Hey readers... It is that time of the year again where we have planes and ships from all over the world coming to one place, the beautiful island of Langkawi for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace ( LIMA ) Exhibition.
This year, we have the Black Eagles from Korea and the Russian Knights demonstrating during the aerial display, in addition to the A400, A380, A330 (lots of Airbuses) and of course, a first time, a pair of B-1B Lancers (YUP... a pair).
This post entry would most likely be split to 4-5 parts, covering Penang, Exhibition Centre (MIEC) static display, Air Displays, Maritime Displays and more. So do enjoy and drop a comment.
Let's start from Penang....
I had about 4 hours to walk around before my flight started, so as a avid planespotter, I did what I did, spot for planes.
Waterspray
P-3 Orion
Was waiting for the Orion to taxi back to the apron. But they did not. It was only the next day where I had the chance to speak with the crew. They did a touch and go and ended their circuit at Butterworth AFB.
MASKargo A330-223F (9M-MUB)
It was pouring earlier, and that gave me the opportunity to see the water effects within the comfort of the departure hall (albeit with bluish green tint).
This C-130 was also here ferrying people (I suppose?) to and from Langkawi, and was the exact same one that came during LIMA 2015.
USAF C-130H (74-067)
YJ, if you are reading this, here's your plane.
Some narrowbodies to showcase. Malindo and AirAsia jets.
Malindo B737-9GP(ER) (9M-LNJ)
AirAsia A320-216 (9M-AHE) Honghe Nativeland
As per most cargo carriers, MASKargo departed. All aircraft used Taxiway Bravo.
My ride came shortly after MUB departed. AirAsia AJX. This is one of the few AJ series without sharklets.
AirAsia A320-216 (9M-AJX)
Seat 20A
Before starting our pushback, this special one came in and parked right next to us.
AirAsia A320-214 (9M-AFD) Bo Rocks
As we started our pushback, you get the lineup of tails, AirAsia jets and others.
Tail lineup
View from Taxiway Bravo
Just as I began to feel "Ahhh.... I'm flying to Langkawi", we were already on our final approach into LGK.
Cloudy weather in Langkawi
Lineup of Jets for LIMA 2017
Had the chance to grab a few apron shots. They usually direct us into the terminal, but this time we had to wait for some airport vehicles to pass. So got my camera up and got these few.
After that was a ride to my guest house, and the place I would stay for the next 3 days. Managed to catch a glimpse of a single Russian Knights jet practicing for the big event on Tuesday.
Just a speck
Fast forward it about 12 hours and here I am back at the MIEC where the opening ceremony was about to begin. The crowd was building up, people were getting ready and the feeling was just awesome. Had a chance to do a short walk around the place.
Black Eagles
Staring the 330 in the face
Malaysia Airlines A330-323 (9M-MTD)
This sole A330 there with the LIMA 2017 sticker would later be used for a fly-by during the start of the aerial exhibition at 12. For now, it is just sitting here resting. Turning about 180 back, these caught my attention. The PM's jet, an ILS Calibrator and a cargo transport.
More tails
Zooming out to show the crowd
I must commend them for setting up platforms for the media to get a clear photo above the crowd, and for setting up fans all directed at the audiences. It is Malaysia and with the morning sun, you would be sweating in no time.
Thai Gripens
After about half an hour, during which we had the welcoming address by the officials and the PM, it was time for the show to start. The much anticipated opening ceremony of LIMA 2017.
It started with a single F-18 flying past Center Stage at speeds beyond the sound barrier.
F-18 high speed flyby
Deploying flares
And if the roaring flyby wasn't enough to wow the audience (it wowed me for sure), the did a high speed pull up while deploying some flares, something we don't get to see everyday.
One thing about the opening ceremony, you are always hit with surprises. You will see a jet flying from left to right, and before it is over, you have another one roaring in from the back.
More flares
Then come the helicopters, pulling amazing maneuvers and performing simulated firing. The ground had charges ready to pop as the choppers flew by.
Look at the climb
After the simulated attacks
Once the choppers were done parading, we were then presented with a colourful entrance of the Jupiter Team.
Jupiter Team with smoke on
During LIMA 2015, the team's performance had to be cancelled as there was a mid air collision during their practice sessions. All pilots were safe but 2 aircraft were written off. It is great to see that they are now back in action.
Before the final flypast of the RMAF's jets, the Air Force presented the audience with a fly-by of 3 A400s. YUP, in close formation. Lighting isn't the best here but the feeling itself was more than enough.
One broke off from the formation to show us the capabilities of the A400, making tight turns and steep climbs. If you noticed, the fan blades spin in opposite directions of each other. From what I've read, it was to increase the efficiency of the engines by using the flow of the the air generated by the blades.
The finale was a large simulated explosion which was really impressive. Large, and HOT, even from about a few hundred meters away. No photos though as the zoom lens was attached instead of the wide angled one.
And here we have it, the final fly past of our jets.
Hornets, Sukhois and Hawks
Taxiing to parking after the opening ceremony
