Looking at the many vintage aircraft in the Air Force Museum, you might think you were back in the 70s. But continue into its revamped indoor gallery and you ll find yourself flying into the future.
"It is a total revamp," said Mr Teng Geok Kim, the Air Force Museum's guide and curator, and a former technician with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
From 3D videos to surround sound and simulators, the museum has incorporated the latest technology to create a more engaging and hands-on experience for visitors. "Now, there are more multimedia devices which are interactive. This will not only make the displays more interesting, but also allow visitors to participate in various interactive stations," explained Mr Teng.
The five new exhibits tell a continuous story to the visitors - one that begins with the history of the RSAF and takes visitors to the present-day modern air force.
Mix of modern and old
Upon entering the indoor gallery, visitors will first see a large room filled with historical artefacts which hark back to the past.
Adorning the walls of the gallery are uniforms and rank insignias from the old days of the RSAF, as well as a series of plaques which displays a timeline of the RSAF's equipment and capabilities.
Complementing these historical displays is a new, high-tech interactive display table. Instead of just reading from a static display, visitors can use the table's massive touchscreen displays to drag and drop digital pictures of the RSAF's aircraft onto specific "drop zones" to learn more of their technical specifications.
The next exhibit shows the evolution of the RSAF. Walking down a corridor, visitors can check out all of the RSAF's squadron insignias, arranged to show the command structure before and after a major restructuring in 2008.
An engaging experience
One of the main attractions of the revamped gallery is a simulator where visitors can experience flying a plane for take off and landing, and executing combat manoeuvres. Consisting of three sets of controls and a panoramic screen, it provides a realistic feel of being a pilot.
Another interactive exhibit visitors can enjoy is a game showcasing the RSAF's aerobatics team - the Black Knights. By placing their palm on a sensor, visitors can "take control" of one of the Black Knights' aircraft and participate in manoeuvres with the rest of the team.
Further enhancing the experience at the Air Force Museum is a brand new immersive theatre which emphasises the role of the RSAF during peace time.
Using state-of-the-art 3D and surround sound technology, it features a movie which shows different RSAF squadrons being activated to intercept unknown hostile aircraft approaching Singapore's airspace. At the same time, a split screen shows scenes of ordinary life in Singapore proceeding as per normal.
"The movie shows that even in times of peace, the RSAF is committed to guarding our skies," said Mr Teng.
Heritage revival
For full-time national serviceman Corporal (CPL) Marcus Choy, who assisted in the curation of information and acquisition of artefacts, the challenge was in liaising with the many RSAF squadrons and commands to find the materials needed. These artefacts ranged from RSAF servicemen's souvenirs from their time in Afghanistan to an old winch man's helmet.
Proud to be part of the revamp team, CPL Choy felt that the improved museum will "instill pride in RSAF servicemen of the Air Force heritage and capabilities".
As Mr Teng put it: "The Air Force has been through so many significant milestones and...we hope that the revamped museum will reflect the growth that the Air Force has undergone and will be a proud representation of the RSAF."
