ST Engineering is no stranger to artificial intelligence (AI), according to Chua Jin Kiat, the head of International Defence Business and Market Development for the company. At a media briefing in Singapore on Sunday, he listed various ST products and services that have already benefited from the company’s proprietary algorithms, such as aircraft maintenance, unmanned aircraft systems, and internet video content analysis.
Covering 2,000 sq meters, the ST Engineering stand displays an extensive range of software and hardware, grouped around what the company terms three “clusters” –Commercial Aerospace, Defence, and Smart City. Three new developments are of particular interest to aerospace specialists.
A Passenger-To-Tanker (P2T) conversion of the Boeing 757 is underway, for aerial firefighting. That mission is not new, but Leon Tan, general manager of cabin interiors and engineering, told AIN that ST Engineering sees a gap in the market for a new airframe, to replace the many aging ones currently in service. The P2T will deliver well over 6,000 gallons of fire retardant or water through a gravity-fed system that is more optimized than current systems, according to the company. It says that Airbus airframes are also candidates for conversion.
The partner and launch customer for the P2T is Galactic Holdings, whose founding members are veterans of aerial firefighting operations. Conversion of the first one will start mid-year, and go into service next year.
Tan is also in charge of the AirFish, a Wing-In Ground Effect (WIG) craft with various potential applications, including marine tourism, ferry transport, logistics, and para-military. Over the years, several companies have tried and failed to get WIGs accepted commercially. StEngg is the latest, in partnership with WigetWorks, a local SME. The craft on display here is a smaller version of the eight-seater that is now undergoing trials.
Thirdly, Blue Spear is a fifth-generation jet-powered surface-to-surface missile (5G SSM) that STEngg is developing in partnership with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). It offers precision strike at ranges up to 180 miles, flying low-level at high subsonic speeds and carrying and high-explosive insensitive munition warhead. It has a datalink for inflight retargeting if necessary. Ground and ship-launched versions are available. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will add it to their frigates, but the first customer is Estonia.