1977/02 - Expanding the helicopter squadron

AS-350B Écureuil

Alouette III

UH-1H Iroquois

Bell 212

1977

The RSAF expanded 120 Squadron with 3 Bell 212 and 17 UH-1H helicopters, retiring Alouette IIIs for troop airlifting and resupply missions.

The RSAF’s sole helicopter unit, 120 Squadron, expanded with the acquisition of three Bell 212 and 17 UH-1H Iroquois helicopters. This allowed the retirement of the ageing Alouette IIIs, which had been in service since the 1960s. The UH-1H helicopters can be employed in heliborne operations, airlifting troops, and underslung resupply missions. They were originally stationed at Changi Air Base and were relocated to Sembawang Air Base in 1983.

Maintenance crew inspecting helicopter rotor components during training.

The UH-1B was used as a basic helicopter trainer for two years before it was replaced by the AS-350B Écureuil in April 1989.

Ground crew examining a helicopter closely on an airfield.

The first UH-1H was delivered to 120 Squadron at Changi Air Base. It was assembled in Singapore with the assistance of RSAF personnel.

Three helicopters lined up in a grassy clearing, ready for deployment.

In July 1979, 123 Squadron, was formed to train rotary wing pilots on the Bell UH-1H helicopter.

Military helicopter flying against a cloudy sky.

The C-130 Aircraft of 122 Squadron were relocated to Paya Lebar Air Base in December 1981.

White-and-red painted helicopter airborne during flight.

In 1980, 120 Squadron moved from Changi Air Base to Sembawang Air Base and became the first pioneer flying unit to be stationed there.