BEHIND THE RSAF'S STATIC DISPLAY AT S'PORE AIRSHOW 2024

20feb24_news1_photo1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/articles/community/2024/20-feb-2024/20feb24_news1_photo1.jpg?sfvrsn=2e541f9b_3 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/behind-the-rsaf's-static-display-at-s'pore-airshow-2024
BEHIND THE RSAF'S STATIC DISPLAY AT S'PORE AIRSHOW 2024 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/behind-the-rsaf's-static-display-at-s'pore-airshow-2024
20 Feb 2024 | COMMUNITY

BEHIND THE RSAF'S STATIC DISPLAY AT S'PORE AIRSHOW 2024

Get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the challenging overnight towing operation as the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) prepares for its static display at the Singapore Airshow 2024!
//Story by JOSHUA DE SOUZA //Photos by PIONEER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Getting the show on the road: Days of thorough recce and planning go into a successful towing operation moving the RSAF's static display assets from Changi Air Base (East) to the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC). The Singapore Airshow 2024 will be held at CEC from 20 to 25 Feb.

While you were sleeping: A convoy of F-15SG and F-16 fighter jets, along with the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), slowly making their way down public roads to the CEC. The intensive overnight operation took place from 10pm on 13 Feb to 2.15am on 14 Feb.

During the 8km-long journey from the airbase to CEC, the crew must maintain slow speeds of 5kmh and communicate closely with one another to ensure safety while moving such large assets.

Pictured above is an F-15SG with the striking tail flash that was specially designed last year to commemorate the RSAF's 55th anniversary.

With a wingspan of 60.3m, the massive A330 MRTT required streetlights along the road to be removed before towing operations could even begin.

The towing operations continue at CEC as the crew position the F-16D+ within allotted lots at the static display area. PS. Can you spot the marshalling wands attached to the wingtips? These allowed those travelling in the convoy to see ahead of them.

At the break of day on 14 Feb, three of the RSAF's helicopters fly in and land at the CEC. Pictured above is the CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter, which will be gradually replacing the RSAF's fleet of CH-47D Chinooks.
Making its debut: For the first time, visitors will be able to see the CH-47F helicopter (right) up close at the Singapore Airshow.

Crew standing by to prepare the AH-64D Apache (above) and H225M Medium Lift (below) helicopters for the static display, as the pilots land.

For the first time at the event, the Apache will be displaying its full of suite armaments, which comprise the Hellfire missile, Hydra 70 rocket and 30mm round.

Upon arrival of the assets, ground crew prepare the aircraft and ground-based air defence systems like the Aster 30 (pictured) to be ready for static display.

Also among the assets on display is the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (foreground).

This year's RSAF static display will feature ten assets. Find out more on what’s happening at the Singapore Airshow and catch the aerial display livestream at singaporeairshowlive.gov.sg!

Suggested Reading
Feature
EX WALLABY 25 – GREATER INTEGRATION AND COMPLEXITY
OPS & TRAINING
25 Oct 2025

The 35th edition of the SAF’s largest unilateral overseas exercise is an opportunity for expanded scale and deeper integration towards an effective, networked fighting force.

COMMAND & STAFF COLLEGE GRADUANDS READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES
PEOPLE
23 Oct 2025

Family, work and studies – having to manage these demands is tough, but all the hard work was worth it for both MAJ Ikhtiaruddin Iman Bin Mustafa and SWO Seck Wai Kong, two recent graduates of the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College.

NAVY LAUNCHES 1ST MULTI-ROLE COMBAT VESSEL
MILESTONES
21 Oct 2025

The Multi-Role Combat Vessel will function as a mothership for the command and conduct of unmanned naval operations.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW CMPB
MILESTONES
14 Oct 2025

The new Central Manpower Base (CMPB) at Bukit Gombak officially opened its doors on 14 Oct, welcoming pre-enlistees, servicemen and the public alike to a state-of-the-art, one-stop hub for all things National Service (NS).

Feature
FATHER & SON DOCTOR DUO
PEOPLE
13 Oct 2025

COL (Dr) (Ret) Tan Peng Hui was a pioneering figure in the SAF Medical Corps. Now, decades later, son CPT (Dr) Caleb Tan follows in his footsteps as part of the 100th Medical Officer Cadet Course. 

Cover story
WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A MEDICAL OFFICER
MILESTONES
07 Oct 2025

This October, we celebrate the 100th batch of graduates from the Medical Officer Cadet Course. What does it take to become a military doctor? We uncover the highlights!

DAY OUT WITH MY ARMY DAD
PEOPLE
06 Oct 2025

In this year’s PIONEER Kids special, Rayyan, Rizqi and Raissa spend a special day at Nee Soon Camp Shooting Range with dad 3WO Muhamed Firdaus.

DIVE INTO NAVY@VIVO 2025
COMMUNITY
03 Oct 2025

Gear up for a splashing good time as Navy@Vivo returns in November!

Feature
THEY BUILT THIS CITY
TECHNOLOGY
01 Oct 2025

Turning vision to reality: the team behind SAFTI City clinches the Defence Technology Prize 2025 Team (Engineering) Award! 

MILITARY MUM
PEOPLE
29 Sep 2025

Meet 3SG Genelle Soh, a mother-of-three who transitioned from a desk job to serving as a Signals specialist!