Republic of Singapore Air Force
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| Republic of Singapore Air Force | |
|---|---|
 RSAF Service Flag |
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| Founded | April 1, 1975 |
| Country | Singapore |
| Branch | Air Force |
| Role | Air supremacy / defence |
| Size | 13,500 personnel 300+ aircraft |
| Part of | Singapore Armed Forces |
| Commanders | |
| Chief of Air Force | Major General Ng Chee Khern |
| Insignia | |
| RSAF crest |  |
| RSAF roundel - 3rd Generation (1990-present) |  |
| RSAF low visibility roundel |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | F-15SG, AH-64D |
| Fighter | F-16C/D, F-5S/T |
| Interceptor | F-16C/D |
| Patrol | E-2C, G550 AEW&C, F50 ME2 |
| Reconnaissance | E-2C, G550 AEW&C, F50 ME2, RF-5S |
| Trainer | S211, PC-21, TA-4SU, EC120 |
| Transport | C-130H, F50 UTL, KC-135R, CH-47SD, Super Puma |
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF, Chinese: 新加坡空军部队; Malay Angkatan Udara Republik Singapura) is the air force branch of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC)
Contents |
[edit] Mission Statement
The following excerpts was taken from the official homepage of the Republic of Singapore Air Force: -
| “ | The RSAF aims to be among the best. To be a First Class Air Force, our people must also be among the best Air Force professionals in the world. To this end, the RSAF will strive...
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” |
[edit] Formation History
In January 1968, the British announced the imminent withdrawal of all their troops east of Suez by the end of 1971. Prior to then, Singapore had depended completely on Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) for its air defence, while the newly established Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) had concentrated its efforts mainly on building up the army.
The predecessor to the RSAF, the SADC, was formed in September 1968. The SADC’s immediate task was to set up the Flying Training School to train pilots. Qualified flying instructors were obtained through Airwork Services Limited, a UK-based company specializing in defence services. Basic training for pilots was carried out using two Cessna light aircraft hired from the Singapore Flying Club. The SADC also enlisted the help of the Royal Air Force which introduced the first flying training syllabus and provided two ex-RAF pilots as instructors, as well as facilities and services at Seletar Airport. Finally, the first batch of six pilot trainees were sent to the United Kingdom in August 1968 to undergo training in various technical disciplines. The training was based on the Hawker Hunter, the SADC’s first air defence fighter. The following month, another pioneer group of technicians, this time from the rotary wing, were sent to France to begin their technical training on the Alouette III helicopter. In 1969, a number of local RAF technicians were released to join the fledging SADC. These local technicians had experience working on fixed-wing RAF aircraft such as the Hawker Hunter Javelin, Canberra, Lightning, Shackleton and Nimrod; as well as rotary-wing RAF aircraft such as the Bristol Belvedere, Westland Wessex and Westland Whirlwind.
Eight Cessna 172-H aircraft – the SADC’s first – arrived in May 1969 to be used for basic pilot training. By December, the first batch of students completed the course. Of these, six were sent to the UK to receive further training. On their return to Singapore in 1970, they were ready to operate the then newly-acquired Hawker Hunter fighter aircraft.
The pace of training pilots and ground crew picked up gradually. On August 1, 1969, Minister for the Interior and Defence, Lim Kim San, inaugurated the Flying Training School (FTS) at Tengah Air Base (then known as RAF Tengah). The inauguration of FTS brought SADC closer to its goal of fulfilling the heavy responsibility of defending Singapore's airspace.
The subsequent arrival of the BAC Strikemasters in 1969, used for advanced phase flying training, meant that pilot trainees were now able to earn their initial wings locally rather than overseas. The first batch of locally trained fighter pilots were trained at the FTS and graduated in November 1970. Amongst this batch was 2LT Goh Yong Siang, who later rose to the appointment of Chief of Air Force on July 1, 1995. Gradually, the SADC had its own pilots, flying instructors, air traffic controllers, and ground crew.
