The Smokey Bandits to soar in Singapore skies
Monday, January 30, 2012 - 18:38
by Cynthia Blemin
KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time in its 53 years history, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will be sending an aerobatics team to the Singapore Airshow.
Popularly known as "The Smokey Bandits", the flight of MiG-29N aircrafts from No 17 Squadron base in Kuantan has been invited by their Singapore counterpart to showcase their flying maneuvers at the airshow to be held at the Changi Exhibition Centre between Feb 14 and 19.
The Malaysian Armed Forces and Singapore Armed Forces (RSAF) have regularly engaged in bilateral and multilateral exercises in the past but this is the first time the RMAF MiG29s will be deployed to the neighbouring island.
A press statement issued by RMAF said "RSAF have in the last two series of Lima, sent their fighters and helicopters to perform in Langkawi. The RMAF also feels it is high time we returned the favour to our southern neighbours."
The five-men aerobatic team will be led by commanding officer Lt Col Mior Nor Badrishah Mohamad, callsign "Ghost", head of training Capt Mohd Azizi Musa "Skinner", executive officer Maj Razali Ahmad Jumali "Vendor", squadron safety officer Maj Nasruddin Khalid "Digi" and standards officer Maj Azri Ahmad "Adiq".
The team travels with a total of 31 engineering technical specialists have performed on numerous occasions at the bi-annual Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibitions held over the years and the Brunei Defense Exposition 2011 (Bridex 2011).
Audience at the airshow can look forward to maneuvers done in formation and solo displays, which will be performed in unison to ensure a compact and thrilling sequence.
The term ‘smokey bandit’ was originally coined by visiting foreign air force pilots in reference to the black cloud of smoke generated by the MiG29’s Klimov RD33-3 engines when operating in full military thrust.
In 1997, the RMAF’s MiG-29 squadron made its first appearance in the Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show (Lima 97) in Malaysia and has since become the main attraction at Lima air shows.
The squadron was recently crowned Squadron of the Year 2011 by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and received the 2011 Malaysian Armed Forces Readiness Award.
http://www.mmail.com.my/story/smokey-bandits-soar-singapore-skies
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I've some photos of the RMAF MIG29N Smokey Bandits during the LIMA 2011.
http://xtemujin.wordpress.com/2011/...itime-aerospace-exhibition-langkawi-malaysia/