RSAF50@Marina Barrage

PHOTO FEATURE | 50 IMAGES


This year marks the Golden Jubilee of the Republic of Singapore Air Force.  The RSAF has came a long way over these 50 years, from when Singapore started with almost no air defence capability in 1968. Today, the RSAF have built a formidable air force that is not only capable of defending Singapore, but also contends as one of the most modern and competent air forces in the region. This has only been possible with the support from Singaporeans through the years.

The RSAF50@Marina Barrage event was specially planned by the RSAF for Singaporeans to commemorate the RSAF’s fiftieth milestone, and to show their appreciation for all the support these past fifty years.

Here, we present our recollection of the RSAF50@Marina Barrage event as it happened. Our Home, Above All!

 

One of the many RSAF personnel supporting the event on site at the Marina Barrage wearing the aerial display team shirts.01. One of the many RSAF personnel supporting the event on site at the Marina Barrage wearing the aerial display team shirts.

 

Heron1 UAV02. The Heron 1 UAV with its specialised sensors allows the crew to simultaneously look at its targets in full colour as well as in infra-red. Making it much easier to spot the enemy from far distances, thereby providing the SAF real-time updates of the dynamic battlefield.

 

Part of the 10000 strong crowd on the roof of the Marina Barrage awaits the flying display.03. Part of the 10000 strong crowd on the roof of the Marina Barrage awaits the flying display.

 

Starting off the fly past segment, four DA40s from the Singapore Youth Flying Club, flies over the Marina Barrage in a Diamond formation.04. Starting off the fly past segment, four DA40s from the Singapore Youth Flying Club, flies over the Marina Barrage in a Diamond formation.

 

Helicopter Formation with Cityskyline view05. Following the DA40s are the RSAF Helicopter Formation flying low over the city skyline.

 

Crowd takes pictures of the Helicopter Formation06. Leading the helicopter formation is the CH-47D Chinook helicopter, fulfilling SAF’s requirement for heavy-lift and long-range Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities. Two AH-64D Apaches flank the formation. These fearsome attack helicopters provide the SAF with strike and escort capabilities to decisively shape the Land Battle. At the wings, are two AS332M Super Pumas. These medium-lift helicopters fulfil the Army’s tactical troop support demands and are the mainstay in Search And Rescue operations. Bringing up the rear is the S-70B Seahawk. This naval helicopter enhances the Navy’s anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities.


Helicopter formation flying over a packed Marina Barrage during the Saturday afternoon show.07. Helicopter formation flying over a packed Marina Barrage during the Saturday afternoon show.

 

View from the C-130H Hercules rear vision bubble as it leads the Arrowhead Formation with two Fokker 50s.08. Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft as viewed from the C-130H Hercules rear vision bubble as it leads the formation into show centre. The C-130H Hercules is a versatile medium-range transporter that can also fulfill expanded roles of aerial refueling and Search & Locate.  The C-130 has placed Singapore on the world map by delivering aid for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, as well as UN Peace-keeping missions. The Fokker 50 performs the Maritime Air Surveillance role together with the Navy. It also undertakes Search and Locate duties for military and other civil agencies.

 

KC-135R Formation with 2 F-16s and G55009. The next formation comprises a combination of transport and fighter aircraft. A KC-135R Stratotanker leads this formation with two F-16 multi-role fighters and a Gulfstream G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft. The KC-135R provides core aerial refueling capability for the RSAF, and extends the reach and endurance of our fighter aircraft. When required, it can also be called upon to perform aeromedical evacuations. The F-16s are maneuverable multi-role combat fighter, equipped with modern avionics, is just as capable in dominating aerial dogfights, as it is in striking targets with the Army, or working in concert with the Navy to secure the seas. Completing the diamond, is the G550, with its powerful phased Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, it provides airborne early warning capability, as well as orchestrates air battles with the fighter aircraft.

 

KC-135R Formation high above lighted by the afternoon sun10. KC-135R Formation high above lighted by the afternoon sun

 

6 F-15SG in Delta Formation over Singapore Strait11. Finally, we have six F-15SGs flying in Delta Formation. This is the RSAF’s latest fighter aircraft, armed with state-of-the-art sensors, avionics and weapons, it increases the RSAF’s combat effectiveness and our ability to fend off potential threats.

 

Spectators at the waterfront near Marina Barrage captures the F-15SGs with their mobile phones as the they fly past in Delta Formation.12. Spectators at the waterfront near Marina Barrage captures the F-15SGs with their mobile phones as the they fly past in Delta Formation.

