This is a discussion on Republic of Singapore Air Force Discussions within the Air Force & Aviation forum, part of the Global Defense & Military category; Originally Posted by cobzz
I understand this is off topic, but maybe an experianced member could just shoot me a ...
The AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA radar on the F-15SG is limited to a 120 degree field of view in the forward direction. When operating as a radar, the AESA radar transmits waveforms that change from burst to burst, and are sent at random frequencies. This means that the changing signal is very difficult for an enemy to detect. The AESA radar can also simultaneously emit several tight beams to perform different functions, including locating electronic systems, classifying them, and alerting the pilot to possible threats or high-priority targets.
If another aircraft does manage to detect the signal, it must then try to get a radar lock on. The AESA radar analyzes the enemy's radar and sends out a jamming burst to disrupt the lock. The radar then goes on to other tasks until the enemy radar begins its lock cycle again. But the AESA radar is not intended to give the F-15SG a "standoff jamming" capability by itself.
Quote:
"First-generation APG-77s [used on the F-22] reached their temperature limits already in radar mode. This problem seems to have been resolved on more recent versions, but in jamming mode the APG-77 cannot transmit for more than one second without damaging the radar. Also, experts have commented that jamming is effective over a frequency band that is too narrow to effectively counter all airborne threats."
...
"Half of the 400 million [euro] in funding for the Rafale "Roadmap"... has been earmarked for the introduction of an active array antenna on the RBE2. This will involve an array of around 1,000 GaAs transmit/receive modules... The goal is to have the resulting AA version of the RBE2 ready for series production to equip Rafales delivered from 2012..."
[a hat tip to Grand Danois for highlighting these articles]
The AESA radar also collects information on the electronic order of battle in the operational area, locating electronic systems, classifying them, and alerting the pilot to possible threats or high-priority targets.
With future developments of the AESA radar, the F-15SG can become an extension of the RSAF's AWACS radar coverage. Coupled with its ability to operate in both air-to-air and air-to-ground mode at the same time, the AN/APG-63(V)3 enhances the SAF's situational awareness.
I also wonder if Israel has plans for further upgrades to the F-15I.
Last edited by OPSSG; March 13th, 2009 at 02:15 PM.
Reason: Prepared for the benefit of S'poreans & AD - feel free to use in other forum discussions
12 Nov 2008 ELTA Systems Ltd., was recently awarded two contracts from a customer in the Far East...
(i) One $20 million contract is for EL/M-2055 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) UAV payloads. These are airborne, all-weather surface Image Intelligence (IMINT) systems, based on Synthetic Aperture Radar technology.
(ii) The second contract is valued at $19.5 million and is for Airborne Maritime Surveillance Radars for Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
[NB. A hat tip to weasel1962 for posting this first elsewhere]
No prizes for guessing which country in the Far East (with Brunei and Korea being the other likely candidates) that is acquiring synthetic aperture radar technology, especially since the RSAF has a UAV command (that operates the Hermes 450 and equipped with the compass 4 sensor) and also operates 4 x Fokker 50, Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
I note that the EL/M-2055M mounted on a Hermes 450 will have a range of less than 100 km (and is capable of 10,000 km2 / hr wide area search). It is clear that synthetic aperture radar technology will be important for any modern air force.
Given Singapore's purchase of 50 Link-16 MIDS-LVTs (and that the RSAF is in the process of acquiring 24 F-15SG), we can make an educated guess where these additional Link-16 systems are going.
IMHO, looking at these technological developments (in targeting pods and synthetic aperture radar mounted in UAVs), the air force's ability to influence the ground battle has taken a great leap forward since the Scud hunting days of Gulf War I.
Quote:
DSO Creating the Technology Edge : 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book
DSO’s work in radar led naturally to... Synthetic Aperture Radar or SAR. This technology goes well beyond the capabilities of normal radar systems, enabling the high resolution mapping of terrain, the detection and tracking of surface targets in a cluttered background, and high accuracy target recognition...
In SAR research, the DSO team has had the opportunity to collaborate with Singapore universities and overseas research organisations. They soon learned that engineers had to work alongside mathematicians and physicists... The deeper understanding of the problems and the much-improved solutions which resulted were well-worth the effort, and opened a new chapter in DSO’s radar R&D.
Last edited by OPSSG; November 20th, 2008 at 07:29 AM.
Reason: Included links
I dont know why you were giving some info on AESA and say its the doctrine of RSAF... it [is] more than a coincidence when Sing decides to make a big or upgrades to fit doctrines as u say purchases.
Is it operational doctrine then that:
(i) Mysia gets the R 77, Sing gets the AMRAAM
(ii) Mysia buys T 91's, Sing gets Apaches and german Leapord A4's
(iii) Mysia gets Astros, Sing gets US MLRS
(iv) Mysia gets Flankers, Sing gets F 15's...
