Editor: In a week’s time, the long awaited RSAF Open House 2016 on 21-22 May is finally here! In this final series, we bring you back to the more recent RSAF open houses since the turn of millennium, 2001 to 2011.
Text by Gary Ng (@clipper.sg)
Images by: Gary Ng (@clipper.sg), David Chua (@Robotech3142), Eric Chang (@eclh14)
A New Millennium
At the turn of the century, the RSAF underwent a force transformation that saw new technologies utilised in new strategies. A major reorganisation of the force took place that focused on operational commands, and this enable it to maximise its assets and infrastructure.
Open Houses in the 2000s showcased the RSAF as a full spectrum force, fully capable of conducting both military and humanitarian missions. With new platforms such as the Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagles and AH-64D Apache Longbows, Gulfstream G550 AEW and Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk, the RSAF land and sea warfighting capabilities were bolstered tremendously.
The public were treated to displays which showcased how the various components of the RSAF were seamlessly integrated to provide a 24/7 defence of the island. Static displays highlighted cutting edge technologies that enabled a 3rd Generation Air Force which is Full Spectrum, Integrated and Ready
2001, 1-2 Sep – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
Northrop F-5S Tiger IIs engine start for scramble display, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, September 2001
Guardsmen unloading from a Boeing CH-47D Chinook, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, September 2001
2003, 5-7 Sep – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
RSAF General Dynamics F-16C Block 52 scrambles for take off, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, September 2003
A HAWK XM-501 Full Tracked Transporter/Loader on static display, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase,
September 2003
2006, 2-3 Sep – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
AFEs standby for a weapon loading demonstration on a General Dynamics F-16C Block 52, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, September 2006
Ground crew prepping up RSAF F-5E, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, September 2006
Red Lions during RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, September 2006
Lockheed KC-130B and Northrop F-5S Tiger IIs showcase an inflight refuelling formation, RSAF Open House,
Paya Lebar Airbase, September 2006
RSAF CH-47SD Chinook with an underslung Pegasus 155mm LWSPH, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, September 2006
2008, 28-31 Aug – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
SAF Redlions freefallers salute after their performance, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, August 2008
An Eurocopter EC120B Colibri on static display, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, August 2008
F-15SG, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, August 2008
A Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow simulates an attack run, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, August 2008
4 ship formation returning to base, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, August 2008
RSAF F-5S Tiger IIs, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, August 2008
2011, 28-29 May – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
Red Lions, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, August 2011
A Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk on static display, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, May 2011
RSAF’s CH-47SD Chinook heavylift helicopter transporting Army Light Strike Vehicles,
RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, May 2011
Four Diamond DA40 CS in a box formation flypast, RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Airbase, May 2011
Joanne Peh
More photos here!
As the RSAF moves towards its Golden Jubilee in 2018, the public awaits what will certainly be a major milestone and celebration for a young modern air force.
Previous years of displays:
- 1976, 7 Jun – RSAF Day, Changi Air Base
- 1986, 28-29 Jun – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
- 1987, 27-28 Jun – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
- 1993, 3-5 Sep – RSAF Silver Jubilee Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
- 1994, 1-3 Sep – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
- 1996, 31 Aug-1 Sep – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
- 1998, 5-6 Sep – RSAF Open House, Paya Lebar Air Base
Note: All information are sourced from open media
About the author – Gary Ng
Gary has been interested in all things military since young, especially aviation. Visiting SAF displays as a young boy got him thrilled with the sights and sounds of jets flying at low levels. Along with his passion in photography, this allows him to enjoy his two favourite hobbies during such visits.
Over the past 45 years, he has attended almost 30 SAF displays and open houses, and attempted to capture them for posterity. His interest in aviation also extends to the historical aspects, where he tries to include visits to museums and aviation-related attractions during his overseas trips. Apart from our own RSAF museum, he has visited 23 overseas sites including Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and USA.
In 2011, he was the development advisor for the book “Singapore’s Aviation Centenary (1911-2011)” by authors Teo Yew Chiat and L M Mani (ISBN 9789810863920). Gary is still very active as a photographer and military enthusiast presently, being a member of MAphotoSG.com and through it’s platform, he hopes to share his experiences, histories and the joy of aviation photography with everyone.
About MAphotoSG.com
MAphotoSG (Military Aviation Photography Singapore), is proudly represented by a number of dedicated individuals who are passionate about military aviation. Through our photography, we have captured some of the “first” images of RSAF Exclusive 2016 Airshow Preview, RSAF’s 142 Sqn tail art on F-15SG, and Exercise Commando Sling 16-2. We also bring you selected news from Singapore and International which we feel that will be interesting and important to share. Our Co-founder, David and one of our member, Eric were featured by TODAY Paper (a Singapore newspaper published by MediaCorp) for 2016 Airshow featured article in Feb 2016! Click here to learn more about the team!