considering the reliability of Russian engine as compared to the western one, a single engine F-16C is probably far more reliable then the twin engine MIG-29. of course, everything goes down to maintainance and logistic.single engines = not favored by pilots for overwater flights
in case u haven't noticed, Malaysia has a lot of EEZ to cover
-aneep-
the RMAF has always stressed on the reliability of twin engines whenever we consider a new plane due to the massive area of sea between the malaysian peninsular and the borneo area..the airforce is indeed considering a second squadron of Su-30MkMs or a new squadron of superhornets..i wouldnt prefer the latter thou..Sometimes I can't understand RMAF purchasing. The SU 30MKM may perhaps be a fine aircraft, but if the service is to retain air superiority in region, it should either consider buying another large number of SU 30MKMs or just settle for F16s.
I am sure the Malaysians could purchase scores of F16s and its probably a better buy in terms of numbers rather than pursue the Russian option.
But otherwise I am not convinced. How would the SU 30MKM fair against other aircraft??
http://www.f-16.net/articles_article10.htmlLawn Dart: Caused by a higher number of mishaps experienced in the early years.
i PERSONALLY THINK THE SU-30 MKM is far far more better than the F-16.Sometimes I can't understand RMAF purchasing. The SU 30MKM may perhaps be a fine aircraft, but if the service is to retain air superiority in region, it should either consider buying another large number of SU 30MKMs or just settle for F16s.
I am sure the Malaysians could purchase scores of F16s and its probably a better buy in terms of numbers rather than pursue the Russian option.
But otherwise I am not convinced. How would the SU 30MKM fair against other aircraft??
exactly,those gills were supposedly evident only on the MkM and recently the algerian MkA if im not mistaken..so why is it on 04 blue as well?might be a test bed like u said..Interesting. Those grils on the nose in front of the cockpit is an western IFF instrument. I belive only the Su 30MKM has it, not even the Su30 MKI have them. It could be a test bed for the MKM.
Also from 1 of the pics, it shows 3 Su 30 MKM on static display. I thought only 2 were delivered/in service in time for the LIMA 2007?
I don't think so. Watching the pics the 04 is obviously the MKM prototype, as said this aircraft and the 05 were the two Su-30MKI pre-production aircraft. The malaysian 05 is for sure not the same aircraft, the number should be a service given one.Again very interesting. you found a 05 Blue, n i found a 05 Su 30 MKM pic :
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/photos/9/8/6/1303689.jpg
judging from the same ecm,esm suit MKM specific found on both pics, including those double parallel yellow lines on the tail,wingtip, and canopy, i believe we are looking at the same plane!
So it looks like the Russians used those MKM for their display's before they repainted n handed them over to Malaysia. Damm those Russians....LOL.
Those Blue camo planes pics were taken during MAKS 2007. So perhaps they were undergoing trials, when they participated in MAKS 2007.
I think thats a ATFLIR instead. ALQ-165 is not that shape and the base system is hidden from external observation while can only guess from the tail edge.More distinctly, if you check pics of some of the RMAF F-18D, you should be able to see the ALQ-165 bumps fairly clearly...
so was the prototype repainted and later delivered to malaysia?really interesting to know if the MkM was indeed 04 blue at one time and performed at MAKS! :I don't think so. Watching the pics the 04 is obviously the MKM prototype, as said this aircraft and the 05 were the two Su-30MKI pre-production aircraft. The malaysian 05 is for sure not the same aircraft, the number should be a service given one.