Royal Malaysian Air Forces Sub-Tree - “Sentiasa di Angkasa Raya”

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Royal Malaysian Air Forces Sub-Tree

“Sentiasa di Angkasa Raya”

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Hi and welcome to my 80th suggestion, which is about an potential RMAF Sub-TT, hope you like it. :popcorn:
I can already say in advance that this Sub-TT is relatively small and not super spectacular, but still offers one or two interesting vehicles, which can be part of an ASEAN (Sub-) Tech Tree.

First of all:

  • Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
  • Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
    • Please, do not start political or personal discussions

Basic Background

The history of military aviation in the former British Malaya and British North Borneo is closely linked to the presence of RAF bases in Singapore, which was part of Malaysia until 1965. Before World War II, the Royal Air Force (RAF) established several bases in what is now Malaysia, some of which were not put into operation until 1941. However, these had to be evacuated soon after the start of the Japanese invasion. After the war, the reconstruction of flight operations began, parallel to the political changes in the region.
After the end of World War II, the decolonization of Southeast Asia began. In 1948, the Federation of Malaya was formed, and the RAF and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) were deployed to fight communist guerrillas as part of the Malayan Emergency. In February 1953, the RAF established its first helicopter unit, the 194th Squadron, in Kuala Lumpur. Using Dragonfly and later Sycamore helicopters, the squadron played a key role in jungle warfare, where helicopters offered clear advantages over short take-off aircraft. RAF operations officially ended in 1960, three years after the Federation of Malaya gained independence in 1957.
The external security of the young state was initially provided by the United Kingdom under the Anglo-Malayan Defence Agreement. Between 1963 and 1966, the British supported Malaya in the conflict with Indonesia, which was triggered by North Borneo’s accession to the Federation of Malaysia. The RAF was deployed on both the Malay Peninsula and North Borneo, particularly with helicopters such as the Whirlwinds of 230 Squadron and bombers operating from Singapore.
With the withdrawal of British forces from Asia in 1971, the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), a defence agreement between Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, came into force.
The Malayan Auxiliary Air Force, which was established during British rule, was merged into the Royal Malayan Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Persekutuan) on 2 June 1958. It took over RAF Kuala Lumpur (Simpang Airport) in 1960. On 16 September 1963, the day Malaysia was founded, it was renamed the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) or Tentera Udara DiRaja Malaysia (TUDM). Many of the early members of the RMAF had previously served in the RAF.
In the early years, the RMAF played a more support role, with only liaison aircraft and helicopters. After 1963, the first transport aircraft, including the Herald and the Caribou, entered service. The first combat aircraft, ten Australian Sabres, were taken over by the RAAF in 1969 and stationed at RAAF Base Butterworth. However, these aircraft were decommissioned in 1972.
After the British withdrew in 1971, Australia helped secure Malaysian airspace until 1983, notably by stationing a Mirage IIIO squadron in Butterworth. In the 1970s, the RMAF modernized its fleet and received, among other aircraft, F-5E Tigers and A-4 Skyhawks, which were later replaced by modern fighter aircraft such as the MiG-29 (9.12B), BAE Hawk 108 / 208 and F/A-18D, of which most are still in service today.

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The RMAF Sub-Tree Overall

The RMAF Air Sub-Tree is quite small, which is because Malaysia does not have as many suitable options as other nations from Southeast Asia, but among these few there are also unique modifications that are worth integrating into the game.
In addition, not all possibilities are represented in the following sub-tree. I have left out some because it is either not verifiable whether variant XY was ever used by the RMAF, they are pure C&P, have no verifiable armament or are not balanceable. These include; MB-339CM, CL-41G, F-5E / F, MiG-29 (9.12B) (initial delievery), F/A-18D (initial delievery). If you have further information on CL-41G or MB-339CM, please let me know in the comments (along with sources), in case these are viable for the game and can be added to the Tech Tree.
Although the FA-50M has been ordered but not yet built and put into service, I have added it as a possible future option.

