RMAF Future; need opinions
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Here's the original report from Flightglobal:
Malaysia to buy 12 more Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs
By Greg Waldron
Malaysia is likely to buy 12 additional Pilatus PC-7 Mk II primary trainers and could sell its early-model PC-7s to the Philippines.
A first batch of new PC-7 Mk IIs will probably be purchased after April 2011, when the country's new five-year budget - the Tenth Malaysia Plan - will come into effect, says an industry source.
"The problem with the current five-year plan is that most of the defence money was spent on armoured personnel carriers," says the source. "The air force definitely has a need for 12 PC-7 Mk IIs, but a decision is not likely until after April 2011." The service will split its planned purchase between two batches, the source says.
In April Malaysia decided to acquire 257 armoured personnel carriers for around $2.5 billion, according to media reports.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force operates 17 PC-7 Mk IIs (above) out of an original fleet of 19 purchased in 2005, with two having been lost in accidents. It also has 31 early-model PC-7s that were acquired in the 1980s.
The source says the older aircraft could be refurbished and sold to the Philippine air force. The Philippines recently took delivery of four Alenia Aermacchi SF-260F primary trainers, with 14 more to follow in early 2011. It also has 25 older model SF-260s and six S-211 trainers, says Flightglobal's MiliCAS database.
The shortage of primary trainers in the Philippines has resulted in a training backlog of between 150 and 170 pilots.
Malaysia to buy 12 more Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs
By Greg Waldron
Malaysia is likely to buy 12 additional Pilatus PC-7 Mk II primary trainers and could sell its early-model PC-7s to the Philippines.
A first batch of new PC-7 Mk IIs will probably be purchased after April 2011, when the country's new five-year budget - the Tenth Malaysia Plan - will come into effect, says an industry source.
"The problem with the current five-year plan is that most of the defence money was spent on armoured personnel carriers," says the source. "The air force definitely has a need for 12 PC-7 Mk IIs, but a decision is not likely until after April 2011." The service will split its planned purchase between two batches, the source says.
In April Malaysia decided to acquire 257 armoured personnel carriers for around $2.5 billion, according to media reports.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force operates 17 PC-7 Mk IIs (above) out of an original fleet of 19 purchased in 2005, with two having been lost in accidents. It also has 31 early-model PC-7s that were acquired in the 1980s.
The source says the older aircraft could be refurbished and sold to the Philippine air force. The Philippines recently took delivery of four Alenia Aermacchi SF-260F primary trainers, with 14 more to follow in early 2011. It also has 25 older model SF-260s and six S-211 trainers, says Flightglobal's MiliCAS database.
The shortage of primary trainers in the Philippines has resulted in a training backlog of between 150 and 170 pilots.
The RMAF has had a long standing requirement for additional PC-7 Mk11s fr a while now, to replace its Mk1s. With a big chunk already allocated for the AV8, 6 LCSs and at least a squadrons worth of MRCA's, it remains to be seen if there is any spare cash left from the budget. There is also a requirement for additional LIFTs as the 8 MBB-339CMs and 4-5 Hawk 100s are insufficient to meet training needs.
Some RMAF videos, showing Fulcrums and Flankers, taken at the recent LIMA exhibition.
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yblJwmShbLg"]LIMA 2011 MiG-29 "Smokey Bandits" Malaysia Air Force Demo Team TUDM RMAF - YouTube[/nomedia]
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPdnRmbcy_0&feature=relmfu"]LIMA 2011 Su-30MKM Malaysia Air Force TUDM RMAF Tentera Udara DIRAJA MALAYSIA - YouTube[/nomedia]
Hornets and Fulcrums at Kuantan.
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtj2BUfaapM&feature=related"]MIG 29 & F18 in action RMAF Airshow 2011 - YouTube[/nomedia]
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yblJwmShbLg"]LIMA 2011 MiG-29 "Smokey Bandits" Malaysia Air Force Demo Team TUDM RMAF - YouTube[/nomedia]
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPdnRmbcy_0&feature=relmfu"]LIMA 2011 Su-30MKM Malaysia Air Force TUDM RMAF Tentera Udara DIRAJA MALAYSIA - YouTube[/nomedia]
Hornets and Fulcrums at Kuantan.
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtj2BUfaapM&feature=related"]MIG 29 & F18 in action RMAF Airshow 2011 - YouTube[/nomedia]
Some info and pics on the current Cope Taufan exercise between the RMAF and the USAF. Aircraft participating include Fulcrums, Hornet. Hawks and Eagles. Apart from Cope Taufan, RMAF fighters also train alongside USN fighters under the annual CARAT exercise.
Cope Taufan 2012 under way in Malaysia
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123297079
Cope Taufan 2012 under way in Malaysia
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123297079
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Integration for the Fulcrums to be armed with the R-77 was done way back in the 1990's, but Malaysia never confirmed or denied receiving the R-77. One reason could have been political - Thailand is believed to have specificly asked for AMRAAMS to go with its 8 Hornets which it ordered and later cancelled, due to the R-77. My guess is that these are the first R-77s to have been ordered. For some reason the RMAF has been 'shy' about releasing photos its Russian ordnance, only training rounds of the Alamo, Archer, KH-31 and KAB-500KR have been displayed publicly.
