Two different sounds:
It was just slightly about 50 years ago that we heard two very different sounds emanating from the skies above us. In fact, there may be still those who can still remember those 2 different sounds. One is when the Japanese bombers flew in to ripped through our towns and tore up our lives. The other, is when the British withdrew their troops sending scores of their planes flying away from this little isle that was once so strategic and important to them but now, clearly, Singapore is of no more importance. We were left, defenseless.
The last Open House of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was in 2011 – yes, 5 years ago! In that half a decade that have passed, many things in the world have changed including the volatile security situations around the world. Despite all that is happening around us, here in Singapore, we have been relatively spared. In more ways than one, we have the selfless individuals of our defence forces to thank, these include the fine men and women of the RSAF.
Defending our skies:
Aptly termed, the theme for the RSAF’s 2016 Open House seeks to declare, in no uncertain terms, the commitment of the RSAF towards every individual in Singapore. The complete ‘suite’ of our country’s air defense capabilities are displayed to educate, inform and inspire the public on the RSAF’s commitment to us…and no effort is spared.
RSAF Open House 2016 Details At A Glance
Date: 21 May (Sat) till 22 May (Sun) at the Paya Lebar Airbase (400 Airport Road, Singapore 534234). 9am to 6pm daily.
Admission is FREE.
How to Get There
As public parking will not be available at Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB), visitors are strongly encouraged to take the free shuttle bus service from Eunos Bus Interchange and Kovan Hub. The first departure time from both locations is at 8:30am, while the last departure time is at 5:30pm. The shuttle bus service will depart at 10-minute intervals. Airport Road after KPE exit and Kim Chuan Road will be closed to all privately-owned vehicles during the event. Only RSAF Open House chartered buses (free shuttle buses), SBS Transit Bus Service 90, and taxis registered with the Land Transport Authority will be allowed along Kim Chuan Road and Airport Road after KPE exit leading to PLAB.
What you can look forward to:
The RSAF Open House covers an area of about 64,000m2, about the size of nine football fields. Besides getting a glimpse of the RSAF’s history, capabilities and stories of our airmen and women in action, visitors can also experience the numerous simulators, and get up close and personal with more than 20 types of our advanced aircraft and weapon systems. There will also be crowd favourites such as the aerial display, where the RSAF will demonstrate the roles and capabilities of our fighter aircraft, helicopters and ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems in defending Singapore’s skies round-the-clock.
The RSAF’s Operational Capabilities Demonstration / Aerial Display
The RSAF Open House 2016 will feature thrilling aerial displays by the RSAF’s F- 15SG and F-16C multi-role fighter aircraft, and capabilities demonstration of the GBAD systems, Surface-to-air Python-5 and DERby (SPYDER) and Mechanised IGLA, which form part of the RSAF’s multi-layered air defence. There will also be a showcase of air-land operations involving the AH-64D Apache attack helicopters and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. These operational capability displays will be woven together into a demonstration showcasing “Fighter Scramble”, “Light Aircraft Interception”, “Ground-Based Air Defence” manoeuvres, and “Under-Slung” and “Close Air Support” operations in action.
This 30-minute action-packed demonstration, at the Grandstand venue, will run at 10:30am and 2:30pm on 21 May (Saturday), and at 11:30am and 4:30pm on 22 May (Sunday). Check out the latest updates on the show timings at the RSAF Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/TheRSAF).
The RSAF Exhibition
The RSAF Exhibition (at Exhibition Hall 1 & 2) comprises three zones: the RSAF’s history and transformation, its full spectrum and integrated operations, as well as stories of airmen and women in action. Visitors are able to experience the flying of the F-16 aircraft and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), controlling of aircraft in an Air Traffic Control tower, operating the GBAD systems and conducting aircraft maintenance operations at the various simulators. They can also capture their Open House memories at a photo booth.
Zone 1 – History and Transformation of the RSAF. Zone 1 showcases the story of the RSAF’s transformation journey over 48 years
Zone 2 – Our Full Spectrum and Integrated Capabilities. Zone 2 showcases the capabilities of the 3rd Generation RSAF, a professional force which is integrated, ready and capable of full spectrum operations.
Zone 3 – Our People, Our Commitment. Zone 3 showcases the commitment to defence, professionalism and accomplishments of the airmen and women of the RSAF. Visitors can also take a souvenir photo of themselves in the pilot flight suits or other RSAF uniforms from the photo booth.
