The Air Force Museum of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has recently added their newest exhibit – a retired Northrop F-5S Tiger II static aircraft. The new F-5S aircraft exhibit honours the legacy of their RSAF service, and includes a specially painted tail commemorating their 36 years of operational service and defending our skies.
The first supersonic fighter to enter RSAF service, the Northrop F-5E Tiger II took over the air defence role of the Hawker Hunters with its Mach 1.64 maximum speed and relatively modern avionics advantage. A total of 18 F-5E single-seat fighters and 3 F-5F dual-seat trainers arrived in 1979, and 144 Squadron (Blackite) was inaugurated to receive them. In 1985, a second squadron, 149 Squadron (Shikra), was formed with the arrival of additional aircraft.
In the 1990s, the F-5 fleet underwent an avionics upgrade program, and the single-seat and dual-seat versions were re-designated as the F-5S and F-5T respectively. ST Aerospace carried out the program which include replacing the APQ-159 rader with the FIAR Grifo-F, a glass cockpit with two MFDs (Multi-Function Displays) and new HUD (Head-Up Display), and a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) system. These new systems ensured the upgraded aircraft could rival newer aircraft such as the General Dynamics F-16 Falcon.
ST Aerospace also locally converted eight F-5E airframes to the RF-5E standard with modifications to the front fuselage and nose of the aircraft to accomodate the new sensor modules. The RF-5Es were then assigned to 141 Squadron (Merlin) to take over the tactical reconnaissance role from the retired Hunters. All RF-5Es were later brought up to the RF-5S standard.
In August 2015, the RSAF F-5 fleet celebrated its 36th anniversary, and officially retired not long after. Thanks to the upgrade and modernisation programs, the F-5s performed their roles superbly and remained a very potent aircraft up to their final RSAF service days.
