Soaring High with Innovation

18 Feb 2022

As jets and choppers streaked across the skies at the Singapore Airshow 2022 (SA22), we spoke with our engineers who played instrumental roles in delivering these capabilities to the RSAF and enhancing Singapore’s defence.

Benjaming Ang
Benjamin Ang
Principal Engineer, Air Systems Programme Centre
Part of the H225M Medium Lift Helicopter programme team

Could you share what DSTA did for the RSAF’s H225M Medium Lift Helicopter (MLH) programme?

Benjamin: As the overall programme manager of the helicopter’s acquisition, our team oversaw the entire programme and its technical aspects, from contracting matters to design decisions, integration and flight testing, aircraft acceptance and delivery, and finally, the handover to the RSAF.

Our team also enhanced several features, such as incorporating critical flight information onto a helmet-mounted display, so that pilots can have quick access to such information to anticipate and fly more effectively. This helps to alleviate pilot workload, and allows them to focus on their missions.

In addition, we incorporated new systems onto the H225M MLH, such as satellite communication and the Helicopter Integrated Electronic Warfare Suite (HIEWS). We collaborated closely with the RSAF, the manufacturer and other industry counterparts to manage the programme so that the capabilities and features we deliver would be well integrated onto the aircraft, in order to meet the RSAF’s operational requirements.

Why the H225M?

Benjamin: As a modern multi-role helicopter with better lift and reach capabilities, the H225M MLH will replace the existing fleet of AS332M Super Pumas which have been in service since 1983.

The H225M MLH has approximately 20 per cent longer range, and enables the RSAF to meet the SAF’s lift and reach requirements more efficiently. With its high load capacity, easy cabin access, combined with fast cruise speed, long range and in-flight agility, the H225M MLH provides the RSAF with greater flexibility to be more effective and capable in meeting operational demands, which include search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.


Melissa Nicole Teoh
Melissa Nicole Teoh
Director (Programmes), Air Systems Programme Centre
Worked on several RSAF programmes, including the Chinook, F-35 and F-16 upgrade

Tell us more about your work.

Melissa: I work closely with the US Government and our industry partners to advance the RSAF’s programmes. Besides serving as a point of contact between the teams in Singapore and the US, I oversee ongoing programmes to ensure that key milestones and deliverables are achieved. This includes the acceptance and deliveries of some of our aircraft programmes, and their associated system integration activities.

Are you proud to see the RSAF’s aircraft (such as the F-16) on display at SA22?

Melissa: It is rewarding to see the platforms that our engineers have worked on be on display or even flown. In a way, this is the fruition of the various initiatives and solutions that we have developed, and evident of the challenges we have overcome to deliver these assets to the RSAF.

What is the significance of SA22 to you?

Melissa: With attendees coming from different countries and regions, SA22 is an excellent platform for us to look into emerging technologies and keep abreast with industry developments. This helps us assess and deliver better capabilities to the RSAF.


Jason Ong
Jason Ong
Senior Engineer (Advanced Systems Programme Centre)
Part of the Aster 30 Missile System project team

How you were involved with the Aster 30?

Jason: I’m part of a team that helps ensure that weapon systems such as the Aster 30 are delivered, tested extensively, and integrated seamlessly into our wider Island Air Defence network.

The work doesn’t just end after acquiring the Aster 30. To support the RSAF in operationalising the system, our team had to validate its performance at various stages of the integration. This was done through comprehensive integration testing using modelling and simulation and live-firing, among other efforts. Beyond that, we are also responsible for system enhancements to ensure that the Aster 30 continues to operate well in the years ahead.

How do you feel about the Aster 30 on display at SA22?

Jason: Although there are no public days this year, showcasing the Aster 30 is testament to the important work that DSTA engineers do and our contributions to Singapore’s defence. The Aster 30 is a very complex weapon system, and it took a lot of hard work to deliver this impressive capability to the RSAF. We’re proud that our work is on display at SA22.

What is the significance of SA22 to you?

Jason: The Singapore Airshow is an important platform for us to meet and learn from some of the best industry experts in the world. It gives us a valuable opportunity to engage our global partners and forge future collaborations as part of DSTA’s continuous efforts to enhance the defence and security of Singapore.

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