 

Starting the Aerial Display segment are two AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, Redhawks 1 and 2 from 120 Squadron entering from the front of show centre.13. Starting the Aerial Display segment are two AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, Redhawks 1 and 2 from 120 Squadron entering from the front of show centre.

 

The two AH-64D helicopters break into each other and make a 90-degree turn as they approach the show centre to perform the Cross Dagger.14. Cross Dagger – The two AH-64D helicopters break into each other and make a 90-degree turn as they approach the show centre.

 

Wing Over - After the close proximity break, Redhawk 1 and 2 executes a 90 degrees steep turn, pitching up 45 degrees almost rolling over making a U turn in the air. 15. Wing Over – After the close proximity break, Redhawk 1 and 2 executes a 90 degrees steep turn, pitching up 45 degrees almost rolling over making a U turn in the air.

 

Flash Pass – Approaching each other head on at over 200kmh, the two helicopters pass each other in front of show centre.16. Flash Pass – Approaching each other head on at over 200kmh, the two helicopters pass each other in front of show centre.

 

 Tail Sweep – Showcasing the Apaches powerful manoeuvring capability with its tail rotor is the tail sweep. Pedal turning this mighty machine at almost Zero airspeed before diving towards the crowd at a steep angle.17. Tail Sweep – Showcasing the Apaches powerful manoeuvring capability with its tail rotor is the tail sweep. Pedal turning this mighty machine at almost zero airspeed before diving towards the crowd at a steep angle.

 

Bowtie - Returning to the show Centre, Synchronizing their manoeuvres, both helicopters pull up together in harmony, turn & cross each other, then fly away, executing the Bowtie manoeuvre.18. Bowtie – Returning to the show centre, synchronizing their manoeuvres, both helicopters pull up together in harmony, turn and cross each other, then fly away, executing the Bowtie manoeuvre.

 

Quick Stop – Showcasing the agility of the helicopter, the Apaches executes a quick stop by rapidly decelerating to a hover.19. Quick Stop – Showcasing the agility of the helicopter, the Apaches executes a quick stop by rapidly decelerating to a hover.

 

Hover Cross – Executing hover turns from opposite ends, they finally cross each other facing show centre in synchrony.20. Hover Cross – Executing hover turns from opposite ends, they finally cross each other facing show centre in synchrony.

 

09-HS_0001-Edit21. Viking – The Apaches climbs during their backwards flights and swing forward swiftly to create the viking effect.

 

 Appreciation Bow - The Apache bow towards the show centre as a sign of appreciation for Singaporean’s support through the years and to thank the public at the Marina Barrage.22. Appreciation Bow – The Apache bow towards the show centre as a sign of appreciation for Singaporean’s support through the years and to thank the public at the Marina Barrage.

 

Completing their performance, the two Apaches made a round over the Marina Barrage.23. Completing their performance, the two Apaches circled over the Marina Barrage. Giving the audience a good view of the AH-64D Apache Longbow.

 

Singapore Flag and Banner on both Gunner’s cockpit as they circle the Marina Barrage on the Saturday afternoon show.24. Singapore Flag and Banner on both Gunner’s cockpit as they circle the Marina Barrage on the Saturday afternoon show.

 

RSAF50 and Singapore banners on the gunner’s cockpits as the two Apaches circle the crowd.25. RSAF50 and Singapore banners on the gunner’s cockpits as the two Apaches circle the crowd.

 

Final shot of the two Apaches as they complete their circle to overfly the crowd in the last show on Sunday.26. Final shot of the two Apaches as they complete their circle to overfly the crowd in the last show on Sunday.

 

Spectators look up as the Fighter Aerial Display begins with the sound of freedom.27. Spectators look up as the Fighter Aerial Display begins with the sound of freedom.

 

Making entry into show centre from the right, RSAF50 themed F-15SG and two F-16C in Arrowhead Formation.28. Making entry into show centre from the right, RSAF50 themed F-15SG and two F-16Cs in Arrowhead Formation.

 

Two F-16s break formation for the Vertical Split.29. Two F-16Cs break formation for the Vertical Split.

 

Vertical Split – Trailing smoke. the two F-16Cs pull straight up into the vertical and spilt at show centre and make a 180-degree turn.30. Vertical Split – Trailing smoke. the two F-16Cs pull straight up into the vertical and spilt at show centre and make a 180-degree turn.

 

Four-Point Roll - The F-15SG rolls 90 degrees four times, as it crosses show centre from left to right. Singapore Flag spotted front of WSO on the last show on Sunday.31. Four-Point Roll – The F-15SG rolls 90 degrees four times, as it crosses show centre from left to right. Singapore Flag spotted front of WSO on the last show on Sunday.

