So here we are at 12pm, at a very hot and sunny MIEC (Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre). But that don't matter as the aerial display is going to begin. This year was a little different than last year. I only witness the display once, so everything that had to be taken had to be taken there and then.
This year's aerial display started with a fly-by of 2 airliners. The A330 and the A380. First up, the A330.
Malaysia Airlines A330-323 (9M-MTD)
The sound system hasn't changed from 2 years ago. It was still soft especially if you are near the static aircraft display area. Heard the roar of rhe 330s engines before whipping up my camera. This was my first shot (missed the head on shot of it heading towards the airport). See the LIMA 2017 sticker?
Next we have the A380, sometimes also known as the dugong.
MH A380-841 (9M-MND)
Just a single pass and both airliners were off. They did however give way to these two slender beauties.
USAF B-1B Lancer
That's right, a pair of them flew by center stage. A first for me and probably others too. They were amazing. And this was just a low-speed fly-by.
High-speed fly-by
And with that, they returned to their base. This officially starts the aerial display. The first is of course, our very own Sukhoi Su-30MKM.
Su-30MKM Takeoff
I must say though that their performance was great, though they were really high up. A lot of shots, though heavily backlit. Here's a closeup of the cockpit.
Our heroes in the sky
After the Sukhoi, it was the Black Eagles' turn. They are the Royal Korean Air Force (RoKAF) with their T-50B aircraft. As they did in Singapore Airshow, they came in a 8-ship formation.
RoKAF entrance
I've always enjoyed their performance. Very interesting and colourful. Not all teams employ coloured smoke. And they do it with 8 aircraft.
Diamond Formation
Rainfall
After all the group performance and the rainfall display, they group split to smaller formations, flying with and towards each other.
And one final display for the end of the RoKAF show. Heading straight for center stage.
Ending formation break
The Rafale was next and gave us a show as to how maneuverable it was. I would say for a fighter its size, it does seem to have the maneuverability of an F-16. Very quick and precise.
Rafale in Climb
Touchdown
Like the Sukhoi, the Rafale was rather difficult to photograph as it was a solo performer and was usually heavily backlit. The notable shots are the ones in climb and when they touch down on the runway.
Next up was Indonesia's Jupiter Aerobatics team. They were here two years back though a mid-air collision during their practice run means that they had to pull out from the display.
Next up was Indonesia's Jupiter Aerobatics team. They were here two years back though a mid-air collision during their practice run means that they had to pull out from the display.
You don't get the roars and the booms from this one, just the humble hum as they pass you. Very pleasant indeed. Wonder why they didn't use coloured smoke as they did in the opening ceremony.
The second last performer was the Royal Thai Airforce's Gripen. Like the Rafale, it was highly maneuverable. It zoomed in, from the left, back, front and center all at high speeds.
High-speed pass
The Gripen did display its low speed capabilities as well. This reminds me somewhat of the RSAF's Black Knights performance of the LOW and SLOW, accompanied by the theme song (cue Katy Perry's Roar).
Low-Speed Pass
Back on the ground
At this time, it was close to 2pm in the scorching sun. I was lucky enough to get a nice spot underneath the tail of the KC-135. Although it is a "Narrowbody" aircraft (derived from the B707), it did provide adequate shading. Here's what caught my attention.
KC-135 refuelling Basket
The last one on the agenda was the performance by the Russian Knights. They have now been upgraded to the Su-30 aircraft.
Lift Off
Close-up
Close-up
Unlike the other aerobatics team, the Russian Knights did not have the roaring head on approaches nor did they do high-speed fly-bys. Their main display was how they were able to keep in such a tight formation at such slow speeds. Look at how tight the formation is.
No afterburners
After the multiple passes, it was time to "peel". Two of the four separated and landed leaving 2 more for the other displays.
Like other teams, this particular move is almost like a must, regardless if you are a prop, or a Russian jet.
Chutes Deployed
And all but too soon, we were left with just 1 jet doing the performance. More or less similar to what our TUDM does as after all, they are the same type with almost similar capabilities. With some luck, I had the chance to get the pic below.
Su-30 vs 787
Final high speed pass
And that concludes the entire 2 hour display session. Very impressive I must say. I kinda missed the Al-Fursan and the Singaporean Black Knights though.
For those of you who were wondering, here was my camp site.
Looking to the back
Looking to the front
Looking up into the refuelling basket
It was almost 3pm and there wasn't much to do but to go to the indoor display. Just some random photos around before I head into the MIEC.
Chopper lineup
Tail of the Il-76
RSAF Fokker 50
The maritime opening ceremony would then start about an hour later. Did not manage to attend this session. Here are some helicopters heading to the location.
Looking back, here's the last look at my spot. It was a nice two hours there. Till we meet again in 2 years' time.
That concludes Part 3. Part 4 will focus on the maritime display.
