Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters

We have certainly been enjoying ourselves at Air Queensland.blogspot providing coverage of 'Exercise Wallaby 2016', and on this occasion, have dedicated an entire page of photo's featuring the four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters currently based at Rockhampton Airport / Warriors Camp.

The RSAF Apache helicopters are utilising Warriors Camp for the duration of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) military exercise that is primarily conducted at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) north of Rockhampton. However, most RSAF aircraft and helicopters taking part in 'Exercise Wallaby 2016' generally spend most of the time based at Rockhampton Airport or Warriors Camp, but ferry to and from SWBTA.     

Of interest, Warriors Camp is the Australian Army Defence Support Group Facility (DSG) adjacent to Rockhampton Airport, and has been temporarily named 'Warriors Camp' while used by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Operated by 120th Squadron at Sembawang Air Base, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) currently maintains a modest fleet of 20 Apache helicopters (among other types of military choppers) with their primary role being 'Anti-Armour and Ground Support'. Armament include AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rockets and a single 30mm M320 chain gun.

Over the years, the Apache has been built by a number of manufactuers :
 
Hughes Helicopters  (1975 to 1984)
 
McDonnell Douglas (1984 to 1997)
 
Boeing Defense, Space and Security (1997 to present)