Malaysia has First Simulation Centre for Sukhoi Jets in Asia

25 April 2011

Sukhoi Su-30 flight simulator - Indian version (photo : Trishul)

BESUT, (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force now has at its Gong Kedak base the only simulation centre in Asia for training pilots of Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the centre had two sets of a system capable of carrying out training missions on line just like in real life.

He said the RM258 million system built by local company HeiTech Padu Berhad at a cost of RM258 million had been in use since early November last year.

"The system can train pilots and weapons sensor officers and the technical crew by using aircraft flight simulation models especially for Sukhoi aircraft," he told reporters after launching the centre Monday.

Also present were Air Force chief General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Rodzali Daud, HeiTech Padu Berhad executive chairman Datuk Mohd Hilmey Mohd Taib and RMAF Divison 1 commander Major General Datuk Ansar Ali Majeth.

Ahmad Zahid said the system had helped to reduce government expenditure as pilots of Sukhoi aircraft no longer had to be sent overseas for training.

He said the centre was developed using a private fund initiative, whereby HeiTech Padu Berhad was responsible for 10 years of operations management and maintenance until 2020.

Twenty-eight RMAF pilots had been trained at the centre since it was set up, Ahmad Zaid said.

(Bernama)