RSAF SCORES AT AVALON AIRSHOW AWARDS

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) won two of the eight awards of the military Concours d'elegance (competition of elegance) of the 2011 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exhibition in Australia (Avalon Airshow), which was held on 5 Mar.

The RSAF took home the Best Overall Military Aircraft for the F-16C Fighting Falcon display and the Best Helicopter award for its Super Puma helicopter display.

Military aircraft at the Avalon Airshow were automatically entered into the competition and the other six categories were the Best Fast Combat Jet Aircraft, Best Large Jet/Special Transport Aircraft, Best Propellor Aircraft, Best Jet Warbird, Best Multi-prop Warbird and Best Single-prop Warbird.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the RSAF at the awards ceremony was Major (MAJ) Desmond Too, detachment commander of the 40-odd RSAF contingent at the airshow.

On receiving the Chief of Air Force Trophy for Best Overall Military Aircraft, MAJ Too said: "It's very significant because it means that all our hard work is being recognised." He added: "It's indeed our honour to represent Singapore and the RSAF at the Avalon Airshow."

The judging panel comprised representatives of the Board of Aviation Development Australia Limited, the Australian Defence Force, the Royal Aeronautical Society (Australian Division) and the Royal Australian Air Force Association. It evaluated the aircraft in various aspects, including the aircraft's overall appearance, the supporting display material exhibited and the presentation of the aircraft and its crew.

It was a tough fight in the Best Helicopter category, according to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Chris Tang, Overseas Training Commander of the Oakey Training Centre in Australia, as the Super Pumas were up against the MRH-90 Multi-role helicopters of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Black Hawks from the United States.

"Our team worked very hard to maintain the aircraft, and winning this award is a recognition and acknowledgement of our hard work and professionalism, not just by the organisers but also by the Australian public whose votes play a part in determining the winner of this category." said LTC Tang.

The competition was first held in 2005 and serves to complement a similar contest held for civil-registered aircraft.

The RSAF's participation in the Avalon Airshow, which was held from 1 to 6 Mar, reflected the close and long-standing ties between the two air forces. The RAAF had participated with its aerobatics team and F-111 aircraft for static and flying displays at the Singapore Airshow in 2008 and 2010, while the RSAF is a regular participant in Exercise Pitch Black, a multilateral air exercise hosted by the RAAF.