|
|
Post by sqwark2k on Aug 25, 2009 16:29:37 GMT 12
Heard a rumour from a serving airman that is in the loop, that Singapore are seriously looking to set up a pilot training school, similar to the one at RAAF Pearse Western Australia, at RNZAF Ohakea. Possible jet operations. Could be soon.
Was also mentioned that RNZAF Woodbourne could be de-commissioned/transferred to a civilian operated contractor for quite a bit of initial RNZAF training.... Basic mech's and avionics training for example.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 25, 2009 17:14:18 GMT 12
Interesting rumour regarding the Singaporean Air Force, that would be great. What do they use for jet training at the moment? Or would they perhaps be looking at leasing some Maachis?
As for Woodbourne, not good news. Sounds like the writing is on the wall for that place in RNZAF hands, with the Maori claim and now this.
|
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Aug 25, 2009 17:25:12 GMT 12
I was at RAAF Pearce when the Singaporeans arrived with their S-211 but are replacing them with PC-21's.
|
|
|
|
Post by skyhawkdon on Aug 25, 2009 20:18:31 GMT 12
Good news indeed. This isn't the first time this has been suggested. Previously a lack of available hangar and tarmac space was the reason it never went ahead. I guess once the new helicopter hangar and air movements building is finished there will be plenty of hangar and tarmac space available. Will be interesting to see if it is a joint venture or just Singapore.
|
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Aug 25, 2009 20:28:50 GMT 12
the rumour mentions jet training. They are replacing their original jet trainers with tirbo props so maybe this could be for advanced jet training which at the moment they use 18 skyhawks in France
|
|
|
|
Post by corsair67 on Aug 25, 2009 22:36:53 GMT 12
It'd be pretty cool if they were to base one of their F-16 squadrons at Ohakea! RSAF PC-21 at Avalon in March -   |
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Aug 25, 2009 22:47:34 GMT 12
Their F16's are brilliant looking machines. D model block 52's with conformal tanks, chin sensors and dorsal spine filled with stuff.  |
|
|
|
Post by corsair67 on Aug 25, 2009 22:54:28 GMT 12
The F-16 is one aircraft that has evolved amazingly from the first Lightweight Fighter designed early models. You certainly wouldn't call the Block 52s attractive looking aircraft though.  |
|
|
|
Post by Naki on Aug 25, 2009 22:58:12 GMT 12
|
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Aug 25, 2009 23:03:22 GMT 12
The F-16 is one aircraft that has evolved amazingly from the first Lightweight Fighter designed early models. You certainly wouldn't call the Block 52s attractive looking aircraft though. I reckon this thing looks bloody wonderful. ready and waiting for a fight. I wonder if we had got our, could we have modified ours to take conformals or would there be the need for structial strengthening in certain areas during construction to take then, apart from plumbing which would have been an easy mod. |
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Aug 25, 2009 23:06:49 GMT 12
aaaarrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhh I have just found the answer to the original thread heading.
The singaporeans have purchased the maachies for a great price, but included in the price was the understanding that the training was done in country.
So the fish and chip shop at Bulls will soon be doing chicken chow mein and wontons
|
|
|
|
Post by Naki on Aug 25, 2009 23:45:08 GMT 12
ohhh!..where did you find that out?
|
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Aug 26, 2009 7:58:32 GMT 12
not, just still a rumour
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 26, 2009 8:40:04 GMT 12
Gee, that RSAF PC-21 is flipping ugly, isn't it?
|
|
|
|
Post by beagle on Aug 26, 2009 9:23:04 GMT 12
close a few hatches and it looks better Dave
|
|
|
|
Post by corsair67 on Aug 26, 2009 11:11:06 GMT 12
Yeah, but we have to remember it's a Pilatus product - from the same company that placed a rectangular shaped tail on the PC-6 Porter! ;D
My only gripe with the PC-21 is that the tail doesn't look big enough for the job.
|
|
|
|
Post by Barnsey on Aug 26, 2009 12:54:30 GMT 12
The PC-21 has an auto rudder trim system, to give "jet-like" handling. Regarding the tail size - the vertical stab looks like it has quite a high aspect ratio, and would be exposed to large volume of air being pumped aft by that prop. However, on the PC-9 there was a demonstration we used to give the students during effects of controls which showed how easy it was to overpower the hori stab with a large yaw input at low speeds. Standard control blanking stuff, but exacerbated by the blown tail. www.pilatus-aircraft.com/media/Pilatus-PC-21-Fact-Sheet.pdf |
|
|
|
Post by Barnsey on Aug 26, 2009 12:58:12 GMT 12
From a strategic point of view for the Singaporeans, it may make more sense to base your aircraft nearer your region of ops and where they don't require a long over-water leg with multiple refuels (trans Pacific for the US based assets), or transit through most of the 'stans airspace (Europe based) to return home in a hurry if required.
|
|
|
|
Post by phil82 on Aug 26, 2009 13:50:17 GMT 12
Yeah, but we have to remember it's a Pilatus product - from the same company that placed a rectangular shaped tail on the PC-6 Porter! ;D My only gripe with the PC-21 is that the tail doesn't look big enough for the job. ...and boy, is it ugly! Looks as though it was designed by a guy who fell out of an ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down! |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 26, 2009 14:43:43 GMT 12
Is the SEATO treaty organisation still in existence these days? I guess after all the years that the RNZAF contributed to Singapore's security it would be nice to have a reciprocal going on.
|
|
