Thunderbirds air show 2009 in Subang, Malaysia thrilled the crowd

Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF or TUDM) base in Subang, Malaysia on Saturday 3rd October 2009 to witness a spectacular aerial display of the USAF aerial demonstration team known as “Thunderbirds”.

The US Embassy Malaysia and the Royal Malaysia Airforce (RMAF) hosted the USAF Thunderbirds at the RMAF Subang airbase.

The air show started at about 10.45 am with Malaysia’s Sukhoi SU-30 MKM demonstration by RMAF pilot and followed with the Thunderbirds. The scheduled demonstration by C-17 Globemaster III was cancelled probably due to the overcast weather. No reason was given.

The air show did not disappoint as the USAF F-16 jet aircraft soared above the crowds performing many of their manoeuvres and stunts in a show of precision flying at its best.

The morning sky was slightly overcast and began to drizzle when the air show got underway. Rain or shine there were still many who braved the weather to catch a glimpse of the show but thankfully God was kind and the weather changed its mood for the better. The rain stopped!

It was a great air show. An unforgettable world class performance that amazed and thrilled tens of thousands of aircraft enthusiasts who descended on Subang jam over the weekend.

Mai Tomyam would like to salute these super skilled pilots who fly the jet aircrafts performing the heart stopping flying stunts and difficult aerobatic formations.

The RMAF's Sukhoi SU-30 MKM air-superiority fighters also participated in the air show.

There was also static display featuring a Sukhoi SU-30 MKM from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) 11th squadron based in Gong Kedak, Pasir Putih, Kelantan and a USAF C-17 Globemaster III which is a large four-engined military tranport aircraft.

The USAF’s Lockheed Martin F-16 Thunderbirds in an arrow-head formation flying over the air space at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Subang, Malaysia.


A world class performance by the USAF Thunderbirds.


The Thunderbirds thrilled the crowd with their breathe-taking aerial manoeuvers.

A fabulous show. It is amazing to see the pilots performing awe-inspiring aerobatic formation and solo flying air demonstrations.


Teamwork ensures Thunderbirds performance.


The famous diamond formation.


The planes are just feet apart.


The planes are flying so close to each other.


The Thunderbirds flying over a USAF C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft (left) and a F-16 jet aircraft parked at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Subang.


Inverted flight by Thunderbird No.5 (bottom) and Thunderbird No.6 (top) performing a mirror image.


Amazing! Watching the jets flying at low speed and low altitude!


The maintenance and support crew of the Thunderbirds lining up and getting ready to work as the aircrafts prepare for landing.


The RMAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKM air-superiority fighter jets also participated in the air demonstration.


The six Thunderbirds lined up on the tarmac of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Subang.


A front view of the Thunderbirds.


The Thunderbirds pilots are ready to go.


One of the six USAF Thunderbird F-16 taxing down the tarmac, ready to go. Seen here is Thunderbird 4.


The Thunderbirds taxing down the runway to take-off for the air demonstration.


The Thunderbirds ready to take-off for the air demonstration.


The Sukhoi SU-30 MKM was powered up and taxing down the tarmac ....


... and turned into the runway for take-off to begin the air demonstration.


Big crowd forming to get onto the tarmac area through this gate into the air show.

Throngs of people packed into the show, occupying every open space in the tarmac area of the RMAF Subang to watch the Thunderbirds air show .


The crowd was allowed closer to the tarmac.


Most of the tens of thousands in the crowd waited enthusiastly for the show to start.


Military police (PROVOS) of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) policing the tarmac area to ensure the crowd did not cross the barricade.


The Thunderbirds represent America's airmen and ambassadors in blue. Seen here is NCO Technical Sergeant Robert Thompson, in charge of communications, stretching his hand for friendly handshakes with the crowd of spectators waiting for the air show to begin.


Friendly smile and handshakes from NCO Technical Sergeant Robert Thompson.


The ground crew of the Thunderbirds are friendly people ....


,.. and got a great sense of humour too.


Friendly chat between a USAF and a RMAF personnel. Good for growing cooperation between the two nations.


Staff Sgt Kristi Machado videotaping for the USAF Thunderbirds.

Our very own Royal Malaysian Air Force's Sukhoi fighter pilot Lt Col Muhamad Norazlan Arif posing with the jet he flew in the demonstration.


Lt Col Muhamad Norazlan Arif of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) 11th squadron based in Gong Kedak, Pasir Putih, Kelantan.


The elite arm of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Special Air Unit (or PASKAU or Pasukan Khas Udara) providing security coverage for the six USAF F-16 Thunderbirds lined up at the tarmac.




Two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Special Air Unit (Paskau) personnel protecting the USAF C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft.


A USAF F16 fighter jet is parked alongside the USAF C-17 Globemaster III military tranport aircraft and protected by RMAF special air unit Paskau.


A static display of Malaysia's very own Sukhoi SU-30 MKM air-superiority fighter jet.

A front view of the Sukhoi SU-30 MKM fighter.


USAF C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft: Functional as a transport aircraft for missions such as tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop. The scheduled demonstration by the aircraft was cancelled.

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