ST Engineering Reaping Benefits of AI

ST Engineering, under the leadership of Chua Jin Kiat, Head of International Defence Business and Market Development, showcased its adeptness in artificial intelligence (AI) during a recent media briefing in Singapore. Kiat highlighted several ST products and services that have already leveraged the company’s proprietary algorithms, including aircraft maintenance, unmanned aircraft systems, and internet video content analysis.

Occupying 2,000 square meters, the ST Engineering stand exhibits a comprehensive array of software and hardware, organized into three main clusters – Commercial Aerospace, Defence, and Smart City. Three notable developments captured the attention of aerospace specialists.

The ongoing Passenger-To-Tanker (P2T) conversion project for the Boeing 757, aimed at aerial firefighting, is addressing a market need for a new airframe to replace aging ones. Leon Tan, General Manager of Cabin Interiors and Engineering, highlighted that the P2T will deliver over 6,000 gallons of fire retardant or water through a gravity-fed system more optimized than current systems. The conversion, slated to begin mid-year, has Galactic Holdings as the partner and launch customer, with the first deployment expected next year.

Tan also oversees the AirFish, a Wing-In Ground Effect (WIG) craft with diverse potential applications such as marine tourism, ferry transport, logistics, and para-military use. In collaboration with WigetWorks, a local SME, ST Engineering is exploring the commercial viability of WIGs. The showcased model is a scaled-down version of the eight-seater currently undergoing trials.

Furthermore, ST Engineering is developing Blue Spear, a fifth-generation jet-powered surface-to-surface missile (5G SSM), in partnership with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). This precision strike weapon, with a range of up to 180 miles, operates at high subsonic speeds and carries a high-explosive insensitive munition warhead. The Republic of Singapore Navy plans to integrate it into their frigates, with Estonia as the initial customer.