Live trials were done last year for the KH-31 and KAB-500KR.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg6lLrpwG-k/Tj9DOwlFjbI/AAAAAAAAA8g/MWB32yeWc34/s1600/NOTAM.png
Live trials were done last year for the KH-31 and KAB-500KR.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sg6lLrpwG-k/Tj9DOwlFjbI/AAAAAAAAA8g/MWB32yeWc34/s1600/NOTAM.png
Though maneuvers were reportedly performed in the past with Super Hornets from USN carriers, this exercise involving Su-30MKMs, is the first publicly released news on a bilateral exercise involving the RMAF, in which the Su-30MKMs participated in.
USAF F-15C train with Su-30MKMs for the first time - The DEW Line
USAF F-15C train with Su-30MKMs for the first time - The DEW Line
A few great great pics released by the USN showing 2 Super Hornets and 2 RMAF Su-30MKMS flying over the USS George Washingston, which visited Malaysia last week. The week before, another carrier, the USS George Stennis, had also docked in Malaysia.Though the Su-30MKMs have trained with USAF F-15s before, no official word has ever been release of training conducted with the USN but is it believed that Su-30MKMs have conducted basic fighter maneuvers with Super Hornets from a passing carrier in the past. The photo on the right shows 2 Lekiu class frigates alongside the USS George Washington.
The MRCA programme which is intended to replace the MiG-29Ns and F-5Es/Fs is still ongoing with a contract only expected to be awarded in 2014 at the latest. It has been announced that the RMAF, due to budgetary constraints, might lease up to 18 Gripens from SAAB. The RMAF also recently announced that the first 2 of 12 Cougars will be delivered early next year and that the 4 A400Ms will only arrive in 2015.
The MRCA programme which is intended to replace the MiG-29Ns and F-5Es/Fs is still ongoing with a contract only expected to be awarded in 2014 at the latest. It has been announced that the RMAF, due to budgetary constraints, might lease up to 18 Gripens from SAAB. The RMAF also recently announced that the first 2 of 12 Cougars will be delivered early next year and that the 4 A400Ms will only arrive in 2015.
Ananda
The Bunker Group
This leased Grippen, it's already confirmed? Since I have seen from other sources (media and forum ), an conflicting argument on Grippen leased.
As I understand RMAF now facing dillema which one will be in priority to be replaced by this leased grippen, F-5 or Mig 29. So do you have more confirmed info now on which will be retain until MRCA and which one will be replaced by this leased Grippen as interim until MRCA?
As I understand RMAF now facing dillema which one will be in priority to be replaced by this leased grippen, F-5 or Mig 29. So do you have more confirmed info now on which will be retain until MRCA and which one will be replaced by this leased Grippen as interim until MRCA?
First to go will be the Fulcrums, followed by the F-5s. The priority is to replace the Fulcrums as the F-5s have long been relegated to secondary roles, such as flying escorts for the 2 RF-5Es and for pilots to maintain currency. A dedicated recce pod will have to be bought for the new MRCAs or existing planes to replace the 2 RF-5Es - which went digital a couple of years ago. The Gripen deal is not confirmed but the Chief of RMAF said that it was being considered. The RMAFs preference is believed to be the Super Hornet but the budget allocated for the programme will have to be increased if the RMAF is to get the 18 aircraft it wants.
BTW Ananda, th latest Air Forces Monthly has nice pics of the TNI-AUs Flankers on their way to Picth Black and has an interview with 11 Squadron's CO. It's a bit of a coincidence isn't it, the RMAFs Flankers are also operated by 11 Squadron
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Another RMAF Su-30MKM pic taken during DACT performed with USN Super Hornets.
BTW Ananda, th latest Air Forces Monthly has nice pics of the TNI-AUs Flankers on their way to Picth Black and has an interview with 11 Squadron's CO. It's a bit of a coincidence isn't it, the RMAFs Flankers are also operated by 11 Squadron
.Another RMAF Su-30MKM pic taken during DACT performed with USN Super Hornets.
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The RMAF has received the first 2 of 12 Cougars it ordered from Eurocopter. The aircraft have been delivered without a refueling probe fitted [normally fitted on the starboard nose section] and it is believed that for the time being the RMAF does not intend for its Cougars to have the ability to receive AAR. The RMAF has never performed AAR involving helicopters as no helicopter operated by it has ever been fitted with refueling probes.
Pilots will be trained on a simulator owned by Eurocopter.
RMAF to start using Eurocopter's simulator from 2013 - Airforce Technology
Pilots will be trained on a simulator owned by Eurocopter.
