By BERNAMA
Visitors to the five-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (Lima 2015), beginning March 17, can take a closer look at the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) new asset, Atlas A400M airlifter.
Two days ago, RMAF received delivery of the first of four such aircraft, also known as “MSN22”.
They were purchased in Seville, Spain.
“Atlas A400M is expected to perform a fly pass routine on the opening day of Lima 2015 on March 17,” according to the bi-annual event organiser’s staff when contacted by Bernama.
The strategic transport aircraft has a lifting capacity of up to 20 tonnes and can fly an unrefuelled 3,400 nautical miles at 37,000 feet and at speeds of Mach 0.72.
The presence of A400M in the RMAF inventory will increase its transport operation ability, which at this point relies heavily on the C-130 Hercules aircraft.
At the moment, Malaysia is the only country using the A400M in the Asia Pacific, and is expected to receive two more of the aircraft by year-end and the last one next year.
Currently, the A400M – manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space Company – is used by France, Germany, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Besides the A400M, the organiser through its official website confirmed that the largest passenger aircraft in the market, Airbus A380 would also make a fly pass on the opening day of the exhibition.
A bomber, which has an awesome reputation, B52 “Stratofortress” from the United States strategic base in Pacific is also expected to make a fly pass routine at Lima 2015.
Although the RMAF aerobatic team, “Smokey Bandit” consisting of MiG-29N fighter aircraft will not make an appearance at this year’s Lima, the team will be replaced by five other aerobatic teams.
The aerobatic team involved includes “August 1st” from China using Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft which is making its debut outside China, and “Al Fursan” of the United Arab Emirates.
“Jupiter Aerobatic Team” from Indonesia, “Black Nights” from neighbouring Singapore and “Russian Knights” from Russia will also showcase their capabilities.
The RMAF will also feature the abilities of its Sukhoi SU-30MKM with various flying formations, via its seven aircrafts.
Two fighter aircrafts, FA-18D Hornet and Saab Gripen aircraft of The Royal Thai Air Force will also take part in Lima 2015.
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