Why is the timing for each types seem to correlate to each other?
...why is it that suddenly it was necessary to get F 15's? for AESA? you can do that by upgrading the f 16's with AESA easily... But I dont want or think there will be war between us, as its damaging economically.
[Let's discuss this in good spirit.]
1. In light of the AESA and the other new radar technology discussion above, it is appropriate for me to respond to nevidimka's post here:
(i) Both Singapore and Malaysia were offered the AMRAAM at the same time. The US condition (at that time) was that they were to be stored in Guam. Singapore agreed to the US conditions - Malaysia went to purchase the Su-30MKM (along with the R-27, R-73 and R-77 missiles). Which then resulted in the US giving Thailand and Singapore access to AMRAAM. It is important to note that Malaysia's F-18Ds are armed with AMRAAMs too.
(ii) For example, Malaysia's purchase of MBTs gave Singapore the excuse not to hide our upgraded MBT capability. According to Tim Huxley, our 1st gen MBTs are over 30 years old, isn't it reasonable for us to upgrade to the Leopard 2A4?
Quote:
Defending the Lion City: The Armed Forces of Singapore, page 131
"In 1975, the SAF purchased 63 Centurion MBTs from India and a second batch from Israel in 1993-94 bringing the total to at least 80... Singapore's Centurions have all been modernised... featuring new main guns... [and] are known as Tempests...
Apparently for fear of provoking controversy with Singapore's neigbours, Mindef has never admitted that the SAF operates MBTs."
Tim Huxley
(iii) Singapore's solution to Malaysia's acquisition of the
(because it would be too late once the MLRS is fired). The solution to unconventional warfare (be it IEDs or Scuds or MLRS) is setting up a system to enable the SAF to gather better intelligence as follows:
Quote:
(a) the creation of a military intelligence battalion in 2005, having learnt from the US the importance of intelligence in Iraq in fighting an unconventional war (in addition to Singapore's existing LRRPs, MRRPs and scouts); and
(b) the use of synthetic aperture radar technology in UAVs to gather better intelligence.
(iv) I believe that the RSAF achieved technological superiority viz a viz Singapore's neighbours since the acquisition of AWACS. That is why the focus is on buying more bomb trucks (rather than single seater planes).
2. From my post above, would you agree that you need to gather your facts first?
3. Obviously you do not understand the meaning of military doctrine (AESA ≠ doctrine).
(i) The technology used in 3G SAF means that advances in technology MAY result in the need to adapt or change our existing doctrine.
(ii) Please read before commenting - changes in technology can result in changes in tactics and doctrines. A technology change is not a change in doctrine.
(iii) But that's OK, you don't have a prior military background. We'll leave that to another discussion.
, the Singapore government is more worried about biological (like the bird flu), chemical threats (sarin gas attack) and terrorist bombings. Hence the billions spent in preparing against biological and chemical threats. In fact, I can cite examples of Singapore's technology benefiting Malaysia during the SARs outbreak and in fighting piracy.
Quote:
The 1995 Tokyo sarin attack triggered the requirement for the rapid identification of agents... It was also the year when... the Applied Chemistry Lab (ACL), had a breakthrough in developing new technology for the rapid sampling and analysis of chemical agents. This involvement paved the way for ACL to be the de facto national agency for chemical defence research...
5. Our demographics ensure that the SAF will be much smaller in future - our "total fertility rate" is less than 1.3 (ie. for every 2 serving NSFs/soldiers - only 1.3 will available to replace them in future). The replacement fertility rate is 2.1. This demographic trend means a long term decline in the number of Singapore men available to serve in the SAF (at least - 35% force reduction).
- so be like the Indonesians and Thais who don't worry about Singapore's force modernization.
Quote:
The... shocking discovery of the Jemaah Islamiah group in Singapore, have brought home... the threats of global terrorism. It has brought greater urgency to efforts DSO initiated... can also be applied to other facets of our national security to counter asymmetric threats.
7. IMHO, we can both agree that Singapore is not interested in picking a fight with Malaysia. Singapore merely has the capability to respond to a potential threat (which may not even be military in nature).
Last edited by OPSSG; June 23rd, 2010 at 10:33 PM.
Reason: Prepared for the benefit of S'poreans & AD - feel free to use in other forum discussions
Investments in precision strike technology for unconventional warfare
1. To be ready for unconventional warfare (be it IEDs or Scuds or MLRS) and to meet evolving air threats, the SAF needs to invest in precision strike technology (to avoid blue on blue). The SAF when deployed, faces both conventional warfare and unconventional warfare threats.
