By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 27: Thousands of aviation enthusiasts here were held agog today as F/A-18D Hornet combat planes and Sukhoi Su-3OMKM fighter jets from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) roared through the sky, as the pilots showed off their skills in manoeuvering these iron birds.
The spectacular airshow formed part of the RMAF Open Day 2018, which was officiated at by Air Force chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang. It was held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the RMAF.
This is the second air show by the RMAF this year, the first was at the RMAF Butterworth Air Base last month.
Besides the aerial delight, the big crowd also witnessed a demonstration by members of the Special Air Forces unit (PASKAU), where they abseiled from a carrier aircraft. Pyrotechnic explosions made the scene even more exciting.
The airshow, from 8am till 5pm, provided an opportunity for locals to have a closer look at the RMAF assets used to defend the country.
There was also a static exhibition of RMAF aircraft in the dispersal area. Among the planes on display were Nuri helicopters, EC725 AP helicopters, A400M, C130H, CN235, Hawk 108/208, F/A-18D Hornet and SU-3OMKM Sukhoi.
The A4OOM, F/A-1SD and Hawk aircraft also took to the sky and performed mid-air refuelling.
Among those present at the opening ceremony were Deputy Minister of Defence Liew Chin Tong and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong. — DayakDaily
