RSAF on show
Marking its 50th anniversary
this year, the RSAF put on an
impressive static display, showing
off most of its platforms.
Undoubtedly the star of the static
line-up was specially marked F-15SG
serial 8338 – unveiled under much
security on the opening day –
while a similarly marked jet, 8335,
participated in the flying display. Both
are among the latest batch of eight
F-15SGs to have been delivered.
Each RSAF fighter squadron
was represented, including two
F-15SGs, one each from 142
and 149 Squadrons, an F-16C
from 140 Squadron plus F-16Ds
from 143 and 145 Squadrons.
Among the helicopters was a
brand new S-70B – its former test
registration, N1025J, still visible –
which will serve 123 Squadron along
with the other six S-70Bs operational
since 2010. It’s one of two delivered
in late January, with upgraded
systems including a forward-looking
infrared controller for the rear crew.
There were also two 120 SquadronAH-64Ds, a 127 Squadron CH-47SD
and a 125 Squadron AS332M Super
Puma, all from Sembawang. The
Super Pumas are in line to be
replaced by recently ordered H225Ms.
Defying its age was a C-130B
of 122 Squadron, in immaculate
condition, even though it’s 60-plus
years old. One of four Hercules
adapted as air-to-air tankers, it was
then de-converted following the
retirement of the RSAF’s F-5s. Its
glass cockpit has been upgraded by
Singapore Aerospace Technologies,
which also updated Oman’s C-130Hs.
Parked next to the Hercules was a
Gulfstream G550 Conformal Airborne
Early Warning (CAEW) aircraft flown
by 118 Squadron. In service since
2009, these four jets are among the
most secret serving the RSAF. One
Singaporean F-16 pilot told AFM that
even he wasn’t allowed inside them.
Two other Israeli-made platforms
on display were the Elbit Hermes
450 serving 116 Squadron at Tengah
and the IAI Heron operated by
119/128 Squadrons at Murai Camp.The RSAF uses the Rafael
Litening III targeting and navigation
pod on its F-16s, and the company
was marketing a newer version,
the Litening 5. The Royal Air
Force is also acquiring this system
as part of the Typhoon’s Project
Centurion upgrade, which will
enable the jet to take on the
Tornado GR4’s air-to-ground role.
According to Rafael, the Litening
5 is the only laser designator pod
that can provide colour imagery
during the day – making for easier
identification of targets – and, as
well as an infrared mode, it has ashort-range IR (SWIR) capability.
Rafael claims to have produced
a system affording much better
penetration of atmospheric
conditions while operating at
standoff range of around 65
miles (110km) – particularly
useful in the high-humidity/
low-transparency conditions
typical of Southeast Asia.
Also on display at the Rafael
stand was the 264lb (120kg)
short/medium/long-range
I-Derby ER, the latest version
of a missile that first entered
service around 20 years ago.Above: The two F-22A Raptors
from the 525th FS/3rd Wing
normally based at Eielson AFB,
Alaska are currently deployed
to Kadena, Okinawa. They are
understood to have escorted the
two F-35Bs to the show. Left: The
Gulfstream CAEW is one of the
RSAF’s most secretive aircraft.
Due to the lack of airspace over
Singapore, it generally operates
over the South China Sea, mainly
in the aerial surveillance role. At
around 41,000ft it can ‘see’ for
approximately 250 miles. IAI,
which converted the aircraft, was
marketing a newer MARS-2 (Multi-
Mission Airborne Reconnaissance
and Surveillance System)
Gulfstream 550 at its stand.http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #361 APRIL 2018 // 37
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