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Behind the scenes: How RSAF tows its aircraft to the Singapore Airshow 2024

LaksaNews

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SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) assets - from the F15-SG 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.

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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. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)

At 9.30 pm 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.

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An RSAF serviceman secures a towbar to an F-16D, which will be towed to Changi Exhibition Centre for the Singapore Airshow. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
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An RSAF serviceman giving the signal to halt the convoy during the night towing operation. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)

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.

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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. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
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Following closely behind the A330 MRTT are support vehicles, including a spare tractor and the MRTT passenger stairs. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)

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 servicemen deployed as "wingtip walkers" alongside the aircraft. Their job is to look out for obstacles that may come into contact with the aircraft wingtip.

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The aircraft convoy at Aviation Park Road at 12.20 am, close to three hours after the operation started. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
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An RSAF serviceman, deployed as a wingtip walker, walks alongside one of the fighter jets as the convoy moves along Aviation Park Road. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
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AETOS auxiliary police officers lead the convoy across Aviation Park Road. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
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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. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
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As it started to rain, the cockpits of the fighter jets were closed. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)

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.

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The convoy arrives at Changi Exhibition Centre, the venue of the Singapore Airshow. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
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The MRTT is towed to its final position for the Singapore Airshow. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)

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Hours after the night towing operation, the helicopters moved in as well, landing at the Changi Exhibition Centre itself.

They include the CH-47F Chinook helicopter, which will be making its Singapore Airshow debut, as well as an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter and H225M helicopter.

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The CH-47 Chinook helicopter landing at Changi Exhibition Centre for the Singapore Airshow 2024. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
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The H225M helicopter landing at Changi Exhibition Centre for the Singapore Airshow 2024. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
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The AH-64D Apache attack helicopter landing at Changi Exhibition Centre for the Singapore Airshow 2024. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
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RSAF personnel conducting post-flight checks on the AH-64D. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
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RSAF personnel towing the H225M helicopter to the Singapore Airshow static display area. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
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RSAF personnel towing the CH-47 Chinook helicopter to the Singapore Airshow static display area. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
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RSAF personnel towing the AH-64D helicopter to the Singapore Airshow static display area. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
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