![]() ![]() ![]() Once ready, it’s amazing to see how these awesome fighter jets would roar down this make-shift runway and be airborne in a few seconds! Effectively within a minute or two, almost the entire fleet of fighter jets can be airborne to defend our skies even without the use of their conventional runways! More operationally-ready NS men will be deployed to assist then. Some private contractors were involved so as to ensure that precision avionic equipment are installed properly and some roadside equipment like lamps, can still remain functional after the exercise (unlike during times of emergencies when these roadside equipment may not need to be installed back so soon). 4 Precision Approach Path Indicators : These help to inform pilots on the designated angle and altitudes when landing.įor this exercise, about 110 personnel were activated over a trim time frame of 48 hours were given.14 Distance-to-Go Markers (DTGM), to help pilots identify how much runway is left during take-off.38 Portable Solar Lighting Airfield system: This is to illuminate the runway for the pilots when visibility is poor.One MAG (Mobile Arrestor Gear) system: The MAG comprises a hookwire and energy-absorbing systems set-up on each side of the road to decrease the landing space for a fighter jet and any RSAF aircraft encountering landing issues.One Mobile Air-traffic Control Tower: This had to be raised 4m above ground to ensure that the tower has a clear view to direct air traffic.110 personnel involved, including some contractors.Within 48 hours, the following were done to ensure a stretch of the 2.5km x 24m of Lim Chu Kang Road is operationally ready: The conversion of a public highway to runway was a herculean task. This is an ordinary road, Lim Chu Kang Road to be precise, converted into a short runway for the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) Exercise Torrent 2016 – an exercise to ensure operational readiness of the RSAF in using civilian roads to launch fighter jets for Singapore’s defence should the normal runways be incapacitated in times of war. And us, with eyes and mouth gaped in awe at this rare sight.Įxcept this is not dream, and this is no ordinary runway. Their afterburners glowing, plumes of dust and debris lifted from the wake of the awesome thrust of the jets. On the surface, it’s looks like a scene from a childhood dream – formidable F16s and F15s taxing down the runway before roaring off into the skies. ![]()
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