Text & Photography by Gary NG
Since its inception on 1 September 1988, the RSAF Museum has served to capture the spirit, heritage and values of the force. Initially located at Changi Air Base (CAB), the museum moved to a bigger compound next to Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) in 1990. In late 2013, the museum underwent a major revamp, and reopened on 1 September 2015.
By utilizing the latest technology, an indoor gallery seeks to create a more hands-on and engaging experience with visitors. From its early formation as the Singapore Air Defense Command on 1 September 1968 to its transformation into an integrated full spectrum Air Force, visitors are brought through 5 exhibit galleries along this journey.
An immersive theatre showcases the peace time role of the RSAF and a cockpit simulator allows visitors to experience flying a modern jet fighter and executing combat maneuvers.
The museum consists of an outdoor static gallery that features key aircraft used by the RSAF, along with some Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) assets.
The RSAF was one of the last operators of the A-4 Skyhawk, having received its first examples in 1973. The aircraft were continuously upgraded, and were finally retired in 2005.
The RSAF operated eight Alouette IIIs between 1969 and 1978. Most were transferred to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Two retired rotary-wing types – the Bell Uh-1, 45 of which were in service (UH-1Bs for training and UH-1Hs, which were retired in 2003). Seven AS350Bs were operated in a training role between 1981 and 1992.
The T-33 had a relatively short service life, even by RSAF standards, with 20 ex-French examples serving from 1980 till 1985.
Possibly one of the most unique aircraft in the RSAF Museum is this TA-4S Skyhawk, one of fifteen converted from A-4B airframes. They differed primarily in having two separate tandem cockpits for student and instructor, requiring the fuselage to be lengthened to accommodate the second cockpit.
The E-2C Hawkeye was the RSAF’s main AEW platform until the arrival of the G-550. Four aircraft were acquired by the RSAF in 1987, leading to the formation of 111 Squadron, also known as “Jaeger”.
32 S.211s were acquired in 1984, with a further two examples purchases from Haiti as attrition replacements. The type was phased out from June 2008.
The RSAF originally received 46 Hawker Hunters, delivered between 1970 and 1973. Retired in 1992, four survive as gate guards, whilst a further 21 airframes have been sold to warbird operators.
The RSAF Museum may not be a large museum as compared to others, but its small size packs an impact befitting a young Air Force that celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2018.
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