Two years ago, ATSC proposed a similar but more comprehensive upgrade, similar to the MiG-29UPG upgrade on offer to India and known as the MiG-29NM. RAC-MiG, in conjunction with Malaysia’s Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation (ATSC), announced at LIMA it is proposing to upgrade ten of Malaysia’s MiG-29s (eight single-seat MiG-29Ns and two two-seat MiG-29Bs) to MiG-29SM configuration. Learjet 60 9M-FCL (c/n 60-072) is operated by the flight calibration division of the Jabatan Penerbangan Awam Malaysia (Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia) as a flight-checker aircraft to provide calibration and inspection services for flight navigation equipment. The JAS 39 Gripen and Su-30 were represented by a pair of Royal Thai Air Force Gripen Cs and new Su-30SMs with the Russian Knights Aerobatic team. The French fighter took part in the daily flying programme, as well as providing experience flights for Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia and government officials.īAE Systems had a full-scale mockup of a Typhoon outside the exhibition halls, but no real aircraft, and Boeing was represented by two US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets in the static display. Only Dassault demonstrated its aircraft to customers at LIMA 17, with a two-seat Rafale B and single-seat Rafale C on display. However, Russia’s RAC MiG also threw its hat into the ring this year, with a proposal to upgrade a number of MiG-29s and return them to service. In years past, the competition was thought to have been between BAE Systems (Typhoon), Boeing (Super Hornet), Dassault (Rafale), Saab (Gripen) and Sukhoi (Su-30). The MRCA is intended to replace the Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia’s MiG-29N and MiG-29NUB fighters, of which only a few are thought to remain airworthy and none actually operational. Malaysia’s Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) programme has stagnated for several years now, and despite a BAE Systems official stating that Typhoon and Rafale have been shortlisted, there was no evidence of further progress at LIMA 17. The current Malaysian five-year defence plan is due to expire in 2020 and although officials were keen to talk about fighters, maritime surveillance aircraft and helicopters, it would appear there is no funding for new acquisition projects in the meantime. Instead, the news centred on proposed upgrades to several platforms, but only one of those, the replacement of the Nuri helicopter’s analogue instruments with a modern semi-glass cockpit, has achieved any real traction. However, not all of them brought aircraft with them this time and, once again, news of progress to any Malaysian fighter aircraft acquisition programme was very thin on the ground. Now to let my wife take it out for a spin.The world’s fighter manufacturers were out in force again at the 14th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, held on the resort island of Langkawi between March 21 and 24. Perhaps worst of all, the red paint made the nice little bit of green on the Ferarri logo much darker. Well, I had to carve a wee sliver of styrene card to fix the rear canopy (which I painted black,) I butchered the exhuast to make it fit (and then painted it chrome silver to cover this up,) and the wing roots leak. It was a real 2 hour chore properly positioning them. Maybe it was the ultra glossy paint (with a coat of Future, which I thought would have helped) but once these decals went on the model, they stuck in place. Those decals were a joy and I had no problem positioning them. These come from the same sheet I used for my Spanish F-104G. I recommend Vallejo and Reaper Master paints which love the brush! Mind you, what a great colour red! The paint went on thick and dried quickly and sticky. But, I discovered Tamiya acrylics (and Gunze Sangyo) aren't great for brush painting. Second, Kevan gave me some nice acrylic paints he doesn't use, and one is Tamiya red! Just what I needed. Supposedly Airfix bought this old Revell / Minicraft kit from one of those Chinese knock-off companies, and it shows! The fit was terrible, parts were backwards, the canopy was poorly formed. Now, first, I know that Airfix went through some tough times a decade or so ago, and I only paid 4 and a half for this kit at a local hobby store (too much?) But this simply has to be the worst kit I ever bought from a brand name model company. This will be the closest I'll ever get to making and/or owning a "prancing horse!" Airfix 1/144th F-104G Starfighter done as an Italian Aeronautica Militare Ferrari
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