Exercise Wallaby through the ages Source: cyberpioneer
Space has always been an issue in the island nation of Singapore and finding military training space has been a constant challenge for the SAF.
So when the opportunity to train in the wide open spaces of the SWBTA arose in 1990, the SAF sent 1,200 personnel over for three weeks, kicking off the Wallaby series of exercises.
Today, the exercise has grown in both scope and size. The recently concluded Exercise Wallaby 2010, held from 24 Sep to 26 Nov 2010, saw about 5,200 personnel involved over a period of two months.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean emphasised the value of having overseas training and exercises during his visit to SWBTA on 19 Nov 2010. "In Singapore, they (SAF soldiers) can learn the basics, so they learn the basic drill to get the fundamentals right. However, they don't have the same kind of space and they don't have the same kind of challenges that come from unfamiliar terrain, a different kind of climate, topography and so on."
He added: "When they come out here, they have to encounter different conditions and uncertainties which they were not faced with in Singapore. So they are able then to apply the basics and the fundamentals which they have learnt and I think it also enables them to focus together and gel as a unit much better than when they are in Singapore and have other distractions."
In the Defence Cooperation Agreement inked between Australia and Singapore in 2009, the SAF was allowed to train in SWBTA until 2019. The duration of the annual exercise was also increased from 45 to 65 days until 2012.
To overcome land and airspace constraints, the SAF today trains in about a dozen countries around the world, including Australia.
Space to train integration
With air-land integration a key objective of the 3rd Generation SAF, it comes as no surprise that the SAF has been honing its ability to fight as a networked and integrated fighting force through exercises like Exercise Wallaby.
In fact, the 2000 edition of Exercise Wallaby saw the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) participating for the first time with CH-47 Chinook helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. Three years later, the SAF took it a step further with the RSAF and the Army conducting multiple air-land integration operations in SWBTA.
Said Exercise Wallaby 2010 Air Exercise Director Colonel (COL) Chew Chee Mun: "Exercises like Wallaby help us to interact with our Army counterparts. Through this, we are able to work and collaborate as a united fighting force while boosting interoperability."
In 2008, the Air-Land Tactical Control Centre (ALTaCC) made its debut in the exercise. Part of the RSAF's Participation Command, the ALTaCC played a critical role as the tactical command and control agency that bridged the air and land forces by providing timely, accurate and responsive air power to shape land battles.
"The ALTaCC creates a common air-land operating picture by tracking both air and land forces. This picture is then shared to improve situational awareness, thereby ensuring a tighter sensor-to-shooter loop during attacks," said COL Chew on the integral role of ALTaCC.
Space to hone capabilities
Over the years, the SAF has been constantly introducing new concepts and assets into Exercise Wallaby. One such example is the introduction of the Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks in 2008.
Providing the SAF with enhanced firepower, protection and mobility, the Leopard 2A4s work in tandem with the SAF's other land and air assets, and the SWTBA enabled these tanks to train realistically with the other assets.
Through Exercise Wallaby, the SAF is able to hone its ability to respond to a wide spectrum of operations by wielding a myriad of sensor, weapon and manoeuvre platforms.
Besides putting new technologies and war-fighting concepts to the test in the SWTBA, the SAF also uses the space to train its people.
Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) who took part in Exercise Wallaby 2010 saw the exercise as an opportunity to hone their operational readiness.
National Service (NS) Brigade Commander COL Ong Jia Jun said that the exercise was an excellent opportunity to take these men out of their comfort zones and allows them to put what they learnt during In-Camp Training (ICT) to good use.
"These NSmen do dry runs in Singapore but have not physically executed the scenarios. Exercises such as this enable them to strategise and execute their plans," said COL Ong, adding that the different scenarios help to challenge the men both mentally and physically.
"This forces them to think both creatively and critically, enabling them to continually assess the situation, stretching their operational perimeters, and keeping them up-to-date with the ways of the 3rd Generation SAF," he said.
Adapting to change
Through Exercise Wallaby, the SAF allows personnel to be exposed to new challenges and equips them with the experience to better operate in the 3rd Generation SAF.
Captain (CPT) (NS) Christopher Chow said that NSmen such as himself were coping well with the new technologies that the SAF had to offer.
"The SAF may acquire different weapon systems but we have to make sure these work for us. We need to be able to integrate them as one cohesive piece and come up with the methodology to deploy these systems together for added effectiveness," said CPT (NS) Chow.
