RSAF's big show

Actions
https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/wcm/connect/pioneer/10a149f9-df5b-4f72-9fac-548449e91e68/F-15SG-fighter-jets.jpg?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_1QK41482LG0G10Q8NM8IUA1051-10a149f9-df5b-4f72-9fac-548449e91e68-mme7Dnt /web/wcm/connect/pioneer/10a149f9-df5b-4f72-9fac-548449e91e68/F-15SG-fighter-jets.jpg?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_1QK41482LG0G10Q8NM8IUA1051-10a149f9-df5b-4f72-9fac-548449e91e68-mme7Dnt /web/portal/pioneer/article/feature-article-detail/milestones/2018-Q3/sep18_fs2
sep18_fs2 /web/portal/pioneer/article/feature-article-detail/milestones/2018-Q3/sep18_fs2
31 Aug 2018 | MILESTONES

RSAF's big show

To celebrate its golden jubilee, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) put up its largest aerial display of the year. RSAF50@Marina Barrage drew about 45,000 people over the National Day weekend from 11 to 12 Aug. Here's a look at what went into putting the show together.

// STORY Thrina Tham

// PHOTOS PIONEER photographers

The F-15SG fighter jets flying a six-ship delta formation, as part of a sequential flypast that involved a total of 29 aircraft.
English 华文

"As flight line crew, we have to go above and beyond our tasks of checks. RSAF50 happens once in a lifetime, so we have to make extra sure that nothing goes wrong."

QUOTE-B-credit

"I ensure that the aircraft departing the air base to support the RSAF50 aerial display take off on time and safely. I have about 20 aircraft in the aerodrome traffic zone under my charge and I also manage the runway."

QUOTE-B-credit

"(For) the F-15SGs to fly in a delta formation, we had to plan and train exactly to the tee: where we turn and how fast we need to fly so that everyone is able to keep in a great formation throughout the entire run."

QUOTE-B-credit

"I work closely with the pilot to ensure that the entire formation reaches the show centre on time. We also work closely with the Air Force Engineers: we trust them to give us a good aircraft and after landing, we share our experiences. This is the synergy we share as a team."

QUOTE-B-credit
Two AH-64D Apache attack helicopters crossing paths before making a 90-degree turn, as part of the Cross Dagger manoeuvre. RSAF50@Marina Barrage marked the first time that two AH-64Ds performed together for an aerial display.

"Every time we fly, the particular aircraft we fly is different, the winds change every day, the sun may shine from a different angle. But to put up a synchronised show, our flying has to be the same… It takes practice, practice, practice."

QUOTE-B-credit

How do pilots train to fly in a new formation?

MAJ Ho shares how the AH-64D aerial display team trained progressively for their first ever two-ship show.

END 2017 Design of flight profiles, or aerial manoeuvres. Training starts in the AH-64D simulator to see if the two-ship flight profiles can be executed.

FEBRUARY-MAY Single-ship training is done for the manoeuvres.

MAY-JUNE Once the aircrew is familiar with their flight profiles and parameters, they move on to two-ship training.

MAY The British Army Air Corps, who has stood up a two-ship helicopter display, is consulted on how to make the show more impactful to audiences on the ground.

JUNE Further rehearsals continue over the waters near the Southern Islands, where there is more airspace to train.

JULY The crew moves to Barrage to train for the actual show.
 


 

The helicopter formation flying over the south of Singapore as it makes its way to the show centre at Marina Barrage for the flypast.

"I look at how the aircraft manoeuvre and run-in into show centre, and direct them to correct their flight path if required. I also have to ensure that there are no potential safety hazards, and assess whether environmental conditions will affect the safety of the display."

QUOTE-B-credit

"The dedication pass is dedicated to our people, past and present, RSAF personnel and everyday Singaporeans. Every time I come to this part, I still get goose bumps."

QUOTE-B-credit
Suggested Reading
Finding her wings as a C-130 pilot
Finding her wings as a C-130 pilot
PEOPLE
18-Mar-24

Despite taking a longer route, former graduate analyst CPT Fiona Lee realised her dream to be become an RSAF pilot.

She walked so others could run Feature
She walked so others could run
MILESTONES
08-Mar-24

This International Women's Day, we look at 10 inspiring servicewomen who stepped up to be the first in their fields.

SAF personnel recognised for supporting Australia flood relief operations
SAF personnel recognised for supporting Australia flood relief operations
PEOPLE
27-Feb-24

Over 50 medals were awarded to SAF personnel for their contributions overseas, which included flood relief operations and counter-terrorism efforts.

Behind the RSAF's static display at S'pore Airshow 2024 Feature
Behind the RSAF's static display at S'pore Airshow 2024
COMMUNITY
20-Feb-24

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!

RSAF soars into S'pore Airshow 2024 Feature
RSAF soars into S'pore Airshow 2024
COMMUNITY
18-Feb-24

The RSAF returns to wow the public at Asia's most influential airshow.

Not your typical R+J love story Feature
Not your typical R+J love story
PEOPLE
16-Feb-24

This Air Force couple are in sync when it comes to balancing long overseas exercises and making time for family.

Optimising visual performance for RSAF pilots
Optimising visual performance for RSAF pilots
OPS & TRAINING
26-Jan-24

Aspiring pilot candidates who are myopic have a choice of going through sponsored eye corrective surgery, should they make the cut.

Stepping up as senior military experts
Stepping up as senior military experts
PEOPLE
26-Jan-24

Why did they make a change and become military experts in the SAF? ME4 Nabilah Atiqah and ME4 Kishore share what inspired them in their journeys.

RSAF delivers humanitarian aid for Gaza Feature
RSAF delivers humanitarian aid for Gaza
COMMUNITY
30-Nov-23

Singapore has deployed an RSAF aircraft to deliver humanitarian aid in support of relief efforts in Gaza.

RSAF's latest surface-to-air missile system is fully operational
Cover story
RSAF's latest surface-to-air missile system is fully operational
MILESTONES
29-Nov-23

The Aster 30 missile system has been conducting 24/7 air defence operations since August 2020. It can shoot down targets further, faster and more accurately than its predecessor, the I-HAWK.