Second generation (1985 to 2005)

2000/05 - ATCR-33S

Utility Aircraft

KC-135R

Radar

ATCR-33S

Year

2000

The ATCR-33S radar became fully operational, boosting medium-range surveillance, later supporting its first aeromedical evacuation mission.

The ATCR-33S is a radar that provides medium-range air surveillance. It was declared fully operational at a ceremony held at Tengah Air Base.

Tall metal sculpture with dish-shaped top, outside a green building with two poles.

The ATCR-33S radar provides medium-range air surveillance.

On 4 November 2000, the RSAF received a request from Singapore Airlines to assist in bringing back three critically injured Singaporeans from Taipei. The RSAF immediately configured its KC-135R into an in-flight intensive care unit to ferry the three Singaporean survivors home in the shortest time possible. A 28-member team, comprising doctors and medical staff from the Singapore General Hospital and the aeromedical evacuation team, flew in with the KC-135R.

Interior view of medical transport aircraft with patient on gurney and medical personnel attending.

Members of the SQ006 Aeromedical Evacuation Team, which included a flight surgeon and a paramedic, checking on the casualties.

“The mission was very challenging as it was our very first aeromedical evacuation mission. Together with the medical team, we were able to reconfigure the aircraft in the shortest time possible and set off for Taipei. Throughout the flight, the temperature and the pressure of the cabin were controlled to accommodate the casualties who were suffering from severe burns.”

LTC Gan Keng Soon, Commanding Officer, 112 Squadron, 2000 who helped reconfigure the aircraft to be ready for launch in two days