S'pore Airshow
2008: RSAF's Black Knights to fly all F-16s, adding new
moves
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 11
September 2007 1501 hrs
SINGAPORE: You can expect a lot more action in the skies when the
Singapore Air Show takes flight next year.
Among them, the RSAF Black Knights, which are planning to make a
spectacular return with a new look.
For the first time, the RSAF's aerobatic team will be flying all
F-16 fighter jets.
During its last public appearance in 2000, the team was in the
middle of its conversion so it was a mixed fleet of A-4 SkyHawks
and the newer F-16s.
Veteran pilot Philip Chionh has flown both aircrafts and said he
appreciates what his new ride can do. "The A-4's flight
characteristics were a little different. Due to the slow speed over
the loop, it would start pulling away. ThatÂ’s because the slats
would come out and roll a bit faster. Whereas, for the F-16s, we
pull a bit harder and apply more power and that can be a bit
tricky," he said.
The Black Knights are full time combat pilots from three different
F-16 squadrons and when put into a team performing aerobatics, it
means precision flying.
This is something they have been grounded in since their combat
training as rookie pilots.
The pilots say the biggest difference between flying the A4 and
F-16 is the afterburner. The F-16 is faster, more powerful and
makes a lot more noise and that means it will put up a different
show from what has been seen before.
Leftenant Colonel Leng Wai Mun, Lead Pilot of the RSAF Black
Knights, explained what is in store for the public at the Singapore
Airshow 2008: "In terms of the aerobatic sequence, you're going to
see a difference in the formation. We are also experimenting with
six new aerobatic manoeuvres, like what you have seen in Asian
Aerospace 2000."
The RSAF has painted two of the F-16s and the other four will get
their coat of red and white colours in the weeks ahead.
The RSAF is keeping mum about their upcoming performance, but has
promised a thrilling show for their fans. - CNA/vm
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