Two RSAF F-16D Block 52s, in the markings of each of the two Tengah-based RSAF F-16 squadrons, hold short near Darwin's Runway 29 awaiting departure for an afternoon Pitch Black mission.
A RAAF Hornet holds short while the RSAF's Gulfstream 550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) returns from an afternoon Pitch Black sortie.
Singapore currently operates 20 F-16C Block 52 aircraft in its 60-strong F-16 fleet. 613 is from the first batch of aircraft, ordered in 1994 and serialed 94-0271.
Notoriously secretive, Singapore has been coy about revealing what equipment is inside the dorsal spine of its F-16Ds. Along with the F-16D Block 52s, the RSAF also operates 20 F-16D Block 52+ aircraft with the spine and Conformal Fuel Tanks.
This Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker supported the Singaporean and Thai aircraft at the exercise. The RSAF currently operates four KC-135s with 112 Squadron.
Singapore's F-16C/Ds are numerically the most important type in the RSAF's fleet, and are regulars at Pitch Black. 615 is a F-16C Block 52 from the RSAF's second batch of 12 such aircraft, ordered in 1996. Seen here in the markings of Tengah-based 140 "Osprey" Squadron
Singapore was the second F-16 user after Israel to sport the distinctive dorsal on its F-16Ds, when the RSAF's first F-16D was rolled out in 1998. Seen here taking off is 692/96-5032, in the markings of Tengah-based 143 Phoenix Sqn
Another notable debutant at Pitch Black 2012 were the Boeing F-15SG Eagles of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's 149 "Shikra" Sqn. Here 8318/05-0014 retracts its undercarriage soon after takeoff.
Thailand is one of only three countries outside of the United States to operate the Air Defence Fighter version of the F-16. This is the sole F-16B-ADF in the RTAF's inventory, serialed 10201 and serving with Korat-based 102 Sqn.
Two RSAF F-16D Block 52s, in the markings of each of the two Tengah-based RSAF F-16 squadrons, hold short near Darwin's Runway 29 awaiting departure for an afternoon Pitch Black mission.
Two RSAF F-16D Block 52s, in the markings of each of the two Tengah-based RSAF F-16 squadrons, hold short near Darwin's Runway 29 awaiting departure for an afternoon Pitch Black mission.
Two RSAF F-16D Block 52s, in the markings of each of the two Tengah-based RSAF F-16 squadrons, hold short near Darwin's Runway 29 awaiting departure for an afternoon Pitch Black mission.
See photo in original gallery.