When Britain brought forward its plan to withdraw its forces by September 1971, the SADC was suddenly entrusted with a huge responsibility and resources. Britain’s former air bases – Tengah, Seletar, Sembawang and Changi – were handed over to the SADC, as well as its air defence radar station and Bloodhound II surface-to-air missiles.
In 1973, the SADC procured Shorts Skyvan search-and-locate aircraft and A-4 Skyhawk fighter-bombers. With a reliable mix of fighters, fighter-bombers, helicopters and transport aircraft, the SADC was ready to assume the functions of a full-fledged air force. In April 1975, the SADC was renamed the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
[edit] Organisation
The RSAF is led by the Chief of the Air Force (CAF). The current CAF is Major General Ng Chee Khern; one of the first F-16 pilots in Singapore. He took over office from Major General Lim Kim Choon, who retired in March 2006 after serving in the position for five years. The CAF reports directly to the Chief of Defence Force and is assisted by the Chief of Staff (Air Staff). The Air Staff comprises of six functional departments: Air Manpower, Air Intelligence, Air Operations, Air Logistics, Air Plans and Air Training. There are also two specialist departments: the Air Force Inspectorate (AFI) and the Office of the Chief Air Force Medical Officer (CAMO).
The organisation chart below shows the administrative chain of command with seven formations: Tengah Air Base, Paya Lebar Air Base, Changi Air Base (West), Changi Air Base (East), Sembawang Air Base, Air Defence Systems Division (ADSD) and the Tactical Air Support Command (TASC).
[edit] Overview
The backbone of the RSAF is formed by the Block 52/52+ F-16 Fighting Falcons. These are armed with US-supplied AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles and LANTIRN targeting pods, laser guided munitions and conformal fuel tanks for long-range strike.
While initially having bought as many as 70 F-16 planes, the early Block 15OCU models will be delivered to Thailand as rent for Udon Royal Thai Air Force Base in north-east of Thailand. This would mean that the RSAF will operate only the Block 52/52+ models and as many as 62 F-16CJ/DJ planes. The initial Block15OCU aircraft are believed to be upgraded to "Falcon One" standard by Singapore Technologies.
Due to severe airspace constraints within Singapore, the RSAF operates its aircraft in several overseas locations in order to provide greater exposure to its pilots. With the F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, KC-135R Stratotankers, AH-64D Apaches and CH-47SD Chinook helicopters based in the USA, the Marchetti S-211s, PC-21s, and Super Puma helicopters in Australia, and the TA-4SU Super Skyhawks in France, almost one third of the force's inventory is based outside Singapore.
In 1994, the RSAF commenced a modernisation program for its fleet of approximately 40 operational (R)F-5E and F-5F aircraft. The upgrade was performed by Singapore Technologies Aerospace (STAero) and the upgraded aircraft were designated (R)F-5S and F-5T respectively, operating from Paya Lebar Air Base. These upgraded F-5S/T, equipped with the Galileo Avionica's FIAR Grifo-F X-band Radar[1][2] are thought to be capable of firing the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile but to date, no actual live-firing has actually been reported. For in-flight refuelling, four KC-135Rs and four KC-130Bs are commissioned to support the fighter force of F-16C/Ds and (R)F-5S/Ts.
Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability was introduced in 1987 when four E-2C Hawkeyes were delivered to 111 Squadron. The duty of Maritime Patrol and Coastal surveillance is performed by the five Fokker 50 MPA (entered service in 1991), which can be armed with long-range anti-shipping Harpoon missiles and ASW torpedoes.
On November 18, 2004, it was announced that the RSAF will be donating its remaining 7 F-16A/B's (3 Alphas and 4 Bravos) to the Royal Thai Air Force. The eighth plane was lost in an accident. It is believed that they were handed over in late 2005. In return, the RSAF was permitted to train on the Thai air base of Udon Thani for a specified number of days each year.