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The Battle Ratings (BR) and Roles are rough estimates for illustrative purposes only and can be ignored.

The RMAF Sub-Tree Aircraft

Rank 5

Aermacchi MB-339A

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Two seat Combat-Trainer with good medium CAS armament and 30mm guns pods for self-defence.

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 2
  • Powerplant: 1x Rolls-Royce Viper Mk. 632
    • Thrust: 17,8 kN
  • Maximum speed: 898 km/h
  • Rate of climb: 34 m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +8g / -4g

Armaments:

  • 2x 30mm gun Pods
  • 2x FFAR Pods
  • ?x Mk.82
Rank 6

CAC CA-27 Mk.32 Sabre

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The CA-27 Mk.32 has two 30mm cannons, 162 rounds each, as its main armament, as well as the ability to carry two AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles; although these have not been seen in RMAF service, the possibility of using them is there. For air-to-ground combat, the Sabre has a small selection of unguided rockets and bombs.

Suggestion Link: CA-27 Mk.32 Sabre - RMAF Butterworth’s old Gate Keeper

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 1
  • Powerplant: 1x Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.26
    • Thrust: 3.289 kgf
  • Maximum speed: 1.119 km/h

Armaments:

  • 2x 30mm guns
  • 2x AIM-9B
  • 2x 100ib AN-M30
  • 2x 250 lb AN-M57
  • 2x 500 lb AN-M64
  • 2x 1,000 lb AN-M65
  • 2x BLU-1
  • 30x RP-3 3-inch
  • 20x HVAR 5-inch
  • 20x Matra T10 5-inch
  • 10x LAU-32

BAE Hawk 108

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Combat trainer as a supplement to the Hawk 208, practically a slimmed down version of these.

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 2
  • Powerplant: 1x Rolls-Royce Adour Mk.951
    • Thrust: 28,89 kN
  • Maximum speed: 1019 km/h
  • Rate of climb: m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +8g / -3g

Armaments:

  • 1x 30mm gun Pod
  • 2x AIM-9P
  • 2x AIM-9P-4
  • 2x AIM-9L
  • ?x Mk.82
  • ?x CRV7

Douglas A-4PTM

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Refurbished A-4C/Ls and modified under the PERISTA project to meet the needs of the RMAF and partially A-4Ms. Retired in the mid 90’s and replaced by Hawks.

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 1
  • Powerplant: 1x Wright J65-W-20
    • Thrust: 3810 kgf
  • Maximum speed: ~1100 km/h
  • Rate of climb: ~48 m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +8g / -3g

Armaments:

  • 2x 20mm Mk.12 Mod 0
  • AIM-9J
  • AGM-65B
  • Various dump bomb and rockets

BAE Hawk 208

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Single-seat, light multi-role fighter specifically for Malaysia. Modified to carry AGM-84, four AIM-9 and other armament.

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 1
  • Powerplant: 1x Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.207
    • Thrust: 4,602 kgf
  • Maximum speed: 1144 km/h
  • Rate of climb: 40,7 m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +8g / -3g

Armaments:

  • 1x 30mm gun Pod
  • 4x AIM-9P
  • 4x AIM-9P-4
  • 4x AIM-9L
  • ?x AGM-84
  • ?x Mk.82
  • ?x CRV7
Rank 7

Northrop RF-5E

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The F-5E with a redesigned nose to accommodate reconnaissance equipment. Unknown A2G armament, one gun removed, AIM-9P-4 capability.

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 1
  • Powerplant: 2x General-Electric J85-GE-21
    • Dry thrust: 2x 16 kN
    • Afterburner thrust: 2x 22 kN
  • Maximum speed: 1.743 km/h
  • Rate of climb: 175 m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +9g / -3g

Armaments:

  • 1x 20mm M39A3
  • 2x AIM-9P
  • 2x AIM-9P-4

KAI FA-50M (Block 20M) (Future Addition)

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KAI’s FA-50 Block 20 modified for RMAF needs. Expected to enter service in 2026. Intended to replace Hawk 208s in their role as support fighters. No known plans for BVR capability. (Subject for more research.)

