RSAF's Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning Aircraft is Fully Operational

14 April 2012

Four RSAF's G550 have serial numbered 010, 016. 017, and 018 (photo : Airfighters)

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at a ceremony to mark the achievement of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) aircraft at Tengah Air Base this afternoon. Prior to the ceremony, the RSAF's 111 Squadron, which operates the G550-AEW aircraft, hosted Dr Ng to a familiarisation flight to observe a training mission.

The G550-AEW aircraft has a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles or 370km (photo : Mindef)

Speaking at the FOC ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the significance of employing advanced AEW technology to enhance Singapore's networked air defence capabilities. He said, "The G550-AEW together with the RSAF's fighter squadrons and ground-based Air Defence units, are a powerful network that represents a quantum jump in the SAF's ability to identify potential aerial threats early and respond decisively, in peace or in war." Dr Ng also commended the men and women of 111 Squadron for their hard work in operationalising the capability. He said, "Today's parade to mark the full operational capability of the aircraft, just six months after the delivery of the fourth G550-AEW last October, shows the rapid progress achieved through hard work. It is a positive testament to the adaptability and professionalism of our people to master sophisticated systems systematically within a short span of time."

RSAF acquired four G550-AEW in 2007 to replace the RSAF's E-2C AEW that had served the Air Force for more than 20 years (photo : clubsnap)

With a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles, the G550-AEW aircraft allows the RSAF to see farther, and respond more effectively to aerial threats in various operational situations. Since the arrival of the first G550-AEW aircraft in Feb 2009, pilots, air warfare officers and maintenance crew of 111 Squadron have undergone intensive training to operate and maintain the aircraft, as well as to integrate the aircraft to support the Singapore Armed Forces' round-the-clock operations. During this period, the squadron also participated in major exercises such as Exercise Cope Tiger and Exercise Bersama Lima.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of State for Defence and Education Mr Lawrence Wong, Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Meng as well as other senior officers from the SAF.

(Mindef)

See Also :

Gulfstream 550 - Airborne Early Warning

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) acquired the Gulfstream 550 - Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) in 2007 to replace the RSAF's E-2C AEW that had served the Air Force for more than 20 years. The RSAF took delivery of all four aircraft between Feb 2009 and Oct 2011.

Interior of the G550 CAEW (photo : Airforce Technology)

The G550-AEW is one of the most sophisticated AEW platforms in the world today. It is equipped with a sophisticated mission suite that includes an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar to detect, identify and track aerial targets. The G550-AEW aircraft has a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles to enable the RSAF to see farther and respond more effectively to aerial threats in various operational situations. The aircraft has a modern 'glass' cockpit comprising four 14-inch multifunction LCD screens and a state-of-the-art avionics suite which includes a weather radar to warn the pilots of any adverse weather that potentially affects the aircraft’s flight path. For self protection, the G550-AEW is equipped with a radar warning receiver, a missile warning system, and a chaff and flare dispensing system.

Airborne Early Warning (AEW) eliminates risks of surprise from the air as they provide persistent and all-weather ability to detect, identify and track aerial threats. The G550-AEW, with its state-of-the-art integrated advanced radar and communications systems, enhances the RSAF's air situation awareness and its identification capability as part of the RSAF's networked air defence system. Together with the RSAF's ground-based sensors, and command and control systems, they form an effective alert system to any threat in our airspace, allowing the RSAF to mount quickly a counter response through our aircraft and air defence weapons systems. The G550-AEW comes under command of the RSAF’s Air Combat Command and operates with the Air Defence and Operations Command during missions.

(Mindef)