RSAF's F-15SG and AIM-120 AMRAAM Used for Weapons Loading Competition

30 November 2009

PC V FLC MSG Gene Tan guiding the AIM-120 AMRAAM onto the F-15SG aircraft during the Quarterly Weapons Loading Competition at MHAFB. (photo : Mindef)

Top Honours for F-15SG Detachment in Weapons Loading Competition

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) F-15SG fighter aircraft detachment in US, Peace Carvin V (PC V), came up tops in its maiden participation in the Quarterly Weapons Loading Competition at the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) in Idaho, on 2 Oct.

Each Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) located on the base would send their best load crew to participate in the competition that comes round once every three months.

The servicemen have to undergo a series of challenges comprising a theory test, uniform inspection, timed weapons loading and composite tool kit inspection.

(From left to right) MSG Sivakumar, MSG Gene Tan and SSG George Ng guiding the AIM-9X Sidewinder onto the F-15SG aircraft during the Weapons Loading Competition on 2 Oct. (photo : Mindef)

The PC V Flight Line Crews (FLC) - Master Sergeant (MSG) Gene Tan, MSG Sivakumar and Staff Sergeant (SSG) George Ng - from the F-15SG squadron competed against the more experienced United States Air Force AMUs' Weapon Load Crews (WLC) teams.

The PC V FLC team emerged winners of the competition with zero safety and reliability discrepancies, and also achieved the fastest weapons loading time on record. The most challenging part of the competition was the loading of weapons, which the team accomplished in front of a cheering crowd.

The PC V FLC team completed the aircraft preparation, weapons pre-load inspection, weapons loading, post-loading inspection and tools checks flawlessly in less than half the time required by MHAFB standards, and two minutes ahead of their competitors.

(Mindef)