Five things to know about Singapore Airshow 2020
From exciting aerial displays to the debut of the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport - here's what to expect at this year's Airshow.// Report by Thrina Tham
// Photos by Kenneth Lin
Singapore Airshow (SA2020) is set to return to Changi Exhibition Centre from 11 to 16 February. PIONEER lists five must-sees at the show:
1. First of its kind integrated aerial show by the RSAF
SA2020 will mark the first time an F-15SG fighter aircraft and two AH-64D Apache attack helicopters are coming together for an integrated aerial display.
The 14-minute display by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will feature a total of 15 show-stopping manoeuvres. Of these, five are integrated manoeuvres with the three aircraft flying close to each other.
These five manoeuvres are new and have not been shown before, said Flying Display Committee Chairman Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Mark Tan.
"A highlight is the Hammerhead (manoeuvre), where the F-15SG will fly close to the AH-64Ds and appear in between the two AH-64Ds," he added.
SLTC Tan said that a challenge in pulling off the show was to plan and design profiles that could be executed by the two aircraft types, in order to deliver a good show.
2. Precision flying
Compared to previous airshows, this year's show will have the two AH-64D Apaches flying closer together than before. This is to showcase tighter coordination to the audience, said SLTC Tan. He added that the Apache helicopters would fly as close as two rotor spans away from each other during the show.
For pilot Captain (CPT) Ingkiriwang Reeve, it meant putting in additional training hours to get used to the distance and deliver the "perfect hit" for spectators.
"We have to scan our perimeters faster, have more simulator training to build that instinct because now we have even lesser margin for error and reaction time," he said.
3. Come up close to the MRTT
SA2020 will also be the first time that the public can get up close to the RSAF's latest asset - the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT). The A330 MRTT takes on the RSAF's Air-to-Air Refuelling and airlift requirements from the KC-135R Stratotankers which flew their final flight in June last year.
With a wingspan of over 60 metres and an overall length of 58.8m, you're sure to be in awe of this majestic flying "fuel kiosk".
4. See the RSAF's latest anti-aircraft machine
Apart from the aircraft, the public will also get to see the RSAF's newest all-weather anti-aircraft system, the ASTER 30 Missile System.
This mean machine is not to be missed - the ASTER 30 is integrated with the RSAF's own Island Air Defence System and is capable of intercepting air threats at a distance of up to 70 kilometres.
5. Visit the RSAF booth
The RSAF will also have its own booth within the exhibition centre to showcase its role in Singapore's air defence. Pop by and say hi to the airmen and women there to find out more about the RSAF's operations. There will also be an appreciation wall for members of the public to pen their messages for the RSAF.