As part of its fleet renewal process, the RSAF officially withdrew its fleet of A-4SU Super Skyhawk from front-line service on March 31, 2005 after 31 years of operations. The A-4SUs' achievements included flying directly from Singapore to the Philippines, incorporating the RSAF's first air-to-air refuelling mission in 1986, as well as the excellent aerobatic display of the 'red and white' Super Skyhawks flown by the RSAF Black Knights[3] during Asian Aerospace 1990. A month before its retirement, the Skyhawk squadron won top honours in a strike exercise against its more modern F-16 and F-5 counterparts.
Singapore ordered a total of twenty AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters in two batches. After a long period of negotiations over the delivery of the sophisticated Longbow Fire Control Radar, the first batch of eight aircraft, fitted with the Fire Control Radar[4], was delivered on May 17, 2002. The second batch of 12 Apaches were ordered in 2001 even before the first delivery took place. All of the initial eight Apaches are based in the USA. Three of the Apache Longbows returned in January 2006 at the request of the Minister of Defence.
Apart from the six CH-47Ds delivered from 1996, a new batch of six aircraft was ordered in 1997, with an option of four extra airframes. At least 12 CH-47D have been delivered and are in service at Sembawang Air Base. It is believed that these had been upgraded to the SD standard prior to delivery.
Eight CH-47Ds were also deployed to support the relief efforts in the aftermath of the Indonesian Tsunami. It was the first and one of the few countries to reach the affected areas. The RSAF deployed dozens of C-130Hs, CH-47SDs and AS 332Ms there along with three of the RSN's latest Landing Ship Tanks (RSS Endurance, RSS Persistence and RSS Endeavour of the Endurance class LST) as well as Singapore Armed Forces vehicles, engineers, and medical teams.
In September 2005, the RSAF sent three CH-47SD Chinook helicopters, later augmented by a fourth CH-47SD Chinook, to provide assistance in the rescue and evacuation of stranded civilians after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and nearby areas in the United States [5][6]. The humanitarian effort by Singapore involved more aircraft than any other foreign countries[7].
Since 2003, the RSAF has also made deployments of KC-135 tankers[8] and C-130 aircraft[9] to the Persian Gulf in support of the multinational efforts for the reconstruction of Iraq. RSAF personnel have carried out airlift, transportation and supply, and air-to-air refueling missions in support of the multinational forces, assisting the Coalition in carrying supplies and personnel, transporting humanitarian material and conducting medical evacuation operations.
[edit] Air Bases
| Republic of Singapore Air Force | |||||||||||||||
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- Changi Air Base (West)
- 112 Sqn 4 KC-135R (Aerial refuelling)
- 121 Sqn 4 Fokker 50 (Transport), 5 Fokker 50 ME2 (Maritime patrol)
- Changi Air Base (East)
- 145 Sqn 20 F-16D Blk 52+ (Strike)
- Paya Lebar Air Base
- 122 Sqn 6 C-130H (Transport), 4 KC-130B (Transport/Aerial refuelling)
- 141 Sqn 6 F-5S (Interceptor), 1 F-5T (Training/Interceptor) - Disbanded since Nov 2005 with aircraft being reassigned to 144 and 149 Sqn.