In the same vein, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Jeremy Oh said that the element of technology has helped the SAF to become more efficient and operationally ready.
"Two ICT sessions ago, I manually plotted enemy positions on a map with a pen. Nowadays, with the help of technology, we are able to do the same thing on a laptop with a digitised map," said 3SG (NS) Oh, who now achieves this in 15 minutes, less than half the time it used to take to execute the task.
"Everyone is synchronised to the same digital map so there is no confusion. This way, we do it much faster and the time we save can be put to better use, allowing us to focus on the battle at hand," he added.
Since the annual training in Queensland was first conducted in 1990, Exercise Wallaby 2010 has evolved to become one of the SAF's biggest unilateral exercises.
From a brigade-level exercise 20 years ago, the latest edition of the exercise has grown to involve numerous air and land platforms such as the Apache AH-64 helicopters, the F-16 fighter aircraft, the Bionix II Infantry Fighting Vehicles, the Leopard 2A4 tanks and Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer − Primus. The exercise finally culminated in a live-firing demonstration witnessed by Mr Teo on 19 Nov 2010.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunities Australia has provided for Singapore to train in its country, Mr Teo said after the live-firing demonstration: "We are very grateful for this. The exercise this year has allowed us to put through several frames of soldiers and allowed us to train integrated exercises including our Air Force and our Army together. It has been a very valuable exercise."
Milestones of Exercise Wallaby
1990
The inaugural Exercise Wallaby happened over three weeks with just 1,200 personnel participating in a series of Armour Battle Group exercises. This culminated in a Command Post Exercise.
1993
This year's exercise saw support from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) for the first time with the introduction of Super Pumas and Light Observation Helicopters.
2000 The CH-47 Chinook helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) made their debut during this year's exercise.
2003
This year's exercise witnessed multiple air-land integration operations between the Army and the RSAF.
2005
Headquarters Armour conducted an Integrated Systems Live-Firing exercise involving elements from the RSAF for the first time.
2006 The Apache AH-64 helicopters debuted at this year's exercise.
2008
The Leopard 2A4(later upgraded Leopard 2SG) Main Battle Tanks took part in the exercise for the first time. The Air-Land Tactical Control Centre (ALTaCC) also made its maiden appearance. By providing a common air-land operating picture and exercising real-time control of air and ground-based air defence assets, the ALTaCC ensured a tighter sensor-to-shooter loop allowing for more integrated air and land fires on targets.
2009
The Leopard 2A4(*and later upgraded Leo 2SG) Main Battle Tanks attained full operational capability.
By Lt. j.g. Christine Gargan, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs
USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Assets assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) participated in an air surface warfare exercise in the South China Sea Jan.
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) joined aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing 17 in skill evolutions designed to improve bilateral interoperability with RSS Stalwart (72), RSS Tenacious (71), RSS Valour (89), RSS Vigour (92), RSS Brave (95), RSS Chieftain and three RSN Fokker 50s maritime patrol aircraft.
The exercise included a visit from two RSN liaison naval officers to Carl Vinson and focused on strengthening exchanges between the Singapore and U.S. Navies.
"The primary point of the exercise is to engage an important regional partner and increase our Navy to Navy cooperation," said Lt. Cmdr. Axel Steiner, a planning officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron 1. "Singapore has a very impressive and professional Navy."
The U.S. Navy maintains a robust forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region, utilizing both forward deployed naval forces in Japan and Guam, as well as rotationally deployed forces from the continental United States and Hawaii.
CSG 1 was formally established October 1, 2009, and led Carl Vinson and Bunker Hill when the ships supported disaster response and humanitarian operations in Haiti in this year. This is the first deployment of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Stockdale. This is Bunker Hill's first deployment since it underwent cruiser modernization and was the first Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser to complete its mid-life modernization. This is Carl Vinson's first deployment to 7th Fleet since 2005.
Singapore Armed Forces Guardsmen help New Zealanders with quake relief - more help on the way after NZ gov't gives green light
Singaporean soldiers are now assisting with earthquake relief operations in the New Zealand city of Christchurch and more help will wing its way there from Singapore early tomorrow morning.
As you read this, additional quake relief forces are being prepared at the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) air base at Paya Lebar. They were assigned their mission to New Zealand after the NZ government accepted Singapore's offer to assist with quake relief operations in Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand's South Island.
