SHAH ALAM: Defence Minister DS Hishammuddin Hussein inaugurated the new aircraft for Kolej Tentera Udara in a ceremony in Alor Setar, on Wednesday. The aircraft are five PC-7 Mk IIs and three EC-120Bs to be operated by Pulatibang 1 and Pulatibang 2.

With the additional PC-7s, the Pulatibang 1 now operates 21 Mk IIs. Based on the serial number of new planes, RMAF lost four of the Mk IIs since the first aircraft was delivered in 2007. Two of the crashes were fatal.

With the arrival of the latest five Mk IIs, the surviving Mk Is – originally 44 were delivered – will be retired though no dates have been confirmed.

The latest Mk IIs are basically the same as the first 19 although they are now painted in a new livery. The air-frame is completely red now with blue and yellow stripes in the middle.

The livery is reminiscent of aerobatics aircraft though there is no word whether they will be reforming the Kris Sakti team with them. It is likely that it will be an ad-hoc team instead of a permanent one.

The five Mk IIs were flown to KTU in two batches, the first two – as reported by Malaysian Defence – on June 1 while the other three arrived on July 16, according to the statement released by RMAF.

The Colibris according to the press release were now fitted with new glass cockpits but as usual I was too busy to take pictures of it. Two more of the EC-120Bs are on order, however, no dates were mentioned at the ceremony. The helicopters are leased from Gading Helicopters. For more go here.

For more information on RMAF flight training at KTU, go here.

— Malaysian Defence

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