Behind the RSAF's static display at S'pore Airshow 2024
Get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the challenging overnight towing operation as the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) prepares for its static display at the Singapore Airshow 2024!//Story by Joshua de Souza /Photos by PIONEER photographers
Getting the show on the road: Days of thorough recce and planning go into a successful towing operation moving the RSAF's static display assets from Changi Air Base (East) to the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC). The Singapore Airshow 2024 will be held at CEC from 20 to 25 Feb.
While you were sleeping: A convoy of F-15SG and F-16 fighter jets, along with the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), slowly making their way down public roads to the CEC. The intensive overnight operation took place from 10pm on 13 Feb to 2.15am on 14 Feb.
During the 8km-long journey from the airbase to CEC, the crew must maintain slow speeds of 5kmh and communicate closely with one another to ensure safety while moving such large assets.
Pictured above is an F-15SG with the striking tail flash that was specially designed last year to commemorate the RSAF's 55th anniversary.
With a wingspan of 60.3m, the massive A330 MRTT required streetlights along the road to be removed before towing operations could even begin.
The towing operations continue at CEC as the crew position the F-16D+ within allotted lots at the static display area. PS. Can you spot the marshalling wands attached to the wingtips? These allowed those travelling in the convoy to see ahead of them.
At the break of day on 14 Feb, three of the RSAF's helicopters fly in and land at the CEC. Pictured above is the CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter, which will be gradually replacing the RSAF's fleet of CH-47D Chinooks.
Making its debut: For the first time, visitors will be able to see the CH-47F helicopter (right) up close at the Singapore Airshow.
Crew standing by to prepare the AH-64D Apache (above) and H225M Medium Lift (below) helicopters for the static display, as the pilots land.
For the first time at the event, the Apache will be displaying its full of suite armaments, which comprise the Hellfire missile, Hydra 70 rocket and 30mm round.
Upon arrival of the assets, ground crew prepare the aircraft and ground-based air defence systems like the Aster 30 (pictured) to be ready for static display.
Also among the assets on display is the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (foreground).
This year's RSAF static display will feature ten assets. Find out more on what’s happening at the Singapore Airshow and catch the aerial display livestream at singaporeairshowlive.gov.sg!
