Singapore F-15SG jets generate sonic boom that triggers alarm in Perth
A recent widespread alarm across Perth’s southern suburbs was caused by Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-15SG fighter jets during a training exercise off the coast of Western Australia.
The shockwave of the supersonic event was felt from Mandurah to Fremantle and as far inland as Wandering in the wheat belt.
Multiple people reported what they described as a “deep bang” followed by a “shock wave” or “deep earth shake”, which rattled their homes.
“It was really strange. It was like it was loud, but it was far away at the same time,” Baldivis mother Krystal Brown explained.
RSAF F-15s flying at Mach 2
The RSAF F-15s were operating approximately 30 nautical miles offshore in restricted Navy airspace near Garden Island while participating in an extended fighter aircraft detachment hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). According to Alert 5, the jets were reportedly flying at Mach 2 when the incident occurred.
“By going supersonic, they’ve broken the sound barrier and it gives a loud, sharp crack,” aviation expert Geoff Thomas told 9News.
The noise was amplified by a perfect storm of weather conditions. The sonic boom was heard at Garden Island in the west, as far east as Wandering in the wheat belt, and as far south as Boddington.
“[It was] just a massive boom. Very, very loud, very intense, very quick. I grabbed the cat and I thought, ‘I’m getting out of here’. ” Parmelia resident Hazel Williams said.
As reported by ABC, RAAF confirmed that RSAF F-15s were operating in the area at the time the boom was heard. A stretch of airspace – running off the coast from near Busselton to just north of Perth – was active for military operations at the time the boom was heard.
RSAF fighter detachment at RAAF Base Pearce
The RAAF is hosting an extended fighter aircraft detachment from the RSAF with exercises scheduled to run from Aug. 13 to Sep. 9.
Singaporean F-15s are based at RAAF Base Pearce in Bullsbrook, WA.
According to the RAAF website, additional to the Pilatus PC-21, and Hawk-127 Lead-in Fighter aircraft which are currently based out of RAAF Base Pearce, the base will host small detachments of F-15SG and F-16C/D/+ aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
Singapore F-15SG Strike Eagle
The RSAF’s F-15SG Strike Eagle is an all-weather multi-role fighter designed to achieve air superiority over the battlefield. It is one of the most advanced and technologically sophisticated variant of the F-15.
The F-15SG is equipped with the latest avionics, an integrated sensor suite and advanced weapons. This unique configuration provides the aircraft with exceptional situational awareness capabilities, enhanced air-to-air and self-defence capabilities, and outstanding survivability.
The aircraft is the first production F-15 aircraft to have an AESA radar with full air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.
The F-15SG is also able to carry a larger payload of weapons and fuel, giving it enhanced firepower and longer endurance for air defense and counter-air operations missions. It also has the ability to carry a large variety of both conventional and precision stand-off weapons, making it extremely versatile and lethal.
Photo by Peter Gronemann from Switzerland and Peter Gronemann from Switzerland via Wikipedia