 

Aileron Roll Hit – The two F-16Cs cross close to each other while executing a simultaneous aileron roll.32. Aileron Roll Hit – The two F-16Cs cross close to each other while executing a simultaneous aileron roll.

 

Horizontal 8 – The F-15SG form a horizontal figure of 8 by pulling up and executing two loops, to form both sides of the 8.33. Horizontal 8 – The F-15SG form a horizontal figure of 8 by pulling up and executing two loops, to form both sides of the 8.

 

Horizontal 8 – F-15SG completing the horizontal 8 and setting up for the next.34. Horizontal 8 – F-15SG completing the horizontal 8 and setting up for the next.

 

High-G Turn – With full afterburners, the F-15SG pulls up to 9Gs in a 360 degree turn.35. High-G Turn – With full afterburners, the F-15SG pulls up to 9Gs in a 360 degree turn.

 

Quadruple Roll – One of the F-16C crosses the show centre performing a quadruple roll.36. Quadruple Roll – One of the F-16C crosses the show centre performing a quadruple roll.

 

Knife Edge Pass – The other F-16C rolls 90 degrees on its side displaying the top of the aircraft to the crowd as it flies from the right to the left.37. Knife Edge Pass – The other F-16C rolls 90 degrees on its side displaying the top of the aircraft to the crowd as it flies from the right to the left.

 

 Dedication Pass – This manoeuvre is dedicated to RSAF servicemen and women past and present, for their vision and dedication, for turning dreams into reality. And also to remember those who have left us in the line of duty.38. Dedication Pass – This manoeuvre is dedicated to RSAF servicemen and women past and present, for their vision and dedication, for turning dreams into reality. And also to remember those who have left us in the line of duty. 

 

Vertical Loop - The three aircraft pull up in Arrowhead Formation executing a loop.39. Vertical Loop – The three aircraft pull up in Arrowhead Formation executing a loop.

 

Vertical Loop – Completing the vertical loop, the formation leaves show centre to change into the spear.40. Vertical Loop – Completing the vertical loop, the formation leaves show centre to change into the spear.

 

Spear – The F-15SG and F-16Cs enter show centre in the spear formation.41. Spear – The F-15SG and F-16Cs enter show centre in the spear formation.

 

Inverted Helix – One of the F-16 flies inverted while the other executes a helix behind it.42. Inverted Helix – One of the F-16 flies inverted while the other executes a helix behind it.

 

Slow Loop – Entering show centre at slow speeds, the F-15SG pulls up in full afterburner to execute a loop.43. Slow Loop – Entering show centre at slow speeds, the F-15SG pulls up in full afterburner to execute a loop.

 

Slow Loop – The slow loop as seen from Marina Bay Sands Skypark the the F-15SG begins to pull up.44. Slow Loop – The slow loop as seen from Marina Bay Sands Skypark the the F-15SG begins to pull up.

 

Low and Slow – The two F-16Cs fly in close formation at a hgh angle of attack and low airspeed, looking poised and ready to strike.45. Low and Slow – The two F-16Cs fly in close formation at a hgh angle of attack and low airspeed, looking poised and ready to strike.

 

High Speed Pass – The F-15SG passes the two F-16Cs head on while one of the F-16C performs a muscle climb.46. High Speed Pass – The F-15SG passes the two F-16Cs head on while one of the F-16C performs a muscle climb.

 

Victory Flypast - The three aircraft approach the show centre from the left in a V formation before rolling onto their left in front of the crowd to exit and setup for the final manoeuvre.47. Victory Flypast – The three aircraft approach the show centre from the left in a V formation before rolling onto their left in front of the crowd to exit and setup for the final manoeuvre.

 

Heart and Knife Edge Pass – Thanking Singaporeans for their support and trust, the two F-16Cs paint a heart with white smoke while the F-15SG showcase the RSAF50 paintwork with a knife edge pass.48. Heart and Knife Edge Pass – Thanking Singaporeans for their support and trust, the two F-16Cs paint a heart with white smoke while the F-15SG showcase the RSAF50 paintwork with a knife edge pass.

 

Bomb Burst – Wrapping up the aerial display and closing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Republic of Singapore Air Force at the Marina Barrage, the F-15SGs from 142 Sqn presents a Salute to the nation on RSAF’s 50th Birthday.49. Bomb Burst – Wrapping up the aerial display and closing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Republic of Singapore Air Force at the Marina Barrage, the F-15SGs from 142 Sqn presents a Salute to the nation on RSAF’s 50th Birthday.

 

KC-135R Stratotanker on finals to Paya Lebar Air Base after the end of the aerial displays.50. KC-135R Stratotanker on finals to Paya Lebar Air Base after the end of the aerial displays.

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