2. As such, new technology and new doctrines are necessary to face new threats. Part of the RSAF's force modernization plans - is the move towards network centric warfare and an "Effects Based Operations" (EBO) theory of air warfare.
Quote:
Precision weapons... a key enabler of effects-based operations by providing the ability to hit critical system nodes accurately... [However,] precision weapons also allow militaries to prosecute destruction-based campaigns...
The potential payoffs from EBO are so attractive that we should continue to devote resources towards studying complex systems... [and] put in place the appropriate staff structures needed to perform higher-level operations planning.
3. The purchases of the F-16Ds, F-15SGs and the Apache Longbows are investments in precision strike technology that enables a fundamental conceptual change in the traditional view (a linear view of the battle with a clear 'front') of the FSCL(fire support co-ordination line) and BAI (battlefield air interdiction) in RSAF's concept of air-land integration (see animation) via a combination of precision stand-off and close-in fire in support of the Singapore army.
4. The conceptual change is to a non-linear view of battle, to enable the Singapore army to overwhelm the enemy through deliberate coordinated strikes from multiple directions (ie.coordinated swarming attacks * at 'multiple fronts' and 'the-depth' of the enemy at the same time).
Quote:
American armour divisions demonstrated the ability to conduct a non-linear battle during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). In OIF, three battalions (fewer than a thousand men) launched a violent thrust of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles into Baghdad via a "thunder-run". The thunder-run avoided a bloody street-by-street battle and brought Baghdad under coalition forces’ control in three days.
5. SAF recognizes that precision strike by itself is not sufficient. In fact, there is ongoing debate in the US and Israel on the usefulness of EBO. Recently, Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, head of US Joint Forces Command, slammed EBO as being too complex and vague, while others defend EBO. A rethink of SAF's concept of air-land integration is ongoing to ensure that our doctrine remains relevant to the enemies the SAF may face in the future.
Quote:
[Amongst other problems with conventional armies] the military intelligence collection system has been optimised to obtain information on modern military forces, not for those involved in irregular conflicts... Sun Tzu argues that it is far more effective to attack an opponent's strategy than his army... Only strategic responses that incorporate both military and nonmilitary actions can achieve victory in low-intensity conflicts.
On Nov 27, The Straits Times (Singapore) reported that the RSAF's Air Power Generation Command (APGC) will be conducting "Project Runway" on 2.5km of the 6 lane, Lim Chu Kang Road - on the last weekend of November (i.e. this Sat & Sun).
Currently in its sixth edition of the series, "Project Runway" or the Alternate Runway Exercise will involve the following aircraft:
(i) 4 x F-16Ds (Block 52+)
(ii) 4 x F-16Cs
(iii) 4 x F-5s
(iv) 1 x E2C
"Col Tan... said: 'In war, runways are one of the key targets for the enemy.'... Its [i.e. APGC] field defence troops will be on duty round the clock to keep trespassers out during the exercise."
[a hat tip to ChineseJunk for the comprehensive updates elsewhere]
The Singapore Police has also put out a schedule of road closures online.
Several pilots in the Republic of Singapore Air Force exceeded the posted speed limit... on a roadway outside Tengah Air Base, Singapore’s main fighter base... They were flying Block 52 F-16s. Local police officials simply stood by and watched as the pilots roared by. These rare roadway activities are part of a runway exercise conducted every five years by the RSAF so pilots can practice emergency takeoffs, touch-and-gos, and landings...
The RSAF lays out three objectives for the exercise:
(i) to hone its readiness and ability for wartime contingencies when its base runways are temporarily incapacitated;
(ii) to exercise support procedures with civil agencies, such as the Land Transport Authority and Traffic Police; and
(iii) to foster greater understanding of the RSAF with residents living around Tengah AB...
In November’s drill... RSAF fighters and one E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning aircraft performed a total of twenty takeoffs, touch-and-go maneuvers, and landings on Lim Chu Kang Road within eighteen minutes.
All RSAF fighter types took part in the exercise. Including the E-2C in the exercise was challenging, though, as its wingspan is about a foot wider than the six-lane motorway.
Last edited by OPSSG; November 28th, 2008 at 01:31 PM.
2. Singapore's DSTA and ST Aerospace have won an award in Nov 2008 for a new Mission Computer (MC) and software to be installed in Singapore's advanced air platforms. This indigenous integration capability will expand the operational utility and the lifespan of the older F-16s.
3. Evidently, DSTA makes a real effort to ensure that Singapore's in-country capability is built up through an in-depth technology transfer from the US to Singapore. 50 Singapore engineers from DSTA, the SAF and ST Aerospace, in 10 engineering disciplines were trained.
