Roulettes roll into Singapore

As the six Pilatus PC-21 aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes rolled and looped over the Singaporean landscape, children could be heard cheering in delight at the Singapore Airshow.

CAPTION: Roulette 2 Flight Lieutenant James Dutschke flies in formation over Changi, Singapore, during the Roulettes display at the Singapore Airshow. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks.

For the first time since 2012, the Roulettes travelled more than 8600km from RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, through the heart of Australia, stopping at Alice Springs, Darwin, Broome, Bali and Jakarta before landing in Singapore.

The Singapore Airshow attracted display teams and visitors from around the world, with more than 60,000 people attending the trade days and more than 30,000 people each day of the public displays.

Roulette 2 Flight Lieutenant James Dutschke was excited to take their tailored show to the people of Singapore, on what was a trip to remember.

“The crowd were fantastic, we had plenty of Aussie support and our commentators gave the pilots Aussie themed nicknames which was the talk of the air show,” Flight Lieutenant Dutschke said.

“A real highlight for us was seeing the displays from our friends in the Indonesian Jupiter’s, Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles, the Indian Sarang helicopter display teams and the awesome integrated F-15 and AH-64 Apache display from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

“We were able to catch up with old friends and make new ones and trade notes on our displays.”

CAPTION: The Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes with the military display teams on show at the Singapore Air Show 2024.

This Roulettes trip was supported by a 37 Squadron C-130J Hercules and, for the first time, a deployment with an industry partner; the Jet Aviation maintenance team.

Jon Dewsbury from Jet Aviation complimented the team on the work that went into their first international deployment with the Air Force.

“Being part of the first international deployment, it was a massive achievement for the AIR5428 program, the Roulettes and Central Flying School,” Mr Dewsbury said.

“To execute such a big task in a short amount of time and involving all partners was fantastic.

“I have been working alongside the Roulettes for around five years now. Each time we deploy, whether it is in Australia or now overseas, it is always an enjoyable time. We operate as one team which is great for both the RAAF and Jet Aviation.”

Commanding Officer Central Flying School Wing Commander Damien Buswell was thrilled with the support from 37 Squadron and Jet Aviation, which helped continue the long history of working with the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

“We share a rich history particularly with flying training. We’ve seen the Republic of Singapore 130 Squadron detachment complete 30 years of flying training in Australia and continual instructor exchanges between both Air Forces,” Wing Commander Buswell said.

“It’s very exciting to be here for the Singapore air show, it’s been 12 years for the team, with plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow aerobatic teams and deepen those relationships with our partners.

“We can’t wait to return.”

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