The lowdown on the National Day Aerial Display
Undeniably the most popular and highly anticipated segment of the annual National Day Parade (NDP), is the Flypast. It’s a very speccy display of aerial acrobatics by Singapore Air Force that impresses little kids (and big kids too). This year though, get set to impress yourself. How? By casually imparting a few cool facts about the fighter jets and pilots in action.
#1 – The magic number: 90. There’s a reason why only the best-of-the-best air crew make the cut. Extreme piloting prowess is required to navigate the jet planes through a series of flawless maneuvers and into breath-taking formations, where the jets are separated wing-tip to wing-tip by a distance of only 90cm. Heart-stopping action!
#2 – Ready to rumble. The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) F-15SG jet planes are not just performance equipment. These bad boys are the most advanced and technologically sophisticated versions of the F-15 aircraft built to date. These all-weather multi-role fighter jets are equipped with the latest avionics and an integrated sensor suite, to help navigate low altitudes at night and under varying weather conditions, along with advanced weapons that can fire up to a whopping 4,000 or 6,000 rounds per minute.
#3 – It takes six to salute the nation. The spectacular ‘Salute to the Nation’ formation is probably the most famous of all formations and entails a five aircraft display, aligned in a V shape, zooming across the sky with a deafening sonic boom. In actual fact, the formation is supported with a sixth aircraft, which maintains a holding position as a replacement in case one of the five aircrafts has reason to pull out.
#4 – What do Twinkle Roll, Cuban, and Palm Split have in common? They are all names of amazing aerial manoeuvres, along with flaming heart, swan roll, and twist and shout. Top marks for creativity.
#5 – More the merrier. This year, spectators will be treated to a visual feast of 20 planes whirling, twirling, and darting across the evening sky to perform a whole variety of solo, paired, and team formations. That’s twice as many as last year’s showcase – lucky us!
There – instant street cred for you, a great evening out for the family.
All Images: RSAF