LIMA 09 KICKS OFF WITH AEROBATIC DISPLAY

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi International Maritime
and Aerospace Exhibition 2009 (LIMA 09) kicked-off Tuesday with a captivating
aerobatic display by several aircraft.

The aerial display started when three Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)
MIG-29N air interdiction aircraft dubbed "Taufan Ganas" (Violent typhoon) awed
dignitaries with death defying aerobatic manoeuvres.

The 12-minute aerial display captivated the audience and proved that the
the ageing MIG supersonic aircraft still possessed fearsome capability.

Malaysia which has 18 MIG-29N had decided to decommision the aircraft next
year and replace it with a more capable and all-rounder multi role combat
aircraft (MRCA).

RMAF's Sukhoi SU-30MKM then took to the skies, captivating audience with
textbook precision, reinforcing its tag as the most capable and state-of-the-art
fighter aircraft in Malaysia's inventory.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Apache AH-64D Longbow attack
helicopter made its maiden appearance in Malaysian airspace with similar
jaw-dropping aerial display along with the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon aircraft.

Making a comeback to LIMA was the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-111
"Aadvark" before a Guam-based United States B-52 "Stratofortress" made a
historic flypass over Langkawi skies for the first time at LIMA 09.

The presence of a B-52, famous for its "carpet bombing" role during the
Vietnam and the Gulf war was another highlight of LIMA 09.

Singapore's participation in the form of the Apache helicopter and Falcon
aircraft was its first for LIMA.

A total of 15 aircraft and helicopters have been slated to perform daily
aerial displays throughout LIMA 09.

Over 325 exhibitors from 25 countries are participating at LIMA 09 which
showcases a myriad of aerospace, maritime and defence equipments.

International defence companies taking part in LIMA 09 include Eurocopter,
Thales, DCNS, BAE Systems and AgustaWestland.

Local participants include companies such as National Aerospace & Defence
Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI), Airod Sdn Bhd, Boustead Naval Shipyard and
Composites Technology & Research Malaysia (CTRM).

Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi opened LIMA 09 at Mahsuri International
Exhibition Center (MIEC) here.

Also present was former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the architect
behind LIMA, and Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also the
republic's defence minister.

LIMA 09 is expected to draw over 30,000 visitors.
-- BERNAMA