Rescuers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will be airlifted to New Zealand aboard one KC-135R from the RSAF's 112 Squadron and two C-130 Hercules transports from 122 SQN.
The airlift will be the RSAF's largest and longest range humanitarian assistance and disaster relief flight since the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004. The flight from Singapore to New Zealand is expected to take around 12 hours, with refuelling stops in between for the KC-135R and C-130s.
This demands thorough route planning and weather intelligence by RSAF pilots, navigators and airmen as the airlift will have to cover the vast continent of Australia and the wet gap to New Zealand. Anyone who has taken a C-130 ride for any length of time will realise the challenge of riding cargo class in a Herk on a SIN-NZ air route.
Complicating flight schedules and time-on-target arrival planning is the difference in airspeed between the turbofan-powered KC-135Rs and the slower, propellor-driven C-130s. This may see the contingent arrive in New Zealand at staggered timings, complicating the deployment of the Singaporean rescue force in one wave.
Presently deployed in and around Christchurch are 116 SAF regulars and full-time National Servicemen from Headquarters Guards.
The Guardsmen, who are trained as heliborne infantry, are in New Zealand for the Lion Walk land forces manoeuvres with the New Zealand Defence Force.
Their mercy mission alongside New Zealander rescuers extends a helping hand to residents of Christchurch after a 6.3 magnitude temblor struck around midday on Tuesday (22 Feb'11).
DPM Teo Offers Assistance in Response to the Earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand
Source: Ministry of Defence, Singapore
Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 2048 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean has conveyed Singapore's condolences and offer of assistance to the New Zealand government and people as they grapple with the devastation of the earthquake in Christchurch.
In a telephone conversation with the New Zealand Minister of Defence Dr Wayne Mapp this afternoon, Mr Teo offered the assistance of 116 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regulars and full-time national servicemen to help with rescue operations and to provide humanitarian aid to victims of the earthquake. The servicemen, from Headquarters Guards, were participating in the annual bilateral exercise in Christchurch, codenamed Exercise Lion Walk, when the earthquake happened. The exercise has since stopped, and all SAF personnel are safe and accounted for.
The New Zealand authorities have accepted Singapore's offers of assistance. Besides the SAF team in New Zealand, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be flying a 55-member Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) urban search and rescue team and a command team led by Colonel Melvyn Ong, Commander 7 Singapore Infantry Brigade, to assist in the disaster relief efforts. The Singapore contingent will depart from Paya Lebar Airbase in two RSAF C-130s and one KC-135 military aircraft early tomorrow morning.
Welwyn Hatfield-born soldier survives Afghanistan bomb blast
By Paul Christian, Reporter
Monday, January 17, 2011
6:59 AM
Brave Lance Corporal William Reeks, who grew up in Hatfield and WGC, was on a routine patrol, when his tough armoured Warthog vehicle struck the 50kg improvised explosive device (IED).
Despite the huge explosion, LCpl Reeks who is in the Royal Tank Regiment, survived.
His mum Anita Lee, of Attimore Road, WGC, said: “He’s on the road to recovery.”
And his family credited the heavy duty Warthog patrol vehicle with saving the 27-year-old’s life.
He suffered internal injuries, a broken vertebrae and blast damage to his legs, but Anita said: “He’s a very, very lucky boy.
“It is thanks to the Army changing over to Warthogs, which are bigger stronger vehicles.”
Lifesaving Warthog vehicles delivered to Afghanistan
2:00pm Saturday 12th February 2011
THE final batches of an urgently needed vehicle are being delivered to Afghanistan thanks to work at Bovington Camp.
The Warthog was bought after deadly experience showed its forerunner, the Viking, had too little armour to survive blasts by improvised mines.
The final deliveries will be made in March and soldiers are still working on improvements at the base’s Armour Trials Development Unit.
The Warthogs are a heavily modified version of a vehicle built by Singapore Technologies, and when equipped with full armour weigh around 18.5 tonnes, five more than the Viking.
The Echo was invited to the camp in 2008 to hear how well the newly bought Viking was performing, shortly before its shortcomings were exposed by the increase in roadside bomb attacks.
So could the same thing happen to the Warthog?
Captain Chris Ironside, 32, from Hordle, near New Milton, the Warthog trials officer, said: “It doesn’t matter how much protection you put on a vehicle, if someone puts a big enough bomb under it, you have got a problem.
