NEWS | 9 IMAGES
Just yesterday (12 June 2024), the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) unveiled their newest exhibit at the Air Force Museum. On display is a Eurocopter AS332M Super Puma, #297 (MSN 2213), decked in Search and Rescue (SAR) colours.
Background
The AS332 has a long-standing history with RSAF. Successor to the Bell 212 and UH-1H Huey helicopters, the AS332 was RSAF’s first multi-role medium lift helicopter. It was introduced in 1985 and became fully operational by 1986. They were operated by 125 and 126 Squadron, supporting Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) missions such as SAR, troop-lift, underslung cargo transport, counter terrorism and ship-borne operations.
The AS332 had the honour of carrying the state flag for the National Day Parade from 1986 to 2000. In 1987, it also set the world record for the largest state flag (30m x 20m) flown then. The Super Puma has proved to be a valuable platform at local and overseas exercises, such as Exercise Wallaby in Australia, SAREX MALSING with Malaysian counterparts, ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise with SOTF troopers locally.
Over the years, more than 300 Pilots and Air Crew Specialists have been trained to operate on the AS332. This was in part facilitated by a permanent deployment of AS332s for the Oakey Training Centre in Queensland, Australia, the agreement signed with the Australian Government in 1996.
One of the primary responsibilities of the AS332 is showcased in the museum exhibit. In total, three (#297/98/99) red-and-white Super Pumas were reserved for 24/7 SAR duties, better-known as “RESCUE 10”. The RESCUE 10 team comprising of a crew of six – a pilot, co-pilot, winch operator, winchman, doctor and medic, can be scrambled in under 15 minutes. Compared to Singapore’s land area of 734.3 sqkm, the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Region (ASRR) tasked to CAAS for coordination coincides with the Singapore Flight Information Region (FIR), a massive size of 840,000 sqkm. Combined with the high intensity of vessel traffic through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, RESCUE10 is activated twice a month on average. The perfect execution of this duty is key so “That Others May Live”.
The AS332s were gradually phased out from 2021 to 2023, with the arrival of the the newer and more capable Airbus Helicopters H225M. Improvements include 20% more range, a dual electrical hoist system, longer cable length, glass cockpit and SATCOM. With the H225M achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC) status in April 2024, roles have now been fully assumed by the H225M, signifying the sunset of the Super Pumas.
Air Force Museum
Location: 400 Airport Road, Singapore 534234
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 4pm
*Closed on Sunday, Mondays, Public Holidays, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Lunar New Year’s Eve
Admission: Free
Public Transport: Bus Stop 71049, Bus services 90 and 94
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