- 144 Sqn 15 F-5S (Interceptor), 7 F-5T (Training/Interceptor)
- 149 Sqn 15 F-5S (Interceptor), 1 F-5T (Training/Interceptor)
- Chong Pang Camp SADA (Singapore Air Defense Artillery)
- 3rd DA RBS 70 SAM, IGLA SAM, Giraffe Radar
- 6th DA RBS 70 SAM, IGLA SAM, Giraffe Radar
- 9th DA RBS 70 SAM, IGLA SAM, Giraffe Radar
- 18th DA Mistral SAM
- 160 Sqn Oerlikon 35 mm AA Guns (Airfield defence)
- Lim Chu Kang Camp II SADA (Singapore Air Defense Artillery)
- 163 Sqn I-Hawk SAM (Medium altitude air defence)
- 165 Sqn Rapier Blindfire SAM (Low altitude air defence)
- Other assets of SADA (Singapore Air Defense Artillery)
- 201 Sqn FPS 117 Radar (Fighter control, SAM control, Surveillance, ASP)
- 203 Sqn LORADS Radar (RASP, SAR, "listening watch" for distress signals)
- Murai Camp
- 116 Sqn Hermes 450 (Reconnaissance)
- 128 Sqn 40 IAI Searcher (Reconnaissance)
[edit] Personnel
Military ranks in the Singapore Armed Forces are identical across the three services except for the flag ranks of the RSN. They are based on the Army model. The official table of ranks stops at three stars for all three services [1]. NATO rank codes are not officially used, but are listed here for easy comparison with other armed forces.
Like the Navy, the majority of Air Force personnel are regulars. This is due to the specialized and technical nature of many jobs. The employment of National Servicemen in various roles are limited mostly to the infantry-like Field Defence Squadrons which do not require such specialised training.
[edit] Overseas detachments (Training)
- Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (USA)
- 149th AVN, 6 CH-47SD (Peace Prairie CH-47 Training)[11]
- Kalaikunda Airbase (India)
- SINDEX Exercise with the Indian Air Force, F-16 Combat Training.[12]
- Luke Air Force Base (USA)
- 425 FTS, 5 F-16C, 5 F-16D (Peace Carvin II F-16 Training)
- Oakey Airbase (Australia)
- 12 AS532UL Cougar (Training/Support for army exercises)[13]
- Pearce Airbase (Australia)
- 130 Sqn, ~40 S211 and PC-21 (Pilot Selection/Basic Training)[14]
- Silverbell Army Heliport (USA)
- E/1-285th AVN, 8 AH-64D (Peace Vanguard AH-64D Training)[15]
[edit] Future plans
In February 2003, Singapore joined the JSF program's System Design and Development (SDD) Phase, as a Security Co-operation Participant (SCP)[16] [17]. The first deliveries of the F-35 are not expected before 2015, but replacement for some of the A-4SU Super Skyhawks are needed by 2007. As a start, 20 F-16D Block 52+ have been delivered from 2003 under project Peace Carvin IV.
The RSAF embarked on the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) programme to replace the aging A-4SU Super Skyhawks. The original list of competitors was shortlisted to the final two - Dassault Rafale and the F-15SG Strike Eagle. The DSTA (Defense Science & Technology Agency) conducted detailed technical assessment, simulations and other tests to assess the final selection. On 6th September 2005, it was announced that the Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagle had won the contract over the Rafale[18].
The F-15SG Strike Eagle (formerly the F-15T) is a variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle and is similar in configuration to the F-15K sold to South Korea, but differs in the addition of the APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar developed by Raytheon. The F-15SG will be powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 29,400 lbf (131 kN) thrust engines.
The initial order will be 12 aircraft with 8 options. Eventually, as many as 40 to 60 aircraft may be procured in several batches. Pending news on Lockheed Martin's F-35's progress, more F-15SGs may be bought and the upper limit, as disclosed by the RSAF, is 80 F-15SG aircraft in total. These will likely be based at Tengah Air Base. As part of the weapons package for the first batch of aircraft, the U.S. will provide Singapore with:
- 200 AIM-120C AMRAAMs
- 200 AIM-9X Sidewinders
- 50 GBU-38 JDAMs
- 30 AGM-154A-1 and 30 AGM-154C JSOWs (Joint Stand-off Weapons)
- 100 KMU-556 GBU-31 JDAM Tail Kit Assemblies
A second follow-on weapons package was announced in August 2007, which includes:
- 28 GBU-10 Paveway II laser-guided 2,000 pound bombs
- 56 GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided 500 pound bombs
- 126,000 20mm Cartridges for the F-15SG's M61 Vulcan cannon
- 14,000 BDU-33 Bomb Practice trainers
- 1,500 MK-84 Bomb Practice trainers
- 1,500 MK-82 Bomb Practice trainers
Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has on behalf of RSAF, on 22 October 2007, exercised the option to purchase eight more F-15SG fighters which were part of the original contract signed in 2005. Along with this buy, an additional order for four F-15SGs was made. This brings the total number of F-15SG purchased to 24.
