EXPERIENCE THE RSAF THIS WEEKEND

There's a new attraction in town as the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Open House 2011 will be opened to the public at the Paya Lebar Air Base on 28 and 29 May!

Catch the ever-popular aerial display; watch how RSAF aircraft are armed; get hands-on action in the Air Force's Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) and hop on RSAF aircraft for a short jaunt over Singapore .

Besides these highlights, be sure to register yourself for the Aircraft Rides Lucky Draw as you stand to win rides on the RSAF's C-130 and Fokker-50 transport aircraft, as well as the CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the Singapore Youth Flying Club's (SYFC's) DA-40 Diamond Star aircraft trainer. The 20 to 30-minute rides will bring visitors over MacRitchie Reservoir, the Southern Islands and St John's Island.

Passengers must meet certain safety requirements such as a minimum height of 1.2 metres and each winner will be entitled to two boarding passes. There will be multiple rides each day, and draws will be conducted from 11.40am to 1.30pm daily at the main stage. More than 2,000 lucky visitors will get to take a ride on the aircraft over the course of the open house.

The aerial display will show how the RSAF deals with an intruder in the skies. As the threat - played by the SYFC's DA-40 aircraft - enters Singapore airspace, the RSAF will swing into action, scrambling its fighter jets and Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems to deal with the incursion. Four RSAF fighter aircraft comprising two F-15SGs and two F-16C/Ds will streak into the skies to deal with the "rogue" aircraft while the ground buzzes with activity as the GBAD systems respond too.

In the last segment, watch as the RSAF and Army come together in a joint operation, as Light Strike Vehicles are hauled from the belly of a Chinook helicopter and RSAF fighter aircraft "release" bombs to take out key enemy installations. Be warned: it's going to get loud and windy as the helicopters' downwash sweeps over the spectator grandstand (yes, it's that close!). There will be two shows each day, at 11am and 4.30pm.

After that, trot over the the Flight Simulator Centre and take a spin on the OFT which pilots use to complement their flight training.

Exhausted from all that action? Take a stroll around the static displays where aircraft enthusiasts can check out the various aviation marvels, GBAD systems and equipment at the fairground. In the limelight are the F-15SG, G550 Airborne Early Warning, S-70B Naval helicopter, Surface-to-Air Python-5 and Derby - Short Range (SPYDER-SR) and the Agile Multiple Beam radar, which are all appearing for the first time at an open house. Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged as there are more than 20 military platforms on display!

The RSAF Open House 2011 is not just a visual feast, but an intellectual one too. Learn about each of the RSAF commands at the RSAF Pavilions, and about the integrated training that the RSAF undertakes around the globe at the Air Force Around the World exhibit. The latter will also highlight the RSAF's participation in peace support operations as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in recent years. Industry partners such as Singapore Technologies Engineering, Boeing and Lockheed Martin will also be on hand to explain their exhibits. In addition, the F-15 simulator brought in by Boeing will give visitors a chance to pilot one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the RSAF today.

Interested to join the RSAF after seeing all of that? Visit the recruitment booths to find out more about different vocations and career schemes in the RSAF.

With so much to do, there's really something for everyone. The RSAF Open House 2011 will open its doors on 8.30am on 28 May (Sat) and 9.30am on 29 May (Sun). So, don't be a stranger, come on down to the RSAF Open House 2011 this weekend and meet our airmen and women!

For more details, visit the official site at www.mindef.gov.sg/rsafopenhouse

Behind every great warrior is a strong team who helps to ensure that every mission is successful. Meet this warrior in the form of the RSAF's F-15G fighter aircraft, and the men behind this formidable bird of prey. Catch the weapon load crew in action at the RSAF Open House at Paya Lebar Air Base from 28 - 29 May.

It's air power like you've never seen before. Check out some of the most sophisticated and formidable aircraft, like the F-15SG fighter aircraft and the Apache Attack Helicopter, in action at the RSAF Open House at Paya Lebar Air Base from 28-29 May.

Join Joy and Weili as they bring you a sneak peek of what RSAF Open House 2011 has to offer. But nothing beats heading down yourself, so after you watch this clip, head down to the RSAF Open House at Paya Lebar Air Base from 28 to 29 May! Admission is free! Visit www.mindef.gov.sg/rsafopenhouse for more details.