There will also be an appreciation corner for visitors to pen down their words of encouragement and support, and dedicate these to the airmen and women of the RSAF.
Carnival Zone
The Carnival Zone, comprising four sub-zones, is designed to engage our younger fans and those young at heart.
Zone 1 – The Young Aviator. This zone features aviation-related and console games for young teenagers.
Zone 2 – Drone Flying Game. This zone allows children to navigate drones in a selected area. It will also raise public awareness on the “Dos” and “Don’ts” of drone flying.
Zone 3 – Carnival Game Stores. This zone comprises carnival games, and aircraft model prizes will be given.
Zone 4 – Kids Zone. This zone, designed for young children aged between three and six years old, features interesting aviation-related games that the little ones will enjoy.
Static Display
Visitors can look forward to static displays of 20 types of advanced aircraft and weapon systems that they can get up close and personal with. The static displays include fighter aircraft like the F-15SG, F-16D+ and the F-16C (with the Black Knights paint scheme); G550-AEW surveillance aircraft; transport aircraft like the C-130 and Fokker-50; KC-135R air-to-air refuelling aircraft; and UAVs like the Heron-1 and Hermes 450. The helicopters on display include the AH-64D attack helicopter, CH-47 Chinook, AS332 Super Puma, and S-70B Seahawk, while the GBAD systems such as the SPYDER, Improved HAWK, RBS 70, Mechanised IGLA and Mounted-Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radar (MPSTAR) will also be showcased. Other systems on display include the Mobile Air Traffic Control (MATC) and the Air-Land Tactical Control Centre (ALTaCC) cabins.
Aircraft Rides
Successful applicants of e-balloting through the RSAF Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheRSAF) as well as online and radio contest winners will get to fly in either the RSAF’s C-130 aircraft, Fokker-50 aircraft, CH-47 Chinook helicopter, or the Singapore Youth Flying Club’s DA-40 trainer aircraft. Visitors must meet a set of eligibility criteria for the flight (details are available on the RSAF Facebook Page).
Other Exciting Shows
There will be additional shows to excite the visitors at the Open House, such as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Red Lions Parachute Team display (at the Grandstand), security and enforcement operations conducted by the SAF Military Working Dog Unit (at the K9 Demo Area), and the weapon arming demonstration of the F-15SG and F-16D+ fighter aircraft (at the Static Display Area). On top of these, live performances (at the Performance Hall) by the SAF Band and participating schools, and the games conducted by SAFRA Radio and SAF Music and Drama Company will add to the carnival spirit of the Open House.
Security
Security checks will be conducted at the entrance to the ROH16. To facilitate these checks, visitors are advised not to bring knives or any other sharp metal objects such as batons, spears, stun guns, and explosive substances to the ROH16.
Road Closure
To manage the traffic conditions on 21 and 22 May, the following roads will be closed to all privately-owned vehicles and motorcycles:
- Airport Road after KPE exit leading into PLAB; and
- Kim Chuan Road.
Photography
Visitors are welcomed to take as many photos and videos during #ROH16! There will not be any restrictions on lenses brought into PLAB. Don’t forget to submit your best photos to our Facebook and tag your Instagram and Twitter photos with #ROH16!
Live #ROH16 Updates
Follow @TheRSAF on Twitter.com/TheRSAF, Instagram.com/TheRSAF and Facebook.com/TheRSAF for Live #ROH16 Updates!
The Sound of Freedom:
The RSAF Open House 2016 is the perfect place to spend a memorable weekend with the family for a truly unforgettable experience and to capture some rare photo opportunities. But more than that, it offers a rare chance to interact with the fine men and women who defend our skies 24/7 giving valuable insights into their level of commitment so that the sounds we hear daily – the conversations, the chatter, the laughter are truly the sounds of freedom that we should never take for granted.
See you at #ROH16!
For more information, do visit the RSAF Facebook Page or hop over to our friends’ blogs for more tips on what to expect at #ROH16!
Bumble Bee Mum says
Every time I see your photos, I feel like investing in a better camera. But then again, I guess it’s the photographer, not the camera. And I don’t have the money. Wahaha… Enjoy your trip and looking forward to seeing your awesome travel photos when you’re back!