For the first time in National Day Parade’s (NDP) history, 300 synchronised drones will take flight indoors on Sunday Aug 9 to anchor the event’s largest lighting production to date.
Suspended above an arrow-shaped stage at the National Stadium, the aerial display will pair precision-mapped drone formations with two high-flying aerialists and live music.
A massive 46m × 12m × 7m aerial cuboid set will frame the aerialists as they suspend mid-air.
Every drone flight path has been planned to ensure perfect coordination, said Kwek Qing Wei, 40, senior programme manager (unmanned systems) of Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).
“One of the challenges that we faced was getting all 300 drones to fly together in a synchronised manner while the aerialist performs. It must also be in sync with the music and the lights,” said Mr Kwek.
As the performance takes place indoors, the team implemented an Indoor Positioning System instead of standard GPS, he added.
This year’s NDP will also feature the largest lighting production in history – totalling 1,600 moving lights.
Each drone will stay at least three meters away from the performers to ensure safety. Mr Kwek also noted that 12 backup drones remain ready to deploy instantly if any drone encounters a problem.
The system comprises 54 lasers, 1,654 entertainment lighting fixtures and 170 special effects units. Together, they will create an immersive experience for both spectators at the stadium and at home.
The parade will also showcase an array of illuminated large props inspired by Singapore’s rich natural heritage and maritime past.
Among the highlights are seven kinetic animal puppets, comprising five Mousedeers and two Tapirs mounted on specially built tricycles.
Inspired by traditional lanterns and hand puppets, each structure is pedal-powered by one performer while another assists from behind. These puppets have mechanically articulated joints that allow for synchronised, lifelike movement, while internal lighting on the golden cutouts casts intricate shadows onto the ground.
Designed by Petrina Dawn Tan and her team, this segment pays tribute to Singapore’s journey from a thriving port settlement to the multicultural nation it is today.
Designing the oversized structures came with several engineering challenges. The metal-framed cycles had to be stable and easy to manoeuvre, while the seats and handlebars had to be adjusted to suit the performers’ height and riding positions, Ms Tan said.
The prop underwent multiple adjustments before the final design was achieved. Work on the project began last September, culminating in nearly a year of design and production.
This NDP will also feature two large inflated dugongs in white and blue, inspired by porcelain trade during the 14th-century Temasek period, as well as six ship floats comprising two Golekan ships, two Junk ships, and two Tongkang ships, each measuring 6.5 metres in length and 4.7 metres in height.
“We designed it for our Singaporeans and people to understand. So that when they see everything in totality, they get that message clear and thorough, while giving the props some creative imagination to give a child-like feeling to the audience,” Ms Tan highlighted.
