SPECTACULAR SHOW IN THE SKY
PHOTO // Chua Soon Lye
Fifty aircraft - the largest number to take part in the National Day Parade (NDP) at the Padang - will feature in the Air Participation segment, to commemorate Singapore's achievements in the past 50 years, while calling on all Singaporeans to look towards a bright future together.
The aircraft will perform a spectacular aerial display which showcases the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) s precision flying and aerial finesse.
Chairman of the Air Participation Committee Colonel (COL) Francis Ngooi said: "In celebration of our nation's Golden Jubilee, we hope to make this year's NDP memorable and special for Singaporeans."
The Air Participation segment of NDP will kick off with the "Five Stars" Tribute Aerial Flypast to remember the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Executed by the RSAF Black Knights during the Prologue of the NDP 2015 Show, it signifies Singapore s five ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.
Following the tribute will be the traditional flypast of the State Flag across the Padang as the National Anthem is sung. It will be staged by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, escorted by two AH-64D Apache helicopters.
Twenty F-16s will then perform a Salute-to-Nation, flying a "50" formation, while the six Black Knights perform an aerial bomb-burst. COL Ngooi said: While viewing the '50' formation, we hope Singaporeans will be reminded of our progress over the past 50 years, and be inspired to work towards the future with the same pioneering spirit."
Following this is an aerial flypast by pairs of S-70B naval helicopters, AS-332 Super Pumas, AH-64D Apaches and CH-47 Chinooks, in an "Arrowhead" formation.
A C-130 transport aircraft and two Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol aircraft will execute the "VIC" formation, with the C-130 as lead aircraft in front, and the other aircraft to the left and right, together forming the letter "V". They will be followed by a KC-135 tanker aircraft and a G550-Airborne Early Warning aircraft, escorted by four F-5 fighter aircraft, flying in close formation.
Four Black Knights will then perform the "Criss Cross" manoeuvre with smoke trails, followed by two Black Knights executing a near-vertical climb.
Thereafter, a solo F-15SG fighter aircraft will execute a combat turn over the Padang, showcasing the aircraft s precision and agility, culminating its performance with a near-vertical climb, with afterburners. For the finale, three F-15SGs will execute a "Flat Burst" manoeuvre as they make their exit.
