Two helicopters to make debut performance at RSAF golden jubilee aerial display

SINGAPORE — For the first time, two attack helicopters will be participating in an aerial display over the waters off Marina South this National Day weekend, on Aug 11 and 12, performing a total of 10 synchronised manoeuvers.

The pair of AH-64D Apaches will add "different display segments" to the show, highlighting the capabilities of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) as a collective whole, said chairman of the flying display committee Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Nick Wong. 

The 30-minute air show put up by the RSAF to mark its 50th anniversary (RSAF50) is open to the public twice daily, at 10am and 2.30pm, at the Marina Barrage.

A total of 29 aircraft will be participating in the show, including 25 RSAF assets — 11 F-15SG and F-16s, five transport aircraft like the C-130s, eight helicopters, including the two AH-64D Apaches — and four Singapore Youth Flying Club D40 trainer aircraft.

"This time we wanted to (achieve) a more impactful show. We wanted to stretch out the show. (Having) new display segments will demonstrate our RSAF's capabilities… in working together as a team," said LTC Wong.

The aerial display will consist of three segments: The sequential flypast, the helicopter and fighter aerial display, and the finale bomb burst. Notably, the bombers will attempt to create a heart shape in the sky with their smoke trails during the show's finale.

Pilots will perform these manoeuvers and turns at altitudes of 500ft to 2,000ft.

A drone, the Heron 1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), will also make its debut at such low altitudes. The UAV, which was deployed during the Trump-Kim summit as part of security measures, usually flies at an altitude of around 15,000ft or higher.

On Tuesday (Aug 7), the RSAF pilots put on a full rehearsal witnessed by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, alongside Senior Minister of State for Defence Maliki Osman and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong.

Past and present senior commanders from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), including Mr George Yeo, also turned up at the preview on Tuesday. The former minister was the Chief-of-Staff of the Air Staff from 1985 to 1986.

Five rehearsals have been conducted in the lead up to the show weekend, with preparations beginning in July, said LTC Wong.

In the event of inclement weather, LTC Wong said that the committee will have to make "real-time adjustments" such as reducing the number of aircraft, or changing their flight sequence. For instance, in the event of rain, the F-15SG and F-16s will have to fly at a lower altitude — called a "flat burst" — instead.

Besides the unpredictable weather and limited air space, pilots involved said achieving "perfect synchronisation" is also a real challenge.

Captain Ingkiriwang Reeve, who is piloting an AH-64D helicopter, said that while the RSAF has done single Apache displays before, having two helicopters involved in the show increased the level of difficulty "exponentially".

He said that as the "wingman", he has to take directions from the lead helicopter and as such, constantly calibrates the altitude he is flying at.

Adding to the difficulty is the fact that the choppers will, in reality, have to operate at different altitudes for them to appear "level" in the eyes of the spectators.

Still, Captain Reeve is excited to participate in the aerial display. He said: "We want to bring (the helicopters) up front to Singaporeans so they can feel the "oomph", the "wow factor" and the power of the (Apaches)."

In conjunction with the RSAF50 celebrations, a family picnic event will be held on the grounds of the Barrage on Saturday (Aug 11). The event, organised by Families for Life — the former National Family Council — will include activities where parents can engage in craft activities with their children.

Some 40,000 spectators are expected to turn up at the Marina Barrage over the weekend, according to Colonel Kevin Goh, chairman of the RSAF50@Marina Barrage Committee.

To deal with the crowds, security has also been ramped up with about "50 troopers" involved in ground security and 20 auxiliary police officers on duty during the event. This is on top of the Marina Barrage's security team patrolling the grounds on both days.

Ten outriders will also be deployed to manage the traffic flow along the roads leading into the Marina Barrage. Members of the public are encouraged to use public transport to avoid traffic gridlocks.

As part of safety precautions, the Marina Barrage vicinity has also been marked by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore as a temporary restricted area. This means that members of the public will not be able to fly kites, captive balloons and deploy drones from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm on Aug 11 and 12.

Members of the public who do not wish to brave the crowds will be able to view the show via a Facebook Live stream on the RSAF page.