“But there’s not been one destroyed by the Taliban to date.”
Adam Richards, 21, from the Queen’s Royal Hussars, whose is training before his unit deploys in the autumn, said: “I’ve driven a Viking, and Warthog is slower but there’s a lot more protection.
“That makes you a bit happier.”
The driver and commander sit in the front section with the 350-horse power engine, and up to eight troops sit in the air conditioned rear compartment.
The army bought 100 of the vehicles and the first arrived in Afghanistan in September.
The team at Bovington felt a ‘massive’ responsibility to test the vehicle quickly but to also make sure it was ready for action.
WO1 Tony Longbottom said: “It’s saved lives in theatre, where if the men had been in Viking, they wouldn’t have survived.”
DefenceNews ArticleSoldier's nerves of steel save Afghan child's life
A People In Defence news article
21 Dec 10
A British soldier who recently encountered a Taliban gunman using a child as a shield took a split-second decision to get shot himself rather than risking the child's life.
Lance Corporal Craig Murfitt, a rifleman and medic serving in Afghanistan's Helmand province, demonstrated nerves of steel and the coolest of clear heads in a startling sequence of events, after being called to assist fellow soldiers during a recent patrol
The 25-year-old, serving with the Tidworth-based 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was amongst a crew of soldiers patrolling in one of the Army's new Warthog armoured vehicles.
They were out on a routine security patrol, providing reassurance to local communities, when suddenly they were re-tasked to reinforce infantry colleagues who had been pinned down by fire from hidden insurgents and needed urgent back-up.
Lance Corporal Murfitt, from Barnstaple in Devon and known to Army mates as 'Murf', said:
"It had been a pretty standard patrol, but when the call came in and we were re-tasked, we were told to get in there fast and provide support.
"I was in the rear half of my Troop Sergeant's vehicle ready to give precision fire with my rifle, and the driver stepped on it to get there as quickly as possible.
Warthog vehicles of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment at the scene
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"Our arrival, with our heavy firepower, seemed to bring the fight to an end fairly quickly, but we stayed alert.
"Everything was quiet, but then I spotted three men with a child on a compound roof, about 300 yards to the front of the vehicles.
"Suddenly two of the men moved off, leaving one man with the child – it was a girl, no more than 10-years-old. At this point I realised something was wrong - the man picked up a rifle and moved behind the child, taking aim at me."
LCpl Murfitt immediately told his commander that he could identify a possible insurgent who was using a child as a shield and taking aim at his vehicle.
He was faced by a dilemma: he could protect himself and engage the insurgent but, if he did that, he could not guarantee that the child would be unhurt. Making a split-second call, LCpl Murfitt took the decision to wait. He said:
"I knew I could take him down but, being a dad myself, I didn't want to run the risk of killing a kid and undoing all the good work we've achieved. So I waited, hoping that the child would drop down and give me a clear shot."
But then, as he was waiting for the moment to strike without putting the girl's life at risk, the insurgent fired a single shot – it struck LCpl Murfitt on the left hand side of his helmet knocking him to the floor.
His advanced Mark 7 Combat Helmet, a piece of kit which has already saved so many lives in Helmand, took the force of the bullet. LCpl Murfitt was uninjured, but left on his back, on the floor of the vehicle, dazed and seeing stars. He explained:
"I felt the dent in my helmet and said to the others, 'I've been shot in the head but I'm fine'. I tried to stand up but I had 'disco [wobbly] legs' and just had to sit down again for a bit!"
Despite being shaken, LCpl Murfitt kept his cool and managed to signal to the vehicle gunners where the shooter was. The child had run off as soon as the shot was fired, giving the troops the chance to strike without endangering the girl. LCpl Murfitt added:
"As I sat back, and started to take in what had happened, I heard automatic fire as the Warthogs engaged the insurgent."
Following the incident, LCpl Murfitt was straight back out on patrol with his colleagues.
Lance Corporal Murfitt and his Tank Regiment comrades – known as Tankies - are specifically tasked with protecting infantry soldiers and engineers working on the development of a major road in central Helmand.
This task is critical to improving trade and general living conditions for the people in the area, but it is difficult and dangerous. There is a constant threat of attacks from insurgents, who view the road as a threat to their control over people's lives.
