Multi-axis fly-past to debut in aerial display for NDP

RSAF segment also features two special SG60 tributes, enhanced salute to nation

- Gabrielle Chan

Every time the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) fighter jets roar over the Padang for their National Day manoeuvres, Lieutenant-Colonel Muhammad Iskandar has two things on his mind: keeping Singaporeans safe and maintaining precision every single second.

As the lead pilot for three dynamic flight displays involving F-15SG jets, LTC Iskandar explained that his role includes ensuring the jets arrive over the Padang at the exact second they are scheduled to appear.

"The safety of the population is key in everything that we do," he said, explaining that the jets fly over the Central Business District and the heartland, where there are many people.

The displays during the parade on Aug 9 include an enhanced salute to the nation, two special SG60 aerial displays, and, for the first time, a multi-axis fly-past.

Military Expert 6 Patrick Wong, deputy chairman of the air participation committee, said that during the salute to the nation, six F-15SG jets will soar over the Padang in an arrow-shaped formation, with four F-16 jets following close behind in a diamond shape, in celebration of the nation's diamond jubilee.

The first of two subsequent aerial displays specially prepared for SG60 will showcase six F-15SG jets flying in an arrow-shaped formation, with the two jets on the sides peeling away and soaring upwards to symbolise Singapore's ongoing peace and prosperity.

In the second display, four F-16 jets will perform a cross-turn – a move where jets fly alongside one another in a diamond formation before splitting off in different directions in a carefully timed manoeuvre.