Gold Wing Course

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

Aircrafts

Fighters

F15-SG

The F-15SG is an all-weather multi-role fighter. Equipped with the latest technological upgrades, it is one of the most capable and lethal multi-role aircraft in the world. Featuring the state-of-the-art cockpit and advanced avionics, the F-15SG provides the Pilot and Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) (Fighter) with increased situation awareness, as well as enhanced air-to-air and self defence capabilities. 

F-16

The F-16 is a multi-role tactical fighter with full air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities. The aircraft features modern core avionics, sophisticated radar, smart weapons compatibility and state-of-the-art navigation and targeting systems. 

Helicopters

AH-64D Apache Longbow 

The AH-64D Apache is a multi-mission helicopter, designed to fight and survive in day, night and adverse weather conditions. It is the first tandem-seat helicopter in the RSAF, with the pilot located in the rear seat and co-pilot in the front seat. The AH-64D Apache is equipped with a highly sophisticated Fire Control Radar (FCR), which gives it the ability to detect, classify, and prioritise stationary and moving targets both on the ground and in the air. 

The AH-64D Apache is operated by a pilot and a co-pilot/gunner.

S-70B Seahawk 

With its state-of-the-art avionics, mission systems and cockpit, the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter is one of the world’s most advanced naval helicopters. The S-70B is integrated to the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Formidable class Stealth Frigates and operates as an integral unit in the conduct of Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions. 

The Seahawk is operated by 2 pilots, 1 tactical coordination officer and 1 sensor supervisor.

CH-47D/SD Chinook 

The CH-47D/SD Chinook is a tandem rotor helicopter fitted with a triple hook system. The Chinook is employed for various roles such as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, casualty evacuation, troop lift, fire-fighting, para-jumping and internal/underslung cargo transport. Besides supporting SAF’s operational requirements, the Chinooks have also been deployed for numerous Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. 

The Chinook is operated by 2 pilots and 1 flight engineer.

AS332M/M1 Super Puma 

The AS332M/M1 Super Puma is a medium lift helicopter. It is employed for various roles such as troop lift, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, underslung cargo transport and VIP transport.

The Super Puma is operated by 2 pilots and 1 aircrew specialist. It can be configured to carry 24 passengers or 6 stretchers and 1 medic.

Transport

C-130 Hercules 

The C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft employed by the RSAF for a wide range of missions. The RSAF C-130 Hercules has been deployed to support the SAF’s operational requirements, including numerous Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Locate (SAL) missions. 


The C-130 Hercules is operated by 2 pilots, 1 navigator, 1 flight engineer and 1 loadmaster. It can be configured to carry 64 fully equipped paratroops, 74 stretchers and 2 medics or 42,000 lbs of cargo for air drops.

Fokker-50 

The Fokker-50 is a twin-engine propeller aircraft employed by the RSAF for a wide range of missions. Together with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Fokker-50 provides maritime air surveillance and protects the seaward defence and sea lines of communication of Singapore. The Fokker-50 has also been deployed in numerous Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) as well as Search and Locate (SAL) missions.

The Fokker-50 is operated by 2 pilots, 3 system operators and 1 loadmaster. It can be configured to carry 39 fully-equipped paratroopers, 21 stretchers and 2 medics, 50 passengers or cargo by ground delivery.

G550-Airborne Early Warning 

The Gulfstream 550-Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) replaced the E-2C to provide airborne early warning. The G550-AEW is equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and is able to detect, track and identify aerial targets from a longer range than its predecessor. This allows the RSAF to identify potential aerial threats early and respond decisively, in peace and war. 

The G-550 is operated by 2 Pilots and 6 Air Warfare Officers.

KC-135R Stratotanker 

The KC-135R is a long-range jet tanker which the RSAF uses for mid-air refuelling of its aircraft. The KC-135R can also undertake aero-medical evacuation and airlift missions to provide logistics support for the SAF's overseas deployments and training exercises. 

The Stratotanker s operated by pilot, 1 co-pilot, 1 navigator, 1 boom operator along with one of the following: 83,000 lbs cargo capacity, 57 passengers, 6 x 463L pallets or aero-medical evacuation (AME).

A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport 

The Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT) is a next generation tanker aircraft capable of conducting Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) and airlift roles simultaneously. Its AAR capability will allow the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to extend the endurance of our fighter aircraft to safeguard our skies, and also enable the RSAF to be more effective and capable in meeting our operational demands. In addition, the platform provides the RSAF with greater operational flexibility and will enhance Singapore’s ability to contribute to international Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and Peace Support Operations. 

