Singapore Airshow 2014

Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest and one of the most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, was in its fourth edition. The show included more than 60 of the world’s top 100 aerospace companies, and an impressive static and aerial display line-up. This participation level had reinforced its position as a must-attend event on the global aerospace and defence calendar. Singapore Airshow 2014 took place from 11 to 16 February at Changi Exhibition Centre, located on the other side of Changi international airport.

Singapore Airshow 2014 played host to over 1,000 exhibitors from 47 countries and 279 delegations from 72 countries. This year, an increased number of exhibitors took part presenting their products and services. Pilatus, UAC, Airbus, Embraer, and Bombardier among others took up outdoor spaces. Indoors SAAB, Rolls-Royce, and United Technologies Corporation had built double-storey exhibition booths. The event also featured 22 country/group pavilions, including new pavilions such as Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Military Aviation

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) revealed the new Super Heron Heavy Fuel which is an update of the Heron 1 medium altitude, long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. This new UAV differs from earlier versions through the integration of a heavy fuel engine. The engine enhancement has been made to meet customer demands to reduce their reliance on using traditional aviation fuels. The new version is also equipped with winglets to increase efficiency.

The competition for the F-16 upgrade market has intensified as was evident at the airshow. There are around 3500 F-16s in service world-wide, with a significant number planned to undergo a mid-life update over the coming years the stakes are high. At the airshow, BAE Systems and Raytheon were showcasing their proposal with the objective of rivaling the solution offered by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), which is seeking to upgrade its F-16C/D fleet. It was reported that Lockheed Martin had been contracted by Taiwan to upgrade its fleet. The upgrade kit for the Republic of China Air Force’s 150 F-16A/Bs comprises the Northrop Grumman’s scalable agile beam radar, a new centre pedestal display, new electronic warfare system and added functionalities in the mission computer. Meanwhile, BAE had secured a contract with Korea to upgrade 130 F-16C/Ds. The heart of this upgrade is the Raytheon’s Advanced Combat Radar.

The escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea could significantly increase the region’s need for new Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The very capable Boeing P-8 Poseidon attended the airshow and was in the static display. The aircraft on show was one of two that were deployed to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, during December 2013 as part of the US Navy’s first operational deployment of the new aircraft. The Indian Navy has eight P-8I variants on order, while Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding for the potential purchase of some eight aircraft by 2017-2018. Courtesy of the Portuguese Air Force, the smaller turboprop CN-235 MPA marketed by the Airbus Group was also in the static line-up.

Flying Display

Visitors to Singapore Airshow 2014 had enjoyed a world class flying display, with a record number of flying display participants in the history of airshows in Singapore. The flying included performances by three formation aerobatic teams, the largest number of aerobatic teams ever at Singapore Airshow.

The participation of Singapore’s very own Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Black Knights, flying six F-16C Fighting Falcons in Singapore’s national colours of white and red, was on the occasion of the RSAF’s 45th anniversary. These RSAF F-16C and their pilots were selected from combat units to reform the Black Knights team, and it was reported that they had trained together for 100 flying hours before performing to the public.

The other prominent team at the airshow was the South Korean’s Black Eagles, flying the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50B. The T-50B is a supersonic, highly manoeuvrable advanced jet trainer. It was reported that the Black Eagles had flown to Indonesia during this trip to Singapore Airshow to showcase the capabilities of the T-50B to the Indonesian Air Force. In addition, the appearance of the Yak-130 can also be attributed to Indonesia’s interest in a jet trainer. The Yak-130 is also a suitable modern jet trainer for other air forces in the region that are operating or considering upgraded Russian fighters, such as the latest Su-27 and MiG-29 variants.

The third formation team was the Indonesian Air Force’s Jupiter aerobatic team flying six KT-1B Woong Bee turboprop trainers also built by Korean Aerospace Industries. The Jupiter pilots are all instructors at the air force flying school in Yogyakarta.

In addition, there were solo demo performances by the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet, the United States’ Pacific Air Forces F-16C, U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey, and the Yak-130 presented. A key highlight was the flying display by the Airbus A350XWB, which on February 11^th marked the airliner’s first full display at an international airshow. The A350XWB participation at the Singapore Airshow enabled visitors to get a close-up look at the aircraft on the ground, while the flying display demonstrated its manoeuvrability, sleek design, and exceptional low noise levels.