Military and Strategic Journal
Issued by the Directorate of Morale Guidance at the General Command of the Armed Forces
United Arab Emirates
Founded in August 1971

2018-03-19

Singapore Airshow 2018 Reaches New Heights

Singapore Airshow 2018 was held on 6-11 February, bringing together the global aerospace community and key commercial, government and military delegations. Every two years, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence event invites high-level industry players to Asia’s aerospace and defence market, with the event offering a unique platform for leadership through its high-level conference, forums and co-located events.
 
Singapore Airshow 2018 focused on the latest trends in cybersecurity and autonomous technology, including innovative unmanned aerial vehicles and smart technologies. Some 1,062 companies from 50 countries/regions assembled in Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) to showcase their latest products and innovations to 50,000 trade visitors from 150 countries and regions. Dialogue, discussion, strategies and solutions were exchanged to advance the interests of the global aerospace and defense sector.   
 
A Sky Symphony 
Visitors to the Airshow were treated to the exhilarating aerobatics of the flying display performances, featuring the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) integrated aerial display team, two F-16Cs fighter jets and an F-15SG with special livery to commemorate RSAF’s 50th anniversary. 
 
Their stunning routine included six new integrated manoeuvres showcasing the high degree of precision and coordination required between the three aircraft, such as the 3-Ship Dedication Pass and the Golden Salute. 
 
Other breath-taking flying displays making first appearances in Singapore included the Indonesia Air Force (TNI-AU) Jupiter Aerobatic Team’s KT-1B, the U.S. Air Force (USAF)’s F-16 and B-52 Stratofortress, the Sukhoi Su-30MKM from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s JAS-39 C/D Gripen.
 
First-in-Asia Appearances 
In the Static Aircraft Display Area, visitors could interact with a wide range of commercial and military aircraft, including an Asian airshow debut for the F-35B Lightning II, the world’s first supersonic short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning aircraft, the Royal Thai Air Force’s Gripen jet and the United States Air Force RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) also made their first appearance at an Asia Airshow.
A range of business and commercial aircraft also appeared for the first time at Singapore 2018, including the HondaJet - the fastest, 3 highest-flying, quietest and most fuel-efficient jet in its class - the Gulfstream G500 and G600, the Textron Aviation Cessna Citation Longitude. Embraer’s fourth prototype of a next-generation narrow-body jet, the E-190, is nicknamed the “Profit Hunter” and features a tiger’s face painted on its nose to indicate Embraer’s respect for Asia. 
In addition, visitors had the opportunity to enjoy Meet-the-Pilots sessions, receiving autographs from the pilots of the RSAF, RTAF, TNI-AU and RMAF. Captain Leo and Captain Leonette, the Singapore Airshow mascots also delighted the visitors with photo opportunities. 
 
Immersive Technology Experiences
 The emergence of immersive technologies allowed exhibitors to provide a whole new experience for visitors to engage and interact with the exhibits through 3-D simulations, virtual reality and augmented reality, in addition to the existing physical mock-ups. One example was ST Engineering’s Live, Virtual and Constructive demonstration, a military training solution integrating live trainers with augmented reality targets, virtual man-in-the-loop simulators and constructive simulation forces in a networked environment enhancing training realism. 
 
2018 Show Highlights 
The innovative technologies and new contract awards showcased to the trade visitors at Singapore Airshow 2018 were the following:  
 
A321P2F-Conversion  Launch Contract
Flugzeugwerke (EFW) is a joint venture between ST Aerospace and Airbus which has secured a launch contract from Vallair Solutions Sàrl (Vallair) for its A321 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion solution. EFW will convert 10 A321-200 passenger aircraft to a 14-pallet cargo configuration for Vallair and induct the first aircraft in the last quarter of 2018, scheduled for redelivery by the end of 2019.
 
A series of A321/A320 P2F conversion programmes was launched in 2015 as a partnership between ST Aerospace, Airbus and EFW. ST Aerospace is responsible for the engineering development phase, obtaining the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval, while Airbus contributes to the programme with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) support and EFW leads the overall programme along with marketing and sales services.
 
Boeing’s $1bn Bonanza  
Boeing announced services orders valued at more than $900 million. These regional agreements will enable carriers and partners to excel in today’s competitive airline environment through the following contracts:
 
• All Nippon Airways for 36 landing gear exchanges for the 787.
• China Southern Airlines and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) to develop service capabilities for the Boeing Global Fleet Care portfolio•
 • Malaysia Airlines for 48 Next-Generation 737 landing gear exchanges.  
• Nippon Cargo Airlines to renew Jeppesen charting and electronic flight bag services over five years.
• Royal Brunei Airlines for five 787-8 overhead flight crew rest retrofits.  
• SilkAir to receive fleet material services for 54 of its 737 MAX and Next-Generation aircraft. 
• Singapore Airlines to use Electronic Logbook on its 777 and 787 fleet.  
• Singapore’s Defense Science and Technology Agency to engage in collaborative research and experimentation. 
 
