F-15SG jet, Apache helicopter to perform together at air show

SINGAPORE — Spectators at this year’s Singapore Air Show will be treated to an unlikely pairing of two Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft doing a stunt “dance” in the air that is expected to draw gasps: Aerial manoeuvres featuring an F-15SG fighter aircraft and an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.

The 12-minute display by the two aircraft — a first for the air show — will feature 11 manoeuvres, including a never-before-seen formation, where the attack helicopter enters from the right and pulls up at the show centre, making a flip around and meeting the F-15SG fighter jet flying in from the right, before the jet finally pulls up in a sharp vertical climb.

This will open RSAF’s aerial segment, and it will be followed by a series of other combat and aerobatic movements. The Apache will round up the display by “making a bow” to the audience in the stage centre, while the F-15SG flies in from behind and rolls 360 degrees as it executes a 10,000ft vertical climb.

In past air shows here, integrated aerobatics displays have involved the smaller F-16 with a helicopter. Using an F-15SG is a new challenge because it has greater jet weight, generated by the turbulent air produced by the twin jet engines. The unstable air will cause the Apache to lose altitude if it is caught in the stream.

Adding to the difficulty of the stunt are the low-flying altitudes and vastly different aircraft speeds of the helicopter and the fighter jet. Colonel Linus Tan, chairman of the RSAF flying display committee, said this challenging display requires “close coordination and a high level of precision”. Planning and preparation for the segment began two months ago, with pilots training for up to three days a week, Major Max Ng, the F-15SG flight lead, said.

The RSAF will also showcase 11 military assets — including 10 aircraft and one ground-based air defence system — in its static displays. The public may get to sit in the cockpits of various aircraft and to walk through the cabin of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

The RSAF's aerobatic flying displays will run from 10.30am to 11.10am on Saturday Feb 20, and 2.20pm to 3pm on Feb 21. Tickets for the air show are on sale at SISTIC, starting at S$9 for children aged three to 12 and S$22 for adults.