#OneNationTogether – “a call-to-action for all Singaporeans to take pride in our achievements, and to be confident in our collective future as we overcome all odds together”. This is the theme of the National Day Parade 2017 as it returns to the Marina Bay Floating Platform this year.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force conducted their first rehearsal today with quite a few assets making full use of the open space in the Marina Bay Area. Having had no aerial displays for NDP2016 at the National Stadium last year, this is definitely a welcome change.

Our crew made full use of the great morning light to bring you some of the actions from the Marina Bay Waterfront. Do note that the following observations are from the very first rehearsal and everything could change by the time we get to the National Education shows or the actual day on 9th August 2017.

Opening the day was the CH-47D Chinook insertion of Navy Divers in the bay. Something which we had seen in previous shows. It is still an amazing sight to see this up close.

 

CH-47D Chinook hovering towards water surface

CH-47D Chinook prepares for deployment

Navy Divers deploying from the rear ramp of the CH-47D Chinook

 

Following that, a pair of AH-64D Apaches did a low level fly pass from the right of show centre and turned towards the Gardens by the Bay. As a bonus, one of these Apaches are the latest upgraded version sporting blisters on both of it’s wings.

 

Pair of AH-64D Longbow Apaches

Upgraded AH-64D Apache (SN 01-2069)

AH-64D Longbow Apache

Upgraded AH-64D Apache (SN 01-2069) – Note the blisters on the wings

 

With the Apaches retiring, three F-15SG Strike Eagles came in at high speed directly in front of show centre. This sequence is something new and would definitely wow the crowd.

One banks to the right to go behind the Marina Bay Sands while the other two of the F-15SGs continue towards the Floating Platform and does a high speed crossover maneuver in front of the spectators. Finishing off this segment is the lone F-15SG that broke off in the beginning. With afterburners on, it enters the show centre from the left and executes a 360 degree high G turn around the buildings in the Marina Bay area before exiting towards Clarke Quay.

 

Two F-15SG Strike Eagles Cross Over

F-15SG Exiting the show centre with afterburners

Solo F-15SG Strike Eagle performing high G turn

Massive condensations as the F-15SG pulls the Gs

 

After that, we had the standard State Flag fly pass of the CH-47D Chinook escorted by two AH-64D Longbow Apaches. Trailing the flag party was a AS332M Super Puma which was giving seven lucky children from the Straits Times Pocket Money Fund an unforgettable experience of what the flag fly pass looks like from the air.

 

Flag Fly Pass

Flag Fly Pass over the CBD

Chase AS332M Super Puma with the 7 Straits Times Pocket Money Fund Children

 

Concluding the RSAF aerial display segment would be the five ship F-15SG Strike Eagles with a Salute to the Nation break.

 

Formation of five F-15SG Strike Eagles

Salute to the Nation

Salute to the Nation

 

If you are keen on watching the subsequent sessions, do check out the timings as posted on the Official NDP Website

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