The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, and it is opening Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) doors to the public from 9-10 September for RSAF55 Open House (RSAF55OH), seven years after the last physical event in 2016. RSAF55OH is a free public event, and will be from 9am to 6pm on both days.
At the RSAF55OH media preview on 4 September, EXCO Chairman, and Commander, Air Power Generation Command, Brigadier-General (BG) Amos Yeo said, “To celebrate the Air Force’s 55th anniversary, and thank Singaporeans for their unwavering support over the years, our Air Force is organising the RSAF55 Open House this weekend. Visitors to the open house can enjoy various activities at our fairground, such as interactive exhibits, static display of various assets, hands on simulators and carnival games. They can also meet the airmen and women of the Air Force, watch the aerial capability displays and take familiarisation rides on our aircraft. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the open house this weekend. Admission is free and no tickets are required.”
BG Amos Yeo briefing the media at the RSAF55OH Media Preview on 4 September 2023
This year’s Open House will feature a range of activities, from experiential exhibition halls, assets static displays, capability displays and a unique phygital (physical-digital) concept for visitors. The physical experience of the event will be augmented and enhanced by a Digital Experience Webapp, launched on 15 August as a lead up the RSAF55OH. The public can access the webapp at https://go.gov.sg/RSAF55OH for activities such as personalising their own avatars or view virtual RSAF assets flying against the skies through the AR (Augmented Reality) Aerial Display Filters. There are also pre-event activities n the webapp to earn digital coins which can be used to redeem for RSAF gifts or Fast Passes for events at the Open House.
Exhibition Halls
There will be exhibition halls for visitors to learn more about the RSAF and they also feature phygital games, Poll/Like Micro Boxes and short quizzes, which can be interacted with a NFC (Near-Field Communication) tag.
Hall 1 (RSAF Story) traces the history of the RSAF and its transformation over the last 55 years. Through a combination of digital and physical information boards, it showcases the RSAF capabilities and their peacetime value such as Air Defence operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions. Visitors will also learn more about the operations and training that is undertaken by the RSAF.
In Hall 2 (Our People, Our Air Force), the various duties and responsibilities of the RSAF vocations such as the Air Crew Specialist, Air Defence Systems Specialist, Air Force Engineer and Air Warfare Officer, will be shown through simulators, physical displays and interactive elements. They served to showcase the dedication, commitment and professionalism of the RSAF personnel. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteer Corps and Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC) will also be present in the hall for visitors who have an interest in their activities.
Hall 3 (Future Air Base) envisions an RSAF Future Air Base, highlighting some of the forward-looking initiatives and technologies which are currently being explored or developed. Visitors can learn more about the sustainability initiatives and plans and also view an F-35 simulator, which are part of the RSAF Smart Air Base development.
Static Displays
18 different RSAF assets will be on display, with selected cockpit and cabin entries for some of them. Among the assets will be the F-15SG Strike Eagle fighter, G550 AEW (Airborne Early Warning) aircraft, H-450 and Heron 1 UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), Aster 30 and SPYDER GBAD (Ground Based Air Defence) systems and the RSAF’s newest platforms, the H225 Medium Lift and CH-47F Chinook helicopters.
Capability Displays
A perennial favourite, the Aerial Capability Display returns with a 2-part segment. The first segment showcases the activation and scramble launch of F-15SG fighters to intercept and escort a suspected bomb threat airliner, simulated by the A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) aircraft to land safely into the air base. The second segment highlights the combined operations of Air Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR) of the Heron 1 UAV, with a ground strike operation by the F-15SGs, and Guardsmen insertion by the H225M helicopter against enemy combatants. At the static display area, there will also be Fighter Weapons Loading and Military Working Dog demonstrations at selected times.
Fairground and Performances
A family-friendly carnival with activities and games to engage both young and old will be held at the Fairground, and food trucks and stalls will also be available at the Fairground and Dining Hall. The SAF Music and Drama Company and SAF Central Band will be putting on performances in the Dining Hall at selected times.
Phygital Experience
Every visitor to the Open House will be issued with a NFC tag, and by pairing it with the Digital Experience Webapp, they can utilise the tag to take part in the phygital activities and games throughout the event. The tag can also be used to register for an electronic queue for simulators and cockpit entries, and digital games, thereby helping visitors to maximise their time. The webapp will also provide essential information such as site maps, programme timings, and even real-time queue times.
How To Get There
The public is not allowed to drive to Paya Lebar Air Base for the RSAF55OH event, and only the following transport options are available:
Free Shuttle Buses
There will be free shuttle buses available from the following locations:
1) Hougang Bus Park (Address: 12A Hougang Avenue 4) ; or
2) 18 Tai Seng (Address: 18 Tai Seng Street)
First buses from the above locations begin at 8am and the last buses are at 4:30pm.
For return journeys from RSAF55OH, visitors can board the buses at:
1) Air Force Museum for the return trip to Hougang Bus Park ; or
2) Air Force Training Command for the return trip to 18 Tai Seng
Last buses from the above locations end at 6:30pm.
Public Buses
For public bus services, the following are available:
1) Bus Service 90 from Toa Payoh Interchange ; and
2) Bus Service 94 from Eunos Bus Interchange (NOTE: No service on 10 September 2023)
Taxis and PHVs (Private Hire Vehicles)
Taxis and PHVs are allowed to access the RSAF55OH event for drop-offs and pick-ups only. For visitors going to Paya Lebar Air Base, please indicate the destination as 504 Airport Road, and all vehicles are to follow the directions to the designated points when they arrive.
For updated information on the RSAF55OH, please check with the Digital Experience Webapp at https://go.gov.sg/RSAF55OH
