The 140 Squadron "Osprey" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force currently operates twelve F-16 Fighting Falcon of the F-16C/D Block 52 version. Based in Tengah Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Stand Firm in Defence" with the Osprey adopted as its mascot.
RSAF 140 Squadron | |
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Active | 1970-present |
Role | Multi-role fighter |
Garrison/HQ | Tengah Air Base |
Motto(s) | "Stand Firm in Defence" |
Equipment | 12 F-16C/D Fighting Falcons |
Insignia | |
Identification symbol | Osprey legs over the silhouette of Singapore |
History
editThe Squadron was set up in September 1970 as Singapore's first Air Defence Fighter Squadron and received their first aircraft - twenty refurbished Hawker Hunters aircraft in July 1970. The Hawker Hunters served faithfully for twenty years, after which they were replaced by the F-16A/Bs in 1990. These were, in turn, replaced by newer F-16C/Ds in 2000 and were subsequently transferred to Royal Thai Air Force the same year.
The Squadron celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020.
Information
editThe tail is adorned with a red checkered tailband. The squadron's logo is centered with the serial number on the base of the tail. This scheme was already applied during the F-16A/B era.[1]
Achievements
edit140 Squadron is also a consistent winner in the annual Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition for the Air Force, having emerged as the Best Fighter Squadron since the competition's inception back in 1985. Namely: 1985, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2016.
140 Squadron won the Best Squadron for the Hotshot Challenge 2016.[2] It celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2015 and won the Best Fighter Squadron.
Aircraft operated
edit- 46× Hawker Hunters (1970–1992)
- 8× F-16A/B Fighting Falcons (1990–2004)
- 12× F-16C/D Fighting Falcons (2003–present)
Latest photo
edit-
A retired 140 Sqn Hawker Hunter FGA.74S - serial number 527, parked outside the RSAF Museum.
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Pilots of 140 Sqn responding to a simulated quick reaction alert (QRA) to scramble their F-16Cs.
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F-16C clearing out from the flight-line for taxi-ing.
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Same F-16C taxi-ing towards the runway for take-off.
References
editExternal links
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