4. In the case of the Apache purchase, Boeing and DSTA won the Gruppo Agusta International Helicopter Fellowship award for work to improve the Apache. Their work on chemical coatings on joints prevented corrosion and resulted in an avoidance cost of S$40 million in maintenance.
Last edited by OPSSG; December 2nd, 2008 at 03:50 AM.
On 18 Dec 08 at around 4.12pm, the the RSAF Air Operations Centre (AOC) received a call for assistance from the Royal Navy ship, HMS ECHO.
The multi-role survey vessel was sailing to Singapore through the South China Sea when one of its crew members, Leading Rate (LH) Ryan Cleary, had a critical health condition that required dedicated medical facilities and attention.
The ship's location then was beyond the range of the conventional rescue option, the Super Puma helicopter.
Instead of waiting for HMS ECHO to sail closer to Singapore, which would have taken another five hours or so, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Vincent Chin from the AOC decided to save precious time by activating the Long-Range Search and Rescue option, with the CH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying out the casualty evacuation.
It was the RSAF's first Long-Range Rescue and heading the rescue mission was Commanding Officer 127 Squadron (SQN), LTC Low Chung Guan. With the support of his co-pilot Major (MAJ) Andy Lim, LTC Low was able to take off within 45 minutes from the time of activation.
Upon arriving at the ship, the Medical Officer Captain (CPT) (Dr) Charles Goh was winched down to the deck to make an initial assessment on the then-unconscious LH Cleary. The team then promptly winched LH Cleary off the ship and evacuated him to the National University Hospital, where he underwent further treatment.
A hat tip to bdique for posting it elsewhere first.
I guess with the increased range provided by the conforma fuel tanks on the fixed wing jets, the RSAF must also develop a corresponding Long-Range Rescue capability. I'm glad to see that this new capability will benefit seamen sailing in the South China Sea.
Last edited by OPSSG; February 3rd, 2009 at 03:55 AM.
Here are some nice videos courtesy of Pirate from Alert5 who went to Exercise Torrent 2008(where RSAF planes land and take off from a public road). Singapore`s roads are built to be converted into runaways in times of exigencies to ensure continuous air power generation and aerial dominance.
Last appearance of E-2C AEW planes in this exercise(it will be replaced by new Phalcon G550 AEW planes)
Last appearance of E-2C AEW planes in this exercise(it will be replaced by new Phalcon G550 AEW planes)
The first G550 CAEW has come home to Singapore and increase the RSAF's battle space management capabilities. The E-2C have provided 22 years of service.
The first G550 CAEW has come home to Singapore and increase the RSAF's battle space management capabilities. The E-2C have provided 22 years of service.
It will become clear, why I say we will not know, as I explain further. I expect the G550 CAEWs to be inducted into the 111 Squadron, which is an operational squadron operating the E-2C. The squadron will not stand-down, so it will not have a meaningful IOC date. If they have a IOC date, it will be ceremonial.
One of the drivers of the G550 CAEW acquisition is lower operating costs and RSAF would like to keep costs down. I know that RSAF pilots are being or have been certified to operate the G550. DSTA and the local contractor has been working on integration. My guess is that there is more than one variant of the G550 CAEW (but I do not expect the variants to be declassified) and if there are no integration issues, IOC will be a few months away. The RSAF will be training or retraining the existing sensor operators and this would take another few months, therefore the 2010 time frame is about right.
Last edited by OPSSG; February 20th, 2009 at 03:28 AM.
Posted: 19 Feb 2009, 1900 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) received its first Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) aircraft at Tengah Air Base this evening. Chief of Air Force, Major-General Ng Chee Khern, officiated at the homecoming ceremony.
The RSAF has acquired a total of four G550-AEW aircraft to replace its ageing E-2C Hawkeye aircraft which have served the Air Force well for more than 20 years. Equipped with a sophisticated mission suite that includes an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the G550-AEW aircraft is able to detect, identify and track aerial targets. The G550-AEW aircraft has a longer detection range than the E2C Hawkeye - more than 200 nautical miles. This will allow the RSAF to see farther and respond more effectively to various operational situations.
The advanced airborne early warning capabilities offered by the G550-AEW aircraft will enhance the robustness of Singapore's networked air defence system.
The RSAF will be training or retraining the existing sensor operators and this would take another few months, therefore the 2010 time frame is about right.
They can also leverage on Israel`s usage of the Gulfstream AEW & C planes during the Gaza operation. I agree that the beginning of 2010 for "IOC" would be about there.
). The solution to unconventional warfare (be it IEDs or Scuds or MLRS) is setting up a system to enable the SAF to gather better intelligence as follows:
- so be like the Indonesians and Thais who don't worry about Singapore's force modernization. 
