I wonder if you would have missed much David. From what I saw online, the usual 3rd Gen SAF exhibit was on display - F-16D Block 52 with Apache AH64 flypast and aerial show; courtyard view of 3rd GEN integrated SAF - Leopard 2A4, Lightweight howitzer, Apache Helicopter (AGAIN!), and Navy's speedboat...
Aren't the Australians ceasing the use of the aged F-111F fighter? I was disappointed to see it appear in full glory with afterburners blazing. Looks like its shelf life's gonna be extended.
Some interesting new jets though (though not many!) - And the Israelis are as usual at the forefront of mini unmanned aerial vehicle technology.
We seem to have problems attracting the fast jets after our NFRP found a winner. The Rafale no longer makes the trip here. And did anyone say Typhoon?
That's what happens when the aircraft attendance list at our "international" show leans so heavily in favour of home nation purchases.
Watch SA 2012 to see how many of the competing AJTs will fly here...
We need to break out of the template or the Singapore Airshow will stagnate.
Want to know how? Just visit the International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford to see how a collection of warbirds brings in heaps of tourist dollars.
At the Singapore Airshow 2008, we missed seeing the Mexican defence minister. There was a news blackout from the organisers, which was silly and futile because the Mexican press duly reported the visit as it helped show their flag in this part of the world.
maybe if we put in a competitive air tattoo element, with an international expert judging panel and USD1M prize money (the money's not so much a big deal but to rouse the prestige)?
The problem David is that Singapore (and the region) lacks any sort of warbird community, much less a vibrant one. Shows like RIAT succeed because private warbird owners, historical aircraft societies (BBMF for example) exist in strength there and there are generous donors who keep them in business.
The closest warbird communities to E Asia is in Australia and NZ, but to get them to fly to SG would require substantial sponsorship. Would anyone want to sponsor something with a dubious commercial return given the very small and niche interest in warbirds in SG? I think we know the answer.
A better chance of success would be to turn it into a regional air power expo, in addition to the trade aspect of the show. For this to happen, the RSAF has to up its act. Bring in at least one example of the entire inventory, not just the latest and greatest. If the RSAF is seen to be backing the idea, I think regional AF's will look upon the idea with more enthusiasm.
6 comments:
I wonder if you would have missed much David. From what I saw online, the usual 3rd Gen SAF exhibit was on display - F-16D Block 52 with Apache AH64 flypast and aerial show; courtyard view of 3rd GEN integrated SAF - Leopard 2A4, Lightweight howitzer, Apache Helicopter (AGAIN!), and Navy's speedboat...
Aren't the Australians ceasing the use of the aged F-111F fighter? I was disappointed to see it appear in full glory with afterburners blazing. Looks like its shelf life's gonna be extended.
Some interesting new jets though (though not many!) - And the Israelis are as usual at the forefront of mini unmanned aerial vehicle technology.
I seriously doubt you missed much.
We seem to have problems attracting the fast jets after our NFRP found a winner. The Rafale no longer makes the trip here. And did anyone say Typhoon?
That's what happens when the aircraft attendance list at our "international" show leans so heavily in favour of home nation purchases.
Watch SA 2012 to see how many of the competing AJTs will fly here...
We need to break out of the template or the Singapore Airshow will stagnate.
Want to know how? Just visit the International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford to see how a collection of warbirds brings in heaps of tourist dollars.
At the Singapore Airshow 2008, we missed seeing the Mexican defence minister. There was a news blackout from the organisers, which was silly and futile because the Mexican press duly reported the visit as it helped show their flag in this part of the world.
I dun think you missed much ... judging from I saw in AA 2006, AS 2008 and now. Probably have more to 'see' at RWS
hey david,
any idea when universal studios singapore is opening?
maybe if we put in a competitive air tattoo element, with an international expert judging panel and USD1M prize money (the money's not so much a big deal but to rouse the prestige)?
The problem David is that Singapore (and the region) lacks any sort of warbird community, much less a vibrant one. Shows like RIAT succeed because private warbird owners, historical aircraft societies (BBMF for example) exist in strength there and there are generous donors who keep them in business.
The closest warbird communities to E Asia is in Australia and NZ, but to get them to fly to SG would require substantial sponsorship. Would anyone want to sponsor something with a dubious commercial return given the very small and niche interest in warbirds in SG? I think we know the answer.
A better chance of success would be to turn it into a regional air power expo, in addition to the trade aspect of the show. For this to happen, the RSAF has to up its act. Bring in at least one example of the entire inventory, not just the latest and greatest. If the RSAF is seen to be backing the idea, I think regional AF's will look upon the idea with more enthusiasm.
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