S'pore Airshow 2008: RSAF's Black Knights to fly all F-16s, adding new moves
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 11 September 2007 1501 hrs

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SINGAPORE: You can expect a lot more action in the skies when the Singapore Air Show takes flight next year.

Among them, the RSAF Black Knights, which are planning to make a spectacular return with a new look.

For the first time, the RSAF's aerobatic team will be flying all F-16 fighter jets.

During its last public appearance in 2000, the team was in the middle of its conversion so it was a mixed fleet of A-4 SkyHawks and the newer F-16s.

Veteran pilot Philip Chionh has flown both aircrafts and said he appreciates what his new ride can do. "The A-4's flight characteristics were a little different. Due to the slow speed over the loop, it would start pulling away. That’s because the slats would come out and roll a bit faster. Whereas, for the F-16s, we pull a bit harder and apply more power and that can be a bit tricky," he said.

The Black Knights are full time combat pilots from three different F-16 squadrons and when put into a team performing aerobatics, it means precision flying.

This is something they have been grounded in since their combat training as rookie pilots.

The pilots say the biggest difference between flying the A4 and F-16 is the afterburner. The F-16 is faster, more powerful and makes a lot more noise and that means it will put up a different show from what has been seen before.

Lieutenant Colonel Leng Wai Mun, Lead Pilot of the RSAF Black Knights, explained what is in store for the public at the Singapore Airshow 2008: "In terms of the aerobatic sequence, you're going to see a difference in the formation. We are also experimenting with six new aerobatic manoeuvres, like what you have seen in Asian Aerospace 2000."

The RSAF has painted two of the F-16s and the other four will get their coat of red and white colours in the weeks ahead.

The RSAF is keeping mum about their upcoming performance, but has promised a thrilling show for their fans. - CNA/vm