FIRST F-15SG LEAVES BOEING FACTORY
PHOTO // Kok Wah Chuen
In a simple ceremony, Boeing marked the completion of the very first F-15SG, Singapore's variant of the F-15E, at its factory in St Louis, Missouri on 3 Nov.
The all-weather, multi-role fighter is slated to become a key force in the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) arsenal as it will replace the retired A-4SU Super Skyhawk fighter-bombers.
"As the mainstay of our next generation multi-role fighter aircraft, the F-15SG will enhance our air defence, air superiority and strike capabilities," said Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Khern.
"The F-15SG will also add a new dimension to the RSAF's integration with the 3rd Generation SAF. The fighter will deliver effective air power to the rest of the SAF, enabling the RSAF to help shape land and maritime campaigns."
The highly versatile F-15SG is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The RSAF has ordered 24 F-15SGs from Boeing and is scheduled to receive all the jets by 2012, according to Boeing Military Aircraft president Chris Chadwick.
The first batch of the most advanced variant of the F-15, which has chalked up 104 victories with no losses in air combat, is due in the second quarter of 2009. It will be delivered to the RSAF's detachment at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
Said Boeing Vice-President of the F-15 programme Mark Bass: "Singapore has incorporated some significant technological advances to the aircraft. Most notable of which is an advanced electronically scanned array radar."
Other key improvements include a more powerful set of engines, additional fuel tanks and a higher maximum payload.
In preparation for the delivery of the first batch of F-15SGs, the RSAF detachment has already begun training on the United States Air Force's F-15Es in the US.
The roll-out ceremony for the twin-seater fighter was attended by over 200 people including Boeing staff and members of the Defence Science & Technology Agency, which is managing the acquisition.
"The F-15SG programme is yet another example of the excellent partnership between the United States and Singapore and the dedication of our two countries to common security objectives," said US Ambassador to Singapore Patricia Herbold who was a distinguished guest at the ceremony.