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 2
  • Powerplant: 1x F404-GE-102
    • Dry thrust: 53.07 kN
    • Afterburner thrust: 78.7 kN
  • Maximum speed: Mach 1.5
  • Rate of climb: 198 m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +8g / -3g

Armaments:

  • 1x 20mm M61A1
  • AIM-9
  • GBU-12
  • JDAM
  • AGM-65G
  • Mk.82
Rank 8

Mikoyan-Gurewitsch MiG-29N Fulcrum-A

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Initial delievered MiG-29 (9.12B) were retrofitted with a in-flight refuel probe and re-designated MiG-29N. Identical to current in-game MiG-29 (9.12)s, no internal Jammers.

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 1
  • Powerplant: 2x Klimov RD-33
    • Dry thrust: 2x 50 kN
    • Afterburner thrust: 2x 82 kN
  • Maximum speed: 2.450 km/h
  • Rate of climb: 330 m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +9g / -3g

Armaments:

  • 1x 30mm GSh-30-1
  • 2x R-27(E)R1
  • 2x R-27(E)T1
  • 6x R-73E
  • A2G identical to MiG-29A in-game

Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker-H

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Based on Su-30MKI, modified to meet the RMAF needs by adding additional 3rd party IFF, MAWS and LWS systems, a DAMOCLES targeting pod and GBU-12 laser-guided bombs.
Unkown modifications during mid-life overhauls.

Suggestion Link: Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker-H - When East meets West in Southeast Asia

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 2
  • Powerplant: 2x Saturn AL-31FP
    • Dry thrust: 2x 79,4 kN
    • Afterburner thrust: 2x 122,54 kN
  • Maximum speed: 2100 km/h
  • Rate of climb: 230 m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +9g / -3g

Armaments:

  • 1x 30mm GSh-30-1
  • 8x R-27(E)R1
  • 2x R-27(E)T1
  • 6x R-73E
  • 10x RVV-AE / -SD
  • Kh-29TE
  • Kh-31A/P
  • GBU-12
  • …

McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18D (25X) Hornet

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Initial F/A-18D were upgraded with 25X Software to get closer to Super Hornet, which also enabled to use of JDAM series bombs, AIM-9X Block 2, JHMCS and more. The IFF and other systems were improved and the Cockpits received new replacement parts.

Suggestion Link: Boeing F/A-18D (25X) Hornet - RMAF Butterworth’s Black Tebuan

Characteristics:

  • Crew: 2
  • Powerplant: 2x General-Electric F404-GE-402
    • Dry thrust: 2x 53,3 kN
    • Afterburner thrust: 2x 79,0 kN
  • Maximum speed: Mach 1,8
  • Rate of climb: 254 m/s
  • Maximum g-load: +9g / -3g

Armaments:

  • 1x 20mm M61A1
  • 10x AIM-120C-5
  • AIM-9M
  • AIM-9X
  • AGM-84A/D
  • AGM-65G
  • GBU-12
  • …

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Thanks for your time, hope you liked it :salute:
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]

Sources:

Links

Malaysian CAC Sabres
transport transport | vip vip | training training | 1990 | 3652 | Flight Archive
The Douglas A-4PTM Skyhawk – Peculiar To Malaysia! – Aces Flying High
A-4 Skyhawk Production History | The Skyhawk Association
Royal Malaysian Air Force Skyhawks | The Skyhawk Association
Douglas Skyhawks Which Were Peculiar To Malaysia? | Travel for Aircraft
First Macchi MB339A at RMAF Museum - Malaysian Defence
Malaysia orders MB-339CD trainers | News | Flight Global
MRCA: Fulcrum and Retirement - Malaysian Defence

