, before passing the F-15SG flying in from the opposite direction.

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The F-15SG will then punch through the clouds in a spectacular vertical climb.

In one of the highlights of their integrated manouevres, the High Speed Flash Pass (see main picture), the F-15SG will roll 90 degrees on its starboard side as it flashes past the AH-64D. F-15SG flight lead, Major Max Ng, said: "We have undergone intensive training to finesse the aerial manoeuvres to showcase the grace and power of the two aircraft and to thrill the audience.

PROFESSIONALISM

"The integrated display highlights the professionalism and capabilities of our air force and personnel."

Their routine is part of a 40-minute air show that will be performed above the waters off Changi Exhibition Centre.

It includes the Black Eagles from the Republic of Korea Air Force, who will be returning with three more manoeuvres after their jaw-dropping aerobatic stunts at the 2014 SA.

On Feb 20, the aerial display will be from 10.30am to 11.10am, while on Feb 21, it will be from 2.20pm to 3.00pm.On the ground, the key highlights of the static aircraft display will include the F-16C Flying Falcon fighter jet, the USAF F-22 stealth fighters and the Airbus A400M - all of which will be taking part at the SA for the first time.

The RSAF will also showcase 11 military assets, including the Black Knight F-16C aircraft in its red and white paint scheme, CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft and the Surface-to-Air PYthon-5 and DERby (SPYDER) Ground-Based Air Defence system.

Chairman of the RSAF sub-committee for SA2016, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tan, said: "The Airshow is a good opportunity for the RSAF to showcase our capabilities as a modern, full-spectrum and professional air force, operated by people who are well-trained and committed to the defence of Singapore."

Visitors can also look forward to some of the latest luxury business jets from Bombardier, Embraer and Gulfstream, as well as other new aircraft and helicopter models such as Airbus H145 and Bell 505, all also appearing for the first time.

Young and aspiring pilots will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the men and women who have chosen a career in the skies at Meet-the-Pilots sessions.

The Captain's Den, a new e-store which offers a wide range of Singapore Airshow memorabilia, has also been launched.