As highlighted earlier in a previous post, participating in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) 'Exercise Wallaby 2016' military exercise will be Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) McDonnell Douglas F-15SG Strike Eagle fighter jets, Aerospatiale AS.332M Super Puma, Boeing AH-64D Apache and Boeing CH-47SD Chinook helicopters.
In this post, we take a quick look at the Aerospatiale Super Puma.
Operated by 125th Squadron at Sembawang Air Base, Singapore and 126th Squadron at Oakey Army Aviation Centre near Toowoomba, Queensland, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) currently maintains a fleet of Aerospatiale AS.332M Super Puma helicopters in the Transport / SAR role.
Those that participate in Exercise Wallaby military exercises ferry north from Oakey.
With a motto 'Swift in Support', the Super Puma has been in service with the RSAF since 1985, and only one reported crash (no fatalities) has occurred in this time. Prior to the acquisition of the CH-47 Chinook heavy lift chopper, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) relied on the Super Puma to transport light vehicles and troops.
Due to their age, reports indicate the RSAF is currently evaluating possible replacements for this true and tested workhorse.
First produced in 1978 by Aerospatiale, followed by Eurocopter, the Super Puma continues to be manufactured today by Airbus Helicopters.
Phil Munsel Photography.
Phil Munsel Photography.
Ash Burggraaff.
Ash Burggraaff.
File photo's - 'Exercise Wallaby 2015'.