Books / Other:
Douglas A-4 Skyhawk: Attack & Close-Support Fighter Bomber - Jim Winchester (2005)
Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum - Multi-role Fighter - Gorden E. (1999)
Famous Russian Aircraft Mikoyan MiG-29 - Yefim Gordon (2006)
Sukhoi Su-30 Super-Manoeuvrable Family: Su-30MKI / MKM / MKI (A) / SM - Hugh Harkins (2016)
Capsula Espacial N° 87 - Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter/T-38 Talon - Juan Biagi (2023)

List of Suggestions of ASEAN region

3 Likes
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+1000

2 Likes
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Copy from the Su-30MKM suggestion; stunning footage :o

" Washington National Guard KC-135 of the 141st Air Refueling Wing refuels Malaysian Sukhoi Su-30MKMs - the first time in (offical) history, a USAF aircraft has refuled a Russian-built ones. "

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3 Likes
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Could’ve just mixed it with British-Malaya (Allied Air Force units in Malaya in December 1941).
To say if it’s fit or not fit into the game? Yes, they are perfectly fit to enter, it’s perfectly fine and luckily, they have traceable Wikipedia sources, let me extend how far it can go.

There were 161 front-line aircraft, under the short-lived South West Pacific Command or ABDACOM, which was tasked to maintain control of the “Malay Barrier” or “East Indies Barrier”, a notional line running down the Malayan Peninsula, through Singapore and the southernmost islands of the [Dutch East Indies. The command was disbanded on 15 February 1942 with the surrender of all Commonwealth forces after the Battle of Singapore. The Fall of British Malaya in 1942 led to the British Empire’s Backdown after the Japanese Army Easily occupied The Malaya Land and Attacked the British Empire Stronghold, Singapore, the “impregnable fortress”, fell quickly, marking a humiliating defeat for the British, yet, fascinating story. The fall of Singapore marked the largest British surrender in history.

Allied Air Force units in Malaya in December 1941, including three [Royal Netherlands Air Force] Catalina flying boats.

It was originally formed as Air Command, South East Asia in 1943 during the Second World War. In 1946, this was renamed RAF Air Command Far East, and finally Far East Air Force in June 1949.

HQFEAF

There’s 4 Based in Singapore

There’s 5 Based in Northern Malaya

  • Gong Kedak
  • Detachment from No. 36 Squadron RAF[10] – 6 × Vickers Videbeest

So… what is the difference?

Singapore and Malaysia’s military during the colonial and post-colonial era was primarily a British force. However, it did include personnel from various local communities, including Malaysians and Singaporeans, particularly during World War II and the subsequent Malayan Emergency.

In 1957, the Federation of Malaya was granted its independence within the scope of the Commonwealth Agreement. Then, in 1963, the states of Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak joined.

2 June 1958
“RMAF (Royal Malaysian Air Force)”
Badge_of_the_Royal_Malaysian_Air_Force.svg
" Sentiasa di Angkasa Raya"

The Malaysian air forces trace their lineage to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed in 1934. They later transformed into the Straits Settlements Volunteer Air Force (SSVAF) and the Malayan Volunteers Air Force (MVAF) formed in 1940 and dissolved in 1942 during the height of the Japanese advance over Malaya. The latter was re-established in 1950 in time for the Malayan Emergency and contributed very much to the war effort.

Labuan Air Base with CAC Sabre in 1965, today became the main airfield for East Malaysia.
^ Currently, it mainly serves as a support and logistics base rather than a frontline combat airbase.^

https://cutt.ly/7eBlwLlR

^FOOTAGE of Labuan Island Air Base^

BAE Hawk 208 that was stationed at RMAF Labuan
USN-RMAF_CARAT_2004_(040715-N-0493B-040)

As you can see in the picture, Malaysia has very unique operating Jets, Left MIG-29, Right F16, and Middle BAE Hawk 208.

