RSAF to debut new aerial manoeuvre at Singapore Airshow
SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) unveiled on Thursday (Feb 11) its line-up of aerial and static displays for the upcoming Singapore Airshow from Feb 16 to 21.
During a media preview at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the RSAF showcased its aerial display, which will feature an F-15SG fighter aircraft and an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter pulling off 11 manoeuvres over 12 minutes.
Eight of the manoeuvres are solo while three are integrated. This includes the "Vertical Punch", a new integrated move being performed for the first time.
The F-15SG and AH-64D pilots hail from the 149 and 120 Squadrons, and are full-time operational air crew, which meant they had to practise their aerial manoeuvres on top of their usual day-to-day training and operations, said Colonel Linus Tan, chairman of the RSAF Flying Display Committee.
He added that the entire aerial display team was assembled two months ago and have been training “intensively” two to three times a week for up to eight hours each session.
“The two platforms (F-15SG and AH-64D) are very different in terms of speed, manoeuvrability and capability. We need to integrate well to showcase to the audience the grace and power of both platforms,” said Col Tan.
“We need to make sure their timing is well-coordinated. Both the F15 and AH64 must have very close coordination and be precise in execution… The overall context of the aerial display is to showcase the RSAF as an integrated force that fights as one.”
READY TO ‘THRILL’ PUBLIC
Explaining the difficulties behind the integrated manoeuvres, Apache helicopter pilot Major Spencer Ler said: "AH-64Ds don't operate with jets on a daily basis. One moves fast and one moves slow, and we have to bring both together at a precise time and space. This needs backend coordination, planning, flying technique, chemistry, navigation of environmental factors etc."
Said Major Max Ng, who pilots the F-15SG jet: “During training, we put in a lot of focus and attention to detail to perfect the manoeuvres. We’ve put in a great amount of hard work, and hope to put on a good show for the audience, to make them proud that we are performing at the Singapore Airshow.”
Both Maj Ng and Ler cited the final move - dubbed “Bow and Zoom” - as their favourite. “It involves the Apache helicopter bowing to thank and appreciate the audience for coming, while the F-15 lights up fireworks in the background,” said Maj Ng.
Added Maj Ler: “It has a subtle touch to it - bowing to the nation while the F-15 behind flares up - and a very elegant profile. As my daughter saw it, she was very thrilled and it warms my heart to say I’m doing something the kids like. I think the public will welcome this manoeuvre very much.”
NO BLACK KNIGHTS
Col Tan was also asked why the Black Knights - the RSAF's official aerobatics team - do not feature in the aerial display this year. They performed at the inaugural Singapore Airshow in 2008 as well as the 2014 edition, which marked the RSAF's 45th anniversary.
“The Black Knights are not performing because they are operational pilots, not full-time aerial display pilots. We have no full-fledged aerial manoeuvre squad,” said Col Tan, adding that it was a matter of resources and “being prudent”.
Still, he acknowledged that in recognition of their popularity and the need to engage the public, a Black Knight aircraft - in its iconic red and white coat - will form part of the static display. “It is a good opportunity for the public to come and take close-up shots,” said Col Tan.
The static display will feature a total of 11 different aircraft and weapon systems, including the Black Knight F-16C jet, the Heron 1 unmanned aerial vehicle and the surface-to-air Python-5 among others.
"It is not a random show of assets," said Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Tan, chairman of the RSAF Sub-Committee. "The principle was to show a good spectrum that demonstrates the RSAF as one integrated force."
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singap...al/2505706.html
This post has been edited by Fat & Fluffy: Feb 14 2016, 03:54 PM
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