The release of the latest Top Gun: Maverick movie has no doubt sparked our interest in the aviation industry. And even if you’ve missed the show, aspiring pilots or curious cats can check out the behind-the-scenes at Singapore’s very own Air Force Museum.
Located next to the Paya Lebar Air Base, the museum is home to OG aircrafts such as fighter jets and missiles, and immersive displays that will take you through the workings of the RSAF aircrafts. If these sound right up your alley, read on to find out more.
Image adapted from: Augustin Axente
The Outdoor Gallery at Level 1 is unmissable, with replicas of the missile systems and helicopters for all to check out. You can get up close and personal with the various displays, and peer into the clear windows for a glimpse of the cockpit controls and panels.
Channel your inner Tom Cruise and strike your best pose.
Image credit: Ho Zong Xi
It’s not often that you get to stand right next to vintage aircrafts such as the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye plane or Alouette III helicopter.
And even if these names sound foreign to you, it’s still worth learning about them and how they’ve been linked to the RSAF’s history – so you can spew some fun facts at your next TGIF hang.
Image credit: Derek Yiu
Then, head up to Level 2 where you’ll be transported all the way back to the 1960s. You’ll see the evolution of the RSAF uniforms through the years, as well as a detailed timeline of key moments of how Singapore’s air force came to be.
Image adapted from: Lim Sze Tat, Arati Menon-Tan
As you walk through the exhibits, you’ll be greeted with more real-life models of flight equipment used by the RSAF – and no, these aren’t things you usually see when you’re jet-setting off on a Scoot flight. For the audio learners, you’ll be glad to know that there are multimedia displays that narrate the details for you.
Image credit: MINDEF
And perhaps the coolest feature in the museum would be the aircraft simulator, which you can hop into and take your pseudo plane for a ride. We’re talking a panoramic view of your flight on the screens, control of the yoke – AKA the plane’s steering wheel – and the freedom to perform aerobic manoeuvres in the digital sky.
Image credit: Hongrun Luo
If you’ve been inspired by the recent National Day parade’s flight show and are yearning to be a pilot, plan a trip down to the Air Force Museum for some cool insights on the RSAF. Kiddos can also take this opportunity to ditch the desk and do some hands-on learning about the air force.
Address: Air Force Museum, 400 Airport Road
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 9am-4pm (Closed on Sundays, Mondays & PH)
Contact: 64618507
Other museums to check out:
Just an hour away from KL!
Taichung is only an hour by High Speed Rail from Taipei or Taoyuan station.
No more stressing over what to get your loved ones for Christmas.
Gone are the days when family photoshoots used to be boring and extra formal.
Here are all the best things to do this weekend in Singapore.
Meet new-to-Singapore species as well.