Take a ride in this multi-role tanker at RSAF’s 55th anniversary open house

SINGAPORE – On the outside, the aircraft looks menacing, with its business-like matte grey paintwork and military markings.

But step inside, and you may feel like you are in a typical commercial plane – albeit minus the usual luxuries like pillows and entertainment sets.

Welcome on board the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) next-generation tanker, capable of, among many roles, conducting air-refuelling mid-flight and supporting aeromedical evacuation missions.

With its maximum carrying capacity of 111,000kg of fuel, it can be operated by two pilots and one air refuelling operator.

Acquired by the RSAF from 2018, the aircraft is one of several military planes that the public can enjoy rides in as part of RSAF’s 55th anniversary open house, to be held on Sept 9 and 10 at Paya Lebar Air Base – its first physical open house in seven years.

Other crowd favourites like the static display will also make a return.

The other aircraft are the CH-47SD Chinook helicopter, the C130 transport plane, the Fokker 50 and the Singapore Youth Flying Club’s DA40 trainer, which can take just three passengers.

A total of 2,500 tickets are up for grabs, via a FormSG ballot available on the RSAF’s social media channels until noon on Aug 22.

On Monday, members of the media were invited to Changi Air Base to fly in the MRTT.

The roar of the Airbus’ two Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engines indicated that this was no normal aircraft.

Once in the air, reporters were greeted by the sight of two F-15SG fighter jets hovering near the MRTT’s wing. The jets were carrying the RSAF55 tail flash to commemorate the RSAF’s anniversary milestone.

The fighter jets then manoeuvred into an escort formation, with the MRTT in the middle, to demonstrate how they would escort an airliner to land safely.

Following this, the MRTT continued on its flight over the South China Sea, where it conducted an air-to-air refuelling of one of the F-15SG fighter jets, before landing back at the Changi Air Base.

Those who manage to secure one of the 2,500 tickets will be able to experience taking off in the MRTT and more on Sept 9 and 10 at Paya Lebar Air Base.