LCpl Murfitt has already fought in Afghanistan with the Royal Tank Regiment once before; in 2007, when he was also a pioneer of a new vehicle, becoming one of the first soldiers to use the heavily armoured Mastiff.
He says that, while it's tough in Helmand, the love and support from his family at home makes things tolerable. When his tour comes to an end next year, LCpl Murfitt looks forward to getting home to his family in Barnstaple.
Viking out, Warthog in as 2 RTR unleash new beast.December 8, 2010
by ukforcesafghanistan
Soldiers from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment delivering security in Afghanistan have traded in their old Viking vehicles and upgraded to something even better – the mighty Warthog.
The Warthog
Photo: Lt Nick Southall RN/MOD
Crown Copyright/2010
2 RTR, as the unit is known, will use Warthog’s outstanding manoeuvrability to bring firepower and armoured support wherever it’s needed. To reflect the new vehicle at their disposal, 2 RTR soldiers in theatre are now known as “Warthog Group” – and they are already renowned as one of the most mobile ground units under British command in Helmand.
Warthog is a relatively light but robust tracked vehicle. It consists of two cabs: the front cab houses the driver and commander and is armed with a heavy weapons turret. The rear cab is used for carrying infantry.
The new vehicle has greater armour protection and more power than its predecessor – but still retains the superb cross-country performance for which the Viking was known.
Corporal Tristan ‘Tiny’ Cordery (35), from Fowey in Cornwall, is a veteran of two tours of Iraq and one of Kosovo, and has also served in Afghanistan before. He has now returned to Afghanistan as a Warthog commander with 2 RTR.
Cpl Cordery said: “I’m excited about using the new Warthog vehicle. We can use Warthog to get where other vehicles cannot go. We can move around the battlefield and provide protection to the infantry and engineers while they work.”
Trooper Nick Dinsdale (29), from Basildon, Essex, will be driving a Warthog in Helmand and it is a task that he relishes.
Tpr Dinsdale said: “I joined the Royal Tank Regiment to drive big vehicles and Warthog really is a big boy’s toy. It’s great cross country.
“I like the versatility of tracked vehicles – where you can go and what you can do is so much greater than with wheels. It does take some getting used to though. We’ve tested Warthog to the limit – I’m really impressed with it.”
Cpl Tristan Cordery and Trooper Nick Dinsdale, along with their Warthog.
Crown Copyright/MOD 2010
Warthog isn’t just about mobility though; it’s also about packing a punch and defeating the insurgents.
Cpl Cordery explained: “We can choose between the heavy, grenade or general purpose machine guns. This gives me as the Warthog commander the flexibility to tailor my armament to the mission – and that’s a vital capability in order to succeed in the complicated environment of Afghanistan.
“With this firepower comes good armour. The Warthog can take rocket-propelled grenade hits, machine gun fire and has better protection from IEDs.
“This combination of firepower and protection is what us Tankies are looking for in a vehicle. We’re ready to go out with a RTR mentality and apply armoured tactics.”
Lieutenant Andrew Maggs, 25 from Guildford, commands a troop of 2 RTR vehicles in the Warthog Group. His first missions are to protect development projects which are Afghan Governments priorities. Under the watchful eye of the Warthog Group, road works connecting Sangin and Lashkar Gah will be able to proceed quicker and more safely.
Lt Maggs said: “I’m really keen to crack on with work. Warthog is a great bit of kit. As specialists at fighting on vehicles, we’re looking forward to using it and showing what it can do.”
Singapore and Malaysian navies conduct bilateral maritime exercise
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) conducted Exercise Malapura, a bilateral maritime exercise, from 1 to 10 Mar 2011. Hosted by Malaysia, this year's exercise is the 21st in the series held since 1984. RSN Fleet Commander, Rear-Admiral Joseph Leong and RMN Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Datuk Ahmad Kamarulzaman bin Ahmad Badaruddin were present at the closing ceremony held at Changi Naval Base, today.
During the exercise, both navies carried out joint planning and training at the Lumut Naval Base and conducted drills in conventional naval warfare and maritime security in the Malacca Strait. The RSN took part in the exercise with a frigate (RSS Steadfast), a missile corvette (RSS Valour) and a patrol vessel (RSS Brave), while the RMN participated with a corvette (KD Lekir) and two patrol vessels (KD Pahang and KD Selangor
The RSN and RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities. These include professional exchanges and courses, as well as multilateral activities as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements. The two navies have also been working closely to enhance maritime security through the Malacca Strait Patrols. These regular interactions serve to strengthen mutual understanding and professional ties among the personnel of both navies.
