RSAF'S BLACK KNIGHTS TO FLY AT NDP 08

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

For the first time ever, the RSAF's elite aerobatics team, the Black Knights, will be performing their exciting aerial stunts at the National Day Parade (NDP).

The six-minute performance is part of the aerial display segment of the NDP. The aerial display will also feature the traditional State Flag Fly-Past and the Presidential Salute.

In their vision for NDP 08, the organisers sought to create an event in which the performances could be brought as close to the spectators as possible. To this end, the National Flag and the Chinook carrying it will be flown at just 250 metres away from the centre of the seating gallery and a mere 100 metres above the Marina Bay.

NDP 08 marks not only the Black Knights' first performance at an NDP, but also their very first time performing over the Marina Bay area.

Given the unique conditions, such as the office buildings in the Central Business District, the pilots have had to adapt their stunts to a height of 1,500 feet, far above the 500 feet at which they usually perform.

In spite of these challenges, said Colonel Ho Foo Sing, Chairman Air Participation, they remain undaunted.

"Bear in mind the Black Knights are not full-time aerobatic pilots - they are operational pilots," he said. "They are dynamic and flexible and can adapt to different heights quickly."