The RSAF is expected to operate three types of aircraft in the foreseeable future; the F-35s as multirole fighters, the F-15SGs in the air superiority/strike role and the F-16C/Ds in the air defence/attack role. The RSAF also operates Air Defense assets in the form of SAMs and AAA. Some of these are permanently assigned to Divisional units.
In January 2005, it was announced that 6 Sikorsky S-70B (derivative of SH-60 Sea Hawk) naval helicopters will be purchased, complete with anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons and sensors[19]. These will be operated by RSAF pilots, with System Specialists of the Republic of Singapore Navy operating the sensors and weaponry. They will operate from the Navy's new Formidable class frigates, and when operating from land will be based at Sembawang Air Base. All 20 AH-64D Longbow attack helicopters have been delivered, achieving pilot IOC. 12 of these Longbow Apaches were deployed back to Singapore and took part in combined arms exercises with the Army.
In April 2007, it was announced that the 4 E-2C Hawkeyes were to be replaced with 4 Gulfstream G550s which would become the primary early warning aircraft of the Singapore Air Force[20].
[edit] Weaponry
Current air to air missiles in the RSAF's inventory include:
Air to surface ordnance include:
- GBU-10/GBU-12/GBU-16 and other laser-guided munitions,
- AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles,
- AGM-84 Harpoon missiles,
- AGM-65B/D/G Maverick missiles,
- Hydra 70 (APKWS ready) 70 mm rockets,
- Zuni 127 mm rockets,
- Mk 82/Mk83/Mk84 (500/1000/2000 pound) general purpose bombs,
- other classified/undeclared munitions for special missions.
[edit] Photo Gallery
[edit] Current
 F-16D prepares for flight. |
 An F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force sits on the flight line of Nellis Air Force Base. |
 F-16Cs taxi down the runway at Korat, Royal Thai Air Force Base Thailand, during Exercise COPE TIGER 2003. |
 F-16Ds taxi down the runway at Eielson Air Force Base. |
 A Maverick armed Northrop F-5S Tiger II. |
 A-4SU Skyhawks taxi down the runway of Korat, Royal Thai Air Force Base Thailand, during Exercise COPE TIGER 2002. |
 111Sqn's E-2C Hawkeye. |
 121Sqn's Fokker 50 MPA. |
 Static display of KC-135R during open house. |
 C-130H Short field landing. |
 Static display of AH-64D Longbow Apache during open house. |
 National Day Parade, 2007 - A CH-47SD Chinook carrying the 5,400 sq ft (500 m²) State Flag, being escorted by AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. |
 Another view of the same flight formation. |
 A CH-47SD lands aboard USS Rushmore during Exercise CARAT 2001. |
 U.S. Army soldiers board a Super Puma on the flight deck of the USS Rushmore during Exercise CARAT 2001. |
 USN chalk and chainmen secure a RSAF Super Puma to the flight deck of dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry during deck landing qualifications (DLQs) as part of the Singapore stage of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2007. |
 A Super Puma takes off from the flight deck of the RSS Resolution - an Endurance class LST. Visible in the foreground is the Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse (ASIST) system. |
 Giraffe S 3D radar. |
 Oerlikon 35mm twin cannon. |
 Under tow, Rapier SAM system. |
 RBS70 SAM. |
 M-113A2 Ultra IFV with Igla SAM/Integrated Fire Unit. |
 M-113A2 Ultra IFV with Igla SAM/Integrated Fire Unit. |
[edit] Historic
 RSAF 1st fighter aircraft - Hawker Hunter (retired in 1990, currently in storage) with 2nd generation ying-yang styled roundel. |
 RSAF 1st jet trainer in service - BAC Strikemaster (retired in 1983) with 1st generation RAF styled roundels. |
 RSAF 2nd jet trainer in service - Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (ex-Armée de l'Air airframes, retired in 1981) with 2nd generation ying-yang styled roundels. |
 RSAF 1st helicopter in service - Alouette III SA316 (retired in 1978) with 1st generation RAF styled roundels. |
 RSAF 1st SAM - Bloodhound Mk.II SAM (retired in 2005) with 2nd generation ying-yang styled roundels. |
[edit] Assets
[edit] Museum
The RSAF maintains the Air Force Museum, which is open to the public and showcases the air force's history and capabilities. The museum is located along Airport Road beside Paya Lebar Air Base, near Eunos MRT Station.
