ROUND-ISLAND CELEBRATIONS
// STORY Thrina Tham
// PHOTOS Chai Sian Liang
Starting this month, Singaporeans will get to enjoy all things Air Force as the RSAF goes to the heartlands with an immersive showcase of its latest capabilities.
Held in commemoration of its 50th anniversary, the RSAF promises to thrill with exciting demonstrations of their assets as well as interactive simulations and displays for the young and old.
There are five locations: Toa Payoh, Sembawang, Punggol, Bedok and Jurong East.
These heartland events are aimed at thanking Singaporeans for their strong support over the years, said Deputy Chairman for RSAF50@Heartlands, Colonel Ho Yung Peng.
"As we celebrate RSAF50, we pay tribute to all past and present airmen and women for their dedication and contributions... We also reaffirm our commitment to always defend Singapore 24/7".
Here's a glimpse of the highlights!
1. Up close & personal
Visitors can get up close to RSAF assets and meet the personnel who operate them. Each venue will showcase various static displays such as the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and the Surface-to-Air Python and DERby Ground-based Air Defence (GBAD) system.
2. Pledge your support
The public can show their support for the Air Force by contributing to the RSAF50 Mural. Visitors get to choose from six animated backgrounds — such as inside a fighter jet cockpit — to take their photos against.
The photos will then join a mural wall which will eventually comprise 50,000 shots — including that of President Halimah Yacob, who contributed her photo at the RSAF50 celebrations launch in February. The public can also contribute by posting to Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #RSAF50.
3. Be entertained
Those who prefer to relax can check out performances at the stage. These include precision drills by the National Cadet Corps as well as performances by So Drama! Entertainment and local celebrities like Olinda Cho and Inch Chua.
4. Go hands-on
Always wanted to experience life as an airman? Visitors can pilot a helicopter or fighter jet, or take control of a GBAD system in various simulators at the roving exhibition.
Other highlights include mock-ups of the F-15SG as well as the viewing of the National Day Parade Flag fly-past through the eyes of past and present generations.
Also, visitors can keep a memory of their time at the exhibition by donning uniforms and having their photos professionally taken at the RSAF Photobooth.
Heartland highlights
Each heartland exhibition will take place over a weekend, from 10am to 9pm daily.
A 10–11 Mar
Toa Payoh HDB Hub
B 31 Mar–1 Apr
Open field next to Sembawang MRT station
C 14–15 Apr
Punggol Town Square
D 12–13 May
Bedok Town Square
E 26–27 May
Open field next to Jurong East MRT station
Contest giveaway!
Name one of the RSAF's latest fighter aircraft.
Email your answer to pnrcontest@defence.gov.sg by 31 Mar with the header "RSAF50 giveaway", and stand a chance to win one of five complete sets of exclusive RSAF50 foam planes!
In your email, kindly include your name, NRIC, gender, contact number and address.