The A330-MRTT can carry maximum personnel capacity of 266 or a maximum cargo capacity of 37,000 kg.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Hermes 450 UAV 

The Hermes 450 is a single engine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with advance composite structure and optimised aerodynamics. It has long endurance to sustain operations and improved detection capability. It is also equipped with communication system (Electro-Optical/Infrared and Laser Designator) that can transfer imagery in real time. 

Heron 1 UAV 

The Heron 1 is a single engine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with advance avionics and detection capabilities (Electro-Optical/Infrared and Laser Designator) that improve awareness and enhance mission effectiveness. It also has long flight endurance and it features a fully Automatic Take-off and Landing (ATOL) capability. 

Weapons Systems

Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Systems

I-HAWK 

The Improved Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK) missile is a low to medium altitude Surface-to-Air missile system. The system works on a semi-active homing guidance principle.

The I-Hawk is operated by 1 Tactical Control Officer, 1 Tactical Control Assistant and 1 Fire Control Officer.

RBS-70 

The RBS 70 is a man-portable, short-range air defence missile system. The missile system works on a laser beam riding principle. The RBS 70 air defence system is mounted on a V200A Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) for higher mobility and can also be deployed in a dismounted configuration. 

The RBS 70 is operated by 1 Air Defence System Specialist, 1 Air Defence Weapon Specialist, 3 Air Defence Weapon Operators, 1 Signal Operator and 1 AFV Operator.

SPYDER 

The SPYDER system is the first 3rd Generation weapon system to be integrated into the enhanced Island Air Defence System. The network also enables our operators to see further, react faster, and for firing to be done much more precisely against air threats.

The SPYDER System is operated by a 6-man crew for rapid deployment and re-deployment. The system is equipped with 2 types of advanced missiles to provide comprehensive combat capability. 

Aster 30 

The Aster 30 Missile System is an all-weather, next generation Ground-Based Air Defence Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (MSAM) system that is the latest and an important addition to Singapore’s Air Defence Capability. The Aster 30, capable of engaging and intercepting a wide spectrum of air threats, will be integrated into the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s indigenously developed Island Air Defence (IAD) system to greatly enhance our ability to defend Singapore’s skies. 

Radars

Aerostat 

Security agencies in Singapore need to continually guard against threats to Singapore's air and sea space. In recent years, our agencies have put in place robust surveillance and early warning systems to guard against aerial and maritime threats. However, these existing systems are facing increasing constraints, mainly due to the construction of taller buildings which prevent the systems from establishing a clear line of sight.

The aerostat that the SAF intends to deploy will be a tethered balloon system with 24/7 low-level radar coverage. It will be deployed sufficiently high enough so as to have a clear line of sight over Singapore's air and sea space, and will complement the SAF's suite of sensors to identify potential aerial and maritime threats early for timely and decisive response to safeguard Singapore's peace and security.

FPS 117 

The FPS 117 has a greater range, an enhanced detection capability and can give an object's bearing, height and range. Its reach of 250 nautical miles means that it covers an area of up to 11 times the size of Singapore lengthwise and 20 times widthwise. It sustains accuracy in a variety of conditions and is able to differentiate between fast and slow moving objects. 

Giraffe 

The Basic Giraffe is a short range search radar. Acting as a Low Level Control Centre, it provides early warning and target designation to all SHORAD systems. The radar is mounted on a 10-tonner, has a detection range of 40 km and a scan rate of 60 rpm. 

MPSTAR 

The MPSTAR (Mounted Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radar) is a two-dimensional radar that provides the air picture to the RBS 70 short-range air defence missile system and Air-Land Tactical Control Centres. The radar is equipped with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECCM) features and can detect both Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing aircraft. The radar is mounted on a MB290 vehicle for higher mobility and can also be deployed in a dismounted configuration.

The MPSTAR is operated by 1 Air Warfare Officer, 1 Air Defence System Specialist and 2 Air Defence Weapon Specialists.

MMR 

The Multi Mission Radar (MMR) is a 3D S-Band Mobile Radar that is part of Singapore’s enhanced Island Air Defence system. It complements the SAF’s suite of radars to provide early warning of potential air and ground threats for timely response. 

The MMR is operated by 1 Team Commander, 1 Deputy Team Commander, 2 Air Defence System Specialists and 4 Air Defence Weapons Specialists.

SHIKRA 

The 3D radar provides low-level radar coverage to give the RSAF a better air situation picture with high fidelity and accuracy. 

The SHIKRA is operated by 4 men during deployment and 2 men during operations.

Source: Images and content taken from RSAF Official page at: https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf/home/

Task

Complete the quiz here to find out how you have learnt.