Pointing finger:

So basically, Malaysia can enter into War Thunder with no historical problem.

In 1941, the existence of Malaysia did not exist yet but can be replaced with Under the flag of British Malaya:

Flag_of_the_British_Straits_Settlements_(1925–1946).svg
Flag
(1925–1946)

The Straits Settlements were a group of British territories located in Southeast Asia. Originally established in 1826 as part of the territories controlled by the British East India Company, the Straits Settlements came under control of the British Raj in 1858 and then under direct British control as a Crown colony in 1867. In 1946, following the end of World War II and the Japanese occupation, the colony was dissolved as part of Britain’s reorganisation of its Southeast Asian dependencies in the area.

The Straits Settlements originally consisted of the four individual settlements of [Penang]
(Penang - Wikipedia), Singapore, Malacca, and Dinding. Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands were added in 1886. The island of Labuan, off the coast of Borneo, was also incorporated into the colony with effect from 1 January 1907, becoming a separate settlement within it in 1912. Most of the territories now form part of Malaysia, from which Singapore separated in 1965. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island were transferred from Singapore to Australian control in 1955 and 1958 respectively. Their administrations were combined in 1996 to form the Australian Indian Ocean Territories.

Flag_of_Malaya_(1896–1950).svg
Flag of the Federated Malay States from 1896 to 1946; later adopted by the Malayan Union from 1946 until 1948 and the Federation of Malaya from 1948 to 1950.

To streamline the administration of the Malay states, and especially to protect and further develop the lucrative trade in tin and rubber, Britain sought to consolidate and centralise control by federating Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang into the Federated Malay States (FMS), with Kuala Lumpur as its capital. The Residents-General administered the federation but compromised by allowing the sultans to retain limited powers as the authority on Islam and Malay customs. Modern legislation was introduced with the creation of the Federal Council. Although the sultans had less power than their counterparts in the Unfederated Malay States, the FMS enjoyed a much higher degree of modernisation. Federalisation also brought benefits through cooperative economic development, as evident in the earlier period, when Pahang was developed through fiscal federalism, using fiscal equalisation payment funds derived from the revenue of Selangor and Perak.

Within a year after the Second World War, the loose administration of British Malaya was finally consolidated with the formation of the Malayan Union on 1 April 1946. Singapore, however, was not included and was considered a crown colony by itself. The new union was greeted with strong opposition from the local Malays. The opposition revolved around two issues: loose citizenship requirements and a reduction in the Malay rulers’ power. Due to the pressure exerted, the union was replaced with the Federation of Malaya on 31 January 1948. The federation achieved independence on 31 August 1957. On 16 September 1963 the federation became Malaysia, by bringing Singapore (self-governing since 1959), Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah) into the federation as new states. Singapore was expelled from the federation on 9 August 1965.

download
Flag Since 1963-Today
Jalur Gemilang (‘Stripes of Glory’).

Air_Force_Ensign_of_Malaysia.svg
Standard of the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force A sky blue field defaced with the Crest of the Air Force and four stars, with the Malaysian flag in the canton.
ROUNDEL
Roundel_of_Malaysia_–_Low_Visibility.svg

Roundel_of_Malaysia.svg
FIN FLASH
TUDM_fin_flash.svg
…

BIG PROBLEM…

If planned to start from the beginning of WWII, then it’s perfectly fine to mix it with a British Plane from WWII just like how the Japanese main player never complaint about not being able to have a variant choice of Top Tier Jet

but I still wondering if Government Approval will be accepted… Developers typically need approval from a country’s government or military to use its national assets and symbols… Malaysia’s Sultan, Government, its civilians, really, REALLY REALLYREALLY… hate Israel, not only that, in Malaysia’s Passport they also restrict and never acknowledge the Found of Israel since The British ruled Palestine from 1922 to 1947.

so really 70% Fail, 30% Accepted…