Singapore Airshow 2010: A sneak preview

An F-16 Fighting Falcon tactical fighter and AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the Singapore Air Force performing what the military folks dub an "integrated air display." Video by CNNGo.

Ahead of the opening of the inaugural Singapore Airshow 2010 (which morphed from the biannual Asian Aerospace show), CNNGo got a sneak look at what's in store for visitors, especially the much-anticipated aerial displays. Some of the planes are already on display, and more are being flown in and prepared for public exhibition over the weekend.

Making its last performance in Asia will be the F-111 strike aircraft which is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The F-111 will be performing a "Dump and Burn" maneuver, where it jettisons part of its fuel reserves and ignites it with its afterburners -- the result is a spectacular trail of fire in the skies. In addition, the A-10 Thunderbolt II will be making its first Asian show debut. The A-10 is operated by the United States Air Force and will be part of both the aerial performance and static displays.

The organizers are also adding an extra 30-minute aerial display to the public admission weekend. This is in addition to the traditional 60-minute aerial display, at 11.30am and again at 3.00pm. Jimmy Lau, managing director of Singapore Airshow & Events, said, "We know that crowds young and old alike love the aerial displays. That is why we have squeezed in extra half-hour slots over the weekends for the public, making a total of 90-minute displays each day." 

Singapore Airshow 2010 will take place from February 2 to 7, 2010. The first four days of the airshow are dedicated to trade visitors, while the last two days over the weekend (February 6-7) have been set aside for the public.

getting there

Singapore Airshow 2010
February 6 & 7 for public admission, 9.30am – 5.00pm
Tickets at $20 for adults and $8 for children under 12 years via Sistic
Changi Exhibition Centre, Aviation Link, Singapore
www.singaporeairshow.com