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First generation (1968 to 1984)

1980/10 - Across the globe

Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Bloodhound MK II Surface to Air Missiles

1980

122 Squadron circumnavigated the globe to return a Bloodhound missile from the UK, detouring via the US.

In October 1980, 122 Squadron became the first RSAF squadron to circumnavigate the globe while ferrying back a Bloodhound missile that had completed its first live firing in Britain a month ago.

RSAF crew poses in front of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft on airbase tarmac.

The C-130 flew off from Singapore to Britain via the Middle East on 2 October 1980. Due to the unstable political situation in the Middle East, the aircraft flew back to Singapore from Britain via the US on 26 October.

“The flight back home was delayed for more than a month. It was an agonising wait and eventually we had to fly home the long way round the earth before reaching Singapore.”

SSG Ong Teck, Technician, 1980who was part of the missile team armament of the live firing crew

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