PICTURES, VIDEO

Black Knights thrill the crowds at RSAF 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations

Visitors at the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
Visitors at the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
Weapons system officer Lieutenant Brant Chee, 26, leads 11-year-old Gajendran Vijayendran through a F16 flight simulator at the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
Visitors at the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Black Knights perform an air display during the RSAF's 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Black Knights perform an air display during the RSAF's 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
The Republic of Korea Air Force's Black Eagles put on a air display at the RSAF's 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Black Knights perform an air display during the RSAF's 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
The Republic of Korea Air Force's Black Eagles put on a air display at the RSAF's 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
The Republic of Korea Air Force's Black Eagles put on a air display at the RSAF's 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Black Knights perform an air display during the RSAF's 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Feb 8, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN

Visitors at the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations were treated to a sneak preview of heart-stopping aerial stunts on Saturday, ahead of next week's Singapore Airshow.

On display were the RSAF Black Knights, the Republic of Korea Air Force's Black Eagles and two solo acts from the United States Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force. They are among nine aerobatic acts in the six-day biennial airshow, which begins on Tuesday.

Saturday's preview was part of the RSAF's 45th anniversary Family Day celebrations, led by the Chief of Air Force, Major-General Hoo Cher Mou. RSAF servicemen and women and their families thronged the showgrounds at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Members of the public can buy tickets at Sistic outlets to attend the airshow next weekend. Tickets are priced at $22 for adults and $9 for children.

There will be exhibits showcasing the history of the RSAF since 1968 and a ground display of 17 RSAF aircraft and weapon systems, including F-15 jets, naval helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

There are also 80 commercial and military aircraft on display this year, up from about 60 in 2012.

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