RSAF55 Open House set to wow visitors with capability display & new interactive webapp
An action-packed aerial capability display, static displays of 18 assets, and a new interactive webapp – here’s what RSAF55 Open House has in store for visitors.Report by Thrina Tham / Photos by Kenneth Lin
The alert comes in: there’s a suspected bomb threat on board a commercial aircraft. Within minutes, the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) F-15SG crew scramble to escort the plane to land safely.
This scenario – not uncommon to the air force – will be played out as part of the RSAF Open House this September.
During the 20-minute-long aerial capability display, the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) will simulate a commercial airliner escorted by the F-15SGs.
It will also see the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle transmitting real-time footage to the show centre; as well as a strike against ground threats by the F-15SG fighter jets.
The RSAF’s new H225M Medium Lift Helicopter will make an appearance as well, ferrying troops into the area of operations.
The RSAF55 Open House, or RSAF55OH, commemorates the air force’s 55th anniversary this year. It will take place from 9 to 10 Sep at Paya Lebar Air Base as a free and non-ticketed event.
The last time the air force held an open house was in 2016.
New interactive web app
For one, they will be able to get a queue number at popular spots such as the fighter aircraft cockpit entry at the static display. The app will notify them when it’s nearing their turn, to maximise their time at the open house.
They can also check the site map in the RSAF55OH Digital Experience Webapp to view queue timings for static display and simulators in real time.
By playing games on the webapp, visitors can earn points to redeem prizes such as the RSAF’s "Captain Ted" teddy bear or fast passes for aircraft cockpit entries.
"The key highlight is the digital experience, which people can start to enjoy from 15 Aug onwards and in the lead-up to the open house," said Deputy Chairman of RSAF55OH, Colonel (COL) Chen Boon Chong, at a media preview at Changi Air Base (East) on 14 Aug.
"And of course, we will have our traditional crowd favourites like static displays with cockpit entries, and (exhibition) halls that talk about our past, present and future efforts."
COL Chen, who is also commander of Paya Lebar Air Base, added that around 250,000 visitors are expected at RSAF55OH. The 2016 edition saw more than 220,000 visitors.
Get up close with RSAF aircraft
Returning crowd favourites include a static display of 18 RSAF assets, and an interactive exhibition.
At the static display, the public can get up close and personal with their favourite aircraft, and even snap pictures of themselves in the pilot’s seat!
Cockpit entry is available on selected aircraft such as the F-15SG and upgraded F-16 fighter aircraft, as well as the AH-64D Apache and H225M Medium Lift helicopters.
Other assets which will be open for cabin entry include the MRTT, C-130 transport aircraft and the CH-47F Chinook helicopter.
Comprising three halls, the RSAF exhibition will showcase the RSAF's transformation over the past 55 years; vocation booths including simulators for the public to get hands-on; and some of its technology for the future.
It will also see the use of phygital games, simulating scenarios such as flying a fighter jet and executing a cargo airdrop.
Last chance to win flight tickets
Besides using the RSAF55OH Digital Experience Webapp at the open house, the public can also use it to create a personalised avatar, and use Augmented Reality (AR) filters that will show an aerial display when they point their phone camera to the skies.
Those who upload screenshots or screen recordings of themselves using the AR filter and tagging @theRSAF and #RSAF55 on Instagram will stand a chance to win tickets to the familiarisation flights.
A total of 2,500 familiarisation flight tickets will be given out this year – up 30 per cent from the 2016 open house, said COL Chen.
The app will be launched on 15 Aug and can be accessed at https://go.gov.sg/RSAF55OH
Thinking of making a trip to RSAF55OH? There is a free shuttle service heading to and from the air base.
Pick up points are at 18 Tai Seng or Hougang Bus Park, with the bus running at frequent intervals from 8am to 4.30pm.