RMAF to start using Eurocopter's simulator from 2013 - Airforce Technology
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Some pics taken by the Royal Malaysian Air Force [RMAF] and United States Air Force [USAAF] at the recently concluded Cope Taufan 2014 exercise held in Malaysia. Also conducted was Teak Mint which is a special forces exercise and involved USAAF C-17s doing air drops. Cope Taufan 2014 saw the 1st participation of the F-22 in a regional bilateral exercise and also involved RMAF Su-30MKMs, MiG-29Ns, F/A-18Ds, Hawks, as well as USAAF F-15s and MC-130s.
In late 2013 the RMAF and the United States Navy [USN] conducted Air Warrior 2013 which involved RMAF fighters and Super Hornets from VMFA-112.
In late 2013 the RMAF and the United States Navy [USN] conducted Air Warrior 2013 which involved RMAF fighters and Super Hornets from VMFA-112.
As predicted the Yanks won most of the engagements but the RMAF did score a few 'kills'. Interestingly, the RMAF's ACMI pods were seen on the Fulcrums and Hawks but not on the Flankers: probably haven't been integrated yet.
MAN: Turning and burning with the best | New Straits Times
Not sure if you've seen this. Something on a C2 system made locally.
There's been a lot of activity with the U.S. these past few weeks -
1. Cope Taufan with Teak Mint and Balance Mint tied in.
2. CARAT
3. A visit by the Pacific Fleet Commander.
4. A visit by the USMC Commandant.
5. The USS George Washington passing through.
And late last year there was Air Warrior with USN SuperHornets. Malaysian has also deployed an infantry platoon for RIMPAC which is currently being held.
RMAF deploys homegrown C2 system for joint exercise with USAF - IHS Jane's 360
MAN: Turning and burning with the best | New Straits Times
Not sure if you've seen this. Something on a C2 system made locally.
There's been a lot of activity with the U.S. these past few weeks -
1. Cope Taufan with Teak Mint and Balance Mint tied in.
2. CARAT
3. A visit by the Pacific Fleet Commander.
4. A visit by the USMC Commandant.
5. The USS George Washington passing through.
And late last year there was Air Warrior with USN SuperHornets. Malaysian has also deployed an infantry platoon for RIMPAC which is currently being held.
RMAF deploys homegrown C2 system for joint exercise with USAF - IHS Jane's 360
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I imagine that was almost no 'free play' in these engagements, so yes they may have a few scripted kills in scenarios intended to improve crews skills in particular scenarios.
These were also 1 v 1 engagements, in no way representative of wartime engagements...
nevidimka,
Also important to take in mind that in a real world engagement the F-22s and F-15s will be operating in parallel with AEW platforms and other ISR assets. As the article mentions the purpose of the whole exercise was not to see who wins or loses but to refine skills and learn. We can only speculate as to how useful the IRSTs on the Fulvrums and Flankers were in picking up USAA aircraft. Also interesting that mix packages comprising aircraft from both air arms were employed.
Also important to take in mind that in a real world engagement the F-22s and F-15s will be operating in parallel with AEW platforms and other ISR assets. As the article mentions the purpose of the whole exercise was not to see who wins or loses but to refine skills and learn. We can only speculate as to how useful the IRSTs on the Fulvrums and Flankers were in picking up USAA aircraft. Also interesting that mix packages comprising aircraft from both air arms were employed.
I know all about "its about the system", and not individual fight in a real world argument. Not interested in that right now.
As the New Straits times article shows, if you read it, there are 1 on 1 engagements, and I'm interested to know if there are more details on that.
System vs system argument does not prove how effective a particular jet is designed for its role in air combat, but rather how effective a system is.
So if I want to know how good a system if, i'd be in the system section, and not in the aviation segment.
But please, any news on the 1 on 1's?
As the New Straits times article shows, if you read it, there are 1 on 1 engagements, and I'm interested to know if there are more details on that.
System vs system argument does not prove how effective a particular jet is designed for its role in air combat, but rather how effective a system is.
So if I want to know how good a system if, i'd be in the system section, and not in the aviation segment.
But please, any news on the 1 on 1's?
First of all; I was not getting into a ''system vs system'' argument. I was stressing the fact that in a real world engagement things would have been done differently. Also, an exercise conducted with assets operating in conjunction with ISR assets as part of a fully networked system; tests various things: not just ''how effective a system is''.
Also, 1 vs 1 engagements might not necessarily prove how effective ''a particular jet is designed for its role in air combat'' as certain aspects would probably have been scripted and the objective was not to see who chalks up higher kills or who has the better platform.
My comments were in reference to Cope Taufan and is totally relevant to the thread. Next time around, before I make a posting, I'll tailor my comments accordingly to ensure it's something you're interested in.
No I do not have any information as to the 1 vs 1 engagements. All we know is what the RMAF has released, that the USAAF scored most of the ''kills'', the RMAF scored a few and that both were satisfied with the results of the exercise. It was also mentioned somewhere that a Hawk had scored a ''kill''. Personally, I'm more interested about the C2 system the RMAF deployed. The August issue of Air Forces Monthly has a report on Cope Taufan. An RMAF officer interviewed stressed the fact that the flying was the easy part. The hard part was planning and integrating all the scenarios and joint flying.
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