A Malaysian aerospace group has developed a programme for the 10-year service inspection of the Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter.
An Su-30MKM that underwent Aerospace Technology Systems’ (ATSC) inspection regime was officially presented to the country’s prime minister at the Langkawi international Maritime Exhibition.
The company says that it was important to prove that this work can be undertaken locally, helping Malaysia be less dependent on OEMs for aircraft support.
A display at the company’s stand illustrates a detailed process under which the entire aircraft, including its engines, is broken down and carefully analyzed for fatigue and other problems.
So far, three Su-30MKM’s have undergone the programme, with the remaining 15 examples in the Royal Malaysian Air Force fleet to follow.
In 2018, media reports emerged suggesting that Kuala Lumpur’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM fleet was largely grounded owing to sustainment issues. RMAF-operated Su-30MKM’s had a major presence at this year’s Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace exhibition, with at least 10 at the show.
ATSC is a unit of state-owned National Aerospace & Defence Industry (NADI) and two Russian partners, RAC MiG and Rosoboronexport. NADI owns 70%, RAC MiG 25%, and Rosoboronexport 5%.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
