RMAF MiG-29s and Sukhoi steal show with aerobatic feats

Wednesday December 5, 2007

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) 2007 Exhibition roared off to spectacular start with fighter jets streaking across the sky here in an awe-inspiring display.

Aerial starburst The Red Arrows aerobatic team of the British Royal Air Force performing over the skies of Langkawi at the opening of the Lima 2007. The Royal Malaysian Air Force's newly acquired Sukhoi SU30 fighter jets and the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran aerobatic teams are also showing off their skills during the air and maritime show.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah were among the large crowd that witnessed the 90-minute display showcasing several skilful aerobatic formations.

The British Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic team, popularly known as the Red Arrows, lived up to its name as nine jetsshot across the sky with their trademark manoeuvres.

Angkasawan Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor seen getting out of the cockpit of the Red Arrows.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)’s three-man MIG-29 fighter jet team from the 19th Squadron in Kuantan, Pahang also mesmerised the crowd with their precision tactical display.

A solo aerial display by an RMAF Sukhoi SU-30MKM jet show the aircraft’s agility, especially when the pilot manoeuvred it to bank sharply up 90 degrees and later dropped freely, making several spins before levelling off.

Four RMAF F/A 18-D Hornet aircrafts also took part in a heart-stopping air-to-air refuelling exercise with a KC-130 Hercules.

Handover: Abdullah getting a closer look at the Sukhoi SU-30 MKM after taking delivery of it at Lima 2007.

Also taking part in the aerial display were four C-130 aircraft, four RMAF Hawks, two Nuris and two A-109 light observation helicopters.

While the airfield seizure exercise by the 10th Paratrooper Brigade from Malacca was cancelled, nine paratroopers from the RMAF Special Forces’ commandos did a freefall from a CN 235 transport aircraft.

One of the 18 Sukhoi aircraft that the Malaysian Government had recently bought was later officially handed over to Abdullah in a simple ceremony at the tarmac.