Singapore Airshow 2016 – RSAF Involvement

The Republic of Singapore Airforce (RSAF)

There are many countries involved in the bi-annual event, but no other country consistently makes appearances than Singapore itself. Being the host country, assets from the RSAF make a definite appearance every 2 years at the Singapore airshow.

RSAF Black Knights in Singapore Airshow 2014RSAF Black Knights in Singapore Airshow 2014

This year, the RSAF’s static display consists of 2x Boeing F15SG Strike Eagle from the 149th squadron, 1 Lockheed Martin F16D+ from the 145th squadron and 1 F16C from the Black Knights aerobatic team, 1 Gulfstream G550-AEW from the 111th squadron, 1 AH64D Apache Longbow helicopter from the 120th squadron, 1 Eurocopter AS332M1 Super Puma from the 126th squadron, 1 Boeing AH47D Chinook from the 127th squadron, An Elbit Hermes 450 UAV from the 116th squadron and an IAI Heron 1 UAV from the 119th squadron. Singapore Airshow 2016 differs from the previous airshow in 2014 as the previous airshow had a larger number of aircraft present, such as having 3 F15SGs instead of 2, 3 F16D+ aircraft instead of a single F16D+ and F16C and 2 Apaches instead of 1. 2 Northrop F5T Tigers were also displayed in 2014, which were absent at this year’s airshow as they are currently retired. The Lockheed C130 Hercules from 122 squadron and Sikorsky S-70B Sea Hawk naval helicopter were also at the 2014 airshow, and were not shown at the 2016 airshow.

RSAF F-15SG at Static Display AreaRSAF F-15SG at Static Display Area

RSAF F-16C in Black Knight LiveryRSAF F-16C in Black Knight Livery

RSAF F-16C in Black Knight LiveryRSAF F-16C in Black Knight Livery

RSAF F-16D Block 52+RSAF F-16D Block 52+

RSAF F-16C in Black Knight LiveryRSAF F-16C in Black Knight Livery

RSAF Gulfstream G550 CAEWRSAF Gulfstream G550 CAEW

RSAF AH-64D Longbow ApacheRSAF AH-64D Longbow Apache

RSAF AS332M Super PumaRSAF AS332M Super Puma

Not forgetting the RSAF’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Assets, a SPYDER was also present at the showsite. Also included was a single F15SG and AH64 Apache longbow helicopter in an integrated flying display, a first for the RSAF and one of the main highlights of the event (last airshow’s being the Black Knights aerobatic team).

RSAF SPYDER Air Defence System and F-15SG Strike EagleRSAF SPYDER Air Defence System and F-15SG Strike Eagle

RSAF F-15SG at Static Display AreaRSAF F-15SG at Static Display Area

RSAF CH-47 ChinookRSAF CH-47 Chinook

RSAF CH-47 Chinook InteriorRSAF CH-47 Chinook Interior

RSAF F-15SG at Static Display AreaRSAF F-15SG at Static Display Area

RSAF Aerial Display Sequence

The biggest highlight from the RSAF this year was probably was the integrated flying display of the F15 and Apache. The display lasted 12 minutes, and was the first aerial display to kick off the show on a wet Saturday, but also the last display to end off the series of flying displays throughout the airshow (Sunday). A similar display was conducted in 2010 where a single F16 Fighting Falcon (Piloted by MAJ Sim Poh Joo) and Apache Longbow helicopter (Piloted by MAJ Jeffrey Yeo) flew together in an integrated display. The F15SG multirole fighter is the RSAF’s main fighter and the most capable aircraft in the fleet while the Apache is currently the RSAF’s main and only attack helicopter.

This year’s commentators are ME3 Raj V Reddy and ME3 Ganisen, who have experiences working with the Black Knights. The F15 pilots are CPT Goh Seow Hong (with WSO CPT Tan Guan Jin) and MAJ Max Ng (with WSO CPT Lee Qin Rui), and Apache pilots MAJ Spencer Ler, CPT Dennis Lau, MAJ Hui Tze Sian and MAJ Adrian Quek . The F15 and Apache showcased their maneuverability and power; by performing actual combat maneuvers such as the 9G turn by the eagle and the Viking rock by the apache. The display also showed how the Eagle and Apache could work together on the battlefield. Of the many thrilling moves, 3 Maneuvers were integrated between the Eagle and Apache. These maneuvers are the vertical punch, which starts the display, the high speed pass where the F15 makes a speedy pass behind the Apache, and the Bow and zoom for the finale, where the Apache goes nose down to do a bow and the Eagle lines up from behind, pulling up and going vertical while launching a huge round of flares.

Aerial Display F-15SG and AH-64D Preparing for take offAerial Display F-15SG and AH-64D Preparing for take off

Maj Max Ng Prerparing the F-15SG for Take offMaj Max Ng Prerparing the F-15SG for Take off

MAJ Max Ng and CPT Lee Qin Rui on the F-15SGMAJ Max Ng and CPT Lee Qin Rui on the F-15SG

F-15SG Performing a Vertical ClimbF-15SG Performing a Vertical Climb

F-15SG in Singapore Airshow 2016 Aerial DisplayF-15SG in Singapore Airshow 2016 Aerial Display

Dispensing Flares in SAM Weave ManeuverDispensing Flares in SAM Weave Maneuver

Dispensing Flares in SAM Weave ManeuverDispensing Flares in SAM Weave Maneuver

Dispensing Flares in SAM Weave ManeuverDispensing Flares in SAM Weave Maneuver

Office of the F-15SG Strike EagleOffice of the F-15SG Strike Eagle

Full afterburners performing 9G turnFull afterburners performing 9G turn

F-15SG High Speed pass hanging stage to AH-64D ApacheF-15SG High Speed pass hanging stage to AH-64D Apache

AH-64D Apache performing the Viking RockAH-64D Apache performing the Viking Rock

RSAF AH-64D Longbow ApacheRSAF AH-64D Longbow Apache

Finale Bow and ZoomFinale Bow and Zoom

F-15SG Returning to Changi Airbase EastF-15SG Returning to Changi Airbase East

Below is a youtube video of the whole performance filmed by wittmann51

 

About MAphotoSG.com
Military Aviation Photography Singapore, is proudly represented by a number of dedicated individuals who are passionate about military aircraft.  Follow us in our Facebook! www.fb.com/Maphotosg

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.