Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum
400 Airport Road
Paya Lebar Airbase
534234 Singapore
Di - So, 8.30 - 17.00 Uhr
Montags geschlossen.
Der Eintritt ist frei.
https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf/home/
Tel. +65 64618504

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The Museum of the RSAF (Republic of Singapore Air Force) is situated near the Paya Lebar Air Base and is easily reached by underground and bus. The museum was founded on the 1st of September on Changi Airbase which is not too far away. Two years later it was moved to the present location. The Museum is not very big and and has only eleven different aircraft types on display. This is however not surprising, because the Republic of Singapore Air Force only came into being on the 1st of April 1975. On the 9th of August 1965 Singapore gained its independence from the Malayan federation. After the withdrawal of the Royal Air Force, the Singapore Air Defence Command was founded on the 1st of September 1968. On the 1st of April 1975 this became the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Not surprisingly, the first aircraft of the RSAF were from Britain, like the Hawker Hunter F.6, BAC Strikemaster Mk.84 and Bristol Bloodhound anti aircraft missile. There are also an Alouette III and Eurocopter AS.550U-2 Fennec, as well as a SIAI-Marchetti S.211 and SIAI-Marchetti SF.260MS from Europe on view. Unusualy, some of the aircraft are displayed on poles that are quite high of the ground, or are even hanging from the walls.

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Hawker Hunter (Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

Hawker Hunter (Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

Hawker Hunter (Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

Hawker Hunter (Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

BAC Strikemaster Mk.84 (Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

One of the most important aircraft of the young RSAF was the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk which is represented by four different machines. The A-4S is a development of the Douglas A-4C of the US Navy that was adapted to the needs of the RSAF. This machine has an air conditioning system to cater for the subtropical climate of Singapore. Unusual is also the TA-4SU Skyhawk, a two seater with two separate cockpits. It is very noticeable how small and narrow these cockpits were.

It is noticeable that in its short lifespan the RSAF has already used three different national emblems on its aircraft. Currently it is the red Merlion. The word is made up of Mer from Mermaid and Lion and symbolises the patron saint of the city. This is a fabled creature with the head of a lion that symbolized strength and fearlessnes, and the body of a fish, showing its origin from and closeness to the sea.

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Bell UH-1B Iroquois (Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star (Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

SIAI-Marchetti S.211 (Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

SIAI-Marchetti SF.260MS(Photo courtesy Michael E. Fader)

It is noticeable that all aircraft on display are in top condition as they are obviously   well maintained.  Another aircraft with an U.S. Navy background is a Grumman E-2C Hawkeye, that is on display outside of the museum. A Lockheed T-33A, two Bell UH-1 Iroquois and a Cessna 172K complete the collection.

The museum has enough potential to develop into a great air museum. It is however already today worth a visit for any aviation enthusiast.

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