Singapore's UAV Command latest UAV, the Heron 1 UAV
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be taking delivery of the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a medium altitude UAV, in 2011 to replace the Searcher-class UAV that has been in service in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) since 1994. The Heron 1 UAV features state-of-the-art avionics, detection capabilities and communication systems, as well as a fully automatic take-off and landing capability. Its longer flight endurance and better surveillance capabilities will provide the SAF with better situational awareness in the field and enhance mission effectiveness.
The capabilities of the RSAF’s Heron 1 UAV include:
Multi-mission Optronic Stabilised Payload (MOSP). The Heron 1 UAV carries a MOSP equipped with a 3rd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system to allow the aircraft to effectively perform a wide array of missions, including target acquisition and area surveillance operations. This increases the battlefield awareness for the SAF's ground forces.
Autonomous Flight and Automatic Take Off and Landing (ATOL) system. The Heron 1 UAV is capable of autonomous flight and is equipped with an ATOL system. A desired flight route can be scheduled prior to launch, with the UAV returning to a pre-designated recovery point at the end of the mission. This allows the UAV operators to focus on collecting and processing information instead of flight operations, thus enhancing the timeliness of information disseminated to the ground units.
Ground Control Station (GCS). The Heron 1 UAV is operated from a GCS which allows the UAV pilot to send control signals to the platform. The GCS also undertakes the processing, retrieving and storing of flight information and real-time images captured by the UAV.
Technical Specifications of Heron 1 UAV
Heron 1 UAV
Manufacturer
IAI Malat
Engine
ROTAX 914 Engine (1211cc)
Overall length
8.8 metres
Wingspan
16.6 metres
Maximum Take-off Weight
1,100 kilograms
Maximum Operating range
About 200 kilometres
Endurance
Greater than 24 hours
Cruise Speed
About 60 - 70 knots
Payload capability
Multi-mission Optronic Stabilised
Payload (MOSP
Technical Specifications of old Searcher class UAV that Heron 1 is replacing
Singapore buys Spyder SR missile system (replaces Rapier missile system)
From Sg's Mindef
* as many as 8 launchers can be loaded on a single truck
* Singapore probably uses a different truck or lorry and im guessing it wil be armoured
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be replacing its 30-year old RAPIER air defence system with the Surface-to-air PYthon-5 and DERby – Short-Range (SPYDER-SR) ground base air defence system. The SPYDER-SR will form part of the 3rd Generation RSAF Networked Air Defence capability that builds upon the existing multi-layered air defence system to further strengthen Singapore's air defences. An all-weather air defence system, the SPYDER-SR will enhance the RSAF's capability to effectively deal with a wide spectrum of aerial threats.
The capabilities of the SPYDER-SR air defence system include:
Anti-aircraft and anti-missile capability. The SPYDER-SR is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging a wide spectrum of aerial threats ranging from fighter aircraft, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to precision-guided munitions. The SPYDER-SR is able to employ both the Python-5 and Derby missiles which are fitted with infrared imaging and radio frequency seekers respectively.
Enhanced effectiveness. Compared to the RAPIER, the SPYDER-SR possesses a longer range for interception and higher altitude. These enhanced capabilities will provide Singapore with an extended air defence envelope against aerial threats. It is also equipped with a 360 degree engagement capability and is able to engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously.
Enhanced awareness and responsiveness. Integrated into the RSAF’s Networked Air Defence system, the SPYDER-SR will be able to tap on a real-time integrated air picture created by the RSAF’s wide array of sensors. This gives the SPYDER-SR the ability to respond faster and engage targets with greater precision.
Technical Specifications:
SPYDER-SR
Manufacturer
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Intercept range
15 kilometres
Intercept altitude
9 kilometres
Guidance system
Active homing guidance through
radio frequency for Derby missiles
and infrared imaging for Python-5
missiles.
Old Rapier missile system(* singapore's rapiers are the upgraded Mk2 version - the same missiles in Malaysia's Jernas Rapier missile system). The new Spyder missile system is better than the old Rapiers.
RangeOver 8km Speed Mach 2.5 ManoeuvrabilityOver 30g throughout range
Post time 21-2-2011 11:00 PM
