DANCING IN THE SKY

Catch the fast-paced, heart-stopping aerobatic display by the RSAF's F-15SG fighter jet and AH-64D Apache attack helicopter at Singapore Air Show 2016!

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's flying display team for Singapore Air Show 2016 - comprising an F-15SG fighter jet and an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter - will be performing an aerobatic display together for the first time.

Spectators can look forward to seeing how the two vastly different flying machines combine to execute daring aerial stunts.

The team will perform three integrated and eight solo manoeuvres at Singapore Air Show 2016, which will be held from 16 to 21 Feb at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

One of the highlights is the Vertical Punch, a new manoeuvre that has never been done before.

The AH-64D pulls up to the skies, and flips around as if it is performing an aerial ballet, before meeting the F-15SG flying in from the opposite direction. The fighter jet then punches through the clouds in a spectacular vertical climb. "All the manoeuvres are well-thought out to showcase the strengths of the two aircraft," said Major (MAJ) Max Ng, F-15SG lead pilot.

"The Apache shows its agility and elegance, while the F-15SG shows its power and might. And being able to integrate the two platforms together shows the professionalism and capabilities of our Air Force."

Power vs agility

There are unique challenges for a helicopter to perform with a bigger and more powerful fighter jet. The flight crew has to make snap judgements - when to hold back or push off - so that the aircraft meet precisely at the right place at the right time.

The flight crew includes an F-15SG pilot and weapon systems officer (fighter), and an AH-64D pilot and co-pilot. Two separate flight crews take turns to perform at the air show.

The team has been rehearsing, on top of their operational training and duties, for two to three times a week since last December. And it is not just the flight crew who is doing the hard work.

MAJ Spencer Ler, the AH-64D lead pilot, noted that the flying display is a total team effort that also involves the ground crew who keep the aircraft in tip-top condition, and the commentators who entertain the spectators with their narration.

"The fact that our display will be watched by both friends and families on our home soil is something that we look forward to. Our goal is to put up a good show to entertain and engage."

RSAF Aerobatic Flying Display

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