WESCAM’s Smarter EO/IR 
L3 WESCAM used Singapore 2018 to announce that it has created smarter, more technologically advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems by incorporating high-performing imaging and processing technologies into its MX™ – Series product line. These newly launched imaging technologies include the addition of higher-sensitivity cameras to offer advanced imaging capabilities across a much wider range of illumination conditions, thereby advancing operator capabilities in low-visibility and no-visibility environments. 
 
Embraer SkyTech Partnership  
Embraer Defense and Security signed a Letter of Intent with aviation services company SkyTech for up to six new KC-390 multi-mission transport aircraft. The aircraft are earmarked for multiple defense projects with both companies agreeing on a potential strategic collaboration to explore new business opportunities in training and services.
The KC-390 is a tactical transport aircraft developed for new category standards and presenting the lowest life cycle cost on the market when carrying out missions ranging from transporting cargo, troops or paratroopers and aerial refuelling to supporting humanitarian missions, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation and aerial firefighting. It can transport up to 26 metric tons of cargo at a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 km/h), as well as operating in hostile environments such as unprepared or damaged runways.
 
Singapore TRENT Contracts
With full-size Trent 1000 on display on the Rolls-Royce stand, Singapore 2018 saw Rolls-Royce sign contracts with Singapore Airlines in a $1.7bn order for Trent 1000 engines. They will power 19 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which will be covered by Rolls-Royce’s flagship TotalCare® engine support service, while the airline now prepares its first 787-10 aircraft for entry into service powered by the latest Trent 1000 TEN (Thrust, Efficiency, New Technology). 
 
Dassault Aviation
Dassault Aviation showcased its Falcon 2000 LXS and Falcon 8X – two versatile, high-performance jets to satisfy the widest business flying needs, from small-airport operations to long international flights. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, over 2,500 Falcon jets in six models have been delivered in 90 countries, all positioned at the top end of the business jet market.
 
From the twin-engine 3,350 nm large-cabin Falcon 2000S to its new flagship, the tri-engine 6,450 nm ultra-long-range Falcon 8X, Falcon Customer Service provides Best of Class services around the clock, and around the world. It operates a global, no-compromise customer-focused organization to quickly respond to customers and their aircraft needs.
 
Airbus debuts A350-1000
Airbus was Singapore 2018’s largest international exhibitor, showcasing a selection of its innovations in the commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter markets, including the A400M, H130 and H135 on static display. On display was the A400M, a game-changing military airlifter which has been playing a critical role in international humanitarian operations.
The latest version of its new long range widebody, the A350-1000, featured on the static display. Completing the line-up was two of the company’s most popular helicopters – the H130 and H135, single and twin-engine rotorcraft. Finally, the Innovations stand showcased a prototype of the Skyways autonomous parcel delivery drone, remaining an advanced stage of development with partners in Singapore.
  
Gulfstream ASIA debut
Singapore 2018 highlighted that more than 330 Gulfstream aircraft in service in the Asia-Pacific region – 280 of them large-cabin. The Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 flight-test aircraft are the two newest aircraft from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp, joining the flagship Gulfstream G650ER, the high-performing Gulfstream G550 and the class-leading Gulfstream G280.
 
Textron multi-product showcase
Textron Aviation demonstrated their commitment to the Asia-Pacific region by displaying six of its class-leading aircraft. The Cessna Citation Longitude made its APAC debut, the region’s best-selling Beechcraft King Air 350i and Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops, as well as the Cessna Citation Latitude, Citation CJ4 and Citation Sovereign+ jets.
 
$300m aerospace investments 
Global aerospace companies will be investing more than S$300 million in Singapore over the next five years. JTC has signed a series of agreements to support new investments from GE Aviation, PPG, Airbus and Hawker Pacific Asia, alongside a joint venture between GE Aviation and SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC). The new venture between leading aero-engine manufacturer GE Aviation and SIAEC will see an engine overhaul company based in Singapore.   
Singapore Airshow 2020 will be held from 11 to 16 February at Changi Exhibition Centre. As Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events and organisers of Singapore Airshow emphasizes: “We are heartened to see the overwhelming support and interest in the sixth edition of the Singapore Airshow. Singapore is an aviation hub not only to the industry, but also for aviation fans around the globe and we look forward to making the upcoming Singapore Airshow 2020 even more exciting and engaging.”
 
Photo/Text:www.singaporeairshow.com
 
 

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