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Many extraordinary stories are told about jungles in Far Malaysia: from snakes, tigers, geckos and weird ghosts.
But the most extraordinary story is about the small aeronautic exhibition on the cosy island of Langkawi.
The jungles’ hum, buzz and rustle make way every two years in the beginning of December for rattle and screech of propellers and jet engines.
Langkawi... the little Island in the North West left hand from the border to Thailand.
The question if the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition compares with a real exhibition is –at least for the aerial part- disputable.
Because neither civil nor military businesses took part in daily flight performances, in static nothing indicated big world premiere.
But the airshow was great; at least for us, local spotters seemed to be a bit disappointed about the program.
No, indeed! We weren’t disappointed although the flying lasted only approx. 90 minutes twice a day.
In consideration of the participants disillusionment would have been misplaced.
Each time three Malaysian MiG-29N made the beginning.
For the last time because the Smokey Bandits will be retired by the end of 2010 so we won’t shoot them again.
However, the Royal Malaysian Air Force got a brand new MB-339CM; its official delivery took place during LIMA. This might be the reason for the cautiously performed display.
After the host country’s PC-7 Mk II the jungles’ mistress developed her wings: SU-30 MkM! What an awesome display! Powerful, loud and dynamic, completely after our fancy!
Afterwards followed the part of foreign participants; starting with F-16 C/D and AH-64D Longbow Apache from Singapore.
Both were much-loved by the spectators, probably because of the presenter’s brilliant statements like “Malaysia and Singapore, together in friendship” which won them over.
Singapour Team
Smoke ON Singapour F-16
Then we saw the reason that justified our long journey: The Aardvark, an F-111C of the Australian Air Force, rose to a display.
Nice to see the pretty beast once again up in the sky, nevertheless, also this legend will be retired after 40 years of working hours in the RAAF!
On the island of Langkawi this old Lady showed again what she’s made of.
Especially the one and only dump & burn demonstration, where kerosene is burned off in the jet blast, sent us into rapture.
For sure that was a highlight in our spotter life...
Yeeah from here comes the "Fire"
Cockpit
Tanks...!
The final of flying displays was reserved to a CL-415 MP of Malaysian Maritime Enforcement. A crisp flown, extremely photogenic performance with double water drop (each time more than 6,000 liters!).
For every display unit hundreds of people congregated around the airport. Many used the opportunity for an extensive picnic with the whole family;
from granny up to toddler every generation was present. All that in a heat which burned off our epidermis and every slug of Tiger beer horrified our bloodstream. Extremely strange!
A particularly popular observation point was a hill near the airport from which took pictures the first day as the only Europeans far and wide in company of palms and giant beetles!
Also extremely strange!
During hours we stood at the fence we got into conservation with many people, especially for the children we were a big attraction. We had a lot of fun!
Dauphin 2
Every day we had a lot of Hercs there.
This F-5 get brand new Photoequipment just some months before.
Malaysia + Pilatus
Bomba
On Langkawi is also an big Policeschool.
Some civil stuff
I love the palmtrees in the background.
If you like to see more Pics from the Su-30 or F-111
just visit our Website. You can find there an big flash gallerie.
In Scramble No. 369 you can also find an short Showreport with all Regs (Page 94&95)
Our Pauli
Jens
(Text: Sascha & Nicole)
especially the 'Aardvark' shots!
