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The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF)
145 Squadron, which operates the F-16D Block 52+ fighter aircraft, was
declared fully operational by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at a
ceremony held today (24 May 2006) at Changi Air Base (East). |
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The F-16D Block 52+ fighter jet, which is
operated by a paired crew of pilot and Weapon Systems Officer (Fighter),
is the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world. 145
Squadron is capable of conducting both air combat and ground attack
missions with precision, in all weather, day or night conditions. |
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The Squadron¡¯s attainment of full
operational capability will enhance the RSAF's ability to meet the
operational requirements of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and
contribute to the defence of Singapore. |
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Employing innovative concepts in integrated
operations coupled with advanced technologies operated by world-class
people, this event is a significant milestone in the RSAF's
transformation to the 3rd Generation (3G) Air Force. |
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Factsheet - 145 Squadron Full Operational
Capability |
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The Squadron motif depicts a valiant hornet
in an attack posture to deter potential aggressors. The yellow and black
stripes represent speed and agility. Its blazed-green eyes and forward
arching sting epitomises its readiness to strike in swift response to
defend its nest, at day or night. |
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Established on 1st Apr 1984 at Tengah
Air Base, the Squadron first started flying the A4 Skyhawks. |
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In 1992, 145 Squadron was the first
squadron to fly the indigenously developed A4-SUs. It has since
undertaken a wide spectrum of roles that focuses on RSAF operational
requirements and converting new pilots from Flying Training School
to operational fighter pilots. |
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The professionalism and operational
readiness of the crew in 145 Squadron were exemplified through the
achievement of numerous awards which includes the coveted Best
Fighter Squadron in 1998 and 2000, and RSAF Hot Shot Competitions. |
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After nearly 2 decades, the Squadron
ended its A4-SU operations on 30 Apr 03 to prepare for relocation
and operation of the new F16D Block 52+ in Changi Air Base. |
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On 3 Jul 2004, 145 Squadron began
operating from Changi Air Base (East) with the induction of the F16D
Block 52+, the latest in RSAF¡¯s inventory. |
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The F16D Block 52+ is a multi-role
combat platform equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities. Its
enhanced radar with increased detection range and improved ground
mapping capabilities, advanced targeting pod that enables the
Squadron to conduct a wide spectrum of precision day and night
operations. |
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145 Squadron is an unique fighter
squadron in the RSAF as all the aircraft are tandem-seats and every
mission is flown with a weapon systems officer [WSO(FTR)] in the
rear cockpit. The additional crew on board each fighter platform
enables the Squadron to take on even more complex and demanding
missions, transforming the way our fighter jets can be used to
defend our nation. |
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Factsheet - The F-16D Block 52+
Fighting Falcon |
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The F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon is
one of the most sophisticated and advanced multi-role fighter
aircraft in the world. Capable of performing all missions with
distinction, day or night, all weather, makes the F-16 the world¡¯s
most capable multi-role fighter. It is equipped with the following
technologies: |
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Pilot-friendly modern cockpit with
colour displays, compatibility with night vision systems, excellent
outside visibility and high-g tolerance ¨C all facilitate pilot
situation awareness and mission effectiveness |
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Missionised two-place model with weapon
system operator controls in the rear cockpit, plus a dorsal avionics
compartment to house a full suite of mission equipment |
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Advanced modular core avionics provide
the processing speed and power to integrate complex systems, with
ample room for future upgrades |
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Advanced multi-mode radar provides
long-range detection and tracking of multiple aerial targets and
high-resolution ground mapping and surface target detection and
tracking. Supports standoff, all-weather operations with precision
weapons |
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Compatibility with all forward-looking
infrared navigation and targeting pods to provide robust, day/night
operations, including laser-guided weapons |
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Advanced internal countermeasures suite
including threat warning, electronic jamming and auto chaff/flare
dispensing |
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Optional 600-gal wing tanks and
conformal fuel tanks to extend range/payload/persistence
capabilities |
Specifications
Engine: F100-PW-229 engine from Pratt & Whitney
Wingspan: 10.01 m
Length: 15.06 m
Height: 4.88 m
Maximum Speed: Over Mach 2
Combat Ceiling: About 15,000 m
Weapons:
M61 20mm cannon
Approx. 7,000kg of bomb
AIM-7 air-to-air missiles
AIM-9 air-to-air missiles
Maverick air-to-ground missiles
Laser guided bomb
Others |
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Source:
www.mindef.gov.sg News
Release 24 May 2006 |
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FrontPage Edition: Sun 28 May 2006
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