[edit] In popular culture
Fictional Television programs
- Airforce (空军), 10 April 1988 This Chinese language drama series was filmed and produced by Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (now defunct, a forerunner of MediaCorp TV, Singapore). Theme song of this drama series can be found uploaded on youtube.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Grifo-F Radar Specifications. Official Finmeccanica website.
- ^ Latest upgrades of Singaporean F-5E Tiger-II (pdf format). The Italian Industries Association for Aerospace, Systems and Defence.
- ^ Official RSAF Black Knights homepage. Republic of Singapore Air Force.
- ^ Singapore Receives First AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter. MINDEF.
- ^ Asia-Pacific Opens Hearts, Wallets to U.S. Victims of Katrina. Official Department of State website.
- ^ RSAF copters' mission in New Orleans. Source: Straits Times.
- ^ Singaporean humanitarian effort. Helicopter History website.
- ^ SAF KC-135 Deployment to Aid in the Reconstruction of Iraq. MINDEF.
- ^ SAF Deploys LST and C-130 to Assist in Reconstruction of Iraq. MINDEF.
- ^ RADM (NS) Teo Inaugurates RSAF’s Advanced Jet Training Facilities at Cazaux. MINDEF.
- ^ RSAF Celebrates 10 Years of Chinook Training in the US. MINDEF.
- ^ Singapore and India Hold Inaugural Bilateral Air Exercise. MINDEF.
- ^ Opening Ceremony of the RSAF Helicopter Detachment in Oakey, Australia. MINDEF.
- ^ Australia-Singapore Defence Relationship. MINDEF.
- ^ Minister for Defence Visits the US. MINDEF.
- ^ Singapore Signs Letter of Intent for Joint Strike Fighter Programme. MINDEF.
- ^ Singapore Joins Joint Strike Fighter Programme. MINDEF.
- ^ Singapore Seals Deal to Acquire Twelve F-15SG. MINDEF.
- ^ New helicopters for RSN. MINDEF.
- ^ Planned replacement for AEW E-2C. MINDEF.
- ^ A-4 Republic of Singapore Air Force page on Skyhawk.org
[edit] External links
- Official site: Republic of Singapore Air Force
- RSAF Airforce News 2005 (.pdf format)
- Black Knights - The official RSAF Aerobatic Team
- Singapore Air Show 2008
- xairforces.net( RSiAF)
- Journal of the Singapore Armed Forces - Contains scholarly articles on military issues, including those pertaining to the SAF's transformation into a 3rd Generation Fighting Force
- MINDEF, The NS Portal, accessed 23 Oct 2006.
- Ranks and Paramilitary Ranks of Singapore, accessed 23 Oct 2006.
- US Department of State, Background notes on Singapore, accessed 23 Oct 2006.
[edit] Video clips
- India Singapore Joint Air Exercises at YouTube, accessed 20 January 2007.
- Inauguration of SAF tri-service UAV Command Hermes 450 in Singapore at YouTube, accessed 9 June 2007.
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