First published by CNA on Feb 21, 2024
SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) assets - from the F-15SG to the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) - are among the many on display at the Singapore Airshow 2024, which is being held from Feb 20 to 25.
A week before the airshow, the RSAF gave visual journalists a behind-the-scenes look at how it moved its aircraft from Changi Air Base (East) to Changi Exhibition Centre, the airshow venue.
At 9.30pm on Feb 13, with the signal to begin the operation given, RSAF servicemen began securing the fighter jets to the tow tractors. Each fighter jet was managed by a team of three servicemen, with two on the ground and one in the cockpit.
An RSAF serviceman climbs aboard an F-15SG to serve as the brakesman. He is tasked with spotting potential hazards from his higher vantage point, and with using the aircraft's brakes to stop it if necessary.
An RSAF serviceman secures a towbar to an F-16D, which will be towed to Changi Exhibition Centre for the Singapore Airshow.
An RSAF serviceman giving the signal to halt the convoy during the night towing operation.
With all the jets secured, they were towed out of the hangar, joined by the A330 MRTT.
At about 10 pm, the convoy began its journey across the airbase, heading towards the exhibition centre at the stately speed of about 5km/h.
From front to back, the F-16D+, F-16D, F-15SG and A330 MRTT makes up the convoy, inching across Changi Air Base (East) towards its destination.
Following closely behind the A330 MRTT are support vehicles, including a spare tractor and the MRTT passenger stairs.
Close to three hours after the towing operation began, the convoy finally reached Aviation Park Road.
AETOS auxiliary police officers led the convoy along the road, with RSAF personnel deployed as "wingtip walkers" alongside the aircraft. Their job is to look out for obstacles that may come into contact with the aircraft wingtip.
The aircraft convoy at Aviation Park Road at 12.20am, close to three hours after the operation started.
An RSAF serviceman, deployed as a wingtip walker, walks alongside one of the fighter jets as the convoy moves along Aviation Park Road.
AETOS auxiliary police officers lead the convoy across Aviation Park Road.
The convoy of RSAF’s F-15SG, F-16D, F-16D+ and A330 MRTT moving towards Changi Exhibition Centre along Aviation Park Road on Feb 14, 2024.
As it started to rain, the cockpits of the fighter jets were closed.
At about 1 am, three and a half hours after the towing operation began, the convoy aircraft arrived at Changi Exhibition Centre.
Immediately, RSAF servicemen began to manoeuvre the fighter jets into position for the Singapore Airshow, followed by the MRTT.
The convoy arrives at Changi Exhibition Centre, the venue of the Singapore Airshow.
The MRTT is